So, imagine after an exhausting 12 to 18 months of planning your perfect wedding banking on the sun shining, clear beautiful skies as far as your eyes can see, white peddles blowing on the freshly manicured yard, at a venue selected for the option of the finest alfresco dining; then on the day of the wedding the weather decides it’s a good day for a shower? Mother nature is unpredictable and she has no mercy when it comes to your big day!
Regardless if you’re totally chill with the idea that it could possibly rain on your wedding day or not, don’t let it put a dampener on your big day! Instead, that’s where I come in. It’s important to remember that regardless of how your wedding day goes, the most important thing remains true – you’re getting married! Rather than stress about things you can’t control, plan ahead and embrace your rainy day with these amazing ideas that will make your guests think you had a deal with mother nature and meant for it to happen!
1. Fashionable rain accessories:
It is easier to take the rain in stride if you are properly equipped. Umbrellas and rain gear that match the colors used in your wedding (dresses and decorations) will look better than a standard yellow rain slicker or rainbow colored umbrella. Having these on hand for the wedding party (at least) and for guest (if possible and within the budget) can make it easy to deal with wedding-day precipitation.
2. Plan B venue:
Any weather related worries can be alleviated by simply having a tent or other covered space that is nearby the planned outdoor wedding site. Many people have indoor/covered receptions in a tented area or pavilion after an outdoor ceremony. Dealing with rain in this case could be as easy as having a plan for holding the ceremony in this covered location (usually all that is required is rearranging the seating area).
3. Rain isn’t the only type of weather problem:
You might have a tent or some sort of canopy for a wedding reception, but occasionally, merely keeping the rain off of people’s heads won’t be enough. Windy conditions can blow rain under a canopy or pavilion, making for a wet dance floor or a damp eating experience. Even without rain, wind gusts can blow light decorations off of tables. Sided tents, or tents with side flaps that can be dropped down if necessary, is the best way to deal with this. Choosing an area that is semi-sheltered from the elements (near a stand of trees or behind a hill) can also be helpful.
4. Don’t forget the photographs:
Even people who host their weddings indoors will often step outside to take their wedding pictures. Choosing an estate that has sheltered outdoor areas (porches, gazebos, etc) can help with this and can also give your guests some outdoor spaces even if the weather is wet.
5. Plan for the worst:
A light canopy can keep the rain and sun off, but a heavy rain can leave the ground under a canopy or even a sided tent wet and messy. Guests wont be enjoying themselves if their high-heels are sinking into the ground. The only way to truly avoid this rare-but-serious issue is to rent an indoor space in a building. However, you can ask the tent rental company or the estate whose grounds your wedding will be held on what they can do in the worst type of weather situations. These people are professionals and have probably dealt with bad weather situations before. They can suggest a certain area of the estate where runoff water will not be a problem, or they can suggest a portable dance floor or other such features that can help deal with the “worst case scenario.”
6. Take the outdoors indoors:
People often plan of an outdoor wedding, and then try to take steps (tents, canopies, pavilions) to deal with the weather. But what about finding an indoor space that can be opened up so that the wedding and reception have an outdoor feel? Some estates have event rooms with French doors or numerous windows that can be opened so that the proceedings have an outdoor feel.
7. Waterproof Makeup
I think this one is really a no-brainer, but I felt like the list was incomplete if I didn’t include it. If you know anything about makeup you know that water, humidity, and makeup aren’t the best of friends. You’ll be crying anyways on your wedding day (from happy tears I hope!), so save yourself from looking like you’re melting and grab the waterproof formula of your favorite makeup next time you go to the store.
My Conclusion
Make sure you’ve hired a photographer who comes prepared and has the necessary equipment, skill and vision to work with the weather. And remember, no matter what the weather is on your wedding day keep this in mind: You have a lifetime of sunny and rainy days alike to spend with the one you love throughout your married life. So grab an umbrella and smile!