Wedding reception outside

You need a plan B.

If you don't have the money, cut your guest list. Or elope.

I think your best idea is to get a tent. You can never predict the weather and you need to have a backup plan. Never been to a wedding in the rain but have been to many cookouts in the rain and it was miserable. Mix that with getting all dressed up and that makes it even more miserable, get the tent.

YOU NEED A TENT. No if ands or buts about it..... end of story.

You definitely need a plan B for rain, I would spend the money on the tent

If you can't afford to rent a tent or find another indoor backup option, you find a different venue.

So much agree that you need a backup plan! Get that tent! Forcing people outside in the rain is a surefire way for them to be super annoyed at you as they suffer through the ceremony getting their nice clothes soaked, and then for them to book it early during the reception.

You need a plan B. Even tents aren't that great because your guests will still be soggy.

If I went to a wedding in the rain and there was no tent or shelter I would absolutely leave. Why would you expect people you like, who have dressed up and bought new clothes, to sit in the rain,

I agree. Tent or No Go for outdoor reception

You need a backup. You cannot force your guests to sit in the rain because you were too cheap to plan for bad weather. Very rude especially since they are traveling, spending money on a gift/wardrobe/hotel, taking time to look nice for you/photos, and giving up their day/weekend.

This is why you need to find a venue with a plan B. I'm praying it doesn't rain on our wedding because the outdoor ceremony site is breathtaking but luckily the plan B is indoors in front of a huge stone fireplace.

Should I get the biggest tent I can get to be on the safe side?

You should get the tent that's recommended for your number of guests/DJ setup/caterer.

Tent or something similar. If it's raining you've got shelter and if its gorgeous you've got shade.

You have to rent a tent. They're really not that expensive as long as you don't have a huge guest list to fit under it. I went to a wedding that had a tent only over the dance floor, so when it started to rain, we all had to leave our tables and huddle under there. You have to have a tent over the tables.

And I'm not making people sit outside during the rain if it does rain. There is a big pavilion. Just didn't know if I should also get a tent!

Is the pavilion big enough to put all of the tables, chairs, and dance floor in it?

Yes I just didn't know if a tent would be needed to block out some of the rain so it doesn't blow into the pavilion

I am having a mainly outdoor wedding. Part of it is inside a renovated barn then I rented a tent to go outside of the barn. Even if it doesn't rain, the tent provides shade. I would rent a tent no matter what. Prepare for the worse, hope for the best.

I'm in the same boat. A tent isn't really in my budget, nor do I want one but if it rains I have no other option. Some rental places will let you hold a tent for a non-refundable deposit up until a week before. That way you have a better idea of what the weather will be like. My venue has some indoor space but not a ton. Because of that I can "attach" a smaller tent to the patio of the building to extend the space if necessary. There are lot of resources online to help you figure out what size tent you need for the number of guests you have.