Maybe choose a venue that has both options? That was a huge thing for us. Being able to freely choose if we wanted indoor or outdoor and it not being an issue. With our venue, we just have to confirm our decisions 10 days before and luckily most weather apps can predict weather far enough in advance obviously weather can change from day to day but even then if I saw any possibility of it raining, I would immediately move my wedding indoors.

I was planning on one and I heard a lot of negative feedback from guests regarding concerns about the heat even though it was in a mountain range so typically cooler and it would have started around 5pm. Some were joking and some were rude about why we would we put our guests through that. I also had some anxiety about what would happen if it rained or was hot etc. bugs including bees are also a big concern.

Also, if you are doing a tent, it’s a lot more money to customize it to your liking so think about those costs as well.

In the end, we didn’t feel like it was worth it and we ended up going with an indoor venue.

People always worry about rain. In my years of experience with outdoor weddings wind is by far the biggest problem no one ever thinks about. Wind will ruin everything.

For the weather it depends where you're at and the time if year. We live in So Cal and got married in October and the weather was still nice. It did get a little cold at night though. Thankfully we had blankets for our guest

I've been to a few outdoor weddings in the last year. They were all great! Just think about what your backup plan is if there is rain or if it's cold (probably a tent with sides) and just make sure you're ok with that in the background of your pictures! Also make sure anyone helping to set up the wedding is ready with a rain plan. We went to a wedding where it rained a few hours before the ceremony, but none of the chairs were wiped down for guests. The outdoor weddings we went to were absolutely gorgeous!!!!

Someone else posted already but definitely think about bathroom situation and how far people will have to walk. One outdoor wedding we went to, they had this portable bathroom trailer thing that was actually very nice, and was able to be close to all the action.

We're hoping for outdoors in the woods at a private venue.

They've offered 2 different contingency plans - their indoor marquee space or they have a covered area in their courtyard.

Or a third - they have umbrellas for everyone 😂

Right now it's looking like sun/cloud for us though but we're also in 2 weeks time

We're planning for covered courtyard or umbrellas unless it's horrific then we will go indoors

Make sure all your vendors are on board with your rain plan!! 

Our ceremony and reception were outside, but they had two covered options if it rained. Or venue staff was very competent in handling sudden changes and pivot to either of the covered areas— one was indoors and the other was a large pavilion. 

Since there was only about a 20% forecast late into the night (around 10ish), we decided to hold it all outside and then move to the pavilion if it rained. 

It did start raining, so the venue staff helped the DJ move under the pavilion… but he moved himself back out because it wasn’t raining super hard and he liked the vibes better in the open area anyway! I kept trying to fight with him to go back under the pavilion the whole night but he wouldnt listen to me (or my husband) and eventually it did rain harder and his stuff got ruined and he left early.

The forecast is useless weeks in advance so don’t panic yet. But if you’re going to be disappointed with the indoor ceremony space do you have the budget for extra decor? Like candles and extra flowers/petals? 

Definitely hold the ceremony inside or let guests know they can arrive at cocktail hour. They won’t mind if the ceremony room is less than gorgeous but they’ll be unhappy all night if their clothes are wet. 

Haha, not “could be” inaccurate - if you’re weeks away, it’s TOTALLY inaccurate. At best, 5 days before you’ll get something more reliable and 2-3 days before you can nearly count on it. Don’t stress yet!

Have a Plan B lined up, then embrace the change, should it happen.

We planned to get married on the beach in Key West. Just us two, no guests. In the afternoon, it totally poured so we called the planner. He found a small church, and it worked out just as well. Next day, we got dressed back up and met the photographer at the beach. No complaints!

I didn’t have an outdoor wedding for this reason. You simply have to have a backup plan (which most venues do, but of course make sure) if the weather isn’t great and be okay with that! Gotta be flexible

I would not consider any outdoor wedding unless it was guaranteed that there was a turn-on-a-dime backup plan. Our venue has an indoor alternative and we literally don’t have to decide til noon the day of if we need to implement it.

Never book an outdoor wedding without a backup indoor plan ,,period

It’s always a risk but a good venue will have backup plans of their procedures in the event that happens.

Review the common weather in your venues city for the time of year you choose.

I have a friend who got married in SoCal in August and there was randomly forecasted rain! Who would’ve thought. It didn’t end up raining though 🤷🏻‍♀️

I got married in November in SoCal and it was a beautiful day with no odd weather. (Ceremony was outdoors and reception indoors)

Best of luck!

Having a plan B is essential, even if you choose the least rainy month of the year! I got married in winter and I had a beautiful day, whereas 2 of my relatives who got married in the middle of summer rained and had to resort to the backup plan that luckily they both had.

Outdoor wedding ideas are trending, because outdoor weddings are a hit for modern couples for very obvious reasons. From its natural beauty, ample space, and natural light which allows the full bloom of outside wedding decoration ideas.

Outdoor wedding ideas are trending, because outdoor weddings are a hit for modern couples for very obvious reasons. Its natural beauty, ample space, and natural light allow the full bloom of outside wedding decoration ideas. Regardless of the theme, you need expert input of refreshing outside wedding ideas to make the most of your wedding venue.

Put flood lights with colored gels on the ground pointed up at trees. It’s a cool way to add background texture to the event and your photos.

Get glow necklaces / bracelets / glasses for the dance floor.

