Weatherproofing Your Wedding: Helpful Ideas and Suggestions for an Outdoor Wedding Reception
Over two million couples get married every year in the United States. Is this your year?
There's so much to think about and plan before your big day, and this is such an exciting time. If you're considering an outdoor wedding reception in sunny Florida, you can expect a gorgeous wedding day.
But how can you prepare for unexpected weather? Let's talk about it. Read on to learn how to weatherproof your wedding.
When the Weather Brings the Heat
As you're having a wedding in Florida, you may end up saying your vows on a hot day (especially if you get married anytime between spring and fall). How do you handle an outdoor wedding that gets too toasty?
Here are a few weatherproofing tips for if your wedding has you working up a sweat.
Have a Cooling Station
A cooling station is a must-have at your outdoor venue if it's a hot and humid day. It should be a shaded (or indoor) area that's easily accessible during the wedding. There should be a fan or mister, cold water, and somewhere to sit down.
It may also be helpful to provide sunscreen and damp towels in the cooling area. These little touches are super considerate for your guests.
Provide Plenty of Water
Often, guests don't get to eat or drink until it's time for the reception. When it's quite hot outside, it's considerate to provide water. It may even benefit you to put a small water bottle on each seat for guests so they don't have to get up at any point during the ceremony.
On a hot day, especially when it's humid, your guests may become dehydrated. Make sure they can safely enjoy your wedding by providing drinks for them.
Choose a Reasonable Dress Code
What do you envision your guests wearing at your wedding?
It's a good idea to keep the weather in mind when you set your dress code and choose the outfits for the wedding party. For example, a black tie wedding might not be a great idea as floor-length dresses and full suits may be too warm for a hot day.
Allow guests to choose their dress length and sleeve length, within reason.
When it comes to the bridal party, pick dresses for bridesmaids that are comfortable despite the weather. If the bride wants a full-length gown, she should consider having a second shorter dress for the reception so she can stay comfortable.
When Your Outdoor Wedding Gets Rained Out
Anyone who's spent substantial time in Florida knows that rain is just part of life. It's not uncommon to experience a brief mid-afternoon shower, even on an otherwise lovely day. As a result, you should prepare yourself for the possibility of rain on your wedding day.
Here are a few tips that can help.
Provide Umbrellas
Umbrellas are multi-functional at your outdoor wedding. Even if rain isn't in the forecast, we recommend renting some large outdoor umbrellas and potentially even commissioning custom individual umbrellas to use as party favors. They're both cute and functional, and you can have them in your wedding colors.
The umbrellas can also make for some super-sweet photo ops!
It's always better to come prepared, so even if you end up not needing the umbrellas, it's better to be safe rather than sorry. After all, your guests worked so hard on their outfits, hair, and makeup. Don't let the rain ruin it!
Have an Indoor Area Available
If possible, we recommend choosing a wedding venue that has an indoor area as well. This way, if the weather is too rainy for a tent, you can still carry on with your wedding.
You'll have somewhere to move your outdoor decorations and any electronics to keep them safe and sound. Because you will have already planned ahead, you'll know that the inside area is adequately decorated and set up for your event.
Bring Towels
Towels are so helpful when it comes to an outdoor wedding on a rainy day. Even if you just get a light shower a few minutes before the ceremony begins, the chairs will be too wet for your guests! Towels will save the day.
You may be able to rent towels for the event, or you can put towels in your wedding colors on each chair.
General Outdoor Wedding Reception Tips
So a cooling station is good for a hot day, and umbrellas and towels can save the day when it rains. What else should you keep in mind when you're weatherproofing your wedding?
Here are some general weatherproofing tips that can help in several situations.
Stay Flexible
Flexibility is key when it comes to an outdoor wedding.
Weddings are on time schedules, but if you allow some wiggle room to account for potential weather issues, you'll save yourself a lot of stress. Allow extra time in the event you have to move your guests inside or under tents.
Consider Tents
Speaking of tents, tents are always a good idea when you're having a wedding at an outdoor venue.
When it's rainy, a tent provides safety from the rain. As long as it isn't too windy, your guests should be able to stay nice and dry.
When it's too hot and sunny, a tent will provide some much-needed shade.
Accept Whatever Happens
At the end of the day, you have to embrace the weather. You can't see the future and you can't change your wedding date last minute. By accepting that the weather might not be perfect on your wedding day, you're saving yourself from disappointment.
Commit to having an amazing time regardless of what's in the forecast.
Weatherproof Your Wedding With These Tips
Your outdoor wedding reception is going to be a blast. Keep these tips in mind when you're planning your big day and you'll be ready for any type of weather that the world throws at you.
Are you looking for the ideal venue for your wedding? At the Country Club of Ocala, we have a flexible event space and a full team ready to make your wedding day special. Learn more about our wedding services and reach out today.