No one wants a rainout on their wedding day and it’s good to know some useful rainday tips and things to look for at your venue. The number one question we get asked on venue tours is what happens if it rains. Being in in the tri-state area of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia, our weather can be most pleasant from May through November, but the occasional shower is always something to be aware, if counting on an outdoor ceremony.
The first thing we remind couples is while very important, the ceremony is the shortest segment of your wedding day and, the most conducive to pivot during a shower. Sometimes though, rain can be persistent and needs better planning.
First off, rain never ruins a wedding day unless you let it. Yes, it’s normal to be a bit let down if the weather isn’t exactly how you pictured it, but I’ve never heard a bride or anyone else say it ruined a wedding at Weymouth Hill. There are lots of reasons for this, namely the crowd and the couple bring joy and excitement. Good planning and coordinated efforts on your planner or the venue’s part can offset any nuances rain can bring.
Here are some things to keep in mind and look for while touring a venue that provides an outdoor ceremony space:
- Don’t be afraid to ask the venue you are touring about low-lying areas where water may collect or mud could be a consideration. Each year at our venue, we identify potential problem areas and add French drains or any necessary tweaks.
- Are guests able to be dropped in front or will they have a lengthy walk from parking lot? Venues are bound to their available parking options, but good venues will look for options to off-set friction points. Our venue offers shuttle service from its parking lot and will do its best to greet shuttles with umbrellas.
- Does the venue have a reserve of umbrellas? Remember your wedding may have upwards of over 150 guests. Most venues will not have enough umbrellas for your entire crowd, but it is certainly a good practice to have a few courtesy umbrellas for the wedding party, family and a few guests.
- Rugs at entrances…while this may seem very simple wet floors can equal fall hazards and no one wishes to experience an unwanted fall.
- Are there covered spaces to retreat from the rain, if a surprise shower comes your way? It happens even after carefully watching the radar. Those summer storm clippers have a way of manifesting quickly and taking planners off guard. Look for a space people can retreat from the rain if needed.
- Is there a space to tent or cover the ceremony lawn? This isn’t always a possibility but is recommended for the risk-averse. Some venues have enough level lawn space for a tent and some will have a way to cover the ceremony space. What we have discovered is most people prefer the romance of outdoors but find a tent as a good backup option.
- Be aware or consider how things get dry. For instance, if you’re planning a field wedding and are far from the shelter, how do chairs get dried if a sprinkle comes through? At our venue, we have the staff and a coordinated effort to get your chairs dry if an unexpected shower should come your way.
- If chilly, be aware that a rainy day can be cooler than usual. This is particularly true in early spring and fall. Consider blankets for guests who may get damp or cold.
- Is there a space where photographers and DJs can get their water-sensitive equipment out of the rain? This isn’t typically something that tops your thought list when planning a wedding. At Weymouth Hill, we are cognizant of equipment needs and help vendors find ways to get their equipment out of wet conditions.
- No one likes to consider worst-case scenarios, but what happens in the most inclement of weather events? However, unusual tornado warnings may be to our area, this past year proved the most severe weather can happen even here. Ask your venue if they have an emergency backup generator and evacuation plan.
Photo by: Baylee Cornell Photography
