Local wedding and event planner, Jennifer Holdway from Exquisite Ivory Events reveals her top tips for planning an outdoor wedding

Having arranged weddings in Australia in the middle summer so brides could have an outdoors weddings, I can honestly say, you cannot control the weather, so hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Look at your day in segments and visualise rain. What would you do if you had to move inside? What activities could the children do? Does the venue have a games room or television they could use?

Ask to see the Alternatives
Do you have a contingency plan? When you visit venues, ask to see the indoors alternative. Make sure there is sufficient space and you like it should the worst-case scenario happens.

Check items can be moved
If want to have an arch, ask the supplier to visit the venue and make sure they can move it once assembled and it will fit. A lot of floral archways are assembled on location, so whilst the florist may be able to move it at the last minute, the design may not allow it.

Marquees
Marquee companies are used to erecting marquees in changeable conditions, so they should be built to withstand the elements. That being said the ground and location of the marquee may require additional flooring or walkways to accommodate muddy ground. 
Ask the company to do a site visit so any problems are addressed to ensure rain doesn’t turn your venue into a swamp.

Umbrellas
Having umbrella stands at the entrance allows your guests to leave their umbrellas to dry. It is also advisable to hire umbrellas in colours to match your theme to supply to your guests. 
I recommend greeting your guests with an umbrella and walking them from their cars to the venue. It is a small touch, but has a big impact.

Keeping warm
If you have a marquee wedding and it looks like the weather will let you down, have shawls or blankets on hand for your guests. It will be appreciated when they go outside to watch the fireworks, explore the grounds or go home. 
To add a touch of luxury, hand them out to your guests when the weather starts to cool.

Footwear 
If you are determined to get the perfect outdoors photographs, have a spare pair of shoes or wellington boots on hand so you don’t ruin your wedding shoes.

Speak to your photographer
Rain and umbrellas, don’t have to ruin your photographs. The dark sky can make photographs look dramatic and rain can make shots glisten. Talk to your photographer and let them suggest unique shots for your magical day.

Wedding Insurance
Weather can have a big impact. Rain can close roads preventing guests and suppliers from attending and flood the venue. You only have to look at the November 2019 flash flooding in the French Riviera to see how bad it can be, so consider insurance.
Whatever your plan B is, share it. Let the wedding planner and suppliers know so they can ensure everything runs smoothly should it need to be implemented.

To find out more about Jennifer, visit www.exquisiteivoryevents.com