Making Contingencies
for Rained Out Parties
What if the proverbial sun doesn’t shine on your garden wedding? Or the yard starts looking like a mud wrestling pit two minutes before Junior’s outdoor birthday festival is supposed to start?

However you handle it, don’t wait to decide on the day of the event. "The rain plan should be set ahead of time," says Leslie Kawahara, account manager, Abbey Event Services, Rancho Domingas, California. "You don’t want to be fumbling around on the day of the event."

Be Prepared, Boy Scout Style
Know what your options are. If the place has an indoor room, is it available your day? Does a friend have a house that’s big enough to do the trick? Will the church rectory work if you need a safe haven?

Pitch a tent. Unless you’re getting a hurricane, tents with flaps and rain gutters can keep out inclement weather. Check with your local rental agency to see what kind of notice they need should the weather forecast make you fret. Don’t forget to find out how much of the pony (or folding chairs or china services) you actually have to pay for if you reschedule, too.

Scout alternate sites. Does the park have an events building? The minister’s likely got a church. And the catering restaurant might move you inside. Don’t discount local halls: If you make the decision early enough, chances are you can get the space decorated up to snuff.

Make a Rain Date
If all else fails, you’ll have to reschedule. Send an alternate day and a contact number along with the invite. Let ‘em know. Small parties will be easier to reroute than large. Designate a caller to leave messages around town, and re-record your own answering machine message to let people know where to go.

-- Michelle Nellett