Here’s how to have a successful Rain Plan for your wedding day
And here’s to hoping you never have to implement it.
The Fall 2023 season on Martha’s Vineyard was a wet one. Starting on September 16th, each Saturday saw some type of weather event through the end of October. From hurricanes to rain storms, to drizzles that never stopped, we considered every scenario this past season.
This meant that many of our fall clients enacted their rain plans on their wedding day which aren’t the most ideal, but here’s how to make sure they are practical.
Make sure your worst-case scenario isn’t the absolute worst.
When you’re thinking about your rain plan, you want to make sure you think about it from everyone’s perspective. Even though your outdoor ceremony view might be beautiful, will the predicted wind speeds make it miserable for your guests while they wait for you to walk down the aisle?
Most likely, your rental company will have a rain tent policy, which will require putting down a percentage of the cost of a tent, in order for them to hold it as a backup for you on your big day. Adding on a rain tent too late can mean their tents or sold out or their labor schedule is full and they cannot accommodate you. Seriously consider your wedding rain plan additions atleast three months in advance to avoid missing out due to last-minute planning.
Will you lose access to any vendors with your rain plan?
Some vendors may be double booked for your date, so moving your location or changing your timeline could jeopardize their involvement. Ask your vendors to be up front about their schedules so you can make the best alternate arrangements possible. Remember, it’s a puzzle, and each piece may not fit exactly as it would in Plan A, but lean on your wedding planner and vendors to help you make a schedule that will work the best it can.
Most musicians and audio equipment need to remain 100% dry, on dry ground, which cannot include grass if it’s rained even the night before. Planning a good spot for your musicians should be a part of Plan A, and should minimally change if thought through with the rain plan on your wedding day.
Planning to keep everyone dry on site is often the best way to go, which can mean investing in more back up tents, rather than less.
Be Flexible
Unless it’s full-on raining all day long, we likely will be able to accomplish some of your photography goals outdoors at some point during the day. We may not be able to stick to the exact schedule you planned, but will take opportunities as weather permits.
Let your vendors guide you through it
Trust your vendors, and let them guide you through your day. Your wedding planner will help you find gaps in your schedule and make sure guests don’t notice any timing off. Minimal flow interruptions will always be the goal, even if now you need to flip your ceremony space into cocktail hour. Because of these new constraints, your planning team may suggest limiting ceremony seating to important guests and letting reaming guests stans in a comfortable dry location.
To summarize…
Plan for the worst, and just hope for the best! But remember, even though it’s not ideal, rain on your wedding day is not going to ruin your day. You still get to get married to the love of your life! Focus on the best part of your day, and the rest will fall into place.
And have the best time while doing so!
Did you have to implement a rain plan on your wedding day? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
Photographs by: Jessica K. Feiden, Water and Pines, Randi Baird,
