This morning’s wintery mix in the Washington DC area reminded me of the weddings my team and I have planned during inclement weather.  We prepare in advance with insurance; we purchase golf-size umbrellas; then we determine whether or not we need to move a ceremony inside, but there have been times when we neglected to add a coat check at the last minute.

To some, a coat check may seem like a small, unnecessary detail, but it actually makes a difference in numerous areas of a wedding day experience.  Not convinced?  Here are my three (3) solid reasons why a coat check is necessary for a couple’s wedding day —

1. Coats on chairs make for ugly ceremony photos. They make for ugly reception photos too!  Have you ever seen a professional wedding photo where all of the guests placed their coats on the backs of their chairs?  It makes the wedding look sloppy and it detracts from the actual focus of the picture.

2. Your wedding guests will be much more comfortable. Have you ever tried to maneuver a cocktail, an appetizer plate and your coat?  It’s quite a balancing act.  Don’t punish your guests like that — Give them some place to check their coats, and their hats and their umbrellas.

3. It helps to limit your liability.  If your guests’ coats are neatly tucked away behind a table with attendants, they are less likely to be misplaced or even stolen.  And, as a result, you will be less likely to face a liability for all of the nice coats (with potential valuables in the pockets).

So, when do you think you may need a coat check?  Here are some times when I believe a coat check is necessary —

• If the forecast calls for rain (during any month)
• During any winter month
• When the weather forecast is chilly during spring and autumn months

What do you think?  Feel free to share your feedback with me on Instagram.

Love and Soul Always, Kawania