Tips for rain on your wedding day
The most common thing I hear couples say is 'what if it rains on my wedding day?' It's a big worry, I totally get it! You may worry that everything will get ruined, from your hair, your dress and even your guests getting wet! The weather can be pretty unpredictable in England, even in the summer months, you are never really guaranteed a sunny dry day. We have zero control over the weather so it is always best to be prepared and have a back up plan in place, just incase!
It can be considered good luck to rain on your wedding day, however either way you look at it, we have no control and we just have to embrace the day for what is it and remember to try to have fun! Plus, rain on your wedding day can actually be a beautiful and romantic element to it, if you are suitably prepared!
I have photographed many weddings when it has rained and usually there are points in the day when it does stop. I have put together some top tips to consider when planning for rain, so you can be fully prepared for what the UK weather has in store for you!
Always have a back up plan, PLAN B
Always have a plan B in place, this ensures that you won't be panicked IF it does rain. This is particularly important if you have planned an outdoor wedding, an outdoor ceremony or drinks outside with your guests. Check in with your wedding planner at the venue to see if you can put alternative arrangements in place if it rains. Is there another area you can have your ceremony if it rains? Is there another area to have the drinks or somewhere to take romantic portraits inside instead of outside? (If it is impossible to get outside for shots).
You can use white umbrellas for the couple and group shots, which still look fantastic! I have done many weddings where we have used umbrellas and my clients have loved their images! One recent wedding I photographed we used umbrellas for the couple shots, but after a short while the rain stopped and we then did group portraits! You just never know what the weather will do!
You can also find areas in the grounds of some venues where there is some shelter, so we can still take shots outside without you getting wet!
Be prepared that timings may need to be adjusted to accommodate perhaps going for photos outside when the rain stops. Talk to the wedding planner beforehand, they will be more than happy to help adjust timings the best they can. After all it is your wedding day and they want it to go as smoothly as possible and for you to have the best day!
Bring appropriate footwear
If your wedding day is mostly outdoor my top tip would be to have a back-up pair of wellies or footwear that will cover your feet so they don't get wet! Bring them along on your wedding day and you can pull them out if it rains if you need them. You can find so many different colours available to buy. However you may want to get a white colour so they look 'bridal' or you could match them with your colour theme! Whatever the weather you will be prepared and dry!
Organise umbrellas in advance just incase
Ask your venue if they have umbrellas available to use for yourselves and for your wedding guests, if rain suddenly decides to hit your wedding day! Most venues do have a selection of white umbrellas to use. I always bring one white umbrella for my couple however if your venue supplies them ask them in advance if they can make sure they will be readily available for you to use on the day. You can use them for beautiful couple shots, snuggled up under the umbrella and for the group shots which is really fun!
Stay positive
I completely understand you want to have the perfect day you've always dreamt of but if it rains... focus on the positive! The love and joy of the day rather than the weather. It will give you a chance to get close to your new wife/ husband. You are with you loved ones and even if it rains you can still have the most beautiful and magical day! Embrace the unexpected and you will be able to make the most if it.
Portraits inside the venue
If the weather isn't on your side you can have your photos done inside the venue. Chat to the wedding planner about other areas that are available to use instead. You can still capture the love and magic inside!
If you are planning your wedding I would love to capture your special day. Please contact me to chat!
Pippa
Useful websites;
Umbrella hire - https://www.essentialeventshire.com/content/umbrellas
Bridal wellies - https://www.mylittleweddingshop.co.uk/wedding-wellies
DORSET & HAMPSHIRE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
