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No matter how completely awesome your wedding vendors are, rain happens. Controlling the weather is not in any of your vendors’ repertoires and unfortunately, they seem to take the rap when the wind, dust or rain sets in. Instead of letting inclement weather stress you out and turn into “that bride”, adopt the mantra “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best”.
You’ve undoubtedly seen this crazy dust storm ceremony video shot by Shaun Martineau of Capture the Memory Wedding Films (as an Arizona resident who has witnessed these haboobs rolling across the desert floor and has had to outrun a few, I can confirm, a haboob is just about as bad as it can get for an outdoor ceremony):
My wedding day ended up being rainy and I think the end result was a cozy and romantic day; nevertheless, one reason so many people choose Arizona specifically for their wedding is because of our dependably sunny skies- Phoenix is the sunniest city in the United States- so when we do get a rainy day, it throws people off. If rain is in the forecast, even just a 5% chance, what can you do to breeze through the day, despite the potentially stormy skies? Here’s what the pros advise:
“It’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t be bashful about executing your plan B. I have been to weddings where they were bummed that they moved it indoors, but the rain that followed really would have put a damper on the event. None of your guests want to be wet the rest of the evening!
Weather can also be a risk for all your vendors that you are probably paying good money for. Your DJ’s sound system, photographer’s and videographer’s cameras, your cake, flowers, hair, makeup, etc. can all be affected by weather. Most vendors have a clause in their agreement that says “no refunds for acts of God”.
If you play it safe and move it indoors before the storm hits, you could potentially avoid a lot of trouble!” (Shaun Martineu,videographer, Capture the Memory Wedding Films))
“When life gives you rain…shoot pictures in puddles” (Hollye Schumacher, photographer, Hollye Schumacher Photography)
(Image courtesy of Hollye Schumacher Photography)
“Being flexible is the number one way to enjoy your wedding in good weather or bad. Be aware that you want to marry this person- and part of your vows are in good times and in bad. This means in the blazing hot sun, perfect crisp weather or rain that spits at you.
Also, know what the parameters are of your location. Be aware: you may have to spend some money to make the back- up ballroom space transform. Your vendors will do their best but at a certain point, you may have to go outside your budget for the look you want. Now, if an airwall does not bother you- no worries! Marry away!
Next, gambling on your wedding is bad…. really bad. We had a client insist on getting married outside, despite the 20% chance of rain. But guess what? When it started to rain during their ceremony and they had to dash for cover, guess who they yelled at? Us! Trust me, we do not want it to rain on your wedding day any more than you do.
Finally, I would love for every one of my events to always be in perfect weather. Just think how much business I could get if I could guarantee that? However, don’t shoot the messenger. If the weather looks bad, it’s my job to not sugar coat it, and I will give you an action plan that you can work with. Keep calm and marry on folks!” (Victoria Canada, wedding coordinator, Victoria Canada Weddings and Events)
“I always advise brides to have a “back up” plan If not a tent, a covered area, ballroom etc. Brides come to Sedona for the stunning Red Rock outdoor wedding experience and usually insist that they stay outdoors if possible. Be prepared and go with the flow. I can say that most of the weddings that were caught in rain always turn out to be perfect and beautiful when taken with good humor.” (Margaret Van Damme, Wedding Coordinator, VanDamme Weddings)
“The number one word of advice we can give to the couple is to embrace what mother nature throws at you and not to worry about the things you can’t change. From a photographic standpoint weather can be fantastic! It lends drama to any image and provides the couple with wedding photographs that are sure to be unique!” (Tina and Kevin, photographers, Sierra Blanco Photography)
(Image courtesy of: Sierra Blanco Photography)
“Make sure that you have the rain alternative determined at the time of booking the venue. If I am working with a resort, I always ask for a weather back-up. If at a residence, I also inform my client of the cost of a tent, should it be needed or determine the layout of the house interior should the event need to be moved inside. It is always better to be prepared at the time of site preview then waiting for the emergency to happen!” (Charlee Geisler, wedding coordinator, Signature Events)
“Have a Plan B! Ask your venue in advance (and make sure it is in writing) what alternatives they have available to you should weather interfere with your dream plans. Most have options and knowing this in advance will make your day less stressful should a haboob or rain showers share your day. If there is not an indoor option, you should have a tent lined up for rental.” (Leslie Honaker, wedding coordinator, Kate and Company Events)
(Image courtesy of: Hagerty Photography)
“The bride and groom and/or their wedding planner should always have a back-up plan in case of rain. As for the photographers , we are usually thrilled to see the clouds in the Arizona skies. We get the craziest of cool sunsets with overcast and rainy skies. We just suggest bringing protection for your cameras when the skies open and rain begins to fall and we find cover for the bride and groom. Rarely will it rain ALL day in Arizona. There’s usually going to be a break in the rain for the best of the best pictures to be captured.” (Sarah Hagerty, photographer, Hagerty Photography)
“My biggest tip would be two-fold: have a back-up plan that includes a tent if it’s an outdoor wedding, and plan on the rental company loading it on the truck, as you can always pay a small restocking fee if you don’t need it, but it’s worth the peace of mind knowing you can make a final decision much closer to the wedding if it’s really iffy. The second part of the back-up plan is for everyone involved to accept that bad weather happens and to figure out how they can still really enjoy themselves and have fun with the weather vs. being incredibly disappointed. Remembering why they’re there is what will bring smiles back onto everyone’s faces.” (Monica Getsinger-McQueen, wedding coordinator, Tres Chic Events)
Umbrellas and a shower curtain! (for putting underneath the bride’s dress so it doesn’t get soaked). And of course, tents for outside ceremonies. (Lilet Hamp, photographer, Light Rain Images)
“Always have a Plan B. It’s called a Plan B because you have to plan for it. If you are thinking about setting up a tent make sure you work with your rental company or venue to secure permits and spacing. Some venues will secure a rain backup space in case of a rain emergency. Always make sure you ask what each vendor’s plan is in case of bad weather.” (Ashley Gain, wedding coordinator, Ashley Gain Weddings and Events)
Take some time to look at the inside and outside of the property for photo locations so you will have ideas to share with your photographer in the event that the wedding has to go inside due to bad weather and communicate your weather strategy with all your vendors so everyone is on the same page. Lastly, pray for sun!! (Stuart Thurlkill, photographer, Eyes2See Photography)
I feel like I just had a really good therapy session!
Chatting Soon~Kelly
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