Rain plan for an outdoor wedding: what to arrange and when
What a real wet-weather plan includes, when to make the call, how to tell guests the plan changed, and the small things that save the day when the sky does not.
The short version
- A rain plan is a real indoor space or a tent booked in advance, not a hope. Ask every outdoor venue what theirs is before you sign.
- Agree a decision deadline with the venue, usually a day or two before, and stick to it.
- Tell guests once, clearly, where to go. A digital invitation can be updated so the link shows the new plan.
- Have umbrellas, flat shoes advice and towels for wet chairs ready either way.
A rain plan for an outdoor wedding is a second place for the ceremony and reception that is booked and ready before the day: an indoor room at the venue, a marquee or a tent. It is not a stack of umbrellas. The question to ask every outdoor venue before signing is: if it rains, where exactly does everything happen, and does it cost extra?
What does a real rain plan include?
- An indoor space big enough for the ceremony seating, or a tent with sides
- A plan for moving or doubling the chairs, flowers and sound
- Power, lighting and flooring if the backup is a tent on grass
- A covered route between the ceremony, the drinks and the reception
- The cost of all of the above, in the contract, not as a surprise
When do you make the call?
Agree a decision deadline with the venue and your coordinator, usually a day or two before, or the morning of for smaller changes. Tents often need to be ordered earlier, so ask the rental company when they need a final answer. Then decide on the forecast at that moment and stop checking it: a decision made on time beats a better one made too late.
How do you tell guests the plan changed?
Once, clearly, with the exact place. If your invitation is digital, change the schedule and the location on it, and the link every guest already has shows the new plan; then send a short message to everyone pointing to it. Tell the wedding party and the vendors first.
Change of plan, the sky had other ideas! The ceremony will now be in the Barn at 4 PM, same venue, same time. Everything is updated on the invitation.
The small things that save the day
- A basket of umbrellas, ideally in a plain color that photographs well
- Towels for wiping chairs and a few blankets for the evening
- A line on the invitation suggesting shoes that can cope with grass
- Ask your photographer where they would shoot in the rain; most have a plan, and rain portraits can be the best of the day
Plan for rain as if it were certain, and you will enjoy the sunshine far more.
Common questions
What is a rain plan for an outdoor wedding?
A second, pre-arranged place for the ceremony and reception, such as an indoor room at the venue or a tent with sides, with the cost and setup agreed in the contract.
When should you decide to move an outdoor wedding inside?
By a deadline agreed with the venue, usually a day or two before. Tent rentals often need an answer earlier, so ask the rental company for their cut-off.
How do you tell wedding guests about a change of venue?
Tell the wedding party and vendors first, then send one clear message to all guests. With a digital invitation, update the schedule and location so the link guests already have shows the new plan.
Plan it all in one place
A seating chart, a budget and a checklist that follow your guests' replies, alongside your invitation.
Start planning free →
