Weather or not: Southern winters and your wedding
Ah, winters in the South. We have been having a very mild winter. Mild, as in, it is basically spring. It is amazing. I’m quite sure that I will never move from this wonderful locale. And not just for the weather…
The weather does make for some interesting scenarios for other parts of your life. Primarily event and wedding planning. As much as I have been loving our current weather pattern, it seems that no one quite knows what to do with it. Does it mean that you should plan or incorporate outdoor activities with your already planned indoor event? Does it mean that your very wintery design needs to change to a more neutral one? Does it mean that it is okay to wear more “warm weather” appropriate outfits to such events? Well, I have put down a few thoughts.
First and foremost, don’t bet on having warm weather during the winter. Think of it as a special treat. But, design your event as though normal seasonal temps will be in place. With that, I don’t recommend a tented event in the winter months. Unless you are springing for solid flooring in your tent, or tenting over concrete, you can bet that the ground will not drain as you would like it to. From my experience, if there has been any wet weather in the week prior to an event, the ground just won’t drain correctly in the winter. Warm weather or no. Thus, all the traffic in and out of the tent to set things up, all the foot traffic during the event (heels anyone?)… It adds up to a bad – probably muddy – situation. Not fun. Also, the cost effectiveness of a tented event is drastically reduced when you have to bring in side walls and heaters and flooring, etc. to make such a tent venue worthy. Not that it can’t be done. Just use your dollars wisely.
Your absolute best bet is to find a venue that offers enough indoor space that you can plan your entire event to be inside. But, have the option of being able to use their outdoor space (patios, etc.) in the good fortune that you have great weather. If, and when, that good weather happens, move your cocktails outside. Add some high boy tables and one or two pieces of music outside. These are small pieces that won’t require a huge event layout or design shift. And, it won’t draw attention away from the main event that is going on inside. Just offers your guests a little break.
My main point is that when it comes to making changes to your event at the last minute because of weather, it is much easier and more enjoyable to do it because the weather is great instead of fighting the elements to make an event happen regardless of what Mother Nature brings. As with most things, none of this matters if money is no issue. But, that is rarely the case. Just spend your dollars wisely. It is always the best situation.
Until next time… XOXO, Julie
The featured photo is one of my favorite venues, Moores Mill Club Pavilion in Auburn, Ala. In the warm months, it is open air. In the colder months, there are clear walls to keep things warm but still give the feel of the outdoors. What a perfect venue! Photo by FlipFlopFoto.com.
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