How to Prepare for Rain on Your Wedding Day
CAPE COD WEDDING
You’ve spent months planning your dream wedding in the perfect outdoor setting. But what if the forecast calls for rain on your big day? Here’s the bad news, if you are planning a wedding in New England, in the spring, then this scenario is a reality we all face.
I come bearing good news though - Rainy weather doesn’t mean your wedding is ruined. There are plenty of ways to prepare for the possibility of a little drizzle, and the presence of rain can actually lend your wedding—and your photos—an even more romantic vibe. So whether you’re planning well ahead of time or scrambling at the last minute, check out these tips for dealing with rain on your wedding day.
Develop a Plan B you absolutely love.
The most obvious way to plan for rain is to have a backup plan, but when you’re choosing a Plan B for your big day, don’t just settle for the closest available indoor venue. Instead, take some time to put planning and thought into your backup plan and make sure there are parts of it that you’re really looking forward to. That way, if you do have to move indoors, you won’t be devastated at the change of venue.
Keep everyone in the loop.
And by everyone, we mean your guests. If there’s any chance of rain, it’s important to let everyone involved in the wedding and your guests know about your backup plan. This is where a wedding website can really come in handy! If it looks like rain in the days leading to your wedding, you can tell everyone about the change of venue and to come prepared for rainy weather and muddy ground. If you’re getting married during a month that’s particularly prone to inclement weather, consider including a card in your invitations that lets all your guests know the rainy day plan.
Talk to your vendors.
When you interview potential vendors for your big day, ask about how rain would affect their plans, and be sure to get in touch with all your vendors a few days before the wedding if the forecast is looking gray. Rain may require some of them to adjust their schedules or make changes to their preparations, so advance notice is definitely appreciated. And don’t worry about your photos! Rainy days actually create some really magical and unique wedding images - especially if you’re brave enough to jump out in the rain with me.
Plan your day as if it will rain.
Take time to consider how rain would affect every aspect of your wedding and plan accordingly. After all, you’re better safe than sorry, and having a plan in place for inclement weather will save you a lot of stress if it does rain the day of. Think about everything, from your guests’ arrival to your ceremony details, and build a schedule with plenty of wiggle room and accommodations for unexpected rainfall.
Have matching accessories ready to go.
Prepare for rain with umbrellas in your wedding colors or matching rainboots for the bridesmaids. Colorful accessories will make for fun photos and will help keep the rain from ruining all the carefully-done hairdos and makeup.
Think about the little things.
Umbrellas and waterproof mascara are an obvious must, but consider all the details that rain may affect. Have extra towels handy for guests and the wedding party or think about having a few hair dryers in the bathrooms. Choose a hairdo that’s less likely to get frizzy with all the moisture in the air and consider having a reception dress, just in case you need something dry to change into.
Keep things cozy.
If you’re concerned about rain, consider making your reception a little cozier. You can have a hot chocolate bar or serve warm cider to keep your guests toasty. You can even offer blankets that guests can wrap up in. It may not be formal, but it’ll definitely be fun, and your chilled guests are sure to appreciate it!
Don’t be afraid to embrace the rain.
If the movies have taught us anything, it’s that expressing your love in the rain is incredibly romantic! Lean into that feeling and just relax and enjoy your day. It may not be exactly what you imagined, but you’re marrying the love of your life, so it’s still an amazing day!
Jenna and Colin’s Cape Cod wedding started and ended with a little drizzle, but nothing deterred from their day.
Are you getting married?
I would love to chat with you about your wedding photography, whether it be in Cape Cod or elsewhere. I haz passport! Will travel. Let’s talk!
