Depending on whom you ask rain on your wedding day is either perfect for romantic pictures or a pessimistic omen. One Ohio couple found it can also mean losing your venue if those wedding day showers turn severe. Thankfully, the professional event planners at Roberts Centre have all the tools for successful last minute wedding planning.
Always Plan for the Unexpected
The couple planned a picturesque backyard BBQ wedding. Mother Nature, however, decided to sign her R.S.V.P. with a plus one of high winds and thunderstorms. That’s when they turned to Ennette Rowe, a Wedding Planner at Roberts Centre, to put together their dream day in only 7 days. “You should always have a backup plan when considering any outdoor event, especially a wedding,” explained Ennette. “Thankfully, if you decide on a reception at our event venue we can easily accommodate a ceremony set-up as well.”
Know Your Plans for a Last Minute Wedding
Whether weather changes your venue completely or you’re simply impatient with the process, planning a last minute wedding means coming to the table with final decisions made. According to Ennette, any wedding planned within a week of the event will require immediate decisions. A final headcount, menu, and décor decisions such as lighting and centerpieces required should be decided at the initial appointment. “We’ll definitely need to know what your vision is such as theme and color palette,” she explained. “We have a wide variety of linens, floral pieces, and glassware on-site so we can actually accommodate 90% of couple’s décor requests in-house.” Vendor selections will need to be finalized, as well. “We’ll need to know the names of any outside vendors such as a DJ, florist, baker, or extras such as photo booth rentals so we can contact them about access before the event,” she stated.
Try to Give Yourself Time
Adding in just a bit more time gives couples more breathing room; any planning over a week away only requires a rough estimate of the wedding size. “Giving yourself just a bit more time is always recommended,” added Ennette, “but we’re up for the challenge if you simply don’t have it!”
Give Your Guests Notice
Speaking of challenges, the biggest challenge facing last minute weddings is informing the guests. Venue changes can be conveyed using a Facebook event, email or phone chain. Do split up your guest list. Designate a handful of friends and family to follow up with their portion to convey the change or gather R.S.V.P’s.
Keeping in the spirit of the original wedding reception theme, the weather-worn couple celebrated their festivities with a special menu of BBQ, fried chicken, and all the fixings a perfectly planned picnic would possess. “We have a very talented Head Chef and catering team at Roberts Centre,” said Ennette, “we can figure out the perfect menu for your event, even with limited time.”
The beautiful space at Roberts Centre is the perfect place for your wedding celebration, even if it’s last minute. We provide ample and accessible parking. Our on-site amenities such as catering and audio-visual support mean wedding planning in a pinch isn’t a pain. Contact our professional wedding planner to discuss your details today at (937) 283-3277.
