Weatherproof Summer Parties with these 3 Contingency Planning Tips

Knowing how to weatherproof summer parties is bound to be high on your agenda when you’ve booked the venue, the invites are out, and the suppliers are on top form. Your event is shaping up to be the highlight of the year. And then you check the forecast.

The great British summer might bless you with a heatwave. But as you’re only too aware, it’s just as likely to serve up a biblical downpour, gusty winds, or a special brand of humidity that ruins hair and vibes.

Truthfully, the sound of distant thunder is the last thing you want to hear when you’re using UK conference venues with outdoor space.

But here’s the good news. You too can take the stress out of weather roulette with a bit of clever corporate event contingency planning.

Here’s some savvy corporate event planning tips for smooth running weatherproof summer parties, no matter what the sky throws at you.

1.    Always Have a Plan B (and C, and Maybe D) for Weatherproof Summer Parties

“Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between" wrote Maya Angelou in her seminal novel I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

The philosophy applies with bells on when you’re drawing up backup plans for outdoor events. It’s all well and good hoping for sunshine. But it’s a risky business to bank your event’s success on it.

Instead, nail your corporate event contingency planning to avoid a wash out, even if the weather’s got it in store for you:

·        Choose UK conference venues with outdoor space and indoor fallback – For example, think about country house hotels or stately homes with lots of lawns and flexible function rooms.

·        Get marquee ready – Be prepared to move everything undercover at short notice if you have to.

·        Factor in a wet weather entertainment plan - You can still wow you crowd with live music indoors and interactive activities if it’s not playing ball outside.

2.    Weatherproof Your Menu

Rain + fiddly canapés on skewers = Chaos.

For this reason, avoid anything that melts, wilts or goes soggy in seconds. And opt for dishes and drinks that are easy to serve and enjoy, whatever the weather.

Conversely, don’t automatically assume rain’s the only weather condition that might throw a spanner in the works.

What if it’s punishingly hot? Prepare to offer refreshing, hydrating options like iced teas and fruit-infused water alongside the fizz.

3.    Keep Guests Comfortable, Come Rain or Shine

A happy guest stays longer, mingles more, and goes away with brilliant memories of your event. Make sure they do by providing:

·        Sheltered areas, branded umbrellas or rain ponchos for sudden showers

·        Comfortable seating both outdoors and inside

·        Thoughtful extras like parasols, sun hats and SPF stations for hot afternoons, and blankets, heaters and hoodies for cooler evenings

Don’t Let the Weather Rule the Day

At the end of the day, the best weatherproof summer parties are made by the corporate event contingency planning that goes into them. Choosing the right venue is integral and should include inbuilt back-up options, so you never have to panic refresh the BBC Weather app again.

At the Venue Hunters, we find you the perfect place - indoor, outdoor, or a bit of both - to plan your event without weather anxiety.

But there’s so much more to our free corporate event venue finding service. It:

·       Takes the time and effort out of approaching multiple venues

·       Gives you access to insider industry expertise

·       Taps into out bulk buying power you might not get going it alone

All you need to do? Get in touch for weatherproof summer parties before you’ve even checked the forecast.