If we had a dollar for every time a sweet bride asked us what on earth we would do we do if it rains on her wedding day, let’s just say would be rich… ha!! For real, though, we 100% understand any bride’s worries about what would happen if the forecast included lots of rain and thunderstorms on a wedding day. No one wants a rainy wedding day, right? It is totally inconvenient, it throws a wrench in all your perfectly-made plans, and let’s not even start talking about the frizzy hair situation that would result! 😉
Today, we want to reassure you ladies about what to do if the forecast for your wedding day DOES show lots of rain coming, or if your wedding day dawns and it’s randomly thunderstorming! (Hey, you never know what the weather’s going to do here in Illinois!) So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Don’t stress.
We’re serious! No matter what happens on your wedding day, the thing that matters the most is that you are marrying your best friend and the love of your life. No matter if it is pouring down buckets of rain on your wedding day or not, you’re committing to spending the rest of your life with your favorite person, in front of the people you adore most in the world. Focus on that, not the weather, as hard as it might be!
In 50 years, do you want to look back on your wedding day and be embarrassed at how you handled the fact that it was pouring? Or do you want to look back and laugh with your husband because you two embraced it, your dress got wet and your ceremony was moved inside, but you still had the absolute best day ever? It’s your choice, ladies! 🙂
2. Make a rain plan!
It never hurts to have a rain plan, just in case! This is particularly the case if you are planning on having an outdoor ceremony. Just in case it ends up raining, having a plan for where your ceremony would be hosted, a way to let guests know about the change in address or plans, and even an indoor location for family formals is a wonderful idea.
Making a rain plan also eases your mind, because if it DOES end up raining, you’re not left scrambling and wondering where you’ll go last minute! Your wedding planner is an amazing resource when it comes to this, so don’t be afraid to ask them for their input and guidance!
3. Invest in some rain gear.
If you know in advance that it’s going to be rainy or stormy on your wedding day, guess what? You get to plan accordingly! Consider that a blessing, and embrace that forecast! 🙂 At least you knew it was coming and could prepare.
Purchase some matching umbrellas (we love clear umbrellas and classic black umbrellas), and if your bridesmaids have Hunter rain boots, encourage them to wear them for portraits. Those umbrellas will also come in handy for the times when you’ll be walking to your car, heading in and out of buildings, and taking portraits!
4. Trust your photographers.
You hired your photographers because you trust them… plain and simple. So, if it does rain on your wedding day, know that they have most likely shot a wedding in not-so-ideal conditions before. Allow them to guide you through the day, and trust their judgment on the best spots for photos and the best times to take them!
What might seem like the oddest spot for photos to you could easily be the place with the best light that also keeps you dry… and you’ll be SHOCKED at the photos they can still capture! Most of all, embrace the rain (especially after your ceremony is done) and be open to capturing some fun portraits, despite the weather!
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On a wedding day we photographed a few years ago, Illinois got a freak blizzard in November, and the power went out in the church! It was pitch dark in the church, but the candlelit ceremony that still went off without a hitch is one Luke and I will never, ever forget. Our dear friends Katie and Andrew handled the weather on their wedding day so beautifully, and they did not for a second let the snow get in the way of the true purpose of their wedding day. On another wedding
On another wedding day we shot a few May’s ago, it poured more that day than any other spring day I can remember! Despite the washout and the fact that their stunning outdoor ceremony had to be moved to the tiniest little country church, our sweet couple Courtney and Dave never once stressed or worried about a thing… everyone simply came together and pulled off a beautiful day, regardless.
We love that our past couples have chosen to make the most of the weather on their wedding days no matter what, and we hope today’s post eases your minds, sweet brides! ☔️ Are you worried about it raining on your wedding day? Have you considered making a rain plan if your ceremony is outdoors? We’d love to chat all about this with you guys in the comments below!
