To say that just because you can have your wedding outside in March…

[Forwardthinkingcrayfish]

… it doesn’t mean you should?

Wedding is tomorrow and the weather forecast is 12 degrees with winds ranging between 20mph and 40mph where we are, but no rain. I’m involved at the venue. Guests will be outside and suppliers/musicians are booked to serve/perform outside for the ceremony and drinks part. Everyone is likely to be absolutely freezing, yet the bride still “has her heart set” on an outdoor wedding. I just don’t see how anyone would enjoy standing outside for 3 hours in wedding attire?!

This is by far not the first wedding in similar circumstances, and won’t be the last. I have no say on the bride’s decision, but I’m putting it out here because I’m curious!

AIBU to think that the comfort of the guests and staff is more important than going ahead with an outdoor wedding whatever the weather?

It's one thing to wear warm clothes if you are active, such as walking, but another standing around on the same spot whilst endless photos are taken etc.

I agree with op but it’ll backfire on them because everyone will be cold and miserable. When it’s time for the photos people will looked pale and strained, the hair dos will be shot, people will have gone to cars for puffa coats or be awol searching out some indoor space. This is what happens when you treat guests cheaply.

Terrible. A church costs nothing and they are purpose built to seat guests so that they can hear and stay out of the weather. The music sounds better too.

We were soaked through and in pain with the cold at one wedding (but thankfully moved indoors after the ceremony.)

Have out door drinks and photos and out door options during the reception but comfort from poor weather is everything.

If that was the type of wedding and they had been forewarned why not? People seem to have very closed minds about what can be worn at a wedding.

Went to an outdoor wedding on a farm in April. It was 7C, and drizzled. No indoor options at all. Even the meal was in a tent with no heat. By 7pm most people had gone back to their cars and changed into dog walking gear, or any sort of outdoor clothes they could find in the boot. One family had a bag destined for the charity shop. The dance floor looked very strange.....

I just don’t see how anyone would enjoy standing outside for 3 hours in wedding attire?!

Surely you dress for the weather, though? Guests will not be planning to show up, in strappy high heels, bare legs, a short-sleeved dress and a fascinator,

The only outdoor weddings I've been to have been in summer and autumn, and warm, but a regular walking route of mine used to bring me right through a woodland clearing a local farm used as a wedding venue, so I saw weddings at all times of year and in some poor weather. People were wearing coats and wellies and generally appeared to be having a good time. Staff were also warmly dressed. Surely if you regularly cater for weddings, weddings in cold/windy conditions aren't a surprise to you?

It's hard to dress for the outdoor weather if you're going to be standing still in it. Most outdoor activities that you do in the cold are brisk - hiking, riding, biking etc. It's actually quite hard to stay warm when stationary.

Maybe there's more dancing than there would be indoors? I don't know, but the weddings I used to pass always looked lovely (the woodland was gorgeous), and everyone looked as if they were having a good time. Maybe people eat and drink more, move around more, dance more, eat more hot food at chilly outdoor weddings? There were definitely blankets and haybales in a tent where the dancefloor was. And a firepit.

My dsis has booked an outdoor ceremony for November. No amount of telling her that photos will be full of people in coats with umbrellas will sway . Ridiculous.

I agree, it's bonkers and risky. My cousin had an outdoor ceremony because his bride has her heart set of marrying at a particular castle. However the castle only offered the use of one (large)room for the dinner/evening party so the ceremony was in the grounds. There was an indoor ceremony venue but it was a modern barn and quite small so bride rejected that. Luckily the weather was OK (though lady guests were sinking all over the lawn in their heels!) No one was allowed into the dining room until the meal was ready so welcome drinks were also outside. Then after the dinner we all got sent back outside while the staff set up the room for the evening party. As I said the weather was OK but we didn't feel very welcome.

It’s foolhardy but ultimately it’s not your wedding and they can do what they want for their own wedding…

A church does cost something though! You do have to pay for a church wedding! About £600.

Omg no way, it will be awful. I was freezing today and just had the heating on for 3hrs after getting in, in my usual very warm flat and it’s still not that warm!

Photos of guests looking cold and wet and grumpy

I attended a wedding in late October last year...Ive never been so cold in my life.

March is a funny old month weather wise, it can be one extreme to the other. Bonkers decision.

'If there is any reason why the couple should not marry, speak now or forever hold your peace?'

'Yes it is too cold to be outdoors'.

I hope by the time the couple have children, if they do, they have come to see sense and be practical.

Wrong thread

We got glorious sunshine at our (indoor, but we chose to spill outside) wedding.
We absolutly froze at a friend's August wedding.
With no back up plan, any time of year is risky in England

This is why I regularly thank my past self for having the foresight ten years ago to shell out for a Carol Concert Wool Coat in the Hobbs sale. You never know when you're going to feel the need to be both smart and warm.

Its pretty selfish and daft to not have any weather proof back up plan.

I’m psyching myself up to spend an hour or so in the play park tomorrow with my boots, jeans, jumper, big coat, hat and thermos of coffee.

God that sounds awful. I went to one last year that was in a church but then afterwards in a tent type thing. But not a very good one. It had room for the DJ and small dance floor but you had to walk outside to the pop up bar. It was teeming down and the rain all came into the tent. The Floor was sodden. The journey to the bar was horrific. It was freeeeeezing because the tent door (flap?) remained open. Longest few hours of my life

Op is the venue fully outside or in a tent?if it’s fully outside and she hasn’t told people they are going to be fuming. It will be so so cold!

I hope the guests are aware, and don't come dressed for a warm hotel!! What a bird brained idea.