Preparing for Rain when Planning Your Dream Wedding in Vancouver

Hello, lovely couples! It is Leslie here from Elle Weddings and I wanted to share a few thoughts on something that Vancouver is notorious for. Ever heard of that charming saying, "Rain on your wedding day is good luck."? While this thought is heartwarming, the thought of the sprinkles or the showers can also bring some stress. As someone who has battled Mother Nature in all her moods and all her glory, I believe in embracing every possibility, including rain, to make anyone’s special day unforgettable!

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Why worry about a few raindrops when you can turn them into an integral, memorable part of your celebration? Let’s chat about the importance of being prepared for rain and how it can add a unique touch to your wedding day!

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Understanding the Weather

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Planning your wedding celebration in Vancouver (or any city, really) means you've got to be a bit of a weather whisperer. How can you navigate weather considerations for your big day and what are some ways that have helped us Vancouver wedding planners work around venues that are highly desirable for that wedding photo, but also with no real desirable plan B option? Oftentimes, we move indoors and prepare for a big flip or transformation of the room which is pre-planned ahead of time but also, it means you don’t get that beautiful outdoors backdrop or the sound of the trees and birds in the background. 

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Researching Historical Weather Trends:

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Now this is something we all tend to do, but honestly the weather has been so unpredictable these past few years so I wouldn’t 100% depend on this method, It’s a good idea because It's not just about picking a season; it’s about understanding the typical weather on your specific date. Warm summer weekends might be all the rage, but let’s make sure your date doesn’t historically fall on a weekend known for unexpected downpours. 

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Start by choosing a few potential dates and then do a bit of a  dive into the past weather history. Look at the data for the last 10-30 years to get a sense of patterns on your chosen date - think average rainfall, temperature, etc. Tools like Weather Underground offer comprehensive data, including temperature, precipitation, and wind speed from past years​​. Visual Crossing's Weather Event Planner is another great tool that estimates typical weather conditions, giving you an hour-by-hour forecast based on historical data​​. 

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Staying Updated on Weather Forecasts:

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Once you have selected a date and the venue, the anxieties of weather stress won’t really kick in until about a week or two before your wedding. At this point, a seven-day forecast is about 80% accurate, while a five-day forecast hits the 90% mark. Again, avoid the temptation to overanalyze long-term forecasts; their accuracy drops significantly beyond ten days​​.

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Remember, it’s all about flexibility and embracing the spirit of the day. If the forecast changes, don’t let it dampen your spirits. After all, a bit of rain just adds to the romance and story of your wedding day. Keep your plan B ready, stay positive, and no matter what the skies decide, just remember you have the support of all your guests and vendors (A good vendor team is sooooo important!) 

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Developing a Rain Plan Early + Venue Considerations

Creating a backup plan for any type of weather is essential for peace of mind on your wedding day. Always check with your Vancouver wedding planner and venue on ideal indoor and outdoor options for a seamless transition if needed. If your venue is primarily outdoor, collaborating with a Vancouver rental company for tent options can provide a stylish and practical solution. Ensuring the tent fits your space and protects everyone from the elements is important and although it is pricey, if that outdoor wedding ceremony and/or reception is what you desire then it is well worth the money. My personal favourite are the clear frame tents that mirror a glass greenhouse vibe - shields us from the rain but does not shield us from enjoying the skies or the views. Especially clear tents with string  lights, for instance, can offer the comfort of an indoor setting while maintaining an outdoor feel. Additionally you may want to rent flooring, walls for the tents, heaters, and lounge furniture.. A tent may require you to place a non-refundable deposit months in advance as they book up extremely fast for outdoor venues or rainy season. If you are waiting to see if the weather will be better 1-2 weeks before the wedding day, no tents may be available anymore so this is extremely important to note during your planning process. 

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The other option is simply having the ceremony indoors. Some venues may have multiple spaces so you can have your ceremony in one room and the reception in another. This is great in that the reception can be all set up after the ceremony and no transformation of the room is needed, however these multiple rooms may be smaller and not as appealing. Some may wish to hold the ceremony in the same space as a reception which means after the ceremony, guests are moved out of the space for cocktail hour while all the vendors set up their equipment, staff move the tables and chairs around, Vancouver wedding decorators and florists place decor where needed, etc. It’s literally all hands on deck here and since timing is so tight ( 1.5 hours is ideal), there is usually little time to fix tiny details as we want guests to flow in on time. 

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Choosing a rain-friendly venue is crucial. Look for venues that offer versatile spaces, enabling an easy switch between indoor and outdoor settings. This flexibility is not only practical but also adds dimension to your event. Additionally, ensure the venue staff can adapt quickly to weather changes. Remember, some venues offer rain plans at no additional cost, which can be a significant relief for your budget​​.

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Trust in your wedding planner's experience with managing rain plans. They can guide you in making sound decisions and offer emotional support. For outdoor weddings, consider having equipment like tents on standby. 

