What Happens if it Rains On Your Wedding Day?
What happens if it looks like it's going to rain on your wedding day? This article gives you practical types on how to prepare for rain on your wedding day.
When couples decided to have an outdoor wedding, they usually have to take into account the weather. This could be anything from bright sun to rain showers.
1) PLAN FOR 100% CHANCE OF RAIN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
After photographing weddings for several years, the one thing you realize early on is that weather can be a big concern, especially if it is an outdoor wedding. Look at what a back-up plan might look like if it were to rain on your wedding day. Having a Plan B or backup plan can help reduce any stress so you can enjoy one of the best days of your life, no matter what the weather.
2) KEEP YOUR GUESTS IN THE LOOP
Your guests might not be as prepared for your wedding if it rains. It is essential to include a note on your invitation on any alternative plans for your wedding. This is especially helpful if you are getting married in one of the more “rainy” months.
3) BE PRACTICAL ABOUT HAIR AND MAKEUP
When thinking about your planning your wedding makeup and hair, take into account the weather. Discuss with your make up artist and hairstylist about what they can do to make sure your makeup and hair can stand up to the weather. Primers and non-water based foundations are just a few of the suggestions. Another recommendation is to have a touch-up kit to touch up make-up.
4) RENT A TENT OR HAVE A BACKUP OPTION for covered location
If your wedding venue doesn’t have an outdoor option, discuss with them about renting a tent or marquee. This will provide a nice outdoor feeling while providing you protection from the rain. This is a great way to stay dry and warm while getting some gorgeous wedding photos. Make sure you communicate with your wedding photographer about your indoor photo options.
5) CONSIDER ADJUSTING YOUR WEDDING DAY TIMELINE
Sometimes preparing to have extra time in your wedding day timeline can be a blessing. Consider moving portraits to a later time when there are breaks in the weather. Half an hour can sometimes mean the difference between a downpour and cloudy skies with the sun popping through.
6) RAIN CAN EQUAL LESS PEOPLE IN THE background of your photos
When you are photographing your couples portraits, sometimes there are individuals or groups of people who are unaware that wedding photos are being shot. This means most photographers have to be creative and aware of the background. When it rains, most people move inside or undercover, which clears the background allowing the photographer to focus on 100% on the couple.
7) THINK ABOUT HANDING OUT UMBRELLAS OR BLANKETS
Get creative, if you know that the forecast is looking like rain on your wedding day hand out umbrellas to your guests. You can get creative here and decided if you want to incorporate your wedding colours. Either way, you can then use the umbrellas for some creative wedding photos.
8)TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CLOUD COVER
Another good thing that comes with rain is the clouds. Clouds provide a diffused light source. Most cameras can easily handle the lighting conditions, so don’t worry about it being too dark. Photographers love the diffused light that come with cloud cover as there are less harsh shadows, so be prepared for a short rain session.
9) RAIN REDUCES AIRBORNE POLLEN AND ELIMINATES ALLERGIES
Now I wouldn’t be a nurse if I didn’t add at least one medical/health tip in this post. Rain reduces certain pollens and air pollution by literally washing out of the air. When you have a light shower or drizzle, the raindrops and absorb some particles of pollen and air pollution. So remember if either of you or any of your guests suffer from allergies, that a little rain on your wedding day might help combat those allergies.
10) RAIN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY CAN BE ROMANTIC, MEMORABLE AND UNIQUE.
Remember those scenes from The Notebook, yeah we all do. (Heavy sigh) Talking with your wedding photographer about what types of photos that you would like can yield some fabulous results. For example: placing a flash right behind you both while taking a photo from the opposite side freezes the rain in the photos and can create some epic wedding day images.
11) Make Sure you have the right gear
When it rains, be prepared to get a little dirty, this can mean your feet and the bottom of your dress. Some extra gear to bring would include:
some comfortable dry shoes you can wear later
warm waterproof jacket
cute boots if the mood strikes you
plastic bag for your electronics
blankets
12) Flowers will thrive in the rain
During the summer months, your flowers can wilt after spending the day in the sun. A little rain will help your flowers to last longer.
Written by Lisa Lander
Lisa is a wedding and engagement photographer based in the West Midlands. Her goal is to serves couples by providing an incredibly personal experience. She specializes in fun & natural wedding photography and believes your photos should look the way each moment felt.