With green spaces like Forest Park, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, our city has many couples dreaming of an outdoor wedding. But there’s a catch. You may have heard the saying, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes.” The area’s turbulent weather has the potential to turn bridal dreams into a nightmare. We asked a few local experts for their advice on how to navigate any rain, wind, or sun in the forecast.
Here Comes the Rain Again
Couples have been known to comb the National Weather Service archives for rainfall data and obsessively check Weather Underground as their date of choice draws near, but rain remains hard to predict. If there’s moisture in the forecast, some venues require you to rent a tent for the ceremony and reception area—and even if your venue doesn’t, keeping a rental company on speed dial isn’t a bad idea. Also, if you have Twitter on your phone, keep the hashtag #stlwx refreshed—it stands for “St. Louis weather,” and it’s one of the best ways to get up-to-the-minute updates on what to expect next.
Otherwise, wedding planner Katie Saeger of Simply & Forever (simplyandforever.com) suggests making the most of the theme. “If there’s a light rain, buy umbrellas in matching colors for your bridal party,” she says. “They make for some cute photos.” To protect guests as they arrive on-site, you may want to purchase some large golf umbrellas in coordinating colors as well, with a decorative basket for storage.
This Tornado Loves You
Many couples don’t factor the wind into their plans—until the sirens start wailing. And even if the sky isn’t turning green, the wind can be a real headache. Brides and bridesmaids may want to consider the fabric of their dresses, opting for heavier materials and avoiding chiffons and light silks. The bride should be sure to warn her hairstylist that she’ll be outdoors, and the wedding party may want to opt for extra hairspray or pomade to keep their hair coiffed. For the reception, if the caterers aren’t on it already, be sure napkins are tucked under place settings, tablecloths are weighted, and any glassware is hefty.
Beyond that, if you have to take shelter, hopefully your bartender will make it to the basement with you. We asked writer Joe Kolk of the #stlwx Cook Book (stlwxcookbook.tumblr.com) to share a couple of his favorite drink recipes for weird wedding weather. For a classy cocktail, opt for the Dark & Stormy (natch): In a highball glass, combine ice cubes, 2 ounces rum, and ginger beer or ginger ale, and garnish with a lime wedge. For truly intense conditions, however, he suggests a drink called Appeasing the Gods. The recipe: “1. Face west and drink a shot of whatever while praying to the deity of your choice. 2. After the #stlwx event is done, drink another shot of the same, as you just survived a disaster. 3. Check your car for hail damage.” And carry on.
You Are the Sunshine of My Life
OK, so it’s beautiful outside—but then that wave of heat (and humidity) hits you. As with a chance of rain, renting a tent may be a good choice for extremely sunny days, especially for the reception area. Parasols are also a good choice for the bridal party. And for your guests, if you’re getting married in the heat of summer, Saeger advises, “Make your program into a fan.” Each guest will then end up with a keepsake that helps beat the heat. It’s also a good idea to have plenty of ice water, punch, or lemonade on hand as guests arrive at the ceremony and throughout the reception to avoid dehydration. Consider renting fans from a local vendor to keep the dance floor from becoming too hot to handle.
If you choose not to have a tent or expect the sun to intensify, setting out personalized sunscreens can be a blessing to your guests (a number of websites will print the labels to match your colors). Also, on the subject of colors, consider a light theme, especially for the guys. “On my wedding day in July, it was 9,000 degrees,” recalls FOX 2 meteorologist Glenn Zimmerman. “Not exactly the best time for a black tux and outside photos.”
