WHETHER OR NOT

COME RAIN OR SHINE

Blazing sunshine or Arctic blast? Be prepared for whatever the weather gods throw your way on W-day with these top tips

words Elizabeth Chester

iStock.com/C.Mae Design iStock.com/Vadym Pustukh iStock.com/Yamila Vedda iStock.com/Clandy-Images

You may have a fairly good idea of what the weather has in store in the days leading up to your wedding day – or you may get a sudden surprise. If flash floods, a Sahara-busting 30-degree blast or even heavy frost pops up on your weather apps, it’s a good idea to have some accessories ready. After all, you might not be able to control the elements, but there’s plenty you can do to ensure your guests feel comfortable whatever the weather.

SLIP ON A FLIP-FLOP OR REACH FOR A WELLY

A basket of flip-flops in various sizes could save the day for guests who make a sartorial slip-up when it comes to dressing for the weather. Hot or even tired feet may well feel the benefit of a cool pair of flats should a sudden spike in temperature occur. Likewise, a collection of wellington boots will go down a storm (ahem) if the heavens open and your guests get caught trying to cross a field in dainty heels or white trainers.

DECORATE WITH UMBRELLAS AND FANS

Umbrellas can make for stunning wedding décor, whether you use them as centrepieces, bedecked in flowers or hanging upside down along the aisle. If open umbrellas adorn your ceiling, create an umbrella station that matches your theme while also providing brollies to guests who need shelter should there be a downpour. Of course, you don’t need to have umbrellas as a theme to rock the umbrella station idea. Similar to a sweetie cart, position your station anywhere guests will see it; you might even throw in a disposable camera with every umbrella to capture some atmospheric reportage shots in the rain. Top tip: go for transparent umbrellas so your W-day look isn’t lost! personalised fans as décor that guests can use to cool down and take away as a memento. Creative types could create a wall of paper fans attached to a wooden trellis where guests can help themselves; you could even incorporate fans into your theme and use this as the seating plan.

CREATE A CANOPY

Blue skies and glorious sunshine might be your dream W-day backdrop – however, too much sun and not enough shade might not be everyone’s cup of Prosecco! If your venue has some natural shade, find out what time of day this area is shaded and set up an appropriate station there. It might be a chillout area for children’s colouring activities under a big oak tree or a Prosecco station or ice cream truck under a natural floral canopy such as a rose-covered wooden pergola.

pop-up, so talk to your venue about these options in advance of the day. And, like the umbrella station, a parasol store could be the perfect accompaniment to a hot day. Pretty parasols in wedding white or bamboo for a more exotic feel might be just what your guests need if the sun comes out to play.

BRING A BOX OF BLANKETS

Blankets will be appreciated by your guests should an outdoor wedding turn cool or if you’re marrying late in the day. Luxe options include monogrammed and cashmere blankets, but we also love the idea of a mismatched collection of blankets or throws of your own for a homespun feel. Although it’s unlikely you’ll see snow in any season except winter (although you never know!), if the weather forecast is looking really chilly you could always add some hand warmers and pashminas. Firepits and open fires should come as an optional standard at your venue if your wedding is in the depths of winter.

GET A FEEL FOR INDOOROUTDOOR

If your venue allows guests to roam seamlessly from indoors to outdoors, you’re not going to have to worry too much about the weather. We love venues with verandas, balconies, terraces or piazza doors flung open to let the garden in and enable guests to mingle between spaces. However, if the weather looks poor and strong winds mean your outdoors is being blown indoors, you can always talk to your venue about bringing some of the al fresco décor inside. Who can forget the Cambridges’ fabulous use of outdoor plants and trees inside their ceremony?

DIRECT TO YOUR DRINKS STATION

If your guests are all having a good time, the weather shouldn’t really matter. But for on-the-day temperature control, there’s always the bar! From ice-old cocktails and mocktails to marshmallowcovered hot chocolates, if you brief your bar team that you might need some last-minute tweaks to the menu depending on weather warnings, they might be able to prepare some cool or hot options should the weather take a turn in either direction. Cheers to that!

Thomas Frost Photography