How to plan for rain on your wedding day

Rain at your Italian wedding, wet weather plan for a destination wedding — *Photo: Harry Michael*

How ever much you try to wish it away, sometimes it rains in Italy…actually more than you would think! Do not let this dampen your day by being ill-prepared for an unexpected downpour or even a whole day of rain! Here’s how to factor wet weather into your wedding planning and budget from the start.

Allocate Money

Some venues have an indoor space available but for many venues, the plan b is a tent option in the grounds. It is important to check with the venue as to whether this is supplied by them (and included in the price) or sourced externally and an additional cost (often the case). Tents are expensive, so this needs to be factored in! You will need to pay a deposit for the tent before you have the opportunity to check a long range weather forecast.

A Viable Plan B

This is either an indoor area or a suitable space outside for a tent. Many venues have an indoor option, but often for a lesser number of people; be sure to check this against your guestlist. It is important that you like this space, perhaps not as much as the outdoor option but enough to be excited about hosting your ceremony, meal and aperitivo there. Do not choose a venue without a suitable plan B.

The Indoor Option

Discover the setup for the various parts of your day i.e. where will guests be when they arrive and mingle pre-ceremony, the ceremony space, the aperitif and dinner and dancing. The venue or your planner will advise you on how these spaces flow together. Perhaps not all of your day will be spent indoors but it is a good idea to run through the ‘worst case’ scenario. It is not a proper plan if you don’t have an indoor space for all parts of your day - do not wing it!

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Who makes the final call?

Vendors are all over multiple weather apps in the days and hours leading up to your wedding. If your wedding is starting at 4pm, a decision on whether to set up inside or outside will normally be made at around 10/11am. This gives the catering and in-house team time to set up efficiently. Ask in advance who makes this decision and what part you will play in it so you can be kept up-to-date. The final decision tends to land with the venue or caterer, as they are responsible for setting up the tables, chairs etc.

Trust the Process

So much goes into ensuring this day is perfect; it takes hours to set up tables. Suppliers see this as artistic expression, they take great pride in making this look exquisite for you, so the suggestion to start outside and whisk everything inside if it rain is not that simple. Plus, your guests do not want to get rained upon! If this hasn’t sold it for you…then consider that all this moving will delay your wedding day timings, eating into your dancing - and we know you all love to party!

Tents

If the venue doesn’t have a suitable indoor options, then a tent will be required and an important extra cost to factor into your budget. But with a tent comes the need of additional lighting and perhaps a re-assessment of table layout or sizes…all this needs to be included on your budget to determine whether this venue is right for you come rain or shine. Want to know the best tent companies - the ones who won’t cost the earth but are reliable….jump into The Club, Lucy is ready to recommend her trusted favs to you.

Pre and post events

Consider your welcome and where this could be held should it rain. Post wedding brunches or pizza parties often are held by the pool….by this point many guests are up for anything so a little rain or a grey day shouldn’t affect this, but a torrential downpour might….

Attitude

You can’t control or change the weather, the best thing to do is have a really, really good wet weather plan that is in the budget from the start. If you have to spend out on it you want to fully accept it and like it.

When you’re in your wedding you won’t actually care about the weather if you’ve taken our advice. You’ll be with everyone and SO happy to be enjoying everything else you’ve planned so well.

Remember your vendor team should support you in all of these decisions. They are pros and only want the best for you and your celebration. We know the best vendors who will go the extra mile for you. Find your A team now.