Why You Need a Backup Plan for Your Wedding
Photographer: The Portos
You know how the old saying goes, “prepare for the worst, hope for the best?” That statement couldn’t be truer when it comes to wedding planning. While we all want our wedding day to be perfect, we also know that unexpected things happen. Whether it’s during the wedding planning process or on the day-of, sometimes things happen beyond our control.
However, that doesn’t mean your wedding won’t be everything you dreamed of and more - especially if you have a wedding backup plan! So, here is your guide for creating a backup plan for your wedding.
Your Wedding Venue Backup Plan
The backbone of your wedding backup plan starts with your wedding venue. It probably goes without saying, but if something happens with your venue, you don’t have a place to have your wedding! Once you’ve chose your wedding venue (or are deciding between a couple), ask them these questions prior to signing your contract:
Do you have a weather backup plan?
If so, what are the details? (i.e. how many guests can accommodate that plan, what are the accommodations, etc.)
At what point does the couple need to decide if they agree with the backup plans?
If the wedding venue doesn’t offer a backup plan, ask their (or your) wedding planner to offer backup options, including anticipated costs and pros and cons.
You Bad Weather Backup Plan
Contrary to romcoms, dancing in the rain isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Outfits are ruined, electrical issues arise and chaos ensues. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding in an unpredictable weather area, having a bad weather backup plan is imperative. Work with your wedding venue to put together some options should it rain on your wedding day. Whether that’s changing the location of your ceremony, providing a tent, or adding weather-proof options.
Communicating With Your Vendors
While certain vendors won’t be too impacted by bad weather or a venue change, caterers are more likely to be affected - especially if they were planning on working outdoors and have to move indoors. Additionally, musicians may need to change course or modify their set/equipment depending on the venue or bad weather. Be sure to communicate with them as soon as you have your backup plan in place.
Your Day-Of Backup Plan
If everything runs smoothly during the wedding planning process but something happens on the day of your wedding, whether that’s a last minute vendor cancelation, severe storm, or something else, this is when you lean on your wedding planner. Wedding planners will take the reign and coordinate last-minute changes. If you don’t have a wedding planner, lean on your wedding party to help - whether that’s directing guests indoors or communicating with vendors.
Having a wedding backup plan may add more stress during the planning process, but not having one will cause even more stress should something unexpected arise.