Wedding Planning Basics

A Guide To Planning For Both Rain And Sun On Your Wedding Day

Put simply, one cannot trust the weather. After countless days of planning, coordinating, and negotiating, there is nothing more stressful than erratic storms sabotaging your wedding day. However, there is no point in panicking over something you cannot control.

Many couples these days are opting for off-season weddings, taking the chance to save money on vendors, and focusing on creating a snug and cozy venue inside. However, even a date is picked for the middle of July could run into some storms. So it’s best to have a backup plan to ensure your wedding day goes seamlessly, regardless of the weather.

A Guide To Planning For Both Rain And Sun On Your Wedding Day

Venue Options

One of the first things you should do is choose a venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces. For instance, if you plan for an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception, have your wedding planner and venue coordinator make a plan for transforming the indoor space for both the ceremony and reception, if necessary. Ensure you ask them how long it will take to flip the room. An efficient team will be able to get the job done in nearly an hour while your guests enjoy cocktails at another spot at the venue.

On the other hand, if your venue doesn’t have an indoor space, rent tents that can quickly block both rain and sun. Ask the site manager if they can recommend a rental company they have worked with before.

Protect Your Dress

No bride-to-be wants to be wet and dirty in the middle of her big day. To protect your wedding dress, you can get the hem sprayed with a fabric guard by a professional. You can also wear an underskirt or a slip under your wedding gown to gently lift the hem off the ground—this works for stationary photoshoots.

Additionally, have rain boots ready for any long walks. From elegant pastel pink styles with bows to sexy checkered ones, the options are nearly endless. Be sure to choose a pair that matches your gown.

Lastly, wear waterproof makeup. It will hold up against the rain as well as your tears of joy. Experts also suggest using a quality hair spray to keep frizzy hair tame.

Provide Umbrellas

Speaking of keeping your dress dry, your guests won’t want to be soaked from the rain either.

Practical and pretty, umbrellas are a must when it rains. Have umbrellas on standby, and your guests will appreciate you taking the time and effort in keeping them dry. Clear bubble umbrellas are a classic option and act as an excellent photo prop.

Consider leaving cotton towels on every ceremony seat for rained-on attendees to dry themselves. Furthermore, if it’s chilly, provide coffee or tea inside, so the guests have something to focus on besides the rain.

Plan for Mud

If you are holding your wedding outside, remember that the grass can get muddy. To be on the safe side, provide a walkway for the guests who will probably be wearing heels and shoes and the bridal party who might be wearing long dresses. You want the day to be simple for your guests.

Don’t Forget the Sun

Rain isn’t the only weather condition that can impact your wedding day. A hot sunny day can also leave guests unhappy if preparations aren’t made.

While natural light will give you better photographs, too much light can result in the venue getting hotter. In such a scenario, provide your guests with fans. Additionally, if your guests have to look into the sun at any point during the ceremony, offer them a fun pair of sunglasses.

Embrace the Rain

What does it mean when it rains on your wedding day? While there are various wedding superstitions and beliefs surrounding rain, a rainy wedding is a sign of a lasting marriage according to Hindu tradition—as a wet knot is harder to untie.

A few others state that rain symbolizes a fresh start for the newlyweds, washing away any bad memories from the past. Rain also represents fortune, fertility, and abundance. So, if there is one thing most people will agree on, rain on your wedding day is good luck.

At the end of the day, weather changes are unavoidable. So, all you can do is welcome the weather and think about the positives. After you have tied the knot, plan a playful rainy photo session with your bridal party holding cute umbrellas and rocking colorful rain boots. You could also sneak out with your soon-to-be-spouse for a romantic kiss under a shared umbrella. The rule of thumb is to focus on your happy day and go with the flow.