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Photo Session Adaptability:

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For those unexpected rainy moments, adding a burst of colour with props like vibrant umbrellas or blankets, or even clear umbrellas is quite beautiful in photos. Embrace the opportunity for unique shots, like capturing a rainbow, and plan for dynamic poses like dancing in the rain or kissing under the water.. The key is to work closely with your photographer to leverage these opportunities for unforgettable images​​​​​​​​. In this photo above, the bride had high hopes of having the ceremony take place on a big open field with Mount Baker in the backdrop! However, with an open field comes no shelter, soggy wet grass, and the risk of dirty and wet clothing for the wedding party, guests, and vendors. Instead, we moved to the indoor option - a cute little barnhouse residing right next to the main reception space on Maan Farms in Abbotsford in which we added flowers and wedding decorations and turned the empty space into a very warm inviting one.

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Be prepared for rain by planning ahead with your make-up artist (potential touch ups), photographer (cutting portraits by a few minutes to give you extra time to refresh before the reception), and with your wedding party (to help hold the umbrellas, hold the train of the dress to prevent the puddles and mud). Also key is mental preparation! 

Understand and accept that the weather is beyond control. The most crucial aspect is the union with your partner. Embrace the elements that come your way, and trust in your Vancouver wedding planner to handle the details. This mindset will help you maintain joy and focus on the significance of your wedding day, regardless of the weather​​.

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By considering these aspects in your planning, you can ensure a beautiful and memorable wedding day, come rain or shine. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in turning potential challenges into unique and cherished elements of your special day.

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Warmth and Dryness:

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Even in a sheltered setting, the chill and dampness of rain can be uncomfortable for guests. Offering blankets is a thoughtful touch that can greatly enhance their comfort. Place baskets and crates of cozy blankets in common areas with a note inviting guests to help themselves. These can double as practical and charming wedding favours. For added warmth, consider using fire pits, candles, or outdoor heaters. These elements not only provide heat but also contribute to a cosy and romantic ambiance. If open flames are a concern, outdoor heaters are a practical and safe alternative, offering adjustable warmth throughout your venue​​.

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The key to guest comfort at a rainy wedding lies in thoughtful planning and attention to detail. Providing adequate shelter and ensuring warmth and dryness are essential aspects that will make your guests feel cared for and contribute to the overall success of your special day, regardless of the weather.

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Informing Guests:

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Transparency is key when it comes to guest communication. Well in advance of your wedding day, inform your guests about the possibility of rain and your backup plan. This can be done via your wedding website, email, or even a note with your invitations. As the day approaches, keep guests updated on any changes, especially if the weather forecast suggests a shift to your rain plan. A day or two before the wedding, a final update, either via group message or email, will ensure everyone is on the same page.

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Signage and Instructions:

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On the day, clear signage is essential in guiding guests, especially if there are last-minute changes due to weather. Signs should direct guests to the ceremony and reception areas, and if necessary, to alternative locations under your rain plan. In addition to signage, having staff or wedding party members available to direct and assist guests can prevent confusion and help maintain a smooth flow, ensuring everyone knows where to go and what to do, come rain or shine.

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Effective communication and clear instructions will greatly enhance the guest experience, ensuring they feel informed, comfortable, and part of your special day, regardless of the weather.

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Conclusion: Celebrating Love, Rain or Shine

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In conclusion, planning your dream wedding in Vancouver, a city known for its picturesque rain, calls for a blend of preparation, creativity, and a dash of adventurous spirit. Remember, rain on your wedding day isn’t just an old wives' tale about good luck; it's a canvas for creating deeply memorable and unique moments.

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As you embark on this journey, keep in mind the importance of selecting a flexible venue, one that harmonises with the whims of nature. Collaborate with vendors who understand and share your vision for a day that sparkles, rain or shine. The magic is in the details – from waterproof tents that mirror your style to whimsical rain boots that add a pop of joy.

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Photography under the rain can capture the essence of your love story in a way that clear skies simply can’t. The soft, diffused light, the romantic reflections, and the sheer spontaneity rain brings can transform your photos into heartfelt narratives.

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Guest comfort is paramount. Your thoughtfulness in providing warmth and shelter, in anticipating their needs with umbrellas or custom ponchos, will leave a lasting impression. It's these small gestures that resonate with guests, making them feel truly a part of your special day.

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Effective communication is key. Keep your guests informed and involved in the adventure. Clear, elegant signage and helpful guides ensure a seamless experience, regardless of weather changes.

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Above all, your mindset can make all the difference. Embrace the elements, whatever they may be, with a joyful heart. Trust in your planning, lean on your support system, and let the day unfold. A rainy wedding day in Vancouver isn’t just about saying ‘I do’ under an umbrella; it’s about starting your journey together with a story that’s uniquely yours.