Ask the Expert

As we approach the hotter months of the year, let’s discuss a touchy subject: outdoor weddings! Love them or hate them, we have all been to them. But creating the perfect outdoor wedding is often a tricky balance, given that the only factor we cannot control is the weather.

First things first, as a planner that has been in the industry for 7 years, I have seen the weather do everything from the rain in Seville, to a heatwave in France and even snow in October in Oxford. So, if there is one thing you should know – never rely on the weather being what you’ve envisioned on your mood board – SUNSHINE!

Rules to Follow

Obviously, we all pray for it and religiously check the weather forecast for the 72 hours in the run-up to your big day, but ultimately none of us has control over it, even though we all wish we did. That is the reason why I never let any couple go into a wedding day without having a plan B that they love just as much as plan A. Your plan B should be a solid indoor, or at least a covered option, onsite, that on the morning of can easily be made into your main area. Many venues nowadays have conservatories, orangeries or even beautiful ballrooms that can serve that purpose beautifully and at no extra cost.

However, the conundrum appears when plan B has to be hired in and is an additional cost, ie a marquee or tent. I am the first to understand that forking out a significant amount for something that you ultimately do not want and may not use is painful. What I always say to my clients is that there are two ways to look at this:

1. Pick a basic model that will cover your basic needs, include some nice lighting options which will immediately dress it nicely and try to negotiate with the supplier that if you do not need it 24 hours before, you only pay half.

2. Make it work to your advantage and pick a stunning model that will become a stunning location you will end up using regardless of the weather. There are so many beautiful models of marquees and tents nowadays that you can easily pick something you will want to sit and dance under whilst leaving the sides open to enjoy the sunshine.

Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail

Just remember that if you are planning your big day outdoors, you will be nervous and anxious anyway, let alone if you don’t have a plan B that you like or any at all. And if you need to action B, remember that nobody at the wedding will know what plan A would have been.

Image Credits: Justine Stephan

Weather the Storm

In Seville, Spain, I got married in absolutely torrential rain. Every single one of our guests (265 people) greeted me with the saying “novia mojada, novia afortunada”, which means “wet bride, lucky bride” – and to be honest with you – 5 years later we are still happily married with two babies, business is going well and I’m writing this for you.

Image Credits: @theresakellyphoto

For more advice, visit la-fete.com