This week our guest blogger, Lillie Read, gives you a step by step guide on how to stay graceful in the event of rain on your wedding day. However, if you book an elopement or tiny wedding with Sweet Grass Weddings, we have already taken many precautions to keep our wedding couples dry and happy!
As a child of the 90s I can’t think about rain and weddings without simultaneously hearing “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette in my head. And while there are some who would argue – at literally any opportunity – that rain on your wedding day is not an example of irony, but coincidence; I think everyone can agree that wedding-day rain is one of the most anxiety causing aspects of having an outdoor wedding.
Now, if you are planning to have your wedding outside, I think it fairly safe to assume that you like the outdoors and respect Nature as a potentially fickle mistress. That said, forewarned is forearmed so with a little preplanning you can prepare an excellent contingency plan that will allow you to rest easy on your wedding day knowing that, whatever happens, you are covered – so to speak.
Since you won’t get a hint about the weather forecast until about 10 days before the wedding (always the busiest time) it is important to have your Plan B in place well before that happens. When it comes to inclement weather, attitude and fortitude are what will carry the day but a good plan will allow you to have some extra breathing room if things suddenly take a turn for the worse. Here are some tips to help get you started.
Scout Your Location In Advance
The location is one of the most important features of the wedding experience and once the perfect location is found, it can be hard to imagine going anywhere else. That being said,have you taken a moment to determine where you can go if it rains? Not just where you will have the ceremony, but where you will hold the reception, take the pictures, and even park. Consider the terrain then imagine it in the rain – you don’t want your fancy event tent to be situated in middle of a low-lying or poorly drained field, for instance. A little advance work in this department can save you a lot of heartache on the actual day. If you’re preparing for rain you also have to prepare to get creative, so don’t forget deep overhangs or heavy foliage as places where you can dash for some dry pictures during the event.
Talk To Your Wedding Photographer 
If you’re having an outdoor wedding make sure your photographer is prepared to shoot in the rain and knows how to get great shots. Backlighting yourself against the rain drops can create a wonderful sparkling effect and don’t forget to use city lights and street lights as ways of playing off the rain. Of course storm clouds, and even rainbows, can crop up on a rainy day and both will create amazing drama in a shot. Then there’s the use of reflection; in puddles, on wet pavements, or in windows these images always have a lot of interest and appeal. Finally, there is motion – splashing in puddles, ducking under umbrellas, running through the rain, there is a host of ways to invite the rain into your pictures rather than keeping it at arm’s length. The most important thing is that your photographer is confident in their skills and can take charge of the situation, leaving you free to go with the flow.
Be Flexible With Your Timeline
Your Plan B may not have the same flow as Plan A, so be flexible with your timeline to avoid a meltdown if it rains. Find a good weather radar app and check it before the event. A pop-up shower will look different than a tropical storm so you should be able to see whether the rain is just passing through or here for the duration. Also consider that there may be a break in the rain when you least expect it, so be prepared to take advantage of that. Make sure your photographer knows to look for breaks in the weather so they can direct people for pictures as necessary. Don’t forget to talk with your band or DJ about how they can cover any gaps in the timeline should such a break occur. You may even want to have a few rain themed songs on hand just to be safe.
Bring Backup Gear
Infrastructure is essential. There are a few key items that can turn rain from a disaster into a memorable event and chief among them are umbrellas, rain boots, towels, and garbage bags. With umbrellas and rain boots first decide if you want to pick up a coordinated set for your wedding party or if you want something stand-out for yourself. Consider your colors when making a selection or opt for a clear umbrella, which lets in extra light for your photographer. Rain boots will let you conquer even the soggiest terrain, which will grant you rainy day photography options that heels could only dream of. Don’t forget to keep the tags on everything so they can be returned if it’s sunny, but definitely make sure to plan this in advance. Though humble, towels and garbage bags are also crucial if rain is threatening. They can dry off wet surfaces, protect clothes during pictures, and will help delicate equipment, like cameras, sound systems, and electronics stay safe from the weather.
Consider Hair and Make-up
Hair and make-up can be challenging to maintain in the rain, but there are some things you can do for preemptive damage control. Use a high quality primer to help your make-up set and opt for a lightweight moisturizer which will help keep shine down in high humidity. Blotting papers are also a great item to have on hand because they will control shine without adding extra color and they’re easy to keep with you throughout the day. For a truly weather-proof look consider airbrushed make-up, which is very long wearing, lasting from 12-24 hours. A silicone based formula will provide a virtually waterproof finish and the final product will be truly flawless no matter what the day brings. Lastly, waterproof mascara, which is a must for any wedding, is essential when rain is threatening. Then, if you do get rained on and need to dry off, make sure to pat your face dry – don’t rub! And, as a last resort you can always check to see if your make-up artist will stay at least part way through the event to provide touch ups as needed.
Share Your Plan B
Now that you’ve done all this planning, make sure to share your thoughts with your wedding planner, fiancé, best friend, parent, or other trusted person. This is particularly important for DIY weddings that don’t have a planner. Make sure somebody knows not only what to do (move gifts inside, set up party tent, find umbrellas) but how to do it (put gifts on patio table, find party tent in hall closet, get umbrellas from green bag). Choose someone outside of the wedding party who you know will be able to implement and delegate because those crucial few moments before you walk down the aisle should be reserved for calming nerves and reflecting on the moment, not moving chairs or hunting for infrastructure.
When All Else Fails – Smile
There is an old proverb that says: “Man plans and God laughs”. It is a good reminder that, even with all this planning, you may yet be surprised on your wedding day. The most important thing to remember is that your wedding is a joyous occasion and you should treat is as such. Your attitude is going to be the biggest determiner of how you, and your guests, remember your wedding so try to maintain a positive perspective. If you are exuding happiness and love then people will respond to that because there is literally nothing more radiant than a happy couple on their wedding day. Remind yourself to let your joy shine even if the sun isn’t. Regardless of the weather, focus on the symbolism of what is taking place and reflect on the fact that it is harder to untie a wet knot than a dry one. If you and your intended can forge through bad weather, adapt to unexpected circumstances, and maintain grace and aplomb while doing it then you’re well on your way to developing the skills needed for a successful marriage.
