Whether a drizzle or a downpour, precipitation is no reason to give up hope on an awesome wedding day. Stormy weather is nobody’s ideal wedding forecast, but unfortunately, it’s out of your hands. Prepping in advance will save you a headache in the future.
Talk to Your Venue
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 pour all day. Call your venue coordinator, or put them in touch with your wedding planner, 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 will take to flip the room. A good team should get the job done in about an hour while you and your guests enjoy cocktails 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.
Embrace It
Get ready to roll with the punches and welcome the weather—rain on your wedding day is actually 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 and 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 colorful rain boots. Or sneak away with your soon-to-be spouse for a first look and romantic kiss under a shared umbrella.
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 (we know, it stinks), 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—we promise.
Think you’re the only one whose nuptials got caught in the rain? See how a huge storm created a magical moment for country music singer Randy Houser and his wife on their wedding day.
