Around the world this is a relevant wedding worry so lets discuss what you can do to eliminate this concern…

Hot or cold, wet or dry, we have many concerns in the DIY realm of weddings as what to do about it all and your options may be limited.

Before we got into some specifics, lets think about your mindset first.

Manage Your Expectations

Rubbish weather won’t ruin a great wedding.
Adults can be responsible for their own preparations too. Its not all on you.
You can change the wedding, just what you do around it.
Whatever it throws at you, be prepared then roll with it.
Whatever it does, its a great conversation starter!

If you can get your head around these facts you are already set for less stress. If you can get your core wedding team to do the same, even better!

Now, if you are worried about certain types of wedding, maybe these tips can help you prepare:

WET WEATHER

Winter - When guests get wet in the colder months, they get very cold and cant dry off easily. This is when you must get shelter, umbrellas, blankets etc. If its dry they should all bring layers but try not to let them get wet. Its a very different vibe and they will only remember how miserable they felt.

If its windy too, be conscious of marquees as they are only tents. Wind can move rain inwards! Have enough space in the tent to move people / things away from entrances. Umbrellas become useless with this too so prepare your guests to bring coats and sensible shoes.

Summer - Wet but warm is manageable. They should get dry quickly and even if a bit damp, its not too uncomfortable. If you know the ‘oldies’ might get annoyed, prepare some back up shelter or ask them to bring a lightweight waterproof. If you have Bridesmaids that are precious about their hair do, ask them to bring something they don’t mind holding etc.

When you have a mixed bag impending, could go either way, just think about how you can prepare everyone and then manage your mindset. A wedding website can act as a great way to share some ideas for people unsure about what to wear / bring.

HOT WEATHER

I am hoping that you get a lovely level of warmth but if it gets a bit nuts there are some thing to think about:

Suncream - Have it handy, not just for guests but you guys too!
Water - At every point in the day there should be access it fresh cold water.
Shade - Keep away the sunstroke with shade throughout the site.
Movement - Keep walking distances to a minimal and put any activities in a shady space.

If you have pets or children there, keep an eye on hot surfaces and time out in direct sun. This may effect an outdoor ceremony set up. Even if its a short ceremony, it gets very uncomfortable and sticky quickly.

WIND

This aspect can really effect DIY style weddings as these often feature temporary structures of ones that aren’t used to holding people comfortably!

Tents need to be in a location that has been site tested for wind. If they get too tested you have big issues or just an incredibly loud event! Its not just inside too, its getting to and fro to car parks / toilets etc. Can the caterers cope in their section with gusts? Walk it through and discuss this element with your tent company.

Barns and such have been tested for years but you can have a special look for loose slates etc. Nobody wants loose brick dust in their dinner! Check positions of toilet trailers etc for tricky weather.

EXTREMES

Storms, floods, etc are less likely but if you are a stress head and think of these things… look back at weather records for the site and suss out the likelihood. Then look at your T&C’s for the suppliers you have booked. Do you have the option to move the date if the place is struck with truly dramatic weather?

Finally…

Remember that a lot of things can happen, it doesn’t mean it will and it definitely doesn’t mean it will wreck your day! Check your expectations, have back up plans and share with those helping you.

You’ve got this!

A x

ADVICE TIME: Weather