As we all know, the Irish weather doesn’t always have outdoor events in mind and can be extremely unpredictable and temperamental. Any given day can see all four seasons make their way across the country, leaving your outdoor event at their mercy.
That is exactly why you need to know how to weather-proof your event and these 7 tips are essential for any outdoor event planners:
Keep an eye on the forecast
Keeping a watchful eye on Met Éireann’s latest updates is essential. Will the sun be shining? Is there rain on the way? How windy will it be? Will there be sunshine, rain and gale force winds all at once? These are all scenarios that need to be prepared for adequately, so keep an eye on the forecast during the weeks running up to your event.
Know your venue inside out
From a logistical point of view, if the weather takes an unwanted turn, you need to know where to bring your guests. Whether you have weather-proof tents and marquees, or if you have an alternative indoor area, knowing how to get everyone there in a safe and efficient manner is vital. Providing clear sign-posting and directions for everyone in attendance so everyone knows where they’re going will help to reduce the chances of chaos if the weather takes a drastic turn, and allow you to control the crowd safely.
Have a Plan B
Having an alternative option is of the utmost importance if things aren’t looking like they’ll go to plan. If the weather isn’t working with you, avoid it altogether and have an alternative indoor venue at the ready. Ensure that attendees can still access the new venue safely, with clear signposting, floor mats to dry their feet, and somewhere to hang their jackets and umbrellas!
Clear communication with staff and attendees
In the days leading up to your event, it’s very important to update your staff and attendees on any potential changes to your plans. Let them know where they stand if you have to postpone or cancel, or just get in touch to say that event is going ahead as scheduled – and that you have a weather-proof plan in place! Keeping in touch to reassure guests you have all the bases covered could be the difference between someone attending and someone dropping out.
Provide the essentials
If your event is in November or June, the weather doesn’t always go to plan. So you need to be prepared and stock the essentials – ponchos, umbrellas, blankets, heaters. Providing these additional extras can be a nice touch and make all the difference for those who forgot to bring their own! These will help in keeping people warm, dry and comfortable, allowing them to enjoy the event as best they can.
Health & Safety cut-off point
Know your limits. Undoubtedly, there will be cases where no amount of weather-proofing, ponchos or tents will save the day, and it’s crucial not to forget about the health and safety of everyone in attendance. While the temperature reaching unsafe heights might not be an issue in Ireland, if there’s a storm en route then you need to know when to call it a day and postpone your event.
Seek expertise
Reach out to an expert event planner or event hire company. Companies like National Event Hire Ireland have decades of experience and can work closely with organisers to ensure that your event runs smoothly, offering support and guidance from start to finish.
Offering a wide range of equipment including table and chair hire, cater equipment hire, dance floor hire, glassware hire and much more, National Event Hire Ireland can provide everything you need to make sure that your event is weather-proofed and goes off without a hitch!
National Event Hire – Whatever it takes!
Contact us today at 1800 579 579, email info@neh.ie, or Request a Quote here.