What to do if it rains on your wedding day

What to do if it rains on your wedding day? Good question. No one wants rain on their wedding day (instantly start doing my best Alanis Morissette’s impression) but it does rain, it doesn’t mean the wedding is a wash out.

I was asked by one of my couples ‘what do we do if it rains and what happens with the photos?’ It made me think, maybe we don’t really talk about that enough. Don’t get me wrong, us Brits love to chat about the weather, we are experts at it. I just don’t think we talk about what to do if it rains on your wedding day. Do you spend every waking moment watching the weather forecast, do you hide your head in the sand and pretend its not happening or do you just go with it?

Weather worries

So lets start with what not to do. That’s worry. Worrying about something you cant control will drive you crazy. It’s a sure fire way to add extra stress to an already stressful time. With the right preparations in place, there is no need to worry. If I think back to previous weddings (and there have been a lot), there have been a few rainy days, but only 2 weddings where it actually made any difference to the day. Even then it was just to move everything inside and go for plan B. So statistically id say you’re ok.

Have a back up plan.

If you are you are planning to have most of your celebrations outside, then a backup plan for rain is wise. Think about your venue. Does it offer shelter or indoor space for you and your guests to run to should the heavens open? Nothing wrong with getting inside and continuing to party. The rain may not even last that long. If you haven’t got space inside then a marquee or stretch canopy may be an option. Worth talking through with your venue and asking what rainy day provisions they provide. They can at least point you in the direction of some useful suppliers.

You can stand under my umbrella ella ella

In the oh so wise words of Rihanna ‘you can stand under my umbrella’

Think about your guests if it rains on your wedding day. If you need to travel from your ceremony to reception and its raining will your guests be prepared. Not everyone is super organised. I’ve been that mum, soaked on the school run, seeing the teacher look out sympathetically at the parents who, yet again, forgot their brolly. Consider buying some umbrellas for your guests. I have bought a couple from Ebay that I now keep in the boot of my car as an emergency. You could bulk buy some and they can always be incorporated into the photos. Clear ones are great, but you could go all out and buy a rainbow selection and you could do something fun in the rain. I’m not saying one for every guest just a few … just in case.

Splish Splash Splosh

What to do if it rains on your wedding day? Well If the weather is looking bad on the run up the the wedding consider packing your wellies. You don’t have to go all out with puddle jumping, but if its going to be wet, fully embrace it. Who said wellies and wedding dresses cant be a thing? Your feet will thank you.

Put a message out to all of your guests and get them all to pack their wellies, it can make for some funny photos.

What to do if it rains on your wedding day

Be brave

The couples that just go with it, come what may, tend to get the most out of their day. I know it’s disappointing to think it may rain. If it does, the more you go with it, the better your photos will be. If it’s a light drizzle just push through it. You are not made of sugar, you won’t melt. The chances are the sun will come out just as you all run for shelter. If it’s a bit heavier, maybe best to get guests inside and head for the bar! You can always do some group shots inside. You can embrace the wet and wild weather for your couple shots, if you are feeling brave.

Dancing in the rain on your wedding day can make for some beautiful photos…go with it.

Nothing wrong with creating some epic indoor shots. You can get creative near window light, use flash if needed and get creative. Your venue may even let you do a confetti shot inside (get the best man to volunteer to help clean up).

Be Lucky

Did you know that rain on your wedding day is considered lucky in many cultures. Rain signifies a strong and lasting marriage. When you get married you are ‘tying the knot’. When a knot becomes wet it is incredibly hard to untie compared to a dry one. So your marriage will be even stronger if you get married on a rainy day. Your nerves may be shot but the marriage will be good!

Whatever the weather throws at you, with the right mindset and a great photographer you can get some wonderful photos, enjoy your day and give your guests a day to remember.