With the sun literally setting upon summer, it’s time to think about wedding plans for those getting married in autumn and winter months. However, this is the Pacific Northwest, and quite honestly this advice is great for couples planning weddings during any season. As you know, the weather here can change dramatically at any given time.
So what is this great advice?
When it comes to any wedding ceremony planned for outdoors, have a bad weather backup plan. You never know when you’re going to need it. Bad weather backup plans are essential for PNW weddings. The constant change in our weather makes it a necessity when planning your outdoor wedding.
The other morning I got up to come in to my office. I spent time with my kids and wife, got myself ready for the day, and walked outside to a beautifully, clear day. We have been blessed recently here in Oregon with some truly gorgeous days. Throughout this summer, we have had little to no rain fall. Great for wedding season! However, as I made my way to my car, I noticed it looked tremendously filthy. Yesterday, it was gleaming in the sunshine, and now it appeared as if someone took dirty water, and splashed all over my car. Then, as I took a moment, and looked around, I noticed all the cars in the area looked like that.
What happened? A freak rainstorm came through late in the evening, without any warning. My weather app didn’t mention it, don’t recall the weatherman on the news last night saying anything about it, It just happened.
This happens all too frequently here in our state. Some random weather pattern change, brings in rain clouds, disrupts our plans, and then moves on like nothing ever happened. It’s annoying, frustrating, and can ruin even the most thought out, well executed plans we had for the day. I cannot tell you, over the course of 13 years, how many weddings I’ve done outside when a rain, or thunder & lightening storm, comes out of nowhere, and we’re either forced to endure the bad weather to get through the ceremony, or everyone is forced to scramble for safety.
When making plans for your outdoor wedding, they better include an indoor backup… just in case!
🎶 The sun’ll come out tomorrow 🎶
Let us not forget one thing: the summer of 2021 reminded all of us, that occasionally the PNW gets a little hot. It’s not just rain we need to be concerned about, it’s also extreme heat. I was born and raised in Oregon, and lived my entire life here. I don’t recall a hotter summer than this one. More days in triple digits than any other, and more days in the mid to upper 90’s. Sweating, overheating, sapped of energy, miserable, and did I mention sweating?
Your guest love you, and are excited for you, but… my God! They need to be comfortable! You need to be comfortable! And for the love of God… I need to be comfortable! I know, you want your special moment to be captured outside, near a pond, with the mountains behind you, and there’s no trees blocking this gorgeous view. But that also means, there’s no shade. But it’s too hot! I’m willing to do anything for my couples, and so is your photographer, and your DJ, etc., but sometimes it just makes sense to move indoors. Keep in mind, cameras and DJ equipment can only withstand so much heat, before they stop working in order to cool down.
Sometimes, you just need cool, crisp, glorious air conditioning to keep everything running smoothly, to keep your guests happy, and for you guys to be comfortable and enjoy your big day. Plus, you’ll look better for photos, and not like you just ran a marathon in your tuxedo or dress!
Take shelter!
I realize it’s easier said than done, but this is why you need to consider this advice when planning your outdoor wedding. If you’ve booked a venue, ask them about the possibility of using the indoor space, just in case. Many times venues will have their staff on stand-by to ensure the move indoors happens without any hiccups. They are more than happy to accommodate you and your guests.
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony that’s not at a venue, swing by your preferred location, and see if there’s an outdoor structure available to rent or use, in case of a sudden change in the weather. If said location doesn’t offer a structure to use, then consider bringing umbrellas. They work great for shade in the sun, and protect you during the rain.
No one wants to think about how weather may adversely affect their wedding, but the reality is that often times it does.. without warning. Having a backup plan for weather can save the day, and allow you to keep the wedding day celebration on track.
P.s. In case you were wondering: Yes, I did get my car washed… again!