Destination weddings are beautiful events that often take place outdoors, so you and your guests can savor the local beauty… but what happens if it rains during your destination wedding?
This is a big question that many of my destination wedding couples worry about before we talk, and it makes perfect sense. If you’re traveling all that way, you probably want to enjoy the natural beauty of the destination you’ve chosen.
But unfortunately, we simply cannot control the weather, try as we might. So sometimes, especially in tropical, humid locations, yes, it rains during destination weddings.
So what do we do about it!?
Make a contingency plan for rain during your destination wedding
First, if you’re having your dream destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort, know that the resort almost definitely already has a plan for a rained-out wedding situation.
But it doesn’t hurt to double-check.
I always recommend that my couples talk with the resort wedding coordinator to understand the resort’s plan for inclement weather on their big day.
Some resorts will have options for inside or covered [alternate] wedding venues, just as you had choices for your regular wedding venue. If so, go ahead and pick your favorite!
What does the resort do for my destination wedding if it rains?
Most all-inclusive resorts have a policy about inclement weather on your wedding day, and that policy often sounds something like this:
On the morning of your wedding day, the resort will check the forecast for you. If it seems possible that it will rain during your event, they will check in with the wedding couple, share the forecast and their advice based on experience. Then the wedding couple will have a deadline by which they have to decide whether to ‘call it’ and move the wedding indoors to one of their predetermined indoor venues, or whether they want to leave it outdoors and ‘risk it.’
Typically, that deadline is noon or soon after. So by noon (or the resort’s specific deadline), the couple will have to make a final decision about whether they want to stick to their outdoor wedding plan, or if they want to switch to indoors and play it safe.
If the couple decides to stick to the original plan, but then at the last minute (read: sometime after that 12 ish deadline) decides they must pack up and move the wedding indoors, there will be a fee put in place by the resort for all of the last minute labor, set-up, and use of venue.
While that might sound a bit harsh, it actually makes perfect sense, remembering that the wedding staff will then have to double their workload for your event, by moving all of your decor, chairs, arches, flowers, and other wedding items to a second location after they’d already set it up at the first location.
Keep in mind that all resorts and destination wedding teams and contracts vary, but this is the general sentiment shared by most of the resorts I’ve worked with so far.
What happens if it rains during my destination wedding?
Hopefully it won’t rain on your destination wedding day, but if it does, here are some pointers to help you continue to enjoy your big day and not stress over that which you cannot control (namely, the weather).
- Remember what’s important. This is your wedding day! It’s the ONLY time you will have this exact group of people together, in this place, in this moment, celebrating your love. You’ll have an amazing time together whether inside or out!
- This is your wedding day! As long as you and your fiance are there together, tying the knot, and everyone is safe and happy.. That’s what you came here for. Married? Check!!
- Embrace the unexpected! Just as the weather threw you an unexpected curve ball, remember that life and your marriage will do the same! We can’t control everything, and sometimes we have to roll with the punches. Why not start now?
- Sometimes you’ll get a little bit of a discount / refund on some of your un-used wedding items, if everything you planned on using for your outdoor wedding events can’t be used indoors. This isn’t always the case, but if it is, celebrate!
- As the Germans say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. Sure, your wedding dress or suit may not have been made to be in the rain.. But who cares! Sing and dance in the rain! Make special memories, and have a fabulous time. We all know that YOU bring the party, no matter where it is!
Final thoughts about rained out destination weddings
Remember, the resort and your destination wedding expert travel agent have your back, and we all want you to have an amazing wedding experience!! But not one of us can control the weather.
If your destination wedding day does get rained out, remember to pack your kindness and patience, and know that a LOT of people are working very hard to make your wedding day beautiful and unforgettable. No one wants you to get rained out.
There are back–up plans in place. Your wedding contract also probably has contingency plans written in. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the gravity of the decisions you’re making, as well as the deadlines for when you must make those decisions.
Pro Tip you never asked for:
Getting hammered on your wedding day isn’t always the greatest idea for several reasons (even if you’re at an all-inclusive resort).. Including that you might have to make a big decision about where to actually have your wedding ceremony, if rain is involved!
Remember that this day is special because of who you’re with and what you’re doing and celebrating. The rest is extra. Make the most out of your destination wedding day; you’ll never get it back!
Wishing you sunny skies and light breezes for a perfect destination wedding day!
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