How to Prepare for Extreme Wedding Weather Conditions
You can’t control the weather on your wedding day, but you can certainly prepare for it right?
Don’t mean to start this blog on a somber note, but there’s no denying that the beginning of the summer wedding season down under has been absolutely horrible. With bushfires raging through all states of Australia and soaring temperatures (definitely no sign of rain in the near future), it’s difficult to predict the weather conditions for your wedding.
There are however a few steps that you can consider when preparing for extreme wedding weather conditions. Let’s not sweat the little stuff and plan ahead!
Choose the ideal wedding date that works for you
With summer being the most popular season to get married, you certainly have to be prepared to face the worst of the worst wedding weather. The Australian heat is unbearable and temperatures can exceed 40 degrees celsius. As I write this, it’s currently 44 degrees in Melbourne, but it probably feels like 50 under direct sunlight.
Australian weather conditions can vary whether you’re in the east or west of the country and this can make picking a wedding date particularly difficult.
You’re either a summer or winter lover. Then there’s the in-betweeners who would prefer autumn or spring. In short, there’s no right or wrong date. Have a chat with your fiancée and decide what works for the both of you.
Whether it’s rain, hail or sunshine, you will need to have a plan B in place. Extreme wedding weather conditions such as bushfires could potentially cause havoc, so double check your contracts in particular with your venue and suppliers and decide if you require wedding insurance.
No couple ever wants to think about rescheduling their wedding date, but it’s something to consider if there are serious threats.
Venue selection is key
Now you may be a die-hard lover of the heat, but it’s imperative to take your guests comfort into mind before making a decision.
Setting a mandap outdoors may seem ideal for you. A 1 to 2 hour Hindu wedding ceremony though is a particularly long time for your guests to be sitting outside in the scorching sun. Ask your venue for the option to set up a marquee and order personalised fans or custom water bottles for each of your guests.
Torrential rain or hail is probably worse than extreme heat. Your wedding venue could have an indoor backup option for you in place in case of such conditions. Do ensure that you check this well ahead of time.
Photography by Beatrice Elford via Vineyard Bride.
Check the weather forecast
The general rule of thumb is to keep an eye on the weather report a week out from your wedding. However, conditions can change at any time and often when you least expect it. Sadly, you can’t blame the weather gods or the weatherman.
It is a waiting game, but try to stay calm. The weather conditions could swing one way or another. Be prepared with your umbrellas and emergency kits. Above all, speak to your venue coordinator and planner to plan accordingly.
Mandap decor via Décor A Shaan.
Keep calm and carry on
You did your bit, spent a lot of money and time planning the perfect day, so now is the time to let your hair down and party.
By all means, do not cancel your wedding due to rain. Your photographer is a pro and knows how to handle themselves under such circumstances. He or she will capture great memories. Also, just because you didn’t get the weather conditions you prayed for on your wedding day, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it.
Let’s hope for the best as no one wishes for their wedding to be rescheduled. It’s a tough decision to make.
Lean on your friends and family for support. This is the most important day of your lives and extreme wedding weather ain’t going to ruin it for you and your beau!
Have you got any stories to share about this topic? Let us know in the comments below.
Also, if you would like to support the firefighting, animal rescue and relief efforts and other volunteer organisations in Australia, check out the following links:
Victorian Country Fire Authority
South Australian Country Fire Service
NSW Wildlife, Information, Rescue and Education Service
Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund
Bendigo Bank Bushfire Disaster Appeal
A lot of local businesses in city and rural parts of Australia are also impacted by this catastrophe, so do your bit to support them in any way possible.

Poonam is the founder and director of The Maharani Diaries. She has a passion for South Asian fashion and weddings. Drinking coffee is one of her favourite pastimes and she also enjoys donating her time for charity. You’ll often find her volunteering on the side for various community events.
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