When it comes to alfresco weddings, there’s no denying the magic of celebrating outdoors. Sunlit ceremonies, starry receptions, and the beauty of nature all around. But along with that beauty comes one unpredictable guest, the weather. From soaring summer heat to sudden showers or chilly breezes, the elements can play a starring role in your day. The good news? With a few smart strategies (and a touch of flexibility), you can weather-proof your celebration and keep the focus on what truly matters, which is love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. A big thank you to Vanessa of The Wedding Creators for sharing her wonderful insights in to tackling weather conditions for your wedding! Enjoy Dotties! 

Photography: Luke Fletcher Photography | Wedding Planner: The Wedding Creators | Florist: Sea Thistle Florist 

If there’s one thing we can’t control on your wedding day, it’s the weather. You can plan every last detail of the flowers, the seating chart, the outfits, but the skies? They’ll do their own thing. While that can feel a little daunting, with some thoughtful preparation (and a flexible mindset), you can create a celebration that sparkles no matter what the forecast throws your way.

Handling the Heat 

Summer weddings can be dreamy, but heat waves and long outdoor ceremonies can make things tricky. A few clever touches will keep everyone cool and happy:

  • Hydration stations: Large dispensers of iced water, lemonade, or fruit-infused sparkling water not only look beautiful but also keep guests refreshed. You could even add a playful touch with icy cocktails during canapés or tubs of sparkling mineral water in ice.
  • Shade is your friend: Parasols, umbrellas, or even a marquee can make the difference between wilting in the sun and enjoying the moment. If your ceremony is outdoors, consider the position of the sun during the vows (no one wants to squint through “I do”).
  • Little comfort boosters: Think handheld fans, chilled towels, or even sunscreen baskets. And for the wedding party? Breathable fabrics and touch-up kits with blotting paper or powder will keep them looking fresh in the photos.

Photography: Luke Fletcher Photography | Wedding Planner: The Wedding Creators | Florist: Sea Thistle Florist 

Managing Rain 

Rain has a reputation for being the wedding-day villain, but truthfully, some of the most magical wedding stories come from drizzly days.

  • Have a backup plan: When booking, ask your venue what their “wet weather” option looks like. Is there a hall, marquee, or cosy indoor spot that can be transformed at a moment’s notice? Having that plan in place will bring instant peace of mind.
  • Think practical and pretty: Clear umbrellas are a couple’s best friend. Not only are they super functional, but they also photograph beautifully. Add in some rugs, mats, or even baskets of spare flats for guests if lawns get soggy.
  • Embrace the romance: Misty skies, raindrops on petals, and dramatic lighting can create photo opportunities that you’d never get on a sunny day. A little drizzle can actually make for dreamy, cinematic memories.

Photography: Luke Fletcher Photography | Wedding Planner: The Wedding Creators | Florist: Sea Thistle Florist 

Managing Wind at Your Wedding 

While sunshine and blue skies are often the dream, wind can be the sneaky guest no one invited. A blustery day can tangle veils, topple florals, and send carefully styled hair into disarray, but with a little planning, it doesn’t have to ruin the romance.

  • Consider shorter or secured veils, elegant hair updos, and weighted décor elements (candles in cylinder vases so they don’t blow out, tablecloth clips, or floral arrangements in sturdy vessels/weighted). For outdoor ceremonies, think about microphone windshields so your vows aren’t drowned out, and position seating to minimise exposure to gusts.
  • Embrace the atmosphere, too—wind can add drama and movement to photos, creating those sweeping, cinematic shots you’ll treasure forever. With a few thoughtful tweaks, you’ll be ready to laugh, dance, and let the breeze become part of your story rather than a distraction.

Managing Cold at a Winter Wedding 

There’s something undeniably magical about a winter wedding, the cosy atmosphere, candlelit spaces, and the chance to layer luxe fabrics and textures. But keeping guests (and yourselves) comfortable in chilly weather takes a little planning.

  • Start with the basics: provide baskets of blankets, shawls for guests to snuggle into. Warm beverages like mulled wine or even hot chocolate/coffee stations make for a welcoming touch at cocktail hour.
  • For outdoor ceremonies or photos, think about adding portable heaters or fire pits to create warmth and ambience.
  • When it comes to fashion, long-sleeved gowns, velvet jackets, or chic capes can be both practical and stylish.
  • Don’t forget lighting – shorter winter days mean an earlier sunset, so plan your ceremony or photos with golden hour in mind. With thoughtful touches, a cold day becomes less of a challenge and more of an opportunity to lean into the cosy, intimate magic of winter.

Photography: Luke Fletcher Photography | Wedding Planner: The Wedding Creators | Florist: Sea Thistle Florist 

Preparing for the Unpredictable 

For all those in between days when the weather just can’t make up its mind, flexibility is key.

  • Stay in sync with vendors: Chat with your photographer, planner, and venue about how they’ll adapt if things shift last minute. Often, they’ve seen it all and will know exactly how to pivot smoothly.
  • Layer it up: Provide baskets of wraps, shawls, or even cosy blankets if the temperature drops. These details are not only thoughtful but also add to the aesthetic (think soft textures draped over chairs or stacked in wicker baskets).
  • Go with the flow: Sometimes it’s the unexpected that creates the most treasured moments, like a rainbow breaking through stormy skies or your guests dancing barefoot when the grass is damp.

Photography: Luke Fletcher Photography | Wedding Planner: The Wedding Creators | Florist: Sea Thistle Florist 

At the end of the day, weather might influence the details, but it doesn’t define the celebration. The laughter, the love, and the joy of gathering are what guests remember. So pack a few umbrellas, pop on the sunscreen, and keep your heart set on what truly matters, you’re marrying your person, come rain, shine, or anything in between.

Photography: Luke Fletcher Photography | Wedding Planner: The Wedding Creators | Florist: Sea Thistle Florist 

At the end of the day, no forecast can overshadow the joy of saying “I do.” With a little foresight and flexibility, weather becomes less of a hurdle and more of a backdrop to your love story. Thank you again for sharing Vanessa and thank you for the wonderful and bright photographs courtesy of Luke Fletcher Photography. 

About the Author: At The Wedding Creators, our team is able to offer a comprehensive approach to your wedding by having everything in-house! We can cover all your styling, hiring, planning, coordination, setup, and floral needs. We can assist from the beginning with styling concept and design through to set up, hiring goodies, florals, and then execution on the wedding day.