The thought of rain on your wedding day might sound like your worst nightmare come true – a damper on all your dream plans and meticulous attention to detail. While the weather is out of your hands, the event itself is not a lost cause.
Whether you are looking for a backyard wedding idea or already planning to host the events inside, there are some precautions you can take to ward off the drizzle. The wedding games you play will be sure to brighten everyone’s mood as well.
There is something romantic about rain that can make your wedding more memorable than you thought possible. Whether you are planning well in advance or adjusting at the last minute, we have 12 tips for embracing rain on your wedding day.
1. Rent a tent
Check with your venue to see if they have a backup for inclement weather. If you’ve already set your heart on having an outdoor wedding, you can instead rent a tent. While it may be an additional item on your budget, it will keep everyone dry and allow you to have an intimate wedding out in nature. You should be able to find vendors who can provide last-minute services.
2. Keep guests in the loop
Your guests will be wondering what to do with rain at your wedding. Let them know with an “in case of rain” note in your wedding invitations and update your website with all the necessary information. They will appreciate the heads up.
3. Plan for a 100% chance of rain
Whether the forecast says there will be a light drizzle or heavy downpour, you want to plan your day as if rain is guaranteed. That means going through with your rainy day plan and investing in wedding insurance to give you a safety net in case the forecast takes a turn for the worse. The last thing you’d want on your wedding day is to be stressed because the day cannot go as planned.
4. Work with your vendors
Confirm with your vendors to see how they work on a rain day. Will your live DJ or musicians still perform? Will your florist need to reconsider their wedding flower ideas? The important thing to know is that you’ve hired a group of professionals – work with them and trust they will deliver a memorable wedding.
5. Use rain for creative photos
Here comes the fun part. Rain can produce some of the most atmospheric, romantic shots. The lighting is softer, and an experienced photographer will be able to make you pop in photos. Ask your photographer if they have any ideas to make a rainy shoot fun, sweet and creative. If possible, arrange for them to see the venue in advance to scope out possible locations. Make sure you know what questions to ask your photographer to ensure you get the perfect photos.
6. Check the forecast
Keep an eye on the forecast up and until your wedding. You may find out that it will only rain during certain times of the day. This will allow you to adjust your wedding program template accordingly to fit your plans while taking account of the weather.
7. Give out umbrellas
Everyone loves a good two-for-one deal. Umbrellas not only keep everyone dry, but they can also serve as fun props to use in your photos. This is where you can get creative and get eye-catching photographs. Do you want guests to carry color-coordinated umbrellas or create a sea of color with everyone holding multicolor umbrellas? Whatever you decide, umbrellas are a must.
8. Create a warm environment
There’s nothing better than cozying up on a rainy day. Serve favorites like hot cocoa and warm cider and set up heat lamps or fire pits to keep your guests warm and toasty. You can also put together your own DIY hot chocolate bar to entertain guests.
9. Have extra blankets and towels
Rain can invite plenty of wind, so you and your guests will appreciate the extra blankets and towels to stay warm between activities. For something that represents you and your love, get a photo blanket featuring your initials or a favorite couple photo of the two of you. It’s the perfect way to cuddle on your wedding day and makes for loving photos for your wedding photo book.
10. Be Practical about Hair and Makeup
Rain may not be beauty’s best friend (no one likes runny mascara), but you can still look flawless on your wedding. Your glam squad will be able to waterproof your makeup and give you a trendy messy bun or flower crown that won’t fall apart from water and wind. Guys should also opt for hairstyles that are as frizz-resistant as possible.
11. Set the right mood
It’s perfectly okay to be upset about the rain, but don’t let the feeling overtake you. Your wedding day means that all eyes are on you and your guests will feel off your mood. If you can stay upbeat and positive, your guests will too.
12. Rain is memorable
The best tip for a rainy wedding is to just embrace it! Planning an outdoor wedding means you have to accept all kinds of nature, including rain. Although you can’t control it, you can control how you feel about it. It doesn’t get more romantic than you and your significant other trading vows in the rain. That scene alone makes your wedding unforgettable.
At the end of the day, you are getting married to the love of your life – rain or shine. Rain might not be ideal, but if planned for correctly, it can offer you beautiful photos, keep your wedding warm and intimate and make your special day even greater than you could imagine. Make sure to snap a photo of your guests dancing in the rain for your contemporary wedding photo book.
