What to do about rain on your wedding day?

Let’s face it: there is nothing ironic about rain on your wedding day (I KNOW, I KNOW. Alanis Morissette needed to be quoted here. There wasn’t any way around it). Back to the topic at hand: rain. white dress. delicate hair and make up. visions of that magical sunset ceremony. oh, not to mention tens of thousands of dollars poured into what is supposed to be the BEST DAY EVER. It’s an equation that doesn’t exactly add up.

But, it happens. I know, by this point you must be saying “PAIGE. MY GIRL. You’re supposed to be pumping me up! You’re my positivity guru: BRING THE SUNSHINE. NOW.” And trust me, being a realist is not my favorite part of the job, but IT IS what’s going to get us to the finish line aka: you marrying the love of your life.

This fall has put me threw the ringer: with so many rained out sessions and rainy weddings, I’m now convinced that rainy wedding days (while a nuisance to my artist heart) can be JUST as, if not even more magical, than the perfect sunset ceremony of your dreams.

SO, let’s get down to the question at hand: what to do about rain on your wedding day?

1. This one is the easiest step you can take: HAVE A BACK UP PLAN BEFORE THE DAY-OF. Now, it breaks my natural-light-lovin’ heart to say this, but don’t wait until your wedding week to think about what happens if the skies open up and dump rain down on that dreamy hill country landscape you love so dearly. Have the conversation early with your venue and wedding planner (and/or venue coordinator, if you’re skipping a planner!), that way you’re setting your expectations accordingly and you’re not left with any question about what you’ll do. Does the venue 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?  It could be as simple as using an indoor space as “plan B” or more involved like renting a tent. Most tent rentals will allow you to get your money back up until a week before the wedding, so if there is no rain in sight you can cancel and get that $$ back.
   

   This sweet bridal session got rained out, but thankfully we had a beautiful indoor venue as a back-up plan. Allllllll the white was perfect for bouncing flash and capturing those beautiful bright portraits you always dreamed of.

2. COME ARMED WITH UMBRELLAS (AND RAIN BOOTS). I’m all about manifesting sunshine and good intentions, but if it ends up raining on your wedding day, you’re going to want everyone dry. I recommend clear umbrellas, as they still let light in while keep everyone warm and dry. It also doesn’t hurt to have some rain boots on hand – dainty heels don’t fare well in the mud. 
3. TALK TO YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER. Oh, hey good lookin’ – you lookin’ at me? 😉 Talk to your photographer early about what a rain plan looks like for your wedding. They will also guide you on expectations: what do rainy day wedding photos look like? Is it still possible to get those photos you’ve always dreamed of? If you’re hired a professional, the answer should be “yes girl!” Your photos just be a little different – they may be a little more emotive, they might be hosted inside with flash or there may be a few less portraits than if you’d had 90 minutes in a glowing field during sunset. Different doesn’t mean worse, it just means different.  
   

   These photos were captured with 8 minutes under a covered patio at the wedding venue. It wasn’t the golden hour photos we always dreamed of, but honestly they’re SO much better because they’re REAL and they reflect their day and how it truly happened.

   

   The sun wasn’t shining, but we were able to use the cloudy skies to our advantage. SWOON.

4. BE PRACTICAL WITH YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP. No one likes runny mascara, but you can still look flawless on your wedding. Killer hair and make up artists will be able to waterproof your makeup and give you a stylish updo that won’t fall apart from water and wind. The groom and his men should also opt for hairstyles that are as frizz-resistant as possible.
   

   Realistic hair and make up: CHECK. Neutral indoor venue for portraits: CHECK. This day is already off to a great start!

5. BE FLEXIBLE! Consider a flexible timeline. If a torrential downpour looks likely right at the time of your vows, consider extending the cocktail hour or perhaps going immediately from vows to reception. OR if you’re doing a first look, you may consider hosting cocktail hour first THEN doing a ceremony, if you think the weather will clear up. 🙂 When planning, allow the schedule some flex room. It’ll keep your guests out of the rain and your stress to a minimum. A little adjustment goes a long way!
   

   What can you do when it starts POURING right after you say “I do”? SMILE (and praise all the wedding gods for first looks!)

6. SMILE: ONLY YOU CAN CONTROL THE WAY YOU FEEL. Honestly, at the end of the day, you’re marrying the love of your life. Rain, thunder, come whatever. You can be a little upset, but then you also need to take a deep breath and get ready to STILL have an incredible day. Only YOU can control how you react to the day. Embrace the rain, trust in your plan and soak it all in. Even if it gets a little messy or it’s the storybook day you’ve imagined, dance in the rain and give in to all of the love you’re surrounded by. This is your day. OWN IT. I’ll be there to capture it when you do 😉

Now that you know what to do about rain on your wedding day, you may be looking for more wedding tips to make your day stress-free and fun! Check out our entire blog section here!