How to come up with a plan B for your wedding if your venue closes down weeks before your wedding.

Would you freak out if your wedding venue told you that they could not open because of a two-week freeze just weeks before your wedding? Yeah, I probably would too. But thankfully by December, so many of us were used to adapting to this sort of paralyzing information. Thankfully I had already done 13 weddings before this, and 2020 taught me to just learn how to go with the flow and come in with a plan B in the final stretch before go time. 

When Caity emailed me asking what the heck to do: 

•  I quickly said find an Airbnb to accommodate the bridal party and immediate family for getting ready and the reception
•  Then let’s go to Smith Rock for portraits and the ceremony, even though it’s gonna be freezing cold, and just don’t even plan on the venue being open. Then if it is, great, but then you also aren’t placing hope where it might let you down.
• She went to Costco for food and booze — Honestly saves you so much money when you can make your own drinks, and her brother gladly took over the bartender role. 
• Keep the cake and just shift where the florist is delivering flowers too. 
• Oh, and keep that online registry open for all your guests who were supposed to come, and then they can still contribute.

Thankfully so many people were used to just pivoting with new news that would constantly come out each week, and so Caity was on it and found the most beautiful rental property tucked away in the outskirts of Bend that would fit an intimate wedding.

The beautiful thing about Smith Rock is that it’s amazing at all times of the year. Even when it feels like it’s -15° outside, you can still get that beautiful sunshine to make you feel like you’re actually warm when you’re not actually able to feel your fingertips. But this winter wedding was one out of a fairytale!! Loved the girl’s fur shawls.

Thankfully actually the maid of honor who also is a manager at Starbucks provided the group with some hot chocolate to warm up after signing up their marriage certificate before we headed back to the house to thaw and eat an amazing prime rib that her dad made on the Traeger. The father-daughter dance was beautifully emotional, getting all of her family members to cry. And it was followed by toasts that literally made you want to pee from laughter and a delicious Oreo cake for dessert. Everything may have come together in a couple of weeks, but you would never know unless you read this post. 

Overall, just remain calm, it’s going to be okay. Honestly, everyone should just create a plan B of a large Airbnb for a venue, create a list of MUST have people at your wedding, make a Costco list for a bomb dinner, and a signature drink menu that is easy to craft at a house party. You’ll be amazed by how sweet your day will still be when you are surrounded by your FAVE people with who you are the most comfortable. 

VENDORS:

Florals: Le Petit Flower Shop

Dress: Brides for a Cause

Suit/Tux: The Natty Dresser

Makeup: Kate Hana Artistry 

Hair: K&Co Hair & Bridal Stylist

Cake: Ida’s Cup Cake Cafe

Officiant: Wendy Duncan Ministries