Wedding Rain: What To Expect

Rain on your wedding day is often considered bad luck, but it doesn't have to be! In fact, according to Hindu tradition, a rainy wedding is a sign of a lasting marriage, as a wet knot is harder to untie. There are plenty of ways to prepare for and embrace the rain on your big day, from stocking up on colourful wellies and pretty umbrellas to moving the ceremony indoors or under a tent. While it may not be what you envisioned, a rainy wedding day can lead to unique and memorable moments, not to mention gorgeous photos.

Stock up on umbrellas and wellies

Stocking up on umbrellas and wellies is a great way to prepare for a rainy wedding day. Umbrellas are a must-have for any wedding, and colourful wellies can be a fun addition to your wedding attire. Here are some tips to help you stock up on these essentials:

Umbrellas:

• Choose clear or colourful umbrellas that match your wedding theme. This will add a fun and whimsical touch to your photos.
• Ensure you have enough umbrellas for your wedding party and guests. It is considerate to provide umbrellas for your guests, as they might not be prepared for the rain.
• Communicate with your photographer about using umbrellas in your photos. They can help you find the best locations and poses to capture romantic and intimate shots.
• Consider using umbrellas as props for symmetrical photo opportunities with your groomsmen, bridesmaids, or guests.

Wellies:

• Choose colourful or patterned wellies that complement your wedding colour palette.
• Encourage your wedding party to wear wellies, especially if they will be featured in your photos. This will create a cohesive and playful look.
• If you're feeling adventurous, you can even find wellies with a wedge or heel to give you a little extra height.

Remember, stocking up on umbrellas and wellies is not just practical but can also add a unique and memorable touch to your wedding day. Embrace the rain and have fun with it!

Prepare your photographer

If you're worried about rain on your wedding day, it's a good idea to prepare your photographer. Here are some tips to help them capture beautiful moments, even in the rain:

• Discuss backup portrait locations with your photographer. Suggest covered areas like porches, tents, bridges or large building overhangs that can provide shelter from the rain while still allowing for natural light portraits.
• Be flexible with your timeline and give yourself extra portrait time. This will allow you and your photographer to take advantage of any breaks in the rain for outdoor shots.
• Invest in clear or stylish umbrellas. These can add a fun and lighthearted element to your photos while keeping you dry. Ensure you have enough for the bridal party and family.
• Backlight raindrops with a flash to create a unique effect, play with shutter speed and depth of field, and explore reflections to get creative and atmospheric shots.
• Keep a positive attitude! Your photographer should embrace the rain and incorporate it into the story of your wedding day. A positive attitude is contagious and will help you keep things in perspective.
• Protect their equipment. Ensure your photographer has a waterproof camera bag or cover, and encourage them to bring a change of clothes and a raincoat to stay comfortable and dry.

Remember, a skilled photographer will be able to turn challenges into opportunities and capture the beauty and moodiness of a rainy wedding day.

Choose a summer wedding

If you're concerned about rain on your wedding day, one way to ease your worries is to opt for a summer wedding. Summer is the season when rain is the least likely to make an appearance, so you can rest assured that the odds are in your favour.

When choosing a summer wedding, it's still important to consider a few things to ensure you're fully prepared for any surprises the weather might throw your way. Firstly, select a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor options. This way, you'll have the flexibility to move your ceremony inside if needed, or even just provide a covered area for your guests to escape the rain.

Another tip is to communicate with your photographer about your concerns. They will be able to suggest alternative photo locations and will have a range of rainy-day options up their sleeve. Discuss these options in advance so that you can make the most of your photo opportunities, even if it does rain.

While summer may reduce the likelihood of rain, it's always a good idea to be prepared. Stock up on some colourful umbrellas and wellies to match your wedding theme. Not only will these be useful for you and your wedding party, but they can also be offered to your guests if they need protection from the elements.

Lastly, remember that rain on your wedding day is considered good luck in many cultures. It is believed to signify a lasting marriage, a fresh start, fertility, fortune, and abundance. So, if rain does make an appearance, embrace it and enjoy the unique and memorable touch it brings to your special day.

Avoid makeup disasters

Rain on your wedding day doesn't have to be a disaster. Here are some tips to avoid makeup disasters if it rains on your wedding day:

Plan ahead

It's always good to be prepared for rain. Talk to your vendors and venue coordinator about your options. If your venue doesn't have an indoor space, consider renting a tent. Wedding stylist Julie Sabatino recommends investing in cheap platforms called Grasswalkers that turn any high heel into a wedge, preventing stilettos from sinking into soggy grass.

Use waterproof makeup

Celebrity makeup artist Amy Zdunowski-Roeder recommends using waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and lash glue. If you don't have setting spray, a last-minute alternative is to use aerosol hairspray—cover your eyes and mouth, and have a friend spray your face from six inches away. Zdunowski-Roeder also suggests sticking to cream-based makeup, as powdery products are more likely to run.

Stay inside

If it's humid outside, wait inside until the last minute before heading down the aisle. Even the best hair products won't stand up to rain or humidity, so it's best to limit your exposure as much as possible.

Embrace the rain

Remember, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck! Roll with the punches and welcome the weather. Do a fun rainy photo session with your wedding party holding cute umbrellas and wearing colourful rain boots.

Keep blotting sheets on hand

Setting powder is great right after you've applied your makeup, but it shouldn't be used throughout the day. Instead, use blotting sheets to absorb excess oil and keep your makeup looking fresh.

Don't touch your face

This is one of the biggest reasons why makeup doesn't last, according to makeup artist Victoria Ronan. Every time you touch your face, you're wiping off some of your makeup.

Brave the rain

Prepare for the worst, hope for the best

It's your wedding day, and you've been checking the weather forecast obsessively. Rain is on the horizon, and you're worried it will ruin your special day. Don't panic! With some advance planning and a positive attitude, you can still have a beautiful and memorable wedding, even if it pours.

Communicate with your vendors

Talk to your venue coordinator or put them in touch with your wedding planner. Find out your options for relocating to a protected indoor space or, if your budget allows, renting a tent. A good photographer will also have a backup plan for bad weather and can suggest alternative photo locations.

Stock up on supplies

Purchase or rent pretty umbrellas and colourful wellies or rain boots for you and your wedding party. Supply your guests with a box of umbrellas, perhaps matching the colours to your wedding theme. These will also look fabulous in your wedding photographs.

Embrace the rain

Remember, a rainy wedding is considered good luck in some cultures! It signifies a lasting marriage, a fresh start, fertility, fortune, and abundance. If the rain brings wind and chilly temperatures, provide heat lamps, blankets, and hot drinks for your guests.

Use the rain for photos

Get creative with your wedding photos by incorporating the rain and umbrellas. Do a fun rainy photo session with your wedding party in their wellies or a romantic shoot with just you and your spouse under a shared umbrella. The rain will add a dose of drama and intimacy to your photos, and the darker skies will make your wedding gown stand out.

Keep a positive attitude

While stormy weather might not be what you envisioned, it's important to stay flexible and positive. Doing breathing exercises or other stress-reducing practices can help you feel more relaxed and in control. Remember, your wedding is about marrying the person you love, and a little rain won't change that!

Frequently asked questions