Outdoor weddings...who has a backup plan for rain???

We're only in the very early stages of planning, but basically our "back up plan" right now is to rent a couple of large tents - especially considering it's to be an autumn wedding which makes the changes of rain a little more likely than a summer one.

I haven't read other peoples responses so I am sorry if I have the same things to say. Sometimes the venue you choose just doesn't have a good option for inclimate weather. I suggest that you buy matching umbrellas for your wedding party, leave the tags on (so you can return them when it DOESN't rain). If it does rain (which it won't!!) at least it will make for some good photos and great memories of the weather! All will be fine, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!!

We're not having an outdoor wedding but we are having an outdoor cocktail hour. The venue does allow have a back up in case it rains. I don't understand why places don't offer back ups. Where is your wedding? (A country club, hotel, park, etc)

I had a back up plan, but nobody was willing to use it unless it was pouring rain. The light rain we had was pleasantly endured by most of our guests, whose colorful umbrellas added to the festive element. Only our clarinetist complained... and one of the guests held an umbrella over him to keep him from griping too much.

I have to say though, that the weather added a bit of stress. Not using our back up plan made me anxious that our light rain would get heavy. It also made it very hard to keep my dress clean. Another consideration if you choose not to have a backup plan is your vendors. Consider your musicians, your photographer, and your rentals. Our chairs were wood... so at the last minute, someone had to rush to the site with all the towels from our house to dry the chairs... both for our guests' comfort and to avoid damage to the chairs.

My wedding was perfect, in spite of the little bit of rain we had. However, I am very grateful that we didn't have a downpour!