Ensuring Clear Skies: Preventing Rain On Your Wedding Day

Rain on your wedding day may be inevitable, but a washed-out wedding isn't. From contingency plans to creative photography, there are plenty of ways to stop the rain from ruining your special day.

While you can't control the weather, you can control how you feel about it. In some cultures, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck, bringing health, wealth, fertility and happiness. So, instead of stressing about the forecast, focus on the main purpose of your big day: your love.

Prepare for the possibility of rain

Even if there's a small chance of rain on your wedding day, it's always best to have a plan B in place. Here are some detailed tips to help you prepare for the possibility of rain and ensure your special day goes smoothly:

• Talk to your venue coordinator: Discuss your options with the venue coordinator or put them in touch with your wedding planner. Find out if they have another indoor space that you could use for the ceremony or reception. If you were planning an outdoor event, ask if they can help transform an indoor space to accommodate your needs.
• Consider renting a tent: If your venue doesn't have an indoor space available, renting a tent can be a great backup plan. Tents can be decorated to match the theme of your wedding, and they will ensure that you and your guests stay dry during the festivities.
• Have a selection of umbrellas on hand: Invest in some clear or colourful umbrellas that match your wedding colour scheme. Umbrellas will not only keep you and your bridal party dry, but they can also add a fun and stylish touch to your wedding photos.
• Prepare for muddy conditions: If your venue has outdoor areas or gardens, be prepared for muddy conditions. Consider providing wellies or colourful rain boots for yourself and your bridal party to change into. This will ensure that you can still take photos outdoors without worrying about ruining your shoes.
• Create a cosy atmosphere: If it's raining and chilly outside, create a warm and inviting atmosphere indoors. Provide blankets and hot beverages for your guests to ensure they stay comfortable and cosy throughout the celebration.
• Communicate with your guests: Keep your guests informed about any changes to the wedding plans due to the rain. You can use your wedding website or apps like Appy Couple or Apple Business Chat to communicate last-minute updates and let guests know about any dress code changes or outdoor activities.
• Embrace the rain: Remember, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck in many cultures! Try to embrace the weather and focus on the love you share with your partner. The rain may even provide a romantic backdrop for some unique and memorable wedding photos.

Communicate with your vendors

It's important to have a vendor team that can adapt to last-minute changes. Communicate with your vendors about your new plan, and trust their expertise and decisions. Be realistic about the limitations that rain showers can cause, such as puddles in photos or changes to your hair and makeup. Ask your vendors if they can be flexible with their setup, and be open to their suggestions. For example, if you're planning an outdoor ceremony, your vendors may suggest setting up a tent.

If you're working with a wedding planner, they can help coordinate with other vendors to ensure a seamless experience. During the planning process, go over options with your wedding planner to ensure that any changes can be executed without major interruptions to your vision. If your planner suggests measures to prepare for the rain, such as moving your event to a tent, trust their judgement.

If you're hiring a photographer, they can also advise on how to get the best photos, even in the rain. For example, clear umbrellas can allow light through and almost disappear against a foggy or rainy sky.

Remember to communicate any changes to your guests. Wedding websites and apps are a great way to keep your guests informed about any outdoor portions of the wedding and how to prepare for the weather.

Have a plan B

Having a plan B is crucial for any wedding, especially if you're hoping for an outdoor ceremony or reception. Here are some detailed tips to ensure you're prepared for any weather changes:

Venue Options

Firstly, discuss your options with your venue coordinator. Do they have an alternative indoor space available? If you were planning an outdoor ceremony followed by an indoor reception, ask if it's possible to transform the indoor space to accommodate both. A good venue team should be able to flip the room within an hour while you and your guests enjoy cocktails elsewhere. Alternatively, if your budget allows, consider renting a tent as a backup plan.

Communicate with Vendors

It's important to have a stellar vendor team who are experienced and flexible enough to make last-minute changes. Communicate with your vendors about your plan B and trust their expertise and decisions. Be realistic about any limitations that rainy weather may cause and remember that your vendors will work hard to ensure your day is still special.

Finalize a Backup Plan

Even if rain is just a possibility, it's essential to have a plan B. When touring venues, always inquire about their rain plan and decide if the backup options align with your vision and design preferences before securing the venue. Consider placing a tent on hold through a rental company as an "insurance policy" for your big day. Usually, a decision on whether to use the tent needs to be made a few days beforehand.

Prepare for the Weather

If there's a chance of rain, pack some essential items to stay dry and comfortable. Bring umbrellas, preferably clear ones that allow light through and look great in photos. Also, don't forget a change of shoes, like colourful rain boots that match your wedding colours, and heel protectors to prevent your shoes from sinking into the ground if you have to walk on grass.

