I understand the appeal of having a wedding outdoors – who wouldn’t want the natural beauty of nature to be the backdrop of their special day? Because I got married in October (in a chilly, unpredictable city like Montreal) an outdoor ‘do was a major “don’t” in my mind. But a lot of couples, especially those who live in cold climates, seize the opportunity of summer and opt for a wedding outside beneath the skies, trees or stars. And when Mother Nature decides to have a hissy fit (albeit in the form of cold, rain, or humid heat), there are a few “Plan Bs” you can prepare ahead of time to help your guests battle the elements (and put your worrying mind at ease).
In case of rain, stock up on inexpensive umbrellas – you can put them in tall umbrella stands (or even sturdy baskets) near the entryway of your ceremony. When it’s an unusually hot day, offer guests bottled water with custom-made labels or pretty paper parasols to provide shade from the scorching sun. Handheld fans are great too – they’re relatively inexpensive and come in an endless array of styles, from traditional foldable fans to beachy woven designs and even personalized paddle shapes. And finally, if a cold front is moving in on your wedding day and you’re worried guests will be chilly, warm them up by setting up a small hot chocolate bar with creamy warm cocoa, marshmallows, orange slices, and more.
Don’t let the elements beat you – if you’ve decided to have an outdoor wedding then you’ve got to expect the unexpected. With a little bit of planning, though, your outdoor party will be a hit no matter what the weather forecast.
