Everyone wishes for great weather on their wedding day. However, just in case the forecast looks less than ideal in the days leading up to your special day, it’s crucial to have a solid plan B. Depending on your destination, you'll want to consider unexpected rain as well as other weather conditions like an unexpected heat wave, cooler sunset weather, or chilly autumn breezes.

7 CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLANNING YOUR WEATHER OR RAIN CONTINGENCY CEREMONY AND RECEPTION:

1. Make your wedding planning easier from day one

You can cross this Plan B preparation off your to-do list by planning your ceremony and reception indoors. Especially if you're choosing an off-season wedding date whereby everything will be indoors anyway. If you're feeling overwhelmed, this could be your ticket out of one less thing to stress about.

A second option is to plan to offer umbrellas in advance. Whether rain or hot sun, your guests are covered in a kaleidoscope of coordinated umbrellas.

2. Explore historical weather trends before setting your wedding date

You can easily find historical weather information online. But don't forget to ask your wedding planner who has experience with the climate in your area. You'll want to inform yourself about trends for rain and heat waves, and also changes in humidity or cold. As a destination wedding planner in Italy with a decade of experience, we can advise you on typical weather in Tuscany, Lake Como, and more.

tent with white draping and hanging greenery, flowers and wedding table setting — Pro tip: consider having your wedding indoors or under a tent from the get-go.

3. Speak with your chosen wedding venue

Things you should know about your venue very early on include policies, priorities, and weather contingency plans. Some things to consider:

Do they have a tent, what does it look like, and will it hold all of your guests comfortably?

Will the tent get too cold, hot or humid to be comfortable?

If they do not have one, do they have the room for it and where will you get one at short notice?

If a tent is not desirable or possible, will you be able to move indoors?

Are there extra costs involved?

You'll also need to make these plans early on. Be sure to contact the venue and confirm these plans one-month before your wedding, as well as the week of your ceremony, just to be sure. Even the logistics of your processional and recessional can change when using a tent, but especially if moving indoors, so you'll need confidence it can be pulled off well.

4. Connect with your wedding vendors before signing a contract

Just like your venue, you'll want to know that your vendors have experience planning an outdoor wedding. Do they have their own contingency plans? Can they work with your Plan B? Before you sign any contracts, you'll want to know they're capable, flexible and experienced. You'll also want to keep the average weather of that time of year in mind when choosing your food (hot or cold), your cake, your favors, and your flowers.

Less than ideal weather shouldn’t cramp your wedding guests’ style.

5. Choose who will execute your Plan B

If you're not hiring a wedding planner, you'll need to decide who will execute your Plan B for you, on the spot. Someone who is reliable, organized, who will definitely be there, and hopefully is familiar with the area if you are planning a destination wedding. They’ll need to have all the details in advance and be ready to jump in at a moment's notice. You won't be able to do this yourself, and you'll need it to run as smoothly as possible. The logistics of coordinating the new plan last minute can be stressful, so make sure you've enlisted a capable partner.

6. Make sure your guests are in the know

Just like your shoe and hairstyle choices for yourself and your bridesmaids need to take weather into account, your guests should also have the knowledge so they can make choices in advance to prepare.

Tell everyone well before the wedding the weather that you're expecting, and the weather that could happen. Let them know if they will be walking on gravel paths or grass. There may be special considerations, especially for those with mobility issues.

If you're supplying umbrellas for shade or rain, let them know so they can use what you give them and not worry about bringing their own. You might also give out fans or shawls, provide sunscreen or bug spray, sunhats, and personalized bottles of chilled water.

Being prepared ahead of time can eliminate unnecessary stress during the planning process.

7. Consider hiring an experienced wedding planner so you can stress less

A trusted wedding planner like Savvy Event Studio takes the reins on considering every possible scenario at your event, which takes the stress off your shoulders. We have intimate knowledge of countless wedding venues in Lake Como, Tuscany, Amalfi, Portofino. Plus, we only partner with vendors who are area experts with years of experience and local knowledge. At Savvy, we account for a Plan B from the start. This means that for all of your events, we plan according to the unique logistics required by each venue.

While we can’t predict the weather, there’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes with advance planning.

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