How To Plan For A Weather-Proof Wedding

It is impossible to know how the weather on your wedding day will turn out. Even with checking the weather reports for several days, there is always that slight chance that a change in the weather can trash your months of hard work and planning.

Dubai has some of the best outdoor wedding venues in the region but saying your “I dos” with the sand dunes as your backdrop poses a number of risks as well. Sand and dust storms are common in this part of the globe. If you don’t plan for emergencies, you and your guests could end up feeling disappointed during your special day.

Talk to the venue management

If you plan to have your wedding outdoors and there is no cover available nearby, ask the venue staff about alternative areas where you can hold the ceremony. Depending on the local climate, this could be anything from rain, snowstorm, or even a sandstorm if you’re getting married in the Middle East.
Talk to the venue management
A backup venue is not just useful for the wedding itself but also for photo shoots. Given the weather can be unpredictable, you’ll want a comfy alternate space where you and your future spouse can have your photos taken. An alternative venue is handy if the weather outside gets frightfully cold, wet, dry, or sandy.

Plan with everyone’s comfort in mind. In the event that it gets scorching hot outside, consider having some water stations, fans and cold towels for you and your guests. For rain, get some parasols ready.

Discuss plans with your photographer

Get your photographer on board with your plan. Let your photographer know about other shooting locations that you have come across.

The key to moving things along is to remain flexible with your schedules for the day. Imagine strong rains forcing your ceremony to be moved indoors. Given this change, you can discuss with your photographer know when you can have your photos taken instead.

It could be after the ceremony, after the reception or during cocktail hour. This way, your photographer and the crew have an idea of when to snag you and your significant other for photos.

Consider other spots outside your official wedding venue, especially for other aspects of the event. Perhaps you can have pictures taken with your entourage at the hotel where you are staying. The site could be a nearby park or even the porch outside your home.

In some cases, you will need a permit to take photos in public and private places. It is best to check with your photographer and the location what the requirements are before choosing it as the substitute place to hold your prenup or wedding shoot.

Look for well-versed stylists

Look for well-versed stylists
Whether you are hiring one or several hair and makeup stylists, it is essential that you find professionals who can handle emergencies. It is not just about finding and using products that can last throughout the day in perfect conditions. You will need specialists who know what products or styles to use that can weather through any weather changes.

If you have the budget, you can ask your stylists how much it would cost to do touchups. Touchups may be necessary if the weather and schedule change. For instance, you may want your hair and makeup artist to do touchups if you have been sweating profusely or got rained on.

What can you do if your budget is limited? Ask your stylist for advice during your consultation session on what you can do to fix your hair or makeup during the event.

Your stylist’s tips can help you come up with an emergency kit filled with beauty supplies. A few essentials you may need to consider include lipstick, some foundation and powder puff, and blotting paper. For your hair, you may need some hairspray and bobby pins to put all the stragglers back in place.

Buy wedding insurance

Wedding insurance is available in some regions. Buy one for your big day if it is available. The insurance can help you recoup some of the costs if your event is affected, delayed or cancelled because of weather-related issues.

In the US, for instance, wedding insurance costs around $500 but the policies can cover damages of up to $50,000. Try to see if there are insurance agents offering wedding insurance where you plan to get married. If possible, create a list of carriers with policies, coverages and cost to see which can offer the best value for your money.

Get a wedding planner

Wedding Planner
Hiring a wedding planner removes some of the guesswork involved in planning for a weather-proof wedding. Experienced wedding planners know how to handle emergencies, especially ones related to nature. Your planner should be able to create backup plans in terms of the venue, when to have the shoot and things you might need if the weather turns foul.

Try as you might in creating the perfect wedding, there will always be aspects that don’t go as planned. The weather can turn sour within a few hours. You may not be able to change the weather but by following these tips, you can salvage your event and still turn it into a memorable occasion.

AUTHOR BIO

Masha Cain is a founder and a managing director of Fabulous Day Weddings & Events. Masha’s idea of having a wedding planning agency came from having a wedding planner at her own wedding. Now, 5 years later, there are over 100 successful weddings designed and planned by Masha and her team.