Make sure to have your "Plan B" for your Wedding!
If you are a South Floridian, you know that the weather will do whatever it wants to do. Sometimes it’s bright and sunny…other times the Sun has come to visit and is literally sitting next to you…and with no warning it’s raining. That leaves only a small portion of the time for perfect outdoor weather for your wedding or event! With that in mind, I decided to cover all the bases you need when planning your “alternate plan” – or plan B – for your outdoor wedding.
I know a thing or two about weddings, and when I have to think of my plan B (C, D & E too) I am thinking about all of the same things you should be! Regardless of what the weather decides to do on the big day, a little preparation will help a long way! Here are five quick steps to planning your perfect “plan B” for your outdoor wedding!
1. Before you set a date for an outdoor celebration, be very aware of weather trends. While many places around the country are experiencing beautiful fall weather in September and October - That is still smack dab in the middle of Hurricane Season in Florida. Understand your venue before you book it, too. Is there enough room for a tent? What about utility lines that may interfere with tent placement? Can you move the festivities indoors in case of bad weather? If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, keep tabs on the weather forecast at least one week before, and go ahead and make your call then.
2. Have your “plan B” thoroughly laid out with your facility manager at least one month before the wedding. We always suggest going over alternative plans at least 30 days in advance with your venue and rental companies. This prevents a ton of stress on the bride the week leading up to the wedding, and it ensures that everyone is on the same page for what to do in cases of inclement weather. If you can get your plan laid out earlier than that, definitely do it! The earlier the better because even the most meticulously planned events can be demolished by a faulty alternate plan.
3. Designate who will help carry out the alternate plan as well as when – and what each person will do. A detailed plan of attack when switching between your ideal plan and your alternate plan can mean all the difference to how smooth your day runs. This is where a wedding coordinator definitely comes in handy! If your venue doesn’t provide help with this, make sure you call up the groomsmen or other attendants before the wedding to ask for assistance, and designate when you’ll make the final call, as well as who will take care of what.
4. Think of your guests’ comfort. Having an alternate wedding plan is about so much more than making sure you or your wedding gown doesn’t get wet or your hair looks wilted… it’s about the comfort of the people who’ve come to watch you enter a new chapter of your life. Will it be too hot for an outdoor ceremony? Will it be too cold? Will the rain or damp weather cause someone to catch a chill? Although it can be hard to accept the inevitable and go with a plan that’s not your first choice for your wedding day, it’s ultimately better to make your decision on these factors. Many brides even opt for functional favors that are an adorable way to keep your guests comfortable throughout the day, like monogrammed umbrellas, personalized bottles of water, and wedding program fans. Keep in mind that a good umbrella can also provide shade and cooler temperatures for fair-skinned guests on sweltering days.
5. Finally, once you have the who, what, where, and how laid out for your “plan B,” make sure you let all of your wedding professionals know. Alert them both whenever you finalize the plans and when you decide to initiate the alternative. This is where a full list of vendors comes in handy, so make sure to have one prepared for such an instance so others can help! Give each professional detailed instructions of changes in location or timing to ensure that your day goes just as smoothly as originally planned. This especially includes your wedding planner or coordinator, as the logistics of your processional and recessional will likely change dramatically between plans.