Why your wedding needs a plan B

Expert tips for a perfect day .

When you’re caught up in the whirlwind of wedding planning, everything seems magical—floral arrangements, stunning venues, and visions of sunny skies. Rain? Oh, that’s never part of the fantasy. But here’s the thing: no matter how perfect Plan A is, you may still need a Plan B. Let me tell you why.

From the very first stages of planning, especially when booking your venue, Plan B should already be on your mind. I’m giving you one golden nugget of advice here, and believe me, if your budget is tight, you’ll thank me later—book a venue that has a solid Plan B. Trust me, Plan B isn’t just an afterthought. It can save the day when the weather decides to take an unexpected turn. Some venues offer contingency options, like indoor spaces or covered terraces, but if yours doesn’t, be ready to search for an external tent hire. And guess what? Those tents don’t come cheap.

Here’s the scenario: Your heart is set on an outdoor wedding. The Italian countryside, rolling hills, and a sky painted in pastels—perfect, right? But what if that picture-perfect day turns into a downpour? You don’t want to leave your guests soaked in the rain, do you? Even the best wedding planners can’t control the weather. And if your venue doesn’t have a Plan B, you’re stuck. That’s why I always recommend investing in a tent if your chosen venue lacks alternatives. You’ll sleep easier knowing you’re covered (literally).

But here’s the kicker—make sure you love Plan B as much as Plan A. Picture this: your dream wedding suddenly switches to Plan B. If you’re disappointed with the backup plan, that disappointment will loom over the entire day. You don’t want that. The key is finding a venue where even Plan B feels magical. This way, you can enjoy the day fully, rain or shine.

So, what do you need to prepare for your Plan B?

While the beginning of your wedding day will likely stay the same—getting ready in your chosen suites, makeup and hair untouched by weather concerns—the ceremony and reception setup may look different. Let’s walk through some questions you’ll want to think about ahead of time:

The Ceremony: If it rains, where will your ceremony take place? How will the seating, altar, and decor change? Will you need to move your musicians or vocalists indoors, and where will they set up?

Aperitivo (Cocktail Hour): Will your aperitivo be held in a different area, and is there enough space for your guests to mingle? Remember, they won’t need seating during this part of the day, but they’ll need shelter.

Dinner Setup: Is your Plan B dinner location big enough for all your guests? Will the seating chart, table decor, or arrangement change? Many venues have multiple options for setups. Perhaps Plan A has you dining at long imperial tables under the stars, but Plan B might require smaller, more intimate arrangements indoors.

Cake Cutting & First Dance: Will you still be able to cut the cake or have your first dance in the planned space? Or will those moments shift to another part of the venue? Oh, and those fireworks you wanted? In case of rain, they might be off the table—though indoor cold fountains could still add a magical touch!

Keep in mind that most Italian venues have noise restrictions after a certain hour—typically around 11-11:30 PM—so you might need to move the party indoors regardless of the weather. Plan accordingly so your guests can dance the night away without worrying about disturbing the neighbors.

Now, let me share a story that perfectly illustrates why Plan B is a wedding savior.

The Unexpected Twist: A Real Wedding Story

Now, let me share a story that perfectly illustrates the importance of Plan B.

It was August, the height of summer. For months, the couple and I had been focused on one thing: the heat. Italy was experiencing one of its hottest summers on record, and there hadn’t been a drop of rain for weeks. We prepped personalized fans for the guests, adjusted the schedule multiple times to avoid the hottest part of the day, and crossed our fingers for clear skies.

And then—on the wedding day—it rained.

Not just a sprinkle, but a full-blown downpour. I couldn’t believe it. After months of planning for heat, rain was the last thing on anyone’s mind. But it happened. And you know what? We had to change everything. The ceremony, the aperitivo, the dinner. It all had to move indoors.

But here’s the thing: it was perfect. Absolutely perfect. The guests had no idea that what they experienced wasn’t the original plan. They thought everything was exactly as it was supposed to be. And that’s the magic of loving your Plan B. Because when you do, you can handle anything the day throws at you, without feeling like you’re missing out on your dream wedding.

So, my biggest piece of advice? Love Plan B as much as you love Plan A. It might just save your wedding day from disappointment and a whole lot of stress.