Keep Guests Informed

Communication is key. Keep your guests informed about any changes to the schedule or venue due to rain. Wedding websites and apps are excellent tools to provide updates and let guests know if any part of the wedding will be outdoors so they can dress accordingly.

Remember, having a plan B will ease your anxiety and ensure you're prepared for any weather scenario. With a solid backup plan, you can focus on enjoying your special day, no matter the weather!

Rainproof your hair and makeup

Rain can be frustrating when it comes to hair and makeup, but there are ways to protect yourself from the elements.

Hair

• Keep the rain off your hair. A product like Hood To Go can be slipped on under any jacket, keeping your hair dry without the need for a raincoat or umbrella.
• If your hair is prone to frizz, use a moisturising masque enriched with oils and silicones, such as Kerastase's Nutritive Masque Magistral.
• If your hair is particularly prone to matting, apply a pre-shampoo treatment like L'Oréal Professionnel's Mythic Oil.
• Blow-dry your hair as soon as you're out of the shower. The temporary bonds in the hair start to form as soon as you turn off the water, so the quicker you start to style it, the better chance you'll have of achieving the desired look.
• Use a hair masque overnight. If you know you're washing your hair in the morning, apply a masque the night before, twist your hair into a bun, and rinse it out in the morning.
• If you don't want to wash your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner through damp hair, focusing on the ends, and twist it into a loose bun. In the morning, you'll have frizz-free hair with body and shine.
• Experiment with updos. On a rainy day, a ponytail is a good option. Backcomb a rectangular section of hair just below the crown, smooth the hair from the crown over the top, and secure it with an elastic at the nape of your neck.
• If your hair is short, try a tousled French undone look by applying a dab of Shu Uemura's Kengo Feather to the mid-lengths and ends.

Makeup

• Use a primer. This will smooth out imperfections and make your makeup last longer. Try Dior Diorskin Forever and Ever Wear or Makeup Forever, which has a range of primers for different skin types.
• Keep your foundation light or skip it altogether. If you do use foundation, there's no need to dust it with powder—this can become sticky when wet. Opt for a self-setting foundation like Dior Forever Undercover 24H full coverage water-based foundation.
• For eyeshadows and blush, use products with cream-to-powder finishes. These are compatible with wet weather and easier to blend if your makeup gets wet and patchy.
• Use a lip tint as a base to layer your lipstick on top for a reduced fading effect. Try the Dior Lip Glow and Lip Tattoo.
• Set your makeup with a setting spray to ensure it stays intact. Try Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray.
• Use a longwear sealant to transform non-waterproof products into waterproof ones. Makeup Forever Aqua Seal can be used in many ways to make pigments more intense and long-lasting.
• Opt for a translucent powder over a tinted powder or powder foundation to achieve a long-lasting look and create the appearance of wearing less product.

Get creative with photos

While rain on your wedding day might not be ideal, it's important to remember that it won't ruin the day. In fact, with some creativity and flexibility, you can still get stunning wedding photos. Here are some tips to get creative with your wedding photos when it rains:

Use Clear Umbrellas and Rain Boots:

Clear umbrellas are a great choice for wedding photos as they allow light to pass through and can almost disappear against a rainy sky. They also protect you from getting wet while adding a playful touch to your photos. Consider matching the colour of your rain boots to your wedding colours for a fun pop of colour.

Plan Your Hair and Makeup:

Rain can bring wind, so consider an updo for your hair to prevent it from getting frizzy or messy. Talk to your hair and makeup artist about long-lasting options that will hold up in rainy weather. Have your hair artist stay until after your portraits to fix any frizz or stray pieces.

Create a Romantic Ambiance with Candles and Uplighting:

Add extra candles and uplighting to your wedding decor to create a warm and romantic ambiance for your indoor photos. This is especially important if you're dealing with limited natural light due to the weather. The soft glow of candlelight will enhance the mood and make for beautiful, intimate photos.

Have a Plan B for Photos:

Ensure you have a covered outdoor area or an indoor space for formal photos. Talk to your venue coordinator about options and consider renting a tent. If you're taking photos outside, be prepared to get a little wet for some unique outdoor portraits.

Take Important Portraits Early:

Take advantage of natural light by having your first look and bridal party portraits early in the day. This will ensure you capture those important moments with optimal lighting.

Embrace the Rain:

Don't be afraid to embrace the rain and have fun with it! Dance in the rain, share a romantic kiss under an umbrella, or catch a piggyback ride. These spontaneous and playful moments will result in natural, memorable photos that you'll cherish.

Allow Extra Time:

Be prepared for delays and a shifting timeline when it rains. It will take extra time to gather family members for photos, travel between locations, and set up shots. Consider hiring a planner or day-of coordinator to help direct guests and keep things running smoothly.

Remember, a little rain won't ruin your wedding day. With these creative photo tips, you'll be able to capture beautiful, unique moments that you'll treasure for years to come.

Frequently asked questions