How to Prepare For a Rainy Wedding Day
- Madison Neumann
- Mar 14, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
As you and your partner prepare for your wedding day, the possibility of rain may feel like your worst nightmare - but it doesn't have to! Your big day will be perfect regardless, but the unpredictable climate is a common (and understandable) worry. Like any detail, preparing ahead of time for whatever the weather may bring can be a huge stress relief.
As a wedding photographer on the East Coast, I've learned how to make the best out of a rainy day, which helped ease my mind when planning for my own ceremony a few years ago - below are some pointers to help you do the same.
1. Create a rain plan with your venue as early as possible
Your rain plan can start all the way at the beginning of your wedding planning journey - as early as your venue tours! Asking the venues you look at about their standard rain plan can be a huge help, especially if they typically hold a lot of events outside. Even if you aren't completely happy with their response, consider other options you would be happy with, and ask if accommodations can be made. Your venue is such a huge part of your day, so this could be important in your decision-making process.
2. When considering event locations, consider photo locations too!
Along with the rain plan you establish with your venue, you want to make sure there is a rain plan for photo locations too. Make sure there is an area that is covered and spacious enough, that you are also happy with the look of, as a backup option for your portraits. Some location options can be an additional room at your venue, a grand staircase, or even a covered porch if you still want an outdoor feel.
If your wedding party and family is small, space will not be too much of a concern - however, if you are planning on large groupings of 20 or more, having enough room is super important!
3. Stock up on clear umbrellas
From a photographer's perspective, clear umbrellas are the absolute best! Their design allows you to see through them for fun portraits, and they won't clash with anything your'e wearing. You can purchase these at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon - they can also be rented on wedding exchange forums like Facebook groups. But before you rent or buy, check with your vendors. Many photographers will carry at least a small set with them, but additional vendors like your venue or planner may have some too.
4. Bring a change of shoes you won't mind getting wet or muddy
This tip speaks for itself! Bring a change of shoes for when you are outside and save your nice shoes for when you're inside for your wedding events.
5. Carry or bustle your dress
If you are traveling in and out on a rainy wedding day, it may be your best bet to keep the dress bustled until you're inside for your wedding ceremony.
6. Take the photos outside anyway!
While it's important to love your venue's rain plan, let's be honest - most couples choose their venue and wedding day locations for all of the outdoor beauty it has to offer. If this is the case for you, you should absolutely still try to get outside for some photos. Your wedding day only happens once, and I promise you won't regret stepping outside for a few photos, even for 10-15 minutes. Bustle that dress, throw on a change of shoes, huddle under a clear umbrella and enjoy your own little rom-com moment!
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