Groundhog day: Preparing for Weather

Happy Groundhog Day! February 2^nd brings about the day when Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his hole in the ground to predict the weather. If he sees his shadow, there is supposed to be six more weeks of winter. However, if he does not see his shadow, then spring is supposed to arrive early that year. Whether or not you believe in a rodent’s ability to predict the weather, being prepared for any type of weather condition is something that could make or break your big day.

Before you start having panic attacks, there are five simple steps to follow to ensure you are completely prepared for anything ‘Mother Nature’ throws your way. Not all of these may apply to you, depending on your location or venue, but keep in mind that if you have guests coming in from out of town, weather patterns may cause issues for travel.

5 Ways to Save Your Wedding from Weather

1. RESEARCH WEATHER PATTERNS! It may sound silly, but having an idea of the average high and low temperatures, the average precipitation, and average wind-speeds, can save you some major head-aches when planning. After deciding on a date and location, there are a few different ways to research the weather. Usclimatedata.com provides detailed information for each month, for your chosen city, regarding average temperatures and other important details. Wikipedia also has weather information available for many cities, although it may not be the most reliable source. This research may help you decide if the location you have selected will work for your chosen date, or if you will need to pick a drier spot for hosting.

Climate Fort Collins – Colorado

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2. HAVE A BACK UP PLAN! If you decide to choose a location that may have some rain or snow in the forecast, be sure to have a back-up plan. If inclement weather hits, have alternate locations planned in advance. You may need to take into consideration alternative places to hold the ceremony, take pictures, or even where to have the reception. Venues that offer both indoor and outdoor settings can be a great option to ensure you are prepared for every condition.

3. TENT RENTALS FOR OUTDOOR VENUES! Do not let the price-tag of tent rentals scare you away from renting a tent. They are a wonderful addition to outdoor settings and work great for any weather. Even if there is no rain in the forecast, such as a middle of August date, a tent can be useful to have for shade. Having an area for Grandma and Grandpa to get out of the direct sunlight will be very much appreciated during those hot summer months. If rain is possible, walls with windows, or even plain walls, are available to close up the tent and keep your guests dry. Tents work as a perfect spot to put a dancefloor, a buffet table or food stations, gift and cake tables, and anything else you would like to avoid completely exposing to the elements. Be sure to rent a tent that will be an appropriate size for everything you would like to fit underneath. There are many set-up options and sizes available, so be sure to discuss your needs with your event planner, or rental company to ensure all your needs are met.

4. BE PREPARED FOR ALL SEASONS! Depending on where your event will take place, each season may offer some surprise weather. Snowfall in late spring or early fall, or mid-afternoon summer rainstorms, or even rain in winter, can create issues for outdoor events. Remember that excessive heat is also something to be prepared for during summer months.

There are several items to have on hand to ensure you are prepared for any circumstance. Having umbrellas and rain boots for the bridal party is a perfect way to make sure hair and makeup stay dry, and that nice shoes are not ruined. These items are usually easy to find in a variety of colors, making it possible to stick to a color scheme, while still being protected. Water proofing is very important, especially in the springtime. Having tarps available as a quick way to cover any outdoor items, such as seating, work well in case of a surprise downpour, or a quick afternoon shower. Disposable ponchos are another idea to provide for guests in order to keep everyone dry.

In hot months, providing mini sunscreen bottles for guests can be a great alternative to traditional favors. You may want to consider parasols for the bridal party if they will be in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. If you do not want to rent a large tent to use for hosting the entire event, a small Frame or Canopy tent is perfect for providing a shaded area for anyone needing to cool off.

For fall and winter weddings, providing blankets, or even hand warmers, is an excellent touch to keep guests comfortable when it’s cold out. Renting heaters is another great option for most seasons, especially for evening events when the temperature starts to cool off. Be sure to discuss snow removal policies with your venue if you are having a wedding during late fall, winter or early spring. It may be necessary to bring shovels and ice-melt products to ensure walkways are clear for guests to safely get to and from the ceremony or reception locations.

5. CHECK THE FORECAST, THEN CHECK IT AGAIN! Mother Nature is a fickle friend. Weather forecasts can change within a week, a day or even an hour. If using a personal attendant, you may want to put them in charge of checking the weather forecast, and have them keep you updated. The weather should be checked every day, for at least two weeks before the event. Checking out websites such as Weather.com, Weather.gov, Wunderground.com, or Accuweather.com will be your best bet for accurate information. This will give you plenty of time to organize the pick-up of any supplies needed in case of inclement weather. Although rain on your wedding day is traditionally thought of as good luck, being unprepared for such conditions may leave you feeling as though you are in a nightmare from which you can’t escape. So while planning, remember the quote from ‘Groundhog Day’, “Rita: This day was perfect. You couldn’t have planned a day like this. Phil: Well, you can. It just takes an awful lot of work.”

Thanks for reading and happy wedding planning!