Tuesday Tips: Having a Backup Plan
For brides and grooms planning outdoor weddings, it is crucial to have a backup plan! We had a beautiful wedding on Saturday (more to come on that!) but if we had not had proper planning it could have been a disaster
Saturday’s forecast called for a high in the low to mid 50’s… a 20-degree drop from our average this time of year! Luckily, we had planned well in advance to not only have a tent but also heaters. About a month before the wedding, we even added the side walls for the tent to keep the heat inside the tent better.
On Saturday morning, I arrived at the site, and not only was it in the high 40s, but it was raining. No worries though! Our tent was warm and dry and looking beautiful. And by the time the ceremony was over, the sun was even making a guest appearance.
Here are some things to think about if you have a non-traditional venue:
- Do you have adequate restroom facilities?
- What will happen if there is inclement weather? Don’t just think about temperature or rain – what about high winds?
- What is the cancellation policy if you don’t need the tent/heater/etc.?
- What is the ground like – is it even? If it rains, will it be soggy?
- Where will your vendors load in?
- Is there enough parking for your guests?
If you are thinking of hiring a planner/coordinator, be sure they have worked with this type of venue before! There are lots of little things to think about, and you don’t want to realize you need to think about them when it’s too late.
Posted in Helpful Tips on March 2nd, 2010 by Heather.
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March 2nd, 2010 at 12:43 pm
So true! Outside weddings can be crazy and you never know what’s going to happen!
I think it’s also important for the bride to understand each plan and be ok with it before hand. I think so many brides have this vision and when it doesn’t come through quite the way they want they become heartbroken.
Great post with great tips!
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Great post Heather! This is why you need First Coast Weddings! I would not have thought about all these important things…
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:51 am
Great post! We had the same experience this weekend with an outdoor wedding planned, we were able to move it into one of our ballrooms to save money on renting a tent, but I think if you are planning an outdoor wedding, include the approx. cost of a tent/heaters/fans, etc…in your budget from the get go so that no one is surprised if it is needed. If you don’t…put it towards the honeymoon!
Erin Johnson
Catering Sales Manager
Casa Monica Hotel
March 11th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
When is the best time to have a wedding in Ponte Vedra? If you want warm weather, low chance of rain, not too humid – you know, the perfect “wedding weather”?
Are there best times and “no-no” times? I’m sure you have to pay a premium for better weathered months.
Would love you’re expertise and insight on the topic.
Either way, mother nature is the ONE thing you can’t control (but that’s what a wedding planner’s plan B is for!)
Best,
J
March 16th, 2010 at 9:33 am
The best weather months tend to be March, April, October and November. Usually the temperature is pleasant, especially around sunset. October and November are still in hurricane season though! We like checking the Farmer’s Almanac for expected precipitation and temperature too.