How to Prepare for a Rainy Wedding Day

Living in Scotland we are used to seeing all four seasons in one day, whatever month of the year! But whether a drizzle or a downpour, rain is no reason to give up hope on your wedding day. Stormy weather is nobody’s ideal wedding forecast, but unfortunately, it’s the only real part of the day you can’t control. Prepping for a rainy wedding day in advance will save you a headache in the future.

Any couple having an outdoor wedding ceremony should confirm a weather backup plan in their venue contract—whether it’s an indoor room, a covered outdoor area or a last-minute tent setup. That way, if the forecast spontaneously calls for rain on your wedding day, you’ll have something to fall back on—and no reason to panic. However, if you forgot to make a plan B from the start, here’s how to pull off a fabulous affair no matter what.

Talk to Your Venue and Suppliers

You planned an outdoor wedding, but your only weather prep was crossing your fingers and praying to the rain gods—now it’s supposed to rain on your wedding day. Call your venue coordinator and find out your options. Do they have another protected space on-site where you could relocate? If you were planning an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception, can they help transform the indoor space for both the ceremony and reception? (If you go with this plan, ask them how long it’ll take to flip the room. A good team should get the job done in about an hour while you and your guests enjoy drinks and hors-d’oeuvres at another spot at the venue.)

Another option, if your budget and venue allow, is to rent a tent last minute. The site manager might even be able to refer you to a rental company they’ve worked with before. Speak to your photographer and make sure they have a plan B for indoor group shots and/or bridal portraits in the rain.

Embrace It

Get ready to roll with the punches and welcome the weather—rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck! If the rain brings wind and chilly temperatures too, arrange for heat lamps, offer blankets and make sure there’s plenty of hot coffee, tea, cider or cocoa. Provide enough umbrellas and rain boots for your guests—or, at the very least, for your wedding party. Plan a playful rainy photo session with your wedding party holding cute umbrellas and wearing colourful rain boots. Or sneak away with your soon-to-be spouse for a  romantic kiss under a shared umbrella. First, find out if any of your vendors can supply these sorts of props. For example, I bring 4/5 wedding umbrellas with me to every wedding – just in case. No luck? You can get super cheap fleece blankets or towels from Ikea and umbrellas from Amazon or eBay.

You’re Allowed to Be Upset (for a Little Bit)

Rain or shine, this is true of all weddings: No matter how beautiful your floral arrangements, elaborate your reception amenities or terrible your weather luck is, your guests will feed off your mood. If the forecast makes you flustered, upset and anxious, you’re allowed to let your frustration out (I know, it sucks), but don’t let it weigh you down for the whole celebration. Your guests can sense all your tense and negative energy, so the sooner you can get past it and be your own source of sunshine, the more fun both you and your guests will have—I promise.

Think you’re the only one whose nuptials got caught in the rain? Search for Rainy Day Wedding Photos on Pinterest—they’ll convince you everything will be okay.

Remember a Wedding is a Party, not a Performance. If at the end of the day you are married to the one you love, then everything went perfectly.

Happy Planning!
Jenny @ JB Moments Photography