Weddings > Katie's Wedding Planning Blog > April Showers
April Showers
April Showers bring May Flowers, right? If you're planning an April wedding outdoors, you should be prepared with a back-up plan. This is what we call "Plan B".
The truth is that April is not the only month in Southern California we should be concerned about possible showers. In Los Angeles, the highest percentage of rainfall comes during the months of December, January, February, and March. During these months, we receive an average of 2-3 inches of rainfall, with the average number of rainy days being 5-6 days. The two months that bookend this time period (November and April) are also considered risky even though the numbers are lower: average rainfall is one inch; average number of rainy days is three.
Most of the country could be extremely envious of these low numbers! Imagine living in Seattle where their winters see 18 days of rain and 5 inches of rain per month! Still, even with our low numbers, you are taking a chance with Mother Nature when you choose outdoor locations. After all, even with only five days of rain, you would hate to have your wedding day be one of those five days!
Therefore, think about your Plan B ahead of time. If you don't have the option of moving indoors, your best option is tenting the location. (Likewise, the tent might be necessary to keep your guests warm during these winter/early spring months.) Keep in mind that tenting is a huge added expense as well. Once you have your Plan B, let yourself relax and try not to think about the possibility of rain. There is no use worrying about something you can't control.
Once you have a ten day forecast, start monitoring the weather. But keep in mind that the forecast will likely change so you won't have a more accurate reading until 5-7 days before the Wedding Day. And even then, there ARE days when you're surprised and you're forced to make last minute decisions 24-48 hours beforehand! (Again, another added benefit of a coordinator to handle these changes and allow you to be stress-free!)
