The TL;DR
The best weddings aren’t the ones that go by the clock. They’re the ones where the couple decided that no matter what happens, rain, late food, or awkward uncles, they’re going to have a great time anyway.
If you are getting married at The Secret Barn, we are here to sort it out and make sure everything goes swimmingly; you’ve outsourced that worry to us. As well as gorgeous contryside and outdoor spaces, we also have plenty of indoor options and covered areas. So, take a deep breath and let it all go… And as Jerry Springer said, “Take care of yourselves, and each other.”
What if it rains? And other wedding worries.
Of everything that couples worry about before the day, “what if it rains” is always up there. We had one lovely couple that got into wind: What if it is too windy? What does an 18-mile-an-hour gust actually feel like? One bride got very into the size of tables and would visit regularly to look at them, measure them. We are often warned about some boorish cousin or someone’s boyfriend who may or may not offend everyone.
Obviously, people generally aren’t looking for a wet day, but the first answer has to be: ‘what if it does?’
Really, your biggest fear amounts to nothing much, if you don’t let it. We have lots of barns and coverd areas. The garden games might not get much use, but everyone will get on board and the party will go on, just under cover rather than outside. On the day, you won’t care nearly as much as you think you will. You’ll be there, getting married, your family and friends (and your cousin’s annoying boyfriend) will all be cheering you on. If it rains, it rains.
Here is how to handle some of our couples top five worries:
1. The Weather Worry – “What if it rains?”
The Reality: It’s just weather. Overcast skies actually make for the best photos—no squinting, no harsh shadows, just soft light. It actually hardly ever rains all day; a passing shower here or there, yes, but a whole day of rain is actually quite unusual. Everyone there is on your side (apart from that cousin, perhaps) and they’ll all get into the spirit. We have lots of beautiful covered places, so if it rains, let it rain. It’s your day—enjoy it. Grab an umbrella, let the hem of your dress get a bit “lived-in,” and just get on with it.
2. The Person You Didn’t Want to Invite (but did)
The Worry: For whatever reason (often the reason is your Mum) you have had to invite “Mr. Charisma” and now you are worried he’ll upset everyone. The Reality: This happens nearly as often as the rain worry. We are regularly apologised to in advance for a rogue guest who might make things difficult. Really though, in a room full of 100 people, one controversial character is just background noise. Trust your guests; they’ll navigate the small talk or give them a wide berth. Besides, we can’t all think the same thing – a bit of diversity makes things more interesting and every legendary wedding needs one person who provides a bit of entertainment and chat for the breakfast table the next morning.
3. The Seating Plan Panic – “If I put Aunty Joan next to Uncle Stan, the world might end.”
The Reality: This is basically the admin half of the unpopular cousin worry above. We have had some amazing seating plans at the barn (big shout out here to Michaela, who made a massive flow chart that showed people where they were sitting by asking questions like ‘Did you have a tortoise?’).
Sometimes couples opt to seat rival guests in far-away corners of the barn, facing opposite directions in the hope they won’t realise the other person is there. Families can be complicated, but as everyone will tell you, people are there to have a lovely time and support you, if there is someone there they can’t stand, they’ll do their best to avoid them too. Use an online seating plan maker, put people who get on together, and remember: once the wine starts flowing, everyone moves anyway!
4. The Empty Dance Floor – “What if nobody dances and everyone looks bored?”
The Reality: Not everyone expresses joy by jumping around. Some people just want a cocktail and a catch-up, to sit around the fire pit, or to prop up the bar. If you want people on the dance floor, you start. People will feed off your energy, so be the change you want to see.
5. The Timeline Slip – “What if the photos take too long and we’re late for the meal?”
The Reality: Honestly? Nobody has ever left a wedding complaining that the lamb was served at 7:20 PM instead of 7:00 PM. If the schedule slips a bit, it just means your guests get an extra twenty minutes of canapés, another drink, and more time to chat. We will swoosh you through your day, you won’t even know what time it is because you’ll be too busy enjoying yourself.
with special thanks to Nadine Wilson Photography for the gorgeous pictures.
