“A professional event planner should never sing the party blues!”
Liz Taylor is managing director of celebrity wedding planners, the Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC). She has been planning spectacular weddings across the UK and Europe for the past 30 years, so has plenty of experience to ensure that your big day goes smoothly – even in the unpredictable British climate!
“Psychic I am not,” says Liz, “but as far as sunshine goes, I think it is safe to say that all our outdoor events this year are not likely to be bathed in endless sunlight! The only predictable thing about the weather is that we all know it can be shockingly unpredictable!”
Discover how to use Liz’s insider knowledge to help you beat the British weather and still have a day to remember – for all the right reasons!
Plan, Plan, Plan
“If you are using a marquee, make sure that your hire company do a rigorous site visit before the event. Discuss with them the suitability of your chosen area, as you may find that the idyllic spot that you have in mind is on ground liable to flood if there was a downpour!”
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“Choose your marquee flooring wisely – moisture can seep through, so consult your suppliers and opt for something robust and that is insulated – you don’t want a waterlogged dance floor to scupper any killer moves!
“If you are erecting marquees and providing portable bathrooms, make sure that you create paths between them that are canopied in case it should rain, or provide shade if it’s hot. Make the paths part of your décor, with branding and lighting. They will look fabulous.
“TLC insists that all venues we use have in-built air conditioning and heating systems to allow us to adapt the temperature inside depending on the weather.”
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Super Weather Beaters
“For outdoor wet weather, such as festivals, tipis or garden parties, beat the weather blues with wedding branded wellies – we’ve never had any returned yet! Likewise, umbrellas – have bespoke brollies or summer parasols created for the wedding party, which will provide some fun, shade and a great take-home gift for guests. Providing someone to escort guests from cars, under cover of a brolly or golf carts, helps too, especially if the parking is a long walk from the party!”
A refreshing change
“In extreme heat (well there is a chance in the UK!) serve plenty of iced water in funky coloured bottles and hand round iced towels for guests to freshen up with. Iced glasses of homemade lemonade or mini fruit iced lollies (vodka or Pimms lollies for the adults) helps to beat the weather blues in style!”
“Provide plenty of shaded options on the lawn – covered terraces, yurts, canopies….perfect to keep the sun off guests. Lovely hand-held fans are perfect for guests to use and provide quality sun screen as a gorgeous take-home gift.
“Think lighter options with a cold starter and dessert for the warm weather – serve a chilled cocktail on arrival or, as is popular in Mediterranean countries, offer guests a glass of good chilled red or rose wine. Mini artisan ice cream cone canapes are fabulous or have an ice cream van at your reception – vintage and popular with the children.”
Warm things up
For cooler days, go for a variation on warm ‘mulled’ wine or even mugs of hot chocolate are popular, and we are serving lots of mini handmade pies in individual dishes this year, duos of soups in one bowl and lovely sticky puds with individual jugs of custard. Traditional and popular.
For outside options, patios with outdoor fireplaces or heaters are an option. Provide gorgeous coloured throws, cushions and hot drinks such as Peppery Ginger Cider, boozy hot chocolate or whisky hot toddy. Served from retro thermos flasks. Perfect.
Image from Donovan and Santinis winter wedding, taken by Annie McElwain Photography
One thing is for sure though, as a seasoned event organiser is someone who plans meticulously to beat weather event blues. Stick with these tips, and you should be prepared for anything the British weather throws at you!
About Liz Taylor
Liz Taylor has been planning stylish wedding for more than 30 years. She is managing director of award-winning celebrity wedding planners the Taylor Lynn Corporation.
Author: Kate Lovell
Our very first writer for The Gay Wedding Guide with over 300 articles written. Unfortunately, she no longer writes for us as she left to focus on other copywriting and projects but she'll always have a dedicated place in our hearts here at The Gay Wedding Guide.