I used battery powered string lights and tiki torches for light.

String lights! And battery powered tea lights in jars, especially if you need to line any paths or walkways. My friend had a backyard wedding and she strung up fairy lights from her clothes line, which looked fabulous.

Wedding planner here:

Agree with the poster that said parking and bathrooms! Don’t forget to also consider vendor parking and staff in those capacities.

Is your caterer making the food on site or will it be in chaffing dishes? Do they need power and/or running water? What about for the bar, washing glassware, etc? Do you have enough power for your lighting and sound system and enough extension cords to run to the house/generator?

Consider a storage location for all of the boxes those rental items come in, extra furniture and linens, road cases for your DJ’s equipment, and the delivery schedule of everything. Tent has to go up first, likely at least one day ahead of time, then furniture, etc. Talk to your vendors and confirm the set up and delivery of everything in detail. It’s basically a Gantt chart; one thing has to be finished before the next can begin. Then the same in reverse for tear down.

If your friend isn’t an experienced DOC you may want to look into getting a pro for this if it’s in your budget. Backyard weddings are often a little more complex for these reasons and it might be a lot of pressure for them to manage if they’ve never done them before - but that also can depend on how many guests and how much of the before-and-after you will be full time managing.

Good luck, I’m sure it will be beautiful!

Hire someone to come fix your yard up starting like a month before the wedding ��

I would recommend hiring people to set up/clean up afterwards so you don’t have to if that is available in your budget!

Make sure to think about parking and bathrooms.

I went to a wedding a few years back where it absolutely downpoured for the ceremony and there was no indoor option. They got clear umbrellas for the wedding party and the photos turned out sooo good. Umbrellas might at least keep your vows and paperwork dry. I hope the weather turns around for you!

My friends and I started a rule that whoever is getting married gets two clear umbrellas and then it won't rain. So far we are 3 for 3 no rain and I got married in December in the PNW and my other friend had a 40% chance of rain. Sounds dumb, but all you can do now is prepare. Clear umbrellas for everyone. Maybe a close toe shoe option. A clear rain coat even. I've seen some tailored ones. Lean into it, which is hard when you've built your day up in your mind. Most wedding dresses can be cleaned, just remind yourself that. I got my dress in a mud puddle and a tidal pool during photos and it was greasy (lord knows what was in those pools) and brown... I hand washed it the next day in the tub with some mild bar soap, it's good as new.

I’ve seen some, a lot, of gorgeous rainy day wedding photos. But the clear umbrellas will be like insurance!

Maybe ask if your photographer has any ideas for a backup plan!

Others have said it here already, but get some clear umbrellas off Amazon and don't stress! Getting married in the outdoors comes with weather and with that comes unpredictability. However, rainy wedding photos often have a SUPER romantic vibe to them and best case scenario I think is that you actually get a little bit of rain and then some sunshine after - best of both worlds! Bottom line, don't stress, your day is going to be fantastic regardless!

Get married in the PNW!! From September-May you have a pretty good chance (almost 100%) 😌

Outside of picking somewhere in a tropical zone with very predictable and consistent rainfall during their traditional rainy season there’s not much you can do to control this.

Hmmmm. If you want real rain, and a genuine rainy day atmosphere you can't schedule it to guarantee yourself a rainy day, but you can plan to have it somewhere at some time that it's reasonably likely to rain. Lots of people wish they could have guaranteed sunny weather on their wedding day, but the best they can do is pick a season it's fairly likely to be sunny or pick a destination where it very rarely rains. Like Arizona.

So for your case:

Does it rain a lot where you live? Do you get seasons with more frequent rain?

Would you like to/is it realistic to pick a destination somewhere with a lot of rainfall or a rainy season?

Alternatively:

If it's about aesthetic or getting certain pictures for you:

There are garden and greenhouse wedding venues. Maybe you could work with the venue and a photographer to get some interesting shots using sprinklers...

We're doing a night wedding in Jan Orlando- should be warm but it can actually hit 35-40 - that gets really cold feeling pretty quickly (reception is able to be enclosed) ... in addition to the heaters on standby--

Fire pit & Adirondack chairs with a hand full of nice bigger blankets (thicker/larger than lap/ceremony) & more bigger blankets for your lounges

Updated sources for website advising your guests to bring shrugs/sweaters/faux fur ...

For my bridesmaids - because the weather could be 80-35 and I don't want anyone unprepared-- I am giving them cropped cardigans, faux fur cropped jackets & silk wraps (oh and a pair of those "nude illusion" leggings that look like hose) - I found some great sources & tested them lol They have a bunch of gorgeous colors/washable & several sleeve lengths- they're basically direct from manufacturer so they a steal too (BBB but I still love a bargain 😂 & I know these sweaters are sold elsewhere for $50+) I will get you a link ...

If possible, situate your seating area to be sheltered from wind, or have some kind of windbreak. Nothing takes the life out of the party faster than a cold wind.

If it’s high 40s after dark you really shouldn’t be having an outdoor Al fresco dinner…

Blankets at each seat…can double as a favor

Get the anti-insect incense sticks! They smell better than the candles and are very low key and effective. Be SUPER prepared for rain - it almost rained at ours and I realized our plan B sucked. I’m so so happy it didn’t but if I was planning it again I’d prioritize being equally happy with both options over anything else. I was SO stressed about weather.

What part of PA?