What if it rains on your wedding day?

 

I have yet to to meet someone who dreams of a rainy day wedding, but did you know it really can be quite dreamy if you let it?

My favourite thing about rainy days, and not necessarily wedding days, is the cozy mood it brings about and unexpected twists and turns people need to navigate together. In its own way it creates intimacy and camaraderie as everyone shifts closer. But in order to achieve this comfort there is a balance between panicking over the rain, and embracing the rain.

First and foremost. It’s OK. You have a backup plan…right? No? Make one! Make a backup plan right now. Have a strong backup plan ready to go for all outdoor aspects of your day, including photos, ceremony and reception.

Communicate your rain backup plans with your venue, photographer and videographer, and anyone else who may need to adjust their services. If you have a wedding planner, make your wishes clear ahead of time and trust your wedding planner and vendors to make any last minute calls.

Take a glance at the weather forecast a week in advance. If there is over 30% chance of rain, think about preparing to use your rain backup. A few days before the wedding, look at the hourly forecast for the day. Unless rain all day is the forecast, you may only need to adjust a portion of the day’s plans. I’ve been in many situations where it pours just before the ceremony, leaving just enough time for us to wipe down chairs before guests arrive.

Rain in the forecast? Designate someone else (such as your wedding planner!) to make any last minute decisions so you can go about getting ready for the day the way you envisioned. What’s the easiest thing to talk about? That’s right, the weather. When everyone wants to share their idea of the best rain call, it can get stressful. Leaving the weather plans up to someone else will allow you to step away from and avoid conversations where everyone just wants to help decide on or know what the rain plan is.

And finally, seek ways to embrace a rainy day wedding:

  • Have umbrellas on hand for the wedding party, family, and guests to be escorted with.

  • Take some epic photos in the rain.

  • Wear rain boots and bring a change of shoes.

  • Consider your hair and makeup. Opt for an up-do, chic ponytail or tame potential flyaways with braids. Arm yourself with a makeup touch up kit with lip colour, mascara, liner, blush, translucent powder and makeup removal wipes for any minor smudges.

  • Dedicate someone to check on you every so often for any touch-up needs.

  • Stay warm with a cute cape, cardigan or jacket.

  • Ask for help with carrying your wedding dress when travelling between venues and getting in and out of vehicles.

READY TO PLAN A MEANINGFUL WEDDING?

Maybe you have a Pinterest board full of ideas but they don’t all fit together, you're not quite sure which direction to take, and you want to turn them into a vision that's yours. Or, maybe you know how you want your day to feel, but could use some guidance on how to bring it to life.

With planning timelines, vendor connections, design boards, colour palettes and custom decor sourcing, we provide creative direction and support for all planning and design-related decisions.

Contact us and tell us about your wedding day vision!

 
Wedding PlanningEmily JanzenWeddingComment