How to Prepare For a Hurricane On Your Wedding Day

As much as you prepare and try to plan every detail of your wedding day from start to finish, the weather is something you can't always predict or control. So if you're getting married in a hurricane-prone area such as Florida, Texas or the Carolinas during hurricane season, which typically runs from May through November, there's a possibility that there will be a hurricane on your wedding day. Cue scenes from the 2022 Father of the Bride movie. If this is the case, it's essential to prepare ahead of time and have a Plan B ready to go. Ahead, a Florida-based wedding planner shares her top tips on navigating the possibility of a hurricane on your wedding day and what to do if it does happen.

In this article:

• Hurricane on Wedding Day Meaning
• How to Prepare for the Chance of a Hurricane
• What to Do If There Is a Hurricane on Your Wedding Day

Hurricane on Wedding Day Meaning

If you're wondering if there's a hurricane on your wedding day meaning, the good news is it doesn't mean bad luck. "Rain on your wedding day isn't just a weather forecast; it's nature's way of setting the stage for a tale of abundance and renewal," says Rayven Crisafulli, the lead planner and owner of White Magnolia Weddings & Events. In other words, think of a hurricane on your wedding day as a "symbolic shower of unity, strengthening your partnership, and hinting at an enduring, strong marriage."

How to Prepare for the Chance of a Hurricane

Crisafulli says that preparing for a possible hurricane on your wedding day involves adding foresight and adaptability to your wedding planning checklist and timeline. For starters, if you know you're getting married in a hurricane-prone area, choose your date wisely by avoiding peak hurricane season. Pro tip: Some apps can predict your wedding day weather which may help. Still, she notes that the beginning and end of hurricane season may not be entirely storm-free, so keep that in mind.

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If you've already booked your venue and vendors, Crisafulli advises carefully reviewing your vendor contracts, specifically the cancellation and rescheduling policies tied to weather disruptions. "Look for the 'Force Majeure' or 'Act of God' clauses," she says. "These often provide a safety net for situations beyond your control, like hurricanes." For additional peace of mind, Crisafulli also recommends investing in wedding insurance that covers extreme weather conditions, which can safeguard a large portion of your expenses should you postpone or cancel the wedding.

Furthermore, it would be best if you also have a Plan B venue—one that won't be affected by harsh weather. "If your heart is set on an outdoor venue, consider an indoor backup or a location outside the storm's projected path," Crisafulli says. "Think about family properties or other large, accommodating spaces." And as part of your Plan B, she also recommends keeping a comprehensive list of contact information for your guests and vendors to make communication easier if anything changes.

What to Do If There Is a Hurricane on Your Wedding Day

If you did all the hurricane prep work and the weather forecast says there will indeed be a hurricane on your wedding day, here's your point-by-point guide on how to best navigate the situation.

Safety first.

Above all else, remember that everyone's safety is the most important thing, which is why Crisafulli recommends making that the guiding star of your decisions. So if the weather is extreme, she suggests rescheduling your entire wedding as your wedding day should be filled with joy, not risk. "We always prioritize safety, considering factors like road conditions, bridge accessibility and water levels," she says. "There are instances where the venue might be untouched, but travel routes could be hazardous."

Move the event indoors.

If the weather permits it and travel conditions remain safe, consider proceeding with the wedding in a secure, indoor venue. "Collaborate with your venue and vendors to establish necessary safety measures, like secure indoor arrangements, adequate drainage and backup power," Crisafulli says. "Confirm that your venue will be adequately staffed to handle your event under these extraordinary circumstances."

If there happens to be unexpected downpours, Crisafulli recommends having all the essentials on hand: "umbrellas, hair and makeup touch-ups, and even rain boots— ensuring your guests are comfortable and cared for."

Have your ceremony now and reception later.

If your heart is set on saying your "I dos," Crisafulli says another option is having an intimate ceremony with your closest friends and family members on your planned wedding day and postponing the reception for later. You can even live stream the ceremony for those who couldn't attend. "Love finds a way, after all," Crisafulli says. "Sometimes, a smaller, cozier gathering can become an intimate and unforgettable celebration."

Keep the lines of communication open.

Whether you postpone your wedding altogether, proceed with the celebration indoors, or opt to have the ceremony now and the reception later, communication is the name of the game when navigating all the changes. Once you've decided what changes need to be made (the sooner, the better!), Crisafulli advises letting all your guests and vendors know as soon as possible. Pro tip: Use your wedding website as a reliable information hub for the latest updates.

Set a new date.

If you postpone your wedding due to the hurricane, Crisafulli says your next step is to connect with your wedding insurance provider to get the claim process started. Once the storm has passed, select a new wedding date and let your guests and vendors know. Again, your wedding website is an excellent hub for this information. Crisafulli also recommends having guests RSVP for the new date as well. For vendors, keep in mind that some may not be available on your new date. So Crisafulli says you may need to find alternatives and/or pay a rescheduling fee.

Remember to stay flexible.

Lastly, if you proceed with the wedding as planned, Crisafulli says flexibility is your anchor when navigating the situation. "Account for possible delays in arrivals and departures and empathize with those who may not be able to attend due to weather conditions," she says. "If any vendor is unavailable, consider seeking their recommendations for a replacement who can weather the storm. In the face of uncertainty, a little adaptability goes a long way in creating a memorable day."