Who doesn’t dream about having a beautiful wedding on the perfect sunny summer day? Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Make sure you have a backup plan in case a sudden storm tries to rain on your parade.
Go inside
If you plan to have your wedding inside, you’ll barely have to worry about the weather. You can appreciate Arkansas’ natural beauty from a gorgeous window (and that way you won’t get caught in a potential summer storm.) Take a cue from Maggie Griffith and David Guarno’s lovely wedding at the Clinton Presidential Center, pictured above.
Find shelter
Don’t leave yourself (and your guests) bare to the elements. One way to experience the outdoors and keep a roof over your head (of sorts) is to host your celebration under a pavilion. You won’t be completely dry if a hurricane hits, but the roof will keep the worst of the weather away.
Rent a tent
With a tent, you can be a little more flexible than you might be indoors or in a pavilion. You won’t be confined to a structure that is already built, so you can hold your party anywhere! Plus, a fancy tent will lend your festivities a garden party-like feel. The couple pictured above, Kylee Petersen and Landon Fisher, didn’t expect rain on their wedding day, but it ended up adding to the cool, natural ambience of their ceremony.
Seek some shade
Trees might not protect you from rain, but they will from shine. Too much sun can do nearly as much damage to a party as foul weather. Embrace the benefits of living in the Natural State and go for a forest-inspired vibe like Erin Caylor and Aaron Baldwin did for their wedding.
Make things more informal
Whether you’re trying to weatherproof your wedding or reception, guests will want to look their best. But they won’t want their fancy party clothes to be ruined if things go wrong. Save them the trouble of a hard decision and encourage your friends and family to wear sundresses or nice shorts so they won’t lose out if the weather turns sour. This option has the added benefit of keeping your guests cool in the sun, too!
Mind the decorations
Invest in sturdy decor that won’t blow away if the wind hits. Pass on the helium balloons and paper streamers in favor of wooden, metal or chalkboard signs. Put your flowers in pots instead of vases, and send them home with your guests as centerpieces (begonias work well for this, as they are hardier plants). They’ll make for nice keepsakes and last a lot longer than cut flowers.
