The big day is still ten days away but you’re already obsessed with the weather report, and it’s not looking good. An ominous gray cloud is hanging over the hour when you’re due to walk down the outdoor aisle. Whatever time of year you get married, wet weather is a possibility and all you can do is be prepared. In fact, with the right plan and attitude, rain on your wedding day can even be a positive thing. Just follow our tips and you’ll be ready for a bit of drizzle or even a thunderstorm!
Make a Plan B
When you’re planning any aspect of your wedding, make sure you take the possibility of rain into account. This is especially true when speaking to vendors, so ask them what their rain policies are and check the contracts in case of hidden fees. Does your venue have shelter for guests in the event of a downpour? Is the string quartet happy to play in wet conditions? It might not all be bad news – flowers often last longer in rain than sunshine!
Dress For Wet Weather
Invest in plenty of umbrellas and other items of rain gear, especially for the wedding party. They can even become fun props for the day! You can pick up stylish white or clear umbrellas for the bridal party, or perhaps in a color to match your scheme. Whereas classic golf styles are always efficient and will look smart in photographs. You could also buy pretty rain jackets, rain boots, or heel protectors for soggy grass. Finally, remember to have the bridesmaids practice hitching up their dresses!
Prep Your Photographer
Many wedding photographers prefer to shoot in wet weather rather than have eye-squinting sunshine to deal with. The mist, soft light, and dark clouds can look magical and dramatic. Those colorful umbrellas and rain boots add a playful touch, and a kiss captured in the rain will always be romantic. So chat to your photographer beforehand, walk through the venue, and find those rainy day photos that will look cute on your thank you cards.
Weatherproof Hair and Make-Up
It’s every bride’s worst nightmare: frizzy hair. To keep your locks under control in rain or humidity, opt for an up-do like a messy bun or fishtail braid. If you really want to wear your hair down, have a stylist or chosen bridesmaid on hand for touch-ups and anti-frizz spray! For make-up, it’s best to go for waterproof cosmetics, and cream products are often better at staying put than powder. Finally, pack a tote bag with some wet weather beauty essentials!
Be Flexible
Even if rain is predicted, it may not be a total washout. Keep an eye on the hourly report and you may see pockets of sunshine to take advantage of. If you and your vendors are flexible, you might be able to move the wedding program around a little to avoid any downpours. Perhaps you can even pop outside for a series of photographs in better spells of weather rather than taking them all in one long session.
Keep It Cozy
Yes, croquet on the lawn was an elegant idea but indoor entertainment can be just as fun and memorable. Games like giant Jenga or a Mr. and Mrs. quiz can be easily transferred inside, so think about the options in your initial plan. If it’s a cold and wet day, you can create a warm and inviting environment inside your venue with plenty of dry towels, cozy blankets, and candles. You could even set up a last-minute hot cider or cocoa station!
Spread the Word
If rain is on the cards, remember to tell your guests about any changes of plan. If you’re very organized, you could add an ‘in case of rain’ note on your wedding invitations when you send them out, then update your website with details closer to the time. Your friends will appreciate a heads up so they can fix their own outfits, hair, and make-up. On the day, ask your ushers to hand out umbrellas and warn guests about any wet and slippery floors!
Embrace It
Rain may not be what you envisioned for your wedding, but the sooner you accept it, the better your day will be. So instead of being grumpy about the weather, embrace it! Ask your dad to make a joke of it in his speech, or get the DJ to open with Rhianna’s ‘Umbrella.’ Listen to the soothing pitter, patter of rain, and look out for that rainbow! Worst case scenario — your dress gets muddy or your mom’s hat blows off, it’ll make for a great story. Overall, remember that you’re marrying the love of your life and a spot of rain can’t put a dampener on that. Come rain or shine, just enjoy your wedding day!
Matilda is Marketing Manager in the International Team, bringing Zazzle to customers everywhere from Sydney to Stockholm.
