The British weather is nothing if not unpredictable, but you shouldn’t let a little thing like the chance of rain put you off that dream outdoor tipi wedding. At Hadsham Farm Weddings we’ve seen our couples celebrate in everything from glorious sunshine to heavy rain and – do you know what? – it doesn’t make a bit of difference to how amazing their big day is. The key to a brilliant outdoor celebration is forward planning. Here we share our tried and tested tips on how to weatherproof your tipi wedding and embrace whatever the weather gods decide to send your way.
If it rains…
Have a ceremony Plan B
A big draw of a tipi wedding is having an outdoor ceremony – our lakeside ceremony space is the most romantic place we could imagine for saying your ‘I do’s. But, if it’s likely to absolutely chuck it down, we think it’s so important to have a Plan B in place. And not just any old contingency plan, but an alternative option that you genuinely love. At Hadsham Farm our permanent tipi has a large dancefloor which we can transform into a beautiful ceremony space if you and your guests need to escape the rain.
Entertainment that works indoors
If it looks like you’re in for all-day rain, you just need to get creative and make the most of your tipi space. Set up different areas (like a chill-out zone and games area) and bring the entertainment inside. Come up with entertainment ideas that you both love – you could DIY the entertainment by hosting a quiz or limbo competition or call in the pros like a close-up magician or wedding illustrator.
Keep guests cosy
Worried about your guests shivering inside your tipi if the weather turns? You really don’t need to – just make sure you pick a tipi wedding venue that has some form of heating (our permanent tipi is fully heated to keep you all warm). If you’re planning a DIY tipi wedding, you may need hire your own heaters – although it’s usually something your supplier can sort out to make sure everything meets safety requirements.
Another idea is to have a ‘help yourself’ basket of soft blankets available for guests to borrow if they want to feel extra snug as the evening draws in.
We often have people commenting on how cosy it is inside our tipi when it’s raining outside, and we promise you’ll feel totally protected from the elements.
Batten down the hatches
One of the main concerns about hosting a tipi wedding, and one that we hear time and again, is that the tipi will leak if the rain is heavy. We can promise you our weatherproof tipi – and any decent tipi for that matter – is completely waterproof, even if the heavens really open. While we encourage guests to have the panoramic frontage opened up on dry days, these can be closed to protect you from the wind and rain. The sliding doors are clear-glazed, so you still get the dramatic views out across the lake (which we think looks even more spectacular in a storm!).
Think of the practicalities
If your guests need to walk from the tipi to the toilets or car park, make sure there are decent walkways in place. It’s also helpful to leave some umbrellas available for guests to use if needed.
Embrace rainy photos
Rainy wedding photos rule! If it’s going to rain, just embrace it. Dig out the umbrellas and accessorise that wedding dress with wellies for some fun photos that prove it’s really not about the weather at all.
If there’s a heatwave…
Keep guests cool
The number one priority will be making sure guests are comfortable, particularly those who may be more susceptible to the heat. Make sure there are umbrellas on hand for guests to shelter from the sun during the outdoor ceremony and lay out handheld fans (paper ones look beautiful and are a perfect eco-friendly choice) inside the tipi. Open up the sides of the tipi to let in as much air as possible – you want to allow in any breeze there is.
Keep hydrated
Make sure there’s plenty of cold water on offer for your guests throughout the day. Set up large drinks dispensers (with lots of ice) and leave out glasses for guests to help themselves. You can also do the same with a fruity alcohol-free punch, for a nice summery touch.
Create shady areas
One of the perks of a tipi wedding is having plenty of outdoor space to play with. In a heatwave, consider setting up two or three shaded spots for guests to relax in. These are particularly useful if you’re going to have young children at the wedding, who could do with a quieter space to get out of the sun.
Ice cream, always
If the sun’s out, there has to be ice cream. Hire an ice cream van or trike to serve these cooling treats to your guests. We guarantee everyone will love you for it.
Plan for everything
Even if you’ve been obsessively checking every weather app you can get your hands on, the fact is you can never 100% guarantee what the weather will be like on your wedding day. We always recommended planning for every weather eventuality, whatever the forecast may say. And that’s something our team can help you with.
Finding the perfect tipi wedding venue in the Cotswolds
If you’re searching for a dream tipi wedding venue in Oxfordshire, we’d love to invite you to visit us at Hadsham Farm Weddings. Tucked away in a secluded valley on the northern edge of the Cotswolds, our beautiful permanent tipi wedding venue is perfect for couples who want the freedom to plan a relaxed and unique day. Click here to book a viewing or to ask us any questions – we’ll get right back to you.
