I know, you've got your heart set on an outdoor wedding and it's never going to rain on your big day…. like it's never going to be over 45C either!
Hellooooo, this is summer in Victoria and I've had weddings in January, one week apart, with exactly those two scenarios. January 6th in 2018 was forecast to be 41C degrees in Melbourne so add a few degrees as our venue was inland a few kilometres and, you guessed it, we hit 46C! The following Saturday it bucketed down all day and it was in the low 20s.
Charley and Leigh’s windswept look and that’s before the arbour blew over! Image by me!
The week leading up to the big day is normally a pretty good indication of what we’ll get on the actual day. But, it can escalate quite quickly, especially hot weather and it’s worth providing that little extra thought for your guests. Yes, it is YOUR day but they are YOUR guests and you want them to enjoy an amazing day too. If it's going to be hot, think buckets of bottled water and fans as favours. On the 46 degree day in January the Matron of Honour needed a chair and copious amounts of water and she wasn't looking too good for awhile, and the gorgeous little 18-month old ring-bearer was getting rather heat-stressed too. It's pretty dangerous especially for the older and the very young so some forethought and planning will make it a whole lot more comfortable for everyone!
Above images provided by The Wedding &Portrait Studio.
Or, as in Emma and Darcy’s case, something a little stronger might go down well too! These POPS were so refreshing and they come with alcohol or without! Your guests will love you for it!
Images provided by Carmen Bunting Photography.
What time of day is it? Will there be mozzies or sand flies, or marchies? Perhaps some aerogard won't go astray either.
Image via Pinterest.
But, if it's going to be pouring down, you basically have three options: find another location for the ceremony, and this doesn't have to mean big $$s, hire a marquee or stock up on clear umbrellas like Holly and Sam. Having said all that, if we know it’s going to be a passing shower, we can hold off on the ceremony start time but you do need to be careful of the timelines of all the vendors.
Clear umbrellas allow everyone to see. Images above and below provided by Jess Nicholls.
Narelle and Ash were concerned it would rain so they organised a marquee from Surfcoast Party Hire at their venue, The Batesford Hotel. In the end it didn’t rain but they were relaxed knowing it would all work out ok.
Image by me!
Many towns have community halls that are perfect and don't cost the earth.
Murgheboluc Hall near Geelong
Perhaps a marquee is over the top if it's not going to be raging hot but what about some paper parasols? They'll look super cute in the photos and your guests will have some shade. Or, perhaps some umbrellas for the more inclement days.
Image via Pinterest
OK, you've decided on a winter wedding so heat won't be the problem. Good idea to marry in the off-season with many suppliers offering great deals but it may get cold as the night wears on. No problem, what about some throws or wraps. Your warm snuggly guests will be forever grateful!
Image via Pinterest
Note the best man holding up the arbour and the flowers lying down. And the bridesmaid was clinging to Conan for some much-needed warmth lol. Image by me.
It may be you need none of the above, but, with our climate getting more extreme, if you're planning an outdoor wedding, please consider the above and talk to your celebrant about Plan B ideas.
Already got one or you’ve implemented one? Drop a comment below as I'd love to hear if you think it was worth the effort.