April showers might bring May flowers, but they also spoil wedding days. While April brides in Las Vegas won’t have to worry nearly as much about the weather as the Royal Wedding crew in Britain, it is worth taking a few moments to be prepared.
With an average two inches of rain per year in Las Vegas, Nevada, there’s no need to give you wedding planning tips for the flood of the century (after all, it’s not the notoriously flood-worthy month of August yet). Instead, today we’d like to present a few practical tips for brides who might encounter a few sprinkles of rainfall at their Las Vegas weddings.
Switch your shoes.
Don’t ruin your best shoes in the rain. Wear a different pair from your home to the venue. Then, once you’re safe inside, change into your wedding shoes.
Provide ushers with umbrellas.
Appoint ushers to carry matching umbrellas. Then, as guests arrive, ask your ushers with umbrellas to escort guests from the parking lot to the venue’s front door. This will add an extra element of elegance to the atmosphere while keeping guests happy and dry.
Book a venue that allows an outdoor wedding to move indoors.
In case of inclement weather, be sure your wedding venue has an alternate location. Before you book, view these indoor areas and negotiate additional costs. Make sure your guest list can be accommodated, and ask your venue’s event coordinator about the standard procedure on the wedding day if the location must be moved.
Rent a tent.
If your venue doesn’t provide an alternate location, then rent a tent the second you see storm clouds coming. If only a light drizzle occurs with no wind, you’re likely safe with only overhead protection and perhaps flooring, which will still give your guests a good view of spectacular surrounding scenery. However, in heavier rainfall and windy weather, reserve a full rain tent with siding and a few heaters as well.
Plan multiple locations for wedding party photos.
While your venue’s gardens are a gorgeous set for photos, you won’t want to trek your dress’ train through the mud. Choose an alternate location for photos, in case of rain. However, if you can make it outside for pictures without stepping across wet earth, then pick up your gown by the hem, snag an umbrella from an usher, and pose for perfect rainy day photos. Remember to never force your wedding party into the weather against their will. If they’re concerned that their hair will frizz or their shoes will stain, then just shoot wedding party photos at your alternate indoor location. Save the outside photographs of rainy day romance solely for you and your groom.
Want to learn more wedding weather wisdom? View yesterday’s article “What to do when a windstorm strikes your Las Vegas wedding,” and check back later this week for our final part in this series.
Author: Allyson Siwajian