The PNW can be a tricky one to plan for because the weather can be all over the place. Let’s be real: we can plan every last detail of a wedding: the flowers, the seating chart, the timeline down to the minute, but the one thing we can’t control? The weather.
Here’s how to feel ready for anything, rain or shine:
The Sunny Day Plan
Ah, sunshine, the ultimate wedding glow-up. But while it sounds ideal, it can come with a few unexpected challenges. I have witnessed several medical emergency due to heat, so safety is our number one priority. The summers in Seattle are typically full on sun and many venues don’t have AC. Here are some items we can have for your guest to keep them comfy.
What to prep:
Sunscreen station: Offer travel-size sunscreen or set up a cute basket for guests. This is an item that guest will forget to pack but will ask for. I have a few packets in my emergency kit as I’m a frequent user!
- Cooling solutions: Think parasols, handheld fans (buy these for your bridesmaids, they will love you), folding fans, or a shaded lounge area to keep guests comfortable. Cheap sunglasses are also a great item to have on the welcome table. One of my favorite things to have on hand if its going to be a hot day is one of those instant icepacks. I usually have a few in my emergency kit for when someone is overheating. It’s easy to do with nerves, heat, alcohol, and heavy formal wear. Popping open one of these and placing on the back of your neck has saved many of brides. You don’t need to buy one for every guest, but having some of these items on hand go a long way into comfort and going that extra mile of thoughtfulness!
- Hydration: Have a water station available upon guest arrival. Also make sure your getting ready spaces have a case of water.
Bonus tip: If your ceremony is outdoors, consider the angle of the sun so you (and your guests) aren’t squinting in every photo.
Photo Tip: Have your wedding party and yourself refrain from sunglass for the ceremony. The photos look better without the sunnies!
The Rainy Day Plan
Rain on your wedding day is said to be good luck, it symbolizes a strong knot that can’t be untied. While that’s a sweet sentiment, most couples would rather stay dry!
What to prep:
- Clear umbrellas: These look adorable in photos and let the scenery shine through. At bare minimum have at least two for your couple photos. You can always return if you don’t end up using them.
- Tent or covered backup space: Even a partially covered area can save the day. This is really venue dependent. If your venue doesn’t have a solid rain plan and it’s an outdoor spot, you need a tent. Unfortunately with tenting you can’t cancel it within a reasonable timeframe to have a good feel for how the weather is going to play out. Tents are nice even on nice days though because they provide shade.
- Towel stash: Have towels on hand for wiping chairs or drying off unexpected drips. I usually always have a few towels in my car just for this reason, it has saved me many of times.
Planning Tip: Make sure you ask your venue when is the latest you can make your rain plan decision. Every venue will have different times of when they need you to make that call.
Mindset shift: Embrace it! Some of the most romantic wedding photos happen in the rain. And it’s TRULY out of your control, all we can do is be prepared for the possibility and adjust.
The Windy Day Plan
This is an element that catches people by surprise and one we deal with often in the PNW. Waterfront venues listen up!
What to prep:
- Secure decor: Use weights or ties for table items, floral arrangements, and signage. It’s always hand to have tablecloth clips, tape, and zip ties on hand. Tape is one of those items that is always disappearing out of my emergency kit. The amount of times I’ve had to secure signage with boob tape!
- Hair and veil strategy: Wind is hard to predict, but if it seems like it’s going to be a windy one we need to cue in your maid of honor. Veils and wind can be cumbersome, if the wind picks up and it flying like crazy make sure she know to hold it down low key.
The Cold Weather Plan
Even PNW summer weddings can be chilly at night!
What to prep:
- Blankets or shawls: Offer guests wraps or blankets, this is an item that will get used! Any leftovers you can take to animal or homeless shelter! Hot hands are always nice to have as well!
- Warm drinks: Think hot cocoa, mulled wine, hot toddy or warm cider.
- Heaters: Rent outdoor heaters if needed, and confirm with your venue what’s allowed. Unfortunately these heaters are typically not allowed under tents and rentals can be expensive because they need to be delivered.
The Bug Plan
They don’t talk about this during your site tour that you probably did in the fall or winter. Mosquitoes are the worst and they love weddings with girls in shoulder bearing dresses!
What to prep:
- Repellents: I love these Thermacell repellents. I had a wedding that was in moist forest area and was getting ate alive while setting up florals. The dad went out and bought a few of these and it worked like a charm! Now it’s a must buy I tell all my clients about! I also like to have general insect repellent around either on the welcome table if it’s real buggy or in a toiletry basket.
- Bee stings: One item that I always have in my emergency kit is bee sting relief. It only takes one. I had a wedding a few years ago and had to get creative with a baking soda solution.
Embrace It All
Weddings are a celebration of love, and love is anything but predictable. Weather adds another layer of story to your day. It may not go exactly as planned, but sometimes those are the moments you’ll remember most fondly.
So, pack the umbrellas, prep the sunscreen, and get ready to dance in the rain. No matter the forecast, your wedding day will be beautiful because it’s yours.
