If you are planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, there is loads to think about: will you provide fans or drinks on a hot day? Will there be shade or mottled lighting for pictures? Are there bugs? Anything can happen at a wedding – including (*gasp*) rain. If you are planning to be outdoors at any part of your day, a backup plan is a must. You have invested so much time, energy, and money into this perfect day, and you want to protect that investment by having an easy transition that your wedding team can put in place if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Read on for my best outdoor wedding backup plan tips to make sure your big day goes off without a hitch.

Tip 1: Plan in Advance

Regardless of the season or location, rain is a possibility. Consider your rain plan when selecting your venue and date. If you are set on an outdoor venue but worried about rain, discuss the venue’s backup plan with them in advance. Many outdoor venues offer indoor rooms for the ceremony or reception, but venues differ in how much advanced notice you need to give to make that switch. Make sure to discuss with your venue coordinator during your tour.

Tip 2: Add a Weather Plan to Your Tent Rental

If your venue does not have an indoor space, ask your tent company if they are able to add additional items to your tent order in case of bad weather. Many companies will allow you to add a ceremony or catering tent, side walls, fans, and other weathering items as close as the week of your wedding.

Tip 3: Consider Your Hair

If it is going to be very hot, humid, or rainy, consider your hairstyle and how badly you want it to last the night. Curled half-up or fully-down styles may come undone in bad weather. Work with your hair artist to get their best advice, and consider trialing two styles to be sure you are happy with the backup!

Tip 4: Provide Umbrellas

Umbrellas can shield your guests from all manor of bad weather. They also can make for some great pictures! Ask your venue or planner if they have any white umbrellas you can rent, or order some online. Best practice is one parasol for every two guests, and then getting each bridal party member their own. We also recommend a pair of clear umbrellas for you to use during pictures, and big golf umbrella to shield you from the sun or rain.

Tip 5: Make a Game Plan

Determine with your coordinator in advance at what point you will be making your decision. You want to give your team enough time to execute on your revised vision, so making your decision the day before not only removes uncertainty from your wedding morning, but it also gives your coordinator time to communicate the new plan to all your vendors. As an added perk, you may be able to rehearse in your new space, which will make you feel more confident.

Planning an outdoor wedding can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to remember that weather is always a possibility. That’s why it’s crucial to have a backup plan in place just in case the rain starts to fall (or the sun starts to shine too intensely). Following these tips, you can rest assured that your big day will go off without a hitch – no matter what the weather decides to do.