I meet so many people who have been planning their wedding day since they were young. They always pictured their perfect white dress, the perfect location, and, of course, the perfect cloudless day to say I do. Unfortunately, you can’t plan the weather for your big day. Sometimes, it just rains. That’s what happened to Holly and Derek on their October fall wedding day. The good news is that you can plan around it. Here is my best advice on how to make your rainy wedding day shine.

Stay Positive

Almost every wedding is bound to have a hitch as I’ve said before. Sadly, a rainy wedding day can be a wrench in your plans, especially if your ceremony is outside. I could tell right away that this was not what Holly and Derek envisioned for their special day. Yet, it wasn’t long before they seemed to soften and remember they were there for each other. Rain or shine, they were together and it was their day no matter the weather.

Always Have a Backup Plan

It’s essential to think ahead if any part of your day is outside. Make a plan for where to go and what to do in the event of rain. How will you notify guests? How far in advance will you change plans if you see bad weather in the forecast? Being prepared will save you a lot of stress in case of bad weather. Also, planning will allow you to focus on your big day. 

Luckily, Holly and Derek were able to have the perfect rainy wedding day reception. They already planned to set up a large reception tent big enough for everyone. I thought this was a great idea because they could easily move inside if need be. The grass beneath their feet gave the ceremony the down-to-earth, natural feel they aimed for. Plus, the dancefloor was right there as soon as the ceremony ended and the rain didn’t get on anyone.

Hire a Professional

It’s worth it to enlist the help of a wedding planner or coordinator. They plan and attend so many weddings that they can flawlessly handle a hiccup like bad weather. You can rest easy knowing that a professional has you taken care of, instead of stressing about what to do if things go wrong. They’ll handle the rearrangement. Then, you’re free to simply enjoy your day with your new spouse as you always intended for the day.

Patience is a Virtue

On Holly and Derek’s wedding day, the forecast called for scattered showers. So, we patiently waited for a pause in the rain to take some gorgeous outdoor photos. I called everyone out to the open field and began snapping photos of the Bride and Groom. You can see in the photos that the day wasn’t at all ruined by the rain. In fact, everyone was so happy to see two people they care about tying the knot that the weather didn’t matter. 

Make the Most of It

It’s not every day that two people get to marry the love of their lives. So, I always make sure to capture unique photos, rain or shine. I suggest picking up a couple or a handful of clear umbrellas if you think there could be a chance of rain. I usually have a couple in my car at all times for any session. We had one to use for Holly & Derek’s day and It created a small intimate bubble of joy around them. Also, it made for some breathtaking rainy day wedding pictures. I’m all for embracing what weather we are given!

Are You Planning a Wedding?

I’m no fair-weather friend. I photograph beautiful ceremonies in a full spectrum of weather. So, if you’re looking for a photographer who can help you make the most of your wedding day, reach out to me here.

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