Preparing Your Wedding for All Seasons: Essential Tips for Weatherproofing
Despite being labeled as the Sunshine State, Florida is one of the states with the most rain. It also boasts incredibly hot and humid weather during some of the most popular months to host weddings. This means if you want a stunning outdoor wedding, you'll need to be prepared.
It's possible for you to experience either a hot wedding or a rain wedding. We're here to help you prepare for these potential seasonal wedding problems so you can still have your special day in style. Read on to learn more.
Preparing for a Rain Wedding
First, let's talk about one common seasonal wedding issue future Florida brides and grooms may be up against. Rain is not uncommon in the Sunshine State, and everyone knows it's always a possibility, even if the forecast is clear.
So what do you do if an unexpected shower graces your outdoor wedding? Don't fret. Here are a few tips.
Rent Tents or Canopies
Rent tents or canopies to provide shelter for any outdoor ceremony and reception areas. Opt for tents with sidewalls or curtains to offer protection from wind and rain if necessary. Remember, the rain in Florida can be short-lived, but intense!
Make sure there's enough space underneath the tents or canopies for all of your guests and vendors. Ideally, there's also an indoor space to move to, but if this isn't an option, a good tent should suffice.
Provide Umbrellas
If rain is in the forecast, get creative with wedding favors by making them weather-friendly.
Have a supply of umbrellas on hand for guests and the bridal party in case of rain. Consider offering personalized or decorative umbrellas that match your wedding theme or color scheme. It's a cute way to weatherproof your wedding.
Protect Electronics and Equipment
If you're using sound systems, lighting equipment, or other electronics outdoors for entertainment or decoration purposes, take extra precautions to protect them from rain. Use waterproof covers and have backup equipment available if needed. This equipment can be sensitive and expensive, so be careful with it.
Have Towels Available
It's always a good idea to keep some towels nearby just in case of rain. Again, Florida rainstorms tend to be shortlived, so it's not unlikely you'll be able to return to your outdoor ceremony. The towels will allow you to wipe down the chairs so everyone can get back to clean and dry seats.
Preparing for Extreme Heat
Another possible problem that Florida newlyweds can experience is extreme heat, especially if they plan on marrying during the summer or early fall. It can get quite hot and humid during the summer, and while many people love this weather, it can make outdoor weddings taxing.
Here are some tips for keeping people cool in the event of extreme heat.
Provide Water
When you're hosting an outdoor wedding in hot weather, you can't wait until the reception to provide refreshments. We recommend providing water in an easily accessible area (if not a water bottle at every seat). This way, no one has to disturb or miss the ceremony to get up and go get water if they feel like they're overheating. Water is an absolute must-have when the temperature is getting hot!
Have a Cooling Station
Speaking of water, it's a great idea to incorporate a cooling station into your outdoor wedding. You can use a tent for this. In the cooling station, you can include things like water and refreshments, a mister, fans, sunscreen, and anything else someone may need to cool down and relax for a few moments.
Also, make sure the cooling station is shaded.
Keep the Dress Code Light
It's tempting to throw a glamorous black-tie wedding, but if you're doing a daytime wedding in the Florida sun, we recommend a more relaxed dress code that will allow lighter attire. After all, you don't want anyone's outfit to cause them to overheat.
This also applies to the wedding party. Opt for fabrics and styles that allow airflow. For the bride, consider a shorter or flowier reception dress if the ceremony dress is more traditional.
Bonus Weatherproofing Tips and Tricks
Florida weather can be unpredictable. If you plan on having an outdoor wedding, you need to prepare yourself for anything. Here are a few bonus tips for how to weatherproof your wedding for a variety of potential scenarios.
Stay Flexible with Timelines
Weddings tend to have pretty tight schedules, but you might want to stay flexible with your outdoor wedding.
Be prepared to adjust the wedding timeline in case of weather delays or interruptions. Allow extra time for guests to move between indoor and outdoor areas and be flexible with ceremony and reception start times if necessary.
Communicate with Vendors
Keep open lines of communication with your wedding vendors. These include the venue, caterers, florists, photographers, and anyone else who's making your day special, about contingency plans for weather.
Make sure they're aware of any backup arrangements and can adapt their services accordingly.
Stay Positive and Embrace the Moment
Remember that an outdoor wedding is always a bit of a risk, but it's one you took because you wanted to take advantage of a beautiful venue and the gorgeous weather that Florida has to offer.
Regardless of what happens, embrace the moment, stay positive, and focus on celebrating your love and commitment with your partner and loved ones.
Enjoy Your Special Day Rain or Shine
Don't let a rain wedding ruin your special day. Regardless of the weather, you can enjoy your wedding and have a fantastic time! These tips will help you make the most of your big day no matter what happens.
Are you looking for a fantastic venue for your wedding? Falcon's Fire Golf Club may be the perfect spot for you. With both indoor and outdoor space available, we've created an elegant and upscale event space fit for any wedding.
We'd love to learn more about your wedding so we can start helping you plan. Reach out to us today.