Let’s be real: extreme weather prep is a non-negotiable in Victoria.
No matter how much we envision dreamy sunshine, the Victorian weather might not play ball – it can be wild, unpredictable, and it loves to keep us on our toes.

And yes, that includes elopements! Even if it’s just the two of you and your besties, you still need a Plan B that you actually like. This is where a cute Airbnb (with good light!) can really come into its own!

Here’s the truth of it:

If your guests aren’t comfortable, they’re not going to be fully present and that will totally shift the vibe of your ceremony and the energy they bring into the reception!

No one is focusing on hearing your story if they’re freezing cold and soaked through.
Soggy guests are not engaged guests. Even when they make it inside, it takes a while for the mood to lift again (as their bodies warm up!).

Same goes for the heat. On warm days, guests often sit in the sun for 30 minutes or more before the aisle moment begins. And let me tell you – by the time I start the ceremony, they’re already mentally checked out. Just staring at me, emotionless, waiting for things to wrap up.

Sure, the garden setup might look stunning in photos, but if everyone’s drenched in sweat and desperate for shade or a sip of water, they’re not in the moment with you. They’re preoccupied with how soon they can escape into the AC!

In my opinion, you don’t gain enough from an epic outdoor location to justify the compromise it creates in the atmosphere. If everyone is distracted by how wet they are getting or how hot they are becoming, they won’t be present; there will be less laughter and less spontaneous clapping. And those are the things that actually make your ceremony great. Knowing everyone you invited to be there with you – is loving it just as much as you two are!

And those quiet mental complaints, not just from your guests – by the way! Men in suits hate hot weather! Women in dresses; well, honestly, they endure it like a boss most of the time! Being cold is not pleasant, but wearing a three-piece suit on a 30+ degree day is a hardship! I often hear the couple quietly whispering about the weather when they reunite at the aisle!

It even distracts you two from your moment!

Now that we’ve established why extreme weather is a vibe killer, let’s give you some hope back and some practical hints to help defeat undesirable weather.

Rainy Days:

  • Clear umbrellas — they look adorable in photos

  • Towels to dry off seats (some venues will already have this covered!)

  • Remind your guests to dress warm and bring a coat!

  • Bonus points: if you provide some cute knee blankets for guests? Oh so thoughtful!

  • What’s the terrain – muddy tracks, wet grass, or a long walk? Give your guests a heads-up to ditch the stilettos for chunky heels or comfy shoes

  • Stiletto protectors? Great idea if they fit – BUT remember to test ahead of time! They often don’t! FML

  • Hand-warming pouches? Absolute game-changer / over-delivering/ gangster of a move!

Hot Weather Days:

Once it hits 35°+, it’s not just uncomfortable — it’s distracting and, frankly, unsafe for some guests (especially the elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised).
I’ve seen more than a few people faint over the years – SO let’s not add that to your wedding memories, yeah?

Here’s what helps:

  • Icy cold water bottles (and lots of them, they always go!)

  • Hand fans – surprisingly effective and fun to wave around

  • Sunscreen and bug spray (especially if you’re in a botanical garden — mozzies love a wedding!)

  • Shady options: parasols, big umbrellas, a marquee — just make sure they’re secured with sandbags so they don’t end up in the next postcode on a windy day.

  • Also, try to consider how these large umbrellas can impact the view of other guests.

Make The Swap Early:

Real talk – people persevere with outdoor locations, well beyond what is sensible! I, for one, am a fan of comfort first – always!

It is never too early to start thinking about your extreme weather backup. Ideally, it’s on your periphery before you book your venue!
Because if you don’t have a solid extreme weather alternative, that uncertainty for your wedding day can take up a lot of headspace in the lead up – and suddenly you’re refreshing weather apps like it’s your full-time job. Let’s avoid that.

Let’s keep you calm, clear-headed, and focused on what actually matters:
Being present. Enjoying the moment. Celebrating your love with the people who matter most to you.
No stressing about wet chairs or heatstroke in your future, okay!

I am personally a big fan of an epic indoor location from the get-go, so you never have to give it a second thought! 🙂

If you do want to persevere with the outdoor location, I understand – but don’t play Russian roulette until 2 hours before the wedding (it’s honestly such a big mental strain worrying about it!)

Set a deadline, make the decision early, and then commit to the alternative- no looking back.

Your secondary option never feels lesser in the moment, because you’re marrying your person, you’re surrounded by loved ones, and they’re all present, comfortable, and oh so invested in the moment with you. It’s in no way a compromise. But we do compromise on the vibe when people are forced to endure extremely uncomfortable conditions so please keep that in mind for your planning!

Photo from Rupert on Rupert by Corey Wright