Sunny Southern California?! Not always. We have had more rain the last two days than we’ve had all year, and it’s clear that us Angelenos are not accustomed to that strange liquid falling from the sky, particularly in May. With Mother’s Day approaching this weekend, have you made a contingency plan for any outdoor brunches or events that you have planned? Some clients are now questioning whether to move their events indoors and rental companies are scrambling to add tenting or heaters to orders.
A family friend was telling me of an event he attended in the dead of summer in Texas- a cowboy couture gala that guests paid $500/seat for dinner and a private concert put on by George Straight. Now, this particular time of year in this area of Texas is rainy season. Guests that didn’t flee as the thunder storm rolled in resorted to climbing under their tables (some with the table wine), and the rain passed just as quickly as it had arrived. The linens were sopping wet, the tables ruined, many guests had left, but apparently it was worth it to be one of the 100 lingering folks that got to see George sing (apparently he arrived after the storm). Oh, and the event coordinator was kicked to the curb for not advising to have a tent in place.
It’s no doubt that inclement weather can really hamper your event-if guests are cold they will not enjoy the event that you have taken so much time to plan and no one is going to risk hanging out in the rain. Make sure that your guests are comfortable! We had one bride who got married in Malibu in August, it was so chilly on the coast once the sun went down, her guests were incredibly grateful that she had standing heaters available.
Our advise is to always have a rain or cold contingency plan, no matter what time of year and no matter where you live. Plan to have tenting and/or heaters on your rental order from the get if you don’t have an indoor alternative; best case scenario is you can cancel them at the last minute if the weather cooperates (and you will come in under budget!).
