Rain Plan With a Tent: What Still Goes Wrong and How to Fix It

"We have a tent" is not a rain plan. Chicago springs and early summers bring heavy storms, and a lawn that was fine on Wednesday can be a mess by Saturday. Here is what really goes wrong and how to head it off.

What breaks in the rain

1. Puddles at the low edge. Water flows downhill and pools where the tent meets the lawn.
2. Mud inside. Foot traffic on wet turf quickly churns it up.
3. Soaked paths. The walk from the house, car or driveway.
4. Drips and blowing rain. Open sides let water in, and seams can leak.

Five-part rain plan

1. Floor or mats

A subfloor keeps guests above the water and levels the ground. Grass mats or carpet help if a full floor is too much. See tent flooring and subfloors.

2. Sidewalls on hand

Even a summer event should have sidewalls on the truck. Rain blows sideways, and walls make the difference between damp and dry. See tent sidewalls. If wind rises, walls come down; see tent wind ratings and weather safety.

3. Drainage and paths

Walk the yard with your tent company the week before. Look at where water flows. Ask about gutters and downspouts that can be directed away from the tent, and consider a drainage trench, which your company may or may not do. Lay mats or pavers on key paths, and have umbrellas ready at the cars.

4. A second place for the extras

Where do guests hang coats? Where does the DJ plug in? Is the bathroom inside the house, with a wet-weather path? A covered walk from parking to the tent is worth the cost on a rainy day.

5. A decision date

Pick a time, such as 48 hours before, to check the forecast and decide on sidewalls, floors or an indoor fallback. Share it with your caterer, DJ and tent company.

What changes in the layout

When it rains, guests crowd the tent and the entrance. Move the bar and food away from the door. Keep the walkways wide so wet guests do not get in each other's way. Place the DJ off the low side. Use our tent layout guide as a starting point.

Protect the lawn and the equipment

Wet turf is damaged by chairs, tables and foot traffic. Floors spread the weight. Cover linens and sound equipment, and keep electrical cords raised and covered. Outdoor power connections should be rated for wet conditions. See tent lighting ideas and tent and grass damage.

Tell your guests and vendors

A rain plan only works if everyone knows it. Send guests a short note two days ahead with parking, the dry path and a reminder to bring a jacket or shoes they can walk in on turf. Tell the caterer where the covered prep area is, tell the DJ and photographer which tent entrance is driest, and make sure the florist knows the arrangements may need to move away from open sides. A single page of contacts with your tent company, venue and each vendor on it saves a lot of phone calls when clouds roll in.

Dealing with the forecast

Check the National Weather Service forecast for your ZIP code and a radar app. A forecast of scattered storms usually means an event can go ahead with a plan, while a severe thunderstorm warning means guests leave the tent. Lightning is not a reason to stay under a tent.

Seating in the rain

Furniture on wet ground sinks. Chairs with wide feet stay steadier on mats or floors. Garden folding chairs are practical, and moisture-tolerant rattan garden chairs fit a casual look. For more, read outdoor event chairs and Chicago weather.

Plan the room for any weather

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we will help you plan seating for a wet-weather layout, or request a quote.