You’ve been obsessively checking the forecast for weeks, and now the unthinkable is happening: instead of sunshine and blue skies, there’s a chance of showers (or maybe even thunderstorms).
Don’t panic! A little rain can’t wash away your dream celebration. With a solid outdoor wedding rain plan, you can still have the magical wedding you’ve always envisioned. Use this checklist to ensure your outdoor wedding is a success, no matter the weather.
The Venue: Rain-Proofing Your Outdoor Space
You’ve chosen your outdoor venue for a reason, whether that’s its beauty, its charm, or its perfect-for-you vibe. With some smart planning and creative solutions, you can embrace the elements and create a truly unforgettable celebration:
- Maximize existing covered areas: Take a close look at your venue layout. Are there any pergolas, gazebos, or covered patios that could be used for the ceremony or cocktail hour? If so, plan how you can make the most of these spaces — perhaps add some cozy seating, string lights, or even a temporary dance floor.
- Rent a tent: A tent can be a lifesaver for an outdoor wedding, providing shelter and creating a beautiful focal point. Choose a tent that complements your venue’s aesthetic and offers ample space for your guests. Consider adding draping or floral installations to make it extra special. (Pro tip: If your venue allows it, consider having the tent set up a day or two in advance, just in case the rain arrives early.)
- Create a drying zone: If your venue has an entryway or a covered area near the entrance, designate it as a drying zone. Provide a mat for wiping wet shoes, a basket for storing umbrellas, and perhaps even some towels for guests to dry off. This small touch can prevent a soggy mess and keep your venue looking its best.
- Reinforce flooring: Don’t let muddy ground dampen your guests’ spirits (or ruin their shoes!). If your venue has grassy areas, consider renting flooring or walkways to create stable and stylish pathways. This is especially important for high-traffic areas like the ceremony aisle and the entrance to the reception.
- Prepare for wind: Rainy days often come with a bit of wind, so secure any décor or lightweight structures that could be affected. If you’re using a tent, ensure it’s properly anchored and consider adding sidewalls for extra protection. For other décor, use weights or ties to keep things in place.
- Have a backup power source: A power outage can really put a damper on the party! To keep the lights on and the music playing, consider having a backup generator on standby. Discuss this with your venue coordinator or rental company to ensure you have a reliable power source, no matter the weather.
- Set the mood with lighting: Rainy days can be a bit gloomy, so don’t underestimate the power of lighting! Work with your venue and your lighting vendor (if you have one) to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider adding string lights, lanterns, or candles to brighten up the space and create a magical ambiance.
Guest Management: Keeping Everyone Happy and Dry
A little rain shouldn’t stop your guests from having a blast! With some thoughtful touches, you can ensure everyone stays warm, dry, and ready to celebrate. Think of it as an opportunity to add an extra layer of care and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere:
- Stock up on stylish umbrellas: Umbrellas are a must-have for any outdoor wedding, rain or shine. Choose umbrellas in a style and color that complement your wedding décor. You can even DIY them with your names or wedding date for a special touch. (Pro tip: Have a designated umbrella station near the entrance where guests can easily grab one as they arrive.)
- Offer cozy wraps: If the temperature drops with the rain, keep guests warm with pashminas, blankets, or shawls. Choose soft, luxurious fabrics in colors that coordinate with your wedding palette.
- Create a “rainy day lounge area”: Set up comfortable seating, add soft blankets and pillows, and perhaps even offer some games or activities to keep guests entertained. This is a great way to create a warm and inviting space where guests can relax and mingle.
- Serve warm beverages: Nothing beats a warm drink on a chilly, rainy day! Offer hot cocoa, tea, coffee, or even spiced cider to keep your guests cozy and comfortable. Consider setting up a dedicated beverage station with a variety of options and festive toppings.
- Provide hand warmers: These little packets of warmth are a lifesaver on chilly days! Include them in welcome baskets or have them readily available for guests to grab as needed.
- Assemble a “Comfort Crew”: Enlist a few reliable friends or family members to be your “Comfort Crew” on the wedding day. Their mission? To ensure your guests stay happy and dry! These helpful folks can be in charge of distributing umbrellas, offering wraps, and generally keeping an eye out for anyone who might need assistance.
- Prepare an emergency kit: A well-stocked emergency kit is a must-have for any wedding, but it’s especially important when there’s a chance of rain. Include essentials like a first aid kit, safety pins, a sewing kit, stain remover wipes, and anything else you might need to handle minor mishaps.
Communication: Keeping Everyone Informed and Excited
Clear, timely communication is key to a stress-free rainy-day wedding. Keep your guests informed and reassured that you’re prepared for anything, and they’ll be able to relax and enjoy the celebration:
- Use Daisy Chat for real-time updates: Daisy Chat is your secret weapon for keeping guests informed before and on the day of the wedding. Use it to send text blast updates about any schedule changes or location adjustments — and don’t forget to reiterate that the celebration will go on, rain or shine. (Pro tip: Create a dedicated Daisy Chat group for your wedding party and key family members so you can easily coordinate with them throughout the day.)
- Coordinate with your vendors: Touch base with each of them to discuss your outdoor wedding rain plan and any potential adjustments. For example, talk to your caterer about the possibility of serving warm beverages or setting up food stations under cover. Discuss lighting options with your DJ or band, and brainstorm with your florist about how to protect delicate floral arrangements from the elements.
- Create a detailed “Rain Plan” page on your wedding website: This is your central hub for all rain-related information. Include details about any backup locations, schedule changes, and what guests can expect.
- Designate a communication point person: Choose a responsible friend or family member to be the point person for communicating with guests on the wedding day. This will free you up to focus on enjoying your celebration and avoid being bombarded with questions.
A little rain on your wedding day can actually be a blessing in disguise. It can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, lead to stunning photos, and provide memories you’ll cherish forever. The key is to have a solid outdoor wedding rain plan in place, be flexible, and embrace the unexpected.
When it comes to last-minute changes on the big day, communication is key. From keeping your guests informed to answering their questions, Daisy Chat helps you stay organized and connected so you can focus on what truly matters. Try Daisy Chat for free today.