Rain on Your Wedding Day: 5 Tips to Keep You Smiling and Dry




Alanis Morrissett thought it was ironic but for the rest of us it’s annoying, irritating and inevitable: rain on your wedding day (and presumably a free ride if you’ve already paid), is the one thing that almost all couples dread.

You can plan everything else but you can’t plan for blue skies on your big day. The UK weather gives no guarantees – not even in August. But you can use this to your advantage.  If rain during the summer months isn’t a surprise, then why assume that it won’t rain on your big day in June or November?  

Be prepared for it. 

It could be worse. Imagine planning your wedding in Aswan, Egypt, when there's only 0.0338 inches of rain each year only to wake up on the morning of the ceremony to a huge downpour.

Here are our 5 tips for staying dry and happy even if it’s raining on your wedding day. 




You Can Stand Under my Umbrella-ella-ella-eh-eh-eh

Umbrellas are brilliant.  You can leave a bucket of them near exits and entrances or on the car park for guests to move around under. We’re not suggesting you dig around in the back of your Dad’s garage for golfing umbrellas (although, you could), but there’s an opportunity to tie them into the theme or aesthetic you’ve picked for your wedding.  Pure white ones look amazing as do clear rounded one. 

A couple of years ago, we attended a gay wedding on a drizzly November afternoon and the umbrellas were rainbow striped.

What’s more, they make fab props for photography, too.


Talk to Your Photographer

Ask your photographer to plan for wet weather.  This gives him or her, the chance to scout out good photo spots in the venue and grounds and will save time on the day. When done properly, wet weather photography is stunning and it may well be the best thing you can do for superb wedding images. 


Ask the Venue 

Speak to the wedding planner and venue about what other couples have done or how they manage the bad weather.  This could mean adding a tent or marquee or even adding something over the doors so that guests can enjoy the fresh air without getting wet.

Staff on the day should be vigilant, too, about mopping wet floors near the entrances.  Coat racks are handy so guests aren’t expected to hold onto damp coats and jackets.





Talk to the (person doing) The Face

If you’re going to be wearing makeup, then it’s worth asking your makeup artist about your concerns.  You’re probably not going to get a full face of rainwater but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Pack a small bag with the essentials in case you need a touch-up and then give the bag to one of the wedding party. 


Watch the Forecast

Keep an eye on the wedding forecast in the build-up but use it as a guide rather than as a doomsday omen.  If there’s going to be heavy rain or a storm, then it’ll be useful to research alternative routes or advise of any potential delays.












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