Protecting Your Wedding: Diy Rain Cover Preparations

Rain on your wedding day may be unavoidable, but it doesn't have to put a damper on your celebration. With some careful planning, you can ensure that your big day goes off without a hitch, rain or shine. From creating a solid backup plan to making stylish adjustments to your attire, there are plenty of ways to prepare for inclement weather and ensure you and your guests stay dry and comfortable.

Whether you're opting for a chic transparent raincoat or colourful wellies, there are several ways to rain-proof your wedding look. You can also add some creative touches to your photography, decor, and drinks to embrace the romantic and cosy atmosphere that rain creates.

So, if you're worried about the weather forecast for your upcoming nuptials, don't fret! With the right preparations, you can create a memorable and magical day, regardless of the rain.

Create a backup plan

Having a backup plan for your wedding is crucial, especially if you're dreaming of an outdoor ceremony. While the possibility of rain may be stressful, you can take several steps to ensure your big day goes smoothly, rain or shine. Here are some detailed instructions to create a comprehensive backup plan:

• Start planning early: When choosing your wedding venue, ask the coordinator about their rain plan. Some venues may have indoor options or covered spaces, while others might require you to bring a tent. It's important to know these details in advance so you can make an informed decision.
• Have an indoor backup plan: Ensure you have an indoor alternative for your ceremony and reception. This could be a separate space at the same venue or a completely different location. If your reception venue also has an indoor area, consider renting it out in case of a downpour.
• Communicate with your team: Discuss contingency plans with your caterers, photographers, planners, staff, and musicians. Ensure everyone knows their role and what changes will be made in case of rain.
• Develop a guest communication strategy: Inform your guests about the possibility of rain and provide updates if the plan changes. You can include an "in case of rain" message on the invitation or direct guests to your wedding website for the latest information. Alternatively, set up a phone number with automated updates or use group text messages to keep everyone informed.
• Delegate tasks: Assign specific tasks to your parents, bridal party, or wedding planner to ensure a smooth execution of the contingency plan. These tasks can include coordinating with the band and photographer, touching base with the officiant, ensuring the cake stays dry, and assisting guests, especially those with special needs, to the new venue.
• Consider the logistics: Think about the logistics of guests arriving at the venue in rainy weather. Gather a group of friends or hire students to greet guests with umbrellas and ponchos. Have towels inside the door, and consider providing rain boots, especially for those in heels or polished shoes.
• Be flexible: Remember that the forecast may change, and you might need to adjust your plans accordingly. Be prepared to make a last-minute decision to move your ceremony indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather.
• Embrace the rain: While it's essential to have a backup plan, don't be afraid to embrace the rain. Rain on your wedding day is considered good luck in some cultures, and it can lead to beautiful photographs.
• Stock up on supplies: Purchase or rent supplies like umbrellas, disposable rain gear, clear plastic tarps, and towels. You can also provide flip-flops for guests, especially those in heels, to prevent them from sinking into soft ground. Blankets, especially for elderly and young guests, will add comfort if the temperature drops.
• Think about alternate parking: If your parking is in a field, ensure there is an alternative parking lot or garage available in case of rain. This is often overlooked but crucial, as cars can get stuck in the mud, and you might be liable for any damages.
• Make a timely decision: Work with your vendors to determine when to make the call about implementing your rain plan. Some vendors may require a one-day notice, while others will allow you to wait until closer to the ceremony. Communicate with your vendors to ensure a smooth transition.

Remember, a little rain won't ruin your big day. With careful planning and a positive attitude, you can create a memorable and magical wedding, regardless of the weather.

Talk to your team about contingency plans

Whether it's just you and your betrothed, or a team of caterers, photographers, banquet planners, staff, and musicians, ensure everyone knows what will change if it rains. This can be handled by a surrogate, such as the bride's mother, the best man, or the wedding planner. Assign a responsible person to communicate with the team by text or phone as soon as rain looks likely.

Make sure you have answers to the following questions:

• What's the backup plan for the ceremony itself?
• Where will you hold the reception?
• Where will the band go when the storm starts?
• Where and when will you take pictures?

If you're still ready to handle everything, even with the elements against you, you're in good shape to have a happy wedding day.

Delegate tasks now, not during the downpour

Your parents and members of the bridal party can help execute the contingency plan. Give everyone a task to take on if rain becomes imminent. Assign someone to:

• Communicate with the band and other entertainment.
• Coordinate with the photographer.
• Touch base with the officiant.
• Ensure the cake stays dry.
• Help guests get to the new venue, especially those with accessibility needs.
• Distribute rain gear if that's part of your plan.
• Be a point person for anyone with questions.
• Cover or retrieve anything that could be damaged by the rain.

You want people running interference for the happy couple so that they don't have to deal with any of this on their big day.

Rainproof your look

Brides should wear waterproof mascara and water-resistant foundation (a wise choice given the likelihood of happy tears). Talk to your hairdresser about a style that will withstand humidity or rain.

Monitor the weather forecast. If it looks like the rain will pass, consider swapping the order of events. For example, you could serve appetizers and open the bar until it passes.

