Bride’s Guide: Creating a Fire Escape Plan

By Oscar Collins

You want everything to go perfectly on your big day! But as Murphy’s Law states, if anything can go wrong, it will. It’s therefore essential to prepare for every eventuality.

Here’s what you need to know about creating a fire escape plan.

1. Work With Your Venue

Your first order of business is to coordinate with your venue. You should prepare a list of questions to ask. You might wonder if they allow things like candles — but you should also inquire about their fire escape plans.

While the law dictates what facilities must do to remain fire-safe, you want to ensure your venue meets the standard. Begin by performing a walkthrough of the location while observing things like potential exits and escape routes. You’ll also want to ensure that you have access to fire extinguishers, know how to use them and understand the basics of fire safety.

2. Inform the Wedding Party

If the worst occurs, your guests will look to you and your wedding party to take charge amid the emergency. Therefore, you and your party must rehearse your escape route. Ensure all members of your party can remain calm and direct others clearly to the nearest identified escape route.

Why not make your rehearsal part of the fun? You can run through your fire escape plan and then enjoy a tasting of wedding day treats afterward to reward yourself.

3. Give Your Guests the 411

You have a responsibility to protect your guests. Please provide a map of the venue that lists all exit routes. You can double-down if you like by including a small map in your invitations and have extras ready to distribute on tables.

4. Keep the Right Supplies on Hand

Indoor venues will likely provide all the supplies you need, such as fire extinguishers and hoses. Public locations must do so, as a matter of code compliance. However, what if you are planning an outdoor affair?

If you’re having a home wedding or renting a pavilion at a park, please ensure you have sufficient fire extinguishers on hand. You should also secure any firepits with spark screens and keep candles away from anything flammable. Another option is to use electric candles to further reduce fire risks.

Create a Fire Escape Plan for Your Big Day

You don’t want to think about disaster marring your big day, but it’s vital to prepare. Follow these tips to create a fire escape plan and you’ll embark on your wedding-day journey with greater peace of mind.