A Silver Lining
Image credit: Foto Pettine, unsplash.com
Trying to plan your wedding day around the ever-changing climate is always a challenge, especially when you want your nuptials to be nothing short of perfect. There’s an array of things to consider, depending on warmer or cooler temperatures, not to mention the wind and rain – without proper planning, your special day could quickly unravel. Here, Western Australia Wedding & Bride delves into the options you and your future spouse should consider when the weather begins to turn.
Mark it on the Calendar
During the initial stages of wedding planning, the process can quickly become overwhelming, whether you’re wanting an intimate gathering with close family and friends or a large, extravagant celebration. With this in mind, it’s imperative that save-the-date cards are sent out as soon as possible. When sending out your invites, include a little note at the bottom about inclement weather. This can involve offering guests options to stay dry during your nuptials, reminding guests to stay hydrated during a scorcher, or to be mindful of the sun’s sizzling rays.
It’s also important to consider what time of year you’re wanting to get married. Are you hoping to tie the knot in the summer sun, blooming spring or the cooler, crisper months of autumn and winter? Of course, most brides- and grooms-to-be will choose to get married in warmer weather, so keep this in mind when booking vendors as this will be their busiest time of year. Look to see what the weather conditions were like at the same time the previous year. While this could fluctuate, it will give you some indication of what to expect. All couples want perfect weather conditions for their wedding day, but the weather can be extremely unpredictable!
In Anticipation
In the days leading up to your nuptials, make sure you keep an eye on the weather forecast. While you can’t predict the weather, you can plan ahead! Do some research beforehand and monitor the weather forecast a week prior to the big event. You could even ask your best man, maid of honour or a member of your bridal party to keep an eye on the weather forecast throughout the day. This way, you can begin to devise a backup plan if needed. Planning against the capricious climate can be challenging, but there are plenty of loved ones who can assist in making sure your day runs smoothly. Ask family and friends for help if you need to shuffle things around at the last minute. Otherwise, if you have one, rely on your trusty wedding planner to assist.
On the day, your bridal party also needs protection from the harsh extremes of Western Australia’s weather. Repurpose umbrellas in the summer months and keep your bridal party protected from the sweltering heat. In colder weather, provide shawls for your bridesmaids, and ensure tarps and towels are used for dirty, waterlogged areas, especially when taking photos. It may also be worth keeping an emergency survival kit handy; with hairspray, blotting tissue, sunscreen, bug spray and a powder puff as just a few of your must-have necessities. Depending on the weather, it may be useful to invest in some monogramed gum boots that, in future, will become a quirky keepsake.
The Back-Up Plan
It’s always wise to confer with your vendors about the steps you can take to prevent weather-related hindrances on your wedding day. Whether it’s your florist, the entertainment or your bridal gown designer, each vendor will have advice to assist you in having a memorable wedding day – for all the right reasons, of course!
Speak to your venue about assisting with weather preparation like handing out umbrellas if it rains. When touring your potential wedding venue, take into account the possibility of having your ceremony indoors, if you weren’t already. Scout indoor locations and see if there are any other options where you and your loved one can say ‘I do’. Also, make sure to check the venue’s opening hours in case you need to take your wedding photos earlier than anticipated. The photographer can start with the bridal party and arriving guests, and shoot you and your partner later in the day, once the rain has abated – you could even sneak off for a moment or two during the reception to get those newlywed shots. It’s also crucial to let your photographer know of any changes to location, so they can bring the correct equipment along and plan for your wedding shots. If the weather is quite dismal, consider alternative wedding photo locations outside of your ceremony and reception venue; are there beautiful shaded bushlands or stunning old architectural designs surrounding the venue? Often, the best images occur when they are unplanned. Get creative with your wedding photos and use the weather to your advantage; a heavy downpour can result in some dramatic images, which will not only be unique, but certainly memorable!
An outdoor wedding can provide breathtaking views of your locale and the perfect background to your nuptials. Pitching a tent or a marquee won’t hide your surrounds and provides cover from rain and potential wind. If you’re wanting to use a marquee, ensure that this is a viable option with your venue or if an additional vendor needs to be hired. If rain is expected later in the day, you can take in the spectacular surrounds of your outdoor locale and move inside or under cover as the day progresses. Rain on your wedding day is actually considered a good omen for your marriage.
Beat the Heat
In the scorching summer, setting up a designated cool-down area at your reception can ensure you and your guests don’t overheat. Make sure there are plenty of refreshments, including bottles of water, to keep your guests hydrated. The sun is at its hottest at midday, so it may be best to plan your wedding around this time during the summer months. At your ceremony, you can hand out mini electric fans, or traditional fans with patterns that complement your wedding aesthetic.
In warmer weather, both you and your partner should dress appropriately for the occasion – you don’t want your groom to collapse from the heat in his dark, three-piece suit! Look to lighter colours and more breathable, light-weight fabrics, such as linen – these can suit outdoor nuptials at a local beach or in the countryside, while they can also be dressed up for a formal affair. Having a backup bouquet or boutonniere doesn’t hurt either! Most brides- and grooms-to-be are so engrossed in their special day, they tend to forget that flowers require water to thrive. If you’re bridal bouquet looks like it’s withering away, have a second set of flowers handy, just in case.
Come rain, hail or shine, remember that you can’t control the weather and small hiccups are bound to happen. This is your special day that you’ve been planning for a long time – come what may, remember to enjoy it.
‘A Silver Lining’ was published in the fourteenth issue of Western Australia Wedding & Bride.