Think about guest arrivals

Even if you have an indoor wedding, you need to plan for rain. Gather a group of friends or hire some students to meet vehicles as they arrive at the venue. Equip those greeters with umbrellas and ponchos, and have a few people inside the door with thick towels.

You may even want to have some rain boots handy—they'll be appreciated, especially by anyone wearing heels or recently polished shoes. If you're using parking attendants, be sure they have explicit instructions on where to direct people. It may be appropriate to ask the facility manager to have those attendants pass out umbrellas, etc.

If you live in a rainy climate, stock up on umbrellas, disposable rain gear, clear plastic painter's tarps, and towels. You can give regular umbrellas to guests and festive ones to the wedding party.

Be willing to get wet

You're unlikely to melt in the rain, and photographs taken in the rain can be beautiful. You'll remember your wedding day, so embrace your contingency plan, be resilient, and let your wedding shine, even if the sun doesn't!

Rainproof your look

Rain on your wedding day doesn't have to put a damper on your look. Here are some tips to ensure you still shine on your big day, rain or shine.

First things first, make-up. It's a good idea to opt for waterproof mascara and water-resistant foundation—a wise choice anyway, considering the likelihood of happy tears. If you're worried about your make-up melting in the rain, speak to your make-up artist about an emergency kit. They should be able to provide you with some products to allow you to make touch-ups throughout the day.

Next, hair. Discuss a rain-proof hairstyle with your hairdresser. If your hair is prone to frizz, consider a style that will keep it in place, or opt for hair products that will tame your tresses.

If you're wearing a wedding dress with a train, consider adding a loop so you can bustle it up, or ask a bridesmaid to carry it for you. This will help to keep it dry and is also handy for dancing!

If you're worried about your shoes getting muddy, consider swapping them out for coloured or patterned wellies. You could also weatherproof your shoes with stick-on protectors to add grip to the soles and heel stoppers so they don't sink into wet grass.

Finally, invest in a good coat or jacket. A see-through waterproof will allow you to show off your dress while keeping you dry. If you want to make a statement, opt for a contrasting colour.

So there you have it! A few simple steps to ensure your wedding look is rainproof.

Prepare the venue

If you're planning an outdoor wedding, it's important to have an indoor backup plan. For larger weddings, this will involve your wedding planner, the facilities manager, and perhaps the banquet manager. If your reception location also has an indoor venue, you may consider renting out some space in case of a downpour. For smaller weddings, you could ask your hotel about using a ballroom or even the lobby.

Some venues, such as golf courses and hotels, offer indoor options should the weather not cooperate. It might cost extra to reserve this space, but it'll be worth it to keep you and your guests dry and warm. If you're planning a DIY wedding, consider keeping a tent up, no matter the weather. Tents can be beautifully decorated and protect everyone from the elements.

If you're hiring a wedding planner, they'll be able to steer the ship when it comes to making backup plans and executing them. It's a good idea to start planning early. When touring venues with outdoor spaces, ask the venue coordinator to walk you through the rain plan. If you're unhappy with a venue's rain plan, it might not be the right space for you.

If you're expecting heavy downpours, it might be worth investing in some wellington boots for any time spent outside. You can always change into your wedding shoes once inside!

If you're expecting rain on your wedding day, choose a see-through waterproof if you want to show off your dress while keeping dry, or white to fit with your outfit. Want to make a feature of your coat? Choose a contrasting colour.

If you know your wedding is likely to be rainy, it's a nice gesture to include umbrellas for the guests. For a small wedding, you can buy a lovely design for each guest, but this can be expensive for larger weddings. In this case, you could trust that your loved ones will bring their own umbrellas and provide a few for those who forget. Clear umbrellas work best for photos so they don't take centre stage in the pictures.

If your parking is situated in a field, make sure there will be a parking lot or garage available if it rains. In some terrains, cars will get stuck in the mud, and couples can be liable for damages depending on their venue's contract.

Notify your guests

It's important to keep your guests informed about any changes to your wedding plans due to rain. Here are some detailed suggestions on how to do this:

• Add a note to your wedding website: Explain on your wedding website that there is a chance of rain, especially if there are expected to be major downpours. This way, guests can check for updates and be prepared.
• Use technology to your advantage: Develop a contingency plan and add an "in case of rain" message to your invitations. You could also instruct guests to check your wedding website or set up a phone number with automated updates. Alternatively, you can send out group text messages to keep everyone informed.
• Utilise a phone tree: Divide your guest list among the parents and wedding attendants, and have them contact your guests directly. Each person should receive a phone call or text with details about the new location, time, and any other relevant information.
• Provide clear instructions for parking attendants: If you have parking attendants, ensure they have explicit instructions on where to direct arriving guests, especially if the rain has caused any changes to the usual parking arrangements.
• Welcome the weather: Remember, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck in many cultures! Embrace the situation and let your guests know that you're rolling with the punches. This positive attitude will be contagious and will help everyone feel more comfortable with any necessary changes.
• Keep guests informed about last-minute changes: If you need to make any sudden changes, such as switching the ceremony spot or moving indoors, ensure your guests are notified promptly. This will help them feel included in your special day, even if the weather isn't ideal.

Frequently asked questions