wedding season

Think Ahead About Rain and Avoid a Wedding Disaster With These Suggestions

While there are countless problems that can arise between the moment two people get engaged and the day they walk down the aisle, there are some issues that have plagued couples for generations. Rain on your wedding day, for example, is more than just a lyric from an Alanis Morissette song. It is a very real problem that can threaten to throw your big day into a tizzy. You might not be able to control the weather via an app on your phone, but you can think ahead to find solutions. 

The Season and Location Matter

Rain does not just happen without warning. While sudden storms can occur, most wet weather can be predicted by meteorologists based on key factors. For example, the time of year and region make a huge difference in the probability of inclement conditions. Someone getting married during spring in Seattle is going to be dealing with a much higher probability of rain than someone tying to tie the knot in Arizona during the summer. The higher the odds of rain on the date you plan on holding your event, the more thought you should put into your contingency plan. 

The Easy Idea: Tents

One of the most effective ways of planning for rain when you are hosting an outdoor wedding is by renting tents. These ingenious inventions have been lifesavers for event planners of all varieties over the decades, as an enclosed space can be erected in a fast and useful way. In order for you to use this solution, you will need to coordinate with the venue manager and learn more about how you can make arrangements to have the tents put up should there be a call for cloudy skies. 

The Expensive Idea: Consider A Indoor Space If There Is Rain

While tents can offer an easy solution, some people would rather not be outside in any capacity if rain appears. No matter how protected you are from above, the ground is likely still going to absorb some water. This creates mud and makes any temporary flooring you lay down uneven. Though it might not be the most affordable solution, putting a deposit down on a backup venue is the only true way to make sure you have somewhere indoors to go if the rain comes down hard. 

The Musts: Coordination Is Key If There Is Rain In The Forecast

No matter what you decide to do when rain comes along, your choice is going to impact more than just you and your partner. Everyone who is planning on being present at your event needs to be notified as soon as you make a decision. Guests will need to know if there is a backup plan so they know where to go and can plan accordingly. Similarly, the vendors you have hired will not know where to bring their wares if you make a plan for rainfall and don’t keep them in the loop.

The Little Things

If only the ceremony is going to be held outside or the rain is scheduled to pass quickly, then there are some little changes you can make to make everyone more comfortable. Giving out umbrellas to guests and vendors is a great way to reduce the odds of the rain getting anyone’s nice clothes or wares wet. Giving out protective shoe coverings is also a smart move, as a lot of your guests will be wearing some of their finest footwear when attending your event. These small gestures can make your guests feel more comfortable in no time.

The world requires rainfall on a routine basis for life to thrive. However, getting wet while celebrating a monumental occasion like a wedding is enough to make anyone upset. Avoid this scenario entirely by coming up with contingencies for how to respond when the forecast calls for rain. With enough effort, you will have no trouble devising a plan that covers all your bases.

3 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Winter Wedding

88356215One of the first things couples must decide after getting engaged is the date of the big day. The initial instinct may be to opt for a spring or summer wedding, but winter weddings in Canada are fast becoming a popular option. There are many lovely venues around the county that are perfect for nuptials at this time of year.

Snow Can Create a Fairy-Tale Setting

If it snows on your wedding day, you will have a ready-made, magical backdrop and the opportunity for uniquely beautiful wedding pictures. Imagine photos of family and friends with gently falling snow in the background. Guests can also pose alongside outdoor ice sculptures, snowmen and Santa’s sleigh. In addition to snow, you may also benefit from festive holiday decorations already in place at your venue.

Availability

The majority of people still get married when the weather is warm, so chances are you will have more options when it comes to venues. Prices are also usually lower, unless you opt for a wedding at a ski resort in high season. There may be less competition when it comes to the availability of friends and family. With the exception of the holiday season, guests may have fewer social commitments during the winter.

Being Different Is Cool

There are probably a lot of people who have never attended a winter wedding, and the allure of a new experience can be enticing. When it is cold, there is a whole array of different ways to entertain guests, such as skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing and snowball fights. There are also a limitless number of choices for less conventional wedding attire. Think faux fur wraps, Victorian boots and funky hats.

Idyllic Spots for a Canadian Winter Wedding

  • Storm Mountain Lodge and Cabins, Banff

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park, Storm Mountain Lodge and Cabins is the perfect choice for a small wedding in a secluded scenic location.

  • Castle Moffet, Nova Scotia

Located on breathtaking Cape Breton Island, there are views of the surrounding mountains and Bras d’Or Lake. The castle provides a lovely, romantic setting that is the perfect place for couples to begin their life together.

  • Vineland Estates, Niagara on the Lake

Long considered the most popular place to honeymoon, many couples are also realizing the Niagara Falls area is a spectacular place for a wedding as well. Niagara on the Lake is situated several minutes from the falls and has many vineyards and orchards. The Vineland Estates vineyard sits on acres of picturesque countryside, and features a gourmet restaurant and a lovely stone carriage house that is a wonderful place for a wedding. There are also many charming inns in the surrounding area.

  • Ice Hotel, Quebec

If you really want to embrace the cold, holding your nuptials at the Ice Hotel in Quebec may be a perfect choice. Composed entirely of ice and snow, this venue is open from January to April. Quebec City is also one of the most romantic places anywhere and offers an abundance of old world charm and fantastic cuisine.

Other Winter Wedding Tips

  • Be Aware of the Altitude

If you are hosting a wedding in the mountains, and you or guests live at lower altitudes, be aware of the possibility of altitude sickness. Drinking lots of water and not overindulging in alcohol the first night in town are two suggestions. There is also medication available that can help you avoid getting sick.

  • Protect Yourself From the Sun

The sun can be particularly intense during the winter, especially if you are in the mountains. The higher altitude makes the sun’s rays more powerful, and they are reflected in every direction off of the snow. Wearing sunglasses and using sunscreen and lip balm provides additional protection.

Your wedding is a very special event. Be bold and consider following the path less traveled by having it in winter.