4 Tips To Planning a Wedding During Hurricane Season
While many wedding professionals caution against daily weather-tracking in normal conditions, hurricane season is an exception! “The most important thing you can do is to keep an eye on the weather because it changes so drastically from day to day and even hour to hour,” explains Katie Mast, Director of Community for Rock Paper Coin.
“Make sure you know the forecast for the days leading up to the wedding, the day of the wedding itself, and the days after, as you and your guests may have travel plans that will change drastically,” Mast adds.
Staying on top of the forecast allows you and your vendor team to remain agile, adjust plans, and communicate changes to guests in a timely manner.
#1 Track The Weather Closely
While many wedding professionals caution against daily weather tracking in normal conditions, hurricane season is an exception! “The most important thing you can do is to keep an eye on the weather because it changes so drastically from day to day and even hour to hour,” explains Katie Mast, Director of Community for Rock Paper Coin.
“Make sure you know the forecast for the days leading up to the wedding, the day of the wedding itself, and the days after, as you and your guests may have travel plans that will change drastically,” Mast adds.
Staying on top of the forecast allows you and your vendor team to remain agile, adjust plans, and communicate changes to guests in a timely manner.
#2 Safeguard Your Investments
There’s no denying that weddings come with a significant price tag — and with good reason! Your big day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it’s prudent to protect your interests by insuring your celebration.
“In today's uncertain times, it's especially vital to purchase travel insurance when you book your accommodations and airfare,” confirms Jen Avey, VP of Marketing for Destination Weddings Travel Group. “This will help iron out any wrinkles that may arise should a hurricane or tropical storm impede your travel schedule. In addition, be sure your guests are apprised of the importance of travel insurance, so you don't have to deal with headaches helping them navigate their options.”
Even if you’re staying close to home for the wedding, it’s worth purchasing event insurance for peace of mind in case inclement weather impacts your plans.
#3 Prioritize Contingency Planning
Backup plans are a good idea for any event, but they’re essential when planning around hurricane season. Not only do contingency plans provide peace of mind, but they also allow you to plan for alternative options that you love just as much as the original.
“If there is even a tiny chance that the weather could affect your wedding plans based on your wedding day, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan,” Mast says. “Chances are your venue and vendors have been down this road if they are locals, so lean on them for their suggestions and options.”
In particular, confirm access to backup power sources as hurricanes are known to cause widespread outages. “Look at your venue for emergency power,” urges Meredith Ryncarz, owner of Meredith Ryncarz Photography. “Most commonly, during a hurricane, power is lost. Ensuring your wedding has a working backup generator that is regularly tested will ensure your party keeps going.”
You’ll also want to discuss indoor spaces with your venue coordinator to confirm options in the case of extreme weather or flooding on the property.
#4 Wait It Out
Unfortunately, the weather is beyond anyone’s control. And with the unpredictability of hurricane season, the best course of action may be to postpone your wedding in some cases. Revisit your contracts and discuss options with your venue and vendors.
“Often, venues will have hurricane clauses or ‘acts of God,’” Ryncarz explains. “This would allow you to move your wedding day without a charge. This will ensure your guests remain safe and your wedding day occurs how you envisioned it.”
While a postponement can be tough to swallow, remember that your guests’ safety and comfort are the top priorities. Rest assured, they will be just as eager to celebrate your love when conditions clear!
Hurricane season can present a number of challenges for couples planning a wedding, but there are plenty of ways to mitigate associated risks. Keep your vendor team close, develop backup plans, and—most importantly—remain flexible and calm! Stress doesn’t look good on anyone, so trust your instincts and always put safety first.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.