An Unexpected Rainy Wedding Day, Now What?

So, it’s raining on your wedding day. You anticipated cold weather and a bit of an overcast, but definitely not rain.
Your wedding was planned to be an outdoor wedding ceremony and you’re freaking out. You have your wedding planner on speed dial, and your wedding party is telling you not to worry "It's going to be so much fun!" they said.

You're still panicking.

I'm here to tell you that a rainy wedding day is not the end of the world, and doesn't have to damper your mood (pun intended). All you need is a little preparation, have an open-mind and trust your photographer. In my experience shooting rainy day weddings, they have been quite the learning experience for both myself and the bride, but I think all-in-all everything turned out beautiful and memorable!

Since I've never shared this story before, I thought I would shed some light on my learning experiences shooting rainy wedding days, how to see the bright-side and how to prepare for it.

Don't be fooled by the scary dark clouds and cold weather. Contrary to popular belief, cloudy skies don't actually ruin​ your photos. In fact, if I can be a bit of a photography nerd for a sec—the overcast skies can act like a diffuser for the sun. So, what would typically be bright sun (which when not careful can create harsh shadows on faces), becomes a nice even light. :)

Here are some ways you can better prepare for a possibility of rain in your wedding day forecast:
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Umbrellas

This goes without saying, but I still feel like I should mention it. If you think/know there will be even the subtle chance of rain, have someone from your wedding party (or yourself if you’re up for it) get a hold of as many umbrellas as you can. Double-brownie points if you can get them to be the same color or my personal favorite—clear dome umbrellas! This will keep everything still looking cohesive and won’t cause a distraction in your wedding photos. If you’re up for it, designate a few of your friends or event staff to assist by ushering your guests to and from their cars to the ceremony site with their umbrellas. It’ll give you fancy points and be super helpful in ensuring your guests are taken care of.

Plan B

Okay, I know this sounds like a scary one. But hear me out. If Plan A looks like rain, would there be any way to move the ceremony indoors? Or a possibility to get a nice clear canopy? Or if moving the wedding ceremony into the same space as the reception? These are all great options when thinking of a solid Plan B. Talk to your wedding planner, coordinator, the venue event coordinator, your maid of honor or your dog (whoever can help you figure it out).

Communicate with Your Wedding Coordinator (or Maid of Honor)

As mentioned literally a second ago, whether you have a wedding planner, day-of wedding coordinator, or just your Maid-of-Honor, be in communication with them about what that Plan B is. Be sure to have one of them (or yourself) communicate what it is you are changing to your photographer. This is so important. At this point, your photographer should be on their toes and ready with all the plans—Plan B, Plan C, etc. Communication is going to be key to your success on your wedding day. Way out your options, look at your budget and see where you and your wedding team can make this day as painless and smooth as possible.

Offer Towels

No one likes to be drenched in their fancy wedding attire. Help your guests keep dry by offering hand towels. It’s not always the prettiest idea, but it’s definitely helpful.

Heat Lamps

Okay, I love heat lamps during the cold or rainy weather. I think this is a great idea for when it's simply cold out. Stay warm!

Extra Pair of Shoes (at least for the wedding party or very least you--the Bride)

Don't walk around in slippery wet shoes. A) It's dangerous and B) You'll get sick. You don't want to catch a cold and be on bed-rest during your honeymoon. That doesn't sound like fun.

Keep an Open-Mind for your Photographer
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Photographers have a way of seeing the world differently (especially in terms of light). So, when there is a bit of a drizzle, and your photographer says let's take photos outside...be careful not to slip, but go for it. You might just get that magical shot with water droplets falling from the sky as your forever partner makes you laugh under your umbrellas. Yes, you may feel ridiculous. You may feel like this cannot turn out well. You may also feel cold and get wet. But think of the magical possibility and trust your photographer's creative eye. You did hire her for this very reason, amiright?

So, there you have it! A few tips and tricks on getting through what you thought would be a treacherous rainy wedding day! Not so bad, right?
Just remember, yes it’s your wedding day. And yes, you most likely spent a lot of money on it. But think about what you’re celebrating and who you’re celebrating this amazing day with. That’s what it’s all about, right?

Let me know if you have any additional ideas! I’d love to be able to pass along your brilliant ideas to other lovely couples!

Stay warm and dry!