Hosting and events
Make a rain plan for a small event
A rain plan only helps if guests know it exists before the day. Give the event type, guest count, your confirmed indoor or covered option and the latest time you can move the event, so the plan is usable.
A text to start with
I'm hosting a garden party for 20 people on a Sunday afternoon, 3pm to 7pm. My rain option is my garage plus a covered patio next door, which the neighbor has confirmed. I need to decide by 10am Sunday so guests have notice. Draft a rain plan with a decision point, what I should check by then, and a short message I can send guests if the party moves indoors.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.What to check in the rain plan
The guest message should say where to go and when, in addition to saying that plans changed. Check that the garage and covered patio have seating for 20 and that you have a way to reach every guest by 10am, whether that is a group text, an email list or individual messages. Name who makes the call if you are unavailable. Check the forecast again at the decision time and write down the rain threshold, such as steady rain at 3pm, that triggers the move.
Sharing the plan ahead of time
Mention the rain option in the original invitation so the backup location is not a surprise. Fill in the backup address or directions in the draft, so the guest message is ready to send unchanged on Sunday morning. Keep a printed copy where you can find it.