Weather-Proofing Your Wedding: Tips for Planning in Any Season

Winters in Ocala, Florida, are perfect for outdoor weddings if you prefer mild weather. After all, the temperatures average out in the 50s and 60s, and while that may seem a bit chilly to Floridians, it's perfect for wearing heavy evening gowns and dancing the night away.

Are you planning an outdoor winter wedding in Ocala? Outdoor weddings can be risky, but by doing it in winter, you're avoiding storm season and the hot and humid summer!

We're here with some practical advice for your special day. Read on to learn more.

Choose the Right Venue

Select a venue that complements your wedding theme and accommodates the number of guests you expect. Consider factors such as stunning scenery, accessibility (especially if you have guests who need extra accommodations), specific amenities, and weather backup plans.

It's a good idea, when planning a wedding that has at least a small outdoor portion (if not a whole outdoor wedding), to choose a venue that has both indoor and outdoor areas (like our golf course). This allows you to move guests indoors in the event of poor weather, such as rain or an uncommon Florida chill.

There are so many fantastic wedding venue options to choose from, so take your time and choose one that truly captures the energy that you want your wedding to have.

Consider Renting a Tent or Canopy

If you plan on an outdoor wedding, consider renting a tent or canopy to put outside, even if you also have an indoor area to retreat to. A tent or canopy can be a fantastic place for your guests to go in the event of unexpected weather changes.

Is it starting to rain? It might not officially be Florida's rainy season, but it's not uncommon for it to drizzle in winter. Your guests can get under the tent to stay dry without having to disrupt any of the fun.

Is it unseasonably hot and humid? You may have thought it was safe to choose a black-tie dress code considering the season, but Florida can still get quite hot even during the cooler months! The tent provides a nice shaded place to cool off and gather some refreshments away from the sun.

If it happens to get too chilly (yes, even here in sunny Florida), the tent can also protect guests from wind.

Offer Guests Comfort Amenities

You want to keep your guests happy at your wedding. To do that, there are several goodies and amenities you can provide that will keep them feeling comfortable regardless of what happens with the weather.

Keep your guests comfortable by providing amenities such as shade (with the tent or large umbrellas), seating, fans, bug repellent, spray sunscreen, and hydration stations.

Consider offering flip-flops for dancing on grass or providing blankets if it gets chilly. Umbrellas in the event of rain are also a good idea.

You can even get some of these things customized. This will make them cuter and turn them into festive wedding favors. They'll be a part of the wedding rather than an afterthought.

Dress Code Considerations

What's the dress code going to be for your wedding? When it comes to winter in Florida, you can be flexible. The weather tends to be pretty mild, but there are some things you should keep in mind.

Advise your guests on appropriate attire for an outdoor wedding. Consider the terrain and weather when choosing the wedding attire and footwear you recommend for your guests.

For example, you may want to recommend against stiletto heels if the wedding is going to be in the grass or sand.

While winter weather tends to be mild in Ocala, nights can still get chilly. If your wedding will extend into the evening, consider advising your guests to bring a shawl or jacket, especially if they don't live in the area. Many people don't expect the nights in Florida to get chilly, and they're unpleasantly surprised.

Coordinate and Communicate With Vendors

When you're planning a wedding, your vendors are the people who bring it to life. You need to help them help you. If you're not all on the same page, you're more likely to run into issues.

Communicate with your vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, musicians, and even your wedding planner to ensure they are ready and equipped to work in an outdoor setting.

Discuss setup logistics, power requirements, and contingency plans with each vendor. These vendors likely understand the local conditions and many of them may have worked at this exact venue in the past, but if you have any specific requests, you want to be on the same page before the event starts.

Stay Flexible

Weddings are stressful events. One of the best things you can do when you're having an outdoor wedding is to remain as flexible as possible.

Be prepared to change the wedding timeline in the event of any weather-related delays or interruptions. Do your best to allow extra time for your guests to move between indoor and outdoor venue areas. Try to stick to start and end times, but give yourself some wiggle room.

This will reduce your stress and help you enjoy your wedding more.

Enjoy the Day

There's no such thing as a weather-proof wedding. All you can do is enjoy the day regardless of what it throws at you. Remember, this is your special day, and even if the weather isn't perfect, it's going to be a great memory.

Try to relax and have fun with it.

Prepare for Your Outdoor Winter Wedding

An outdoor winter wedding in Florida can be a great experience! The weather is mild and our outdoor space is stunning. While unique weather conditions can always occur, you'll be ready for them!

At Stone Creek Golf Club, we'd be happy to host your wedding. Our stunning and elegant event space is ideal for wedding ceremonies and receptions. We also provide an on-site coordinator to help you create a picture-perfect wedding day.

Ready to start planning? Reach out today.