Any event planner worth their salt understands that the success of an event, especially outdoor weddings, is often at the mercy of the weather. Because of Singapore's tropical climate and fickle weather, careful planning is needed for outdoor weddings, particularly since failure to do so could result in a disaster for both the organizers and the guests.
Nevertheless, whether it's a light drizzle or a full-on downpour, unexpected rain has a habit of bringing everything to a halt, drenching visitors and effectively ruining a couple's big day. Although stormy weather isn't anyone's ideal wedding outlook, it is unquestionably the one factor over which you have no power. As complicated as it can be to work with nature, here's what you can do ahead of time to ensure that the show goes on rain or shine.
1. Rent a Tent or a Marquee
Rain or powerful gusts of wind can completely derail any case, so renting an event tent or a luxury glasshouse marquee that can provide guests with protection from the elements is highly recommended. There are several other advantages to doing so, including the opportunity to decorate in accordance with your wedding theme or the warmth provided by getting enough shade from the blazing sun overhead. If the wedding venue is too hot for comfort, enclosing the area would allow for the installation of air conditioners, ensuring that wedding guests are not overheated.
Guests attending an outdoor wedding reception will also be able to continue enjoying the events scheduled regardless of the weather; whether or not a marquee / tent is used.
A Hexagon or Mongolian Marquee as a contingency option will also save you a headache for brides and grooms who really want to enjoy the outdoors. There's no need to be worried about the tent's walls obstructing your guests' view of the greenery or the sea—just request a glass wall or clear canvas instead! Furthermore, the tentage can be used as one of your temporary space solutions for storing props or logistics for the wedding.
2. Preparation of Sheltered Walkways
Covered walkways have sheltered exits and can also act as links between tents in the event of inclement weather. If there are a lot of events scheduled, this makes it easier for visitors to travel between key spaces, preventing people from being stuck in the rain. If you're hosting a big gathering, you'll need sheltered walkways to connect several tents or marquees so no one has to brave the elements when moving around the place. Stock up on extra umbrellas by the entrances and exits and pass them out to visitors who may need to travel a short distance, such as to the toilet or carpark.
3. Installation of Proper Floorings
Looking for a venue with hard flooring would ensure that all of the attendees are as comfortable as possible. Otherwise, renting a full floor along with tent rentals is another choice for keeping the bride's wedding gown clean and her heels dry if it rains. For example, carpeted wooden flooring is suitable for outdoor use and would complement a garden wedding theme. If that isn't an option, handing out heel stoppers to attendees of the ceremony will help keep their stilettos from falling into the ground. Coming up with a suitable theme that encourages your wedding guests to dress in casual outfits and comfortable footwear is a useful tip.
4. Account for the Wind
Avoid using light fabrics like chiffon or lightweight materials like paper that could be quickly swept away by the wind while planning an outdoor wedding. To prevent tablecloths from flapping in the wind or being swept away, tie them to the base of each table. This will give it a sleek, pressed-down look while also eliminating the inconvenience of having to weigh down the tablecloths with items on each table. The best choice would be to enclose the tents with glass walls that completely shut out the wind while still allowing you to see the beautiful view outside. Remember to secure the marquee systems in place so that there is no chance of damage, even in the event of severe weather.
5. Prepare Food & Drinks
Shall the weather forecast is causing you concern, choose catering choices that are both weatherproof and realistic. To ensure good food quality, the caterer must consider the atmosphere in which the food is stored and the timing at which the meals will be served. Since it will be outside, avoid serving cold foods like sushi or frozen desserts that will melt unless there is a refrigerator accessible. Also, bear in mind that certain venues prohibit the use of an open fire, so double-check with your venue provider to see if live cooking is permitted.
6. Get the Staff in the Loop
Good & efficient communication between the organizers and event workers would be critical if all goes according to plan. Make appropriate arrangements so that every member of the team knows what they must do to ensure a smooth wedding ceremony. Make sure that everyone on staff is briefed and aware of the preparations so that they can respond rapidly if bad weather hits. Through keeping communication channels open, onsite workers will be kept aware of any changes that occur and will be able to respond rapidly even in unexpected circumstances.
In Summary
Well, if it does rain on your wedding day, don't get too worked up about it. Make the most of it—perhaps integrate it into your wedding theme—but bear in mind that rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck, as it reflects a long-lasting marriage. Wet weather on the day of your wedding would hardly be enough to ruin such a wonderful occasion if you've practiced thoroughly.