Weather Considerations for Outdoor Weddings in the UK: How to Stay Cool, Calm, and Collected!
Hello, lovely couples!
So, you’ve dreamed of having a stunning outdoor wedding. Maybe you’re picturing a picturesque garden ceremony, or perhaps a whimsical woodland setting. There’s nothing quite like the beauty of nature to set the scene for your big day! But… here’s the thing about outdoor weddings in the UK: the weather. Yep, it’s as unpredictable as a reality TV show plot twist.
But don’t panic! I’m here to help you navigate the weather challenges and turn them into the best possible experience for you and your guests. Let’s dive into how you can prepare for whatever the British skies throw your way, and still have the wedding of your dreams!
Embrace the British Weather On Your Wedding Day: Prepare for All Seasons in One Day
Here’s the thing—when you’re planning an outdoor wedding in the UK, you need to prepare for the unexpected. Let’s face it, it could be sunny one minute and then rainy the next (hello, classic British weather!). But, instead of stressing over it, why not embrace the unpredictability and be ready for anything?
Rain: It’s one of the most common worries, but with the right prep, a rainy wedding can be just as magical. Think about hiring a marquee with clear sides so you can still see the gorgeous surroundings without getting drenched. Or, go for the “wet weather chic” look with some fun umbrellas—seriously, it can look totally cute and romantic!
Sun: A sunny day sounds like a dream, right? But don’t forget that the sun can get really hot, especially if you’re getting married in summer. Providing shade for your guests is key. You can also think about fans or hand-held fans to keep everyone cool, or even little tubes of sun cream that you can personalise with your wedding date or a photo of you! And remember, the sun can mess with your wedding photos—so a little planning around lighting and angles will do wonders – speak to your photographer and videographer!
Wind: In the UK, you’ve got to be ready for the wind. If you’re planning a garden wedding, make sure you’ve got secure table decorations, as gusts of wind can turn your centrepieces into flying objects. If you’re wearing a veil, think about securing it in place or going for a shorter one to avoid looking like you’ve got a sail attached to your head! You may want to reconsider the confetti shot too, or at least check out which way the wind is blowing so you’re prepared for which way to face and not end up with all the confetti in your face and not in the photos!
What this means for you:
Be prepared, but also stay flexible. If you embrace the weather as part of your special day, you’ll find that it adds character and charm rather than stress. Make sure to speak to your venue about it too to understand their contingencies as they’ll be experienced in this area for sure!
Weather Contingency Plans: Better Safe Than Sorry!
Let’s be honest, no one wants to be caught off guard by bad weather on their wedding day. While it’s impossible to predict the weather with 100% certainty, having a solid backup plan will ensure that your wedding goes off without a hitch—rain or shine!
A contingency plan could be as simple as:
An indoor option: Ensure your venue has an indoor space that can be quickly transformed for your ceremony or reception in case the weather turns sour. This gives you peace of mind that you’ll still have a beautiful space, no matter what. Often a venue will want to make a call on this the day before and remember they’re trying to make sure you have the best day possible, not ruin your plans!
Marquee or tent: Renting a tent or marquee with flooring is one of the best ways to safeguard your big day from the elements. They can be beautifully decorated, and it’s a great way to make sure everyone stays dry while still enjoying the outdoor vibe. You can even get one with clear see through sides and tops!
Clear communication: If you’re having your ceremony outside and the weather is looking a little iffy, your celebrant can step in to reassure your guests and even switch the location last minute (as long as everyone is in the know). Make sure you task someone with giving this communication to guests and fellow suppliers so that you don’t have to give it a second’s thought on your big day.
What this means for you:
The key is to plan for the unexpected. A little backup plan goes a long way in giving you the confidence to focus on enjoying your big day, no matter what the weather has in store. Just make sure all suppliers and relevant parties know what is going on and are told of any changes to avoid nasty surprises for them too!
How to Make Your Outdoor Wedding Day Fun, No Matter the Weather
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This sounds like a lot of prep!” But trust me, it’s so worth it. When you’re well-prepared, you can focus on what really matters—celebrating your love and creating memories with your friends and family.
Embrace the fun of it!: If the rain starts falling, why not encourage your guests to get involved and have some fun with it? Think photo booths with raincoats and umbrellas for hilarious snaps, or a rain dance competition (who’s in?!). If it’s windy, this can make for some hilarious windswept imagery and perhaps you could get people something to wear on their heads so it doesn’t matter if their hair gets messed up, they have something fun to wear anyway!
Keep it comfortable: Make sure your guests feel comfortable in whatever the weather brings. Have plenty of seating, shade, or warmth if needed. You’ll want everyone to be able to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about the weather.
Outdoor wedding essentials: You could also provide little touches like sunglasses, flip-flops or fans to cool off if it’s hot, or a few blankets, portable heaters, and maybe even some hot chocolate stations in case of a chilly evening go a long way. It’s all about making everyone feel special and comfortable.
What this means for you:
When you plan for the weather, you’re creating an environment where everyone can enjoy the day—no stress, no worry, just a fabulous time, rain or shine. People will ultimately remember three things from your wedding, what you wore, what they ate (and drank) and how you made them feel. The last one is key here – make them feel comfortable no matter what the weather is and they will have fond memories of the day come rain or shine!
Ready for the Best Outdoor Wedding Ever?
There you have it—weather worries, be gone! With a little planning, you can transform the unpredictable British weather into one of the best parts of your wedding. Whether it’s a spontaneous shower or a blazing sunny day, your outdoor wedding will be exactly what you want it to be: a celebration of love, laughter, and the start of your amazing adventure together.
So go ahead, dream big, plan smart, and get excited for the most unforgettable outdoor wedding ever—because no matter what the weather does, it’s your day, and it’s going to be absolutely magical!
Reach out and let’s have a chat about how I can help you plan a wedding ceremony your guests will enjoy and talk about for years to come!
