Outdoor weddings are fantastic.
There’s not much better than using the natural landscape and flora as the backdrop for your ceremony and decor.
However, the great outdoors is not the same every day of the year or in every season.
The weather for a wedding outside can change from season to season and even from hour to hour.
That’s no reason to be discouraged, though.
And to help you feel better, we’ve got some tips here for you to make your wedding planning easier. ☀️
How Cold or Hot Are You Comfortable With?
Whether you plan to get married in spring or winter, there’s probably a certain temperature range within which you’ll be comfortable, and anything outside of that range will be too much.
Generally, it’s good to decide on a temperature range of around 10-20 degrees.
That leaves plenty of room for fluctuation if it rains (temperature drops) or if all the clouds suddenly vanish from the sky (temperature rises).
This is also better than us telling you something arbitrary, like “nothing under 60°F.
If you’re having your wedding in winter, it’s probably going to be below 60°F, but you will already be expecting and preparing for that.
However, even in winter, you might not be comfortable going below 40°F, for example.
Likewise, you may not be comfortable with anything higher than 90°F in summer.
Your range is up to you and your future spouse to decide, but try to be mindful of the people on your guest list who are either very old or very young.
Consider The Humidity
This is of particular concern when you’re having your wedding in the South.
Humidity in this part of the country often catches visitors off guard.
You will feel it if you’re not dressed in loose, light-colored clothing.
If you’re outdoors in the scorching summer heat wearing a tight black tuxedo, you’re probably not going to be comfortable.
Of course, even in the South, this varies considerably depending on elevation.
For instance, here in the mountains, where we are, it’s not as much of an issue as it is in the lowlands around Nashville and Memphis.
Humidity is not a huge deal, and there are definitely ways to handle it.
But it’s something worth considering.
Note The Position of The Sun
The rising sun and the setting sun are not as hot as the midday sun around lunchtime.
The position of the sun in the sky will have a lot of influence on the weather for a wedding being held outside.
Also, the light during those hours tends to be different.
That’s why photographers and filmmakers have concepts like “Golden Hour” and why Latin countries have midday siestas.
Weddings tend to last for several hours, if not the whole day.
So, it’s wise to schedule certain parts of the wedding for the hours when the sun will be in the most ideal position.
For example, you might want the bulk of your wedding photos and videos to be taken during the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset (Golden Hour).
And if you have any part of your wedding that is better done indoors, you might want to schedule it for midday, when the sun will be at its most aggressive.
Organize a Backup Plan
It might rain or something else unexpected might happen.
Whatever the situation is, you should ideally have a backup plan to move everything and everyone inside at short notice.
This is something you should account for, regardless of where your wedding will be held.
Mother Nature is not known for being rational or predictable.
Even the weather forecast isn’t 100% accurate.
You just never know for sure what will happen on any given day.
The best you can do is weigh the odds and prepare for the most likely possibilities.
Dress Appropriately
We’ve hinted at this already, but it really needs to be stated explicitly.
If you’re getting married on top of a mountain, bring a jacket.
You might not need it, but it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
If you were getting married on the beach in Florida, you’d be selective about the fabrics you wear, and you wouldn’t cover yourself head-to-toe in something heavy and not breathable.
Do the same thing here in Tennessee.
Make Sure Everyone Has An Umbrella
We don’t want to assume that this is obvious to everyone.
At least a few of you reading this are probably from Arizona, Southern California, or some other place that doesn’t see a lot of rain (sorry).
If you’re one of those, then your idea of “normal” weather for a wedding is probably dry, hot, and over 90°F (sorry again).
The thing about rain is that it’s somewhat predictable but not really.
The weather forecasters can give you a percentage estimate of how likely they think it is to rain today, but they can’t give you certainty.
And if you’re somewhere like a mountainous area or a beach town in Florida, you’ll find that the weather has a tendency to change a lot throughout the day.
In places like that, your odds of experiencing a short 20-minute shower at some point in the day are higher than 0%.
But if you’re prepared for it, it’s no big deal.
Don’t Sweat It
Also, avoid wearing clothing that makes you sweat a lot.
But seriously, you’ll be fine.
You’re having a wedding, not flying a helicopter.
Even if it’s a little bit cloudier than you would like or it rains for part of the day, you’ll get through it.
You might even get a funny story or two out of it.
While it’s impossible to predict the weather for a wedding with exact certainty, it is possible to predict it within a range of probability and prepare for it.
With outdoor weddings, that sort of thing just comes with the territory.
And it’s a small price to pay.
FAQ For Handling Wedding Weather in Tennessee
What are common weather challenges for outdoor weddings in Tennessee?
Tennessee summers can be hot and humid, spring and fall may bring rain, and winter can be chilly. Sudden storms, wind, and even pollen or bugs can also impact outdoor events.
How can I plan for rain at an outdoor wedding?
Have a backup indoor space or tent rental. Make sure the tent is sturdy, has side panels if needed, and plan for flooring to avoid muddy areas. Always confirm with your venue about rain policies.
What are tips for keeping guests comfortable in hot weather?
Provide shade with tents, umbrellas, or canopies. Offer fans, water stations, and light refreshments. Schedule ceremonies for early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.
