April Showers! Let’s talk Plan B…
April Showers!
You’ve been preparing quite some time for this special day. You’ve planned a detailed and organized wedding day! However, Mother Nature has a mind of her own and is one thing that is completely out of our control. Rain, humidity, extreme heat, and even strong winds are unpredictable so far in advance. When planning an outdoor wedding, there are things you can do beforehand to prepare.
Talk to your venue
What’s the alternate option if the weather isn’t perfect? Where will the ceremony and cocktail hour and reception be? In some cases, there are no backup locations. This might require you to add a tent rental to your budget. Consider a clear tent as to not obstruct or distract from the ambiance of your venue! Renting a tent is a great option to keep your ceremony and/or reception outdoors. Keep in mind, tents do not regulate temperature. Depending on the weather, you may need to consider outdoor heat lamps to for the newlyweds and their guests to ensure comfortability. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, it’s always a good idea to have extra umbrellas handy for your guests. You can use clear umbrellas or use colorful umbrellas for a little flare. Feel free to mention it on your wedding website if necessary!
Some other rain accessories:
Cozy throws can be kept across the laps of multiple guests sitting. We can make this a cute moment for guests to awe over!
Cotton towels to absorb the water on your guests' chairs. Cotton is very absorbent. You can leave them in a dry place for guests to grab on their way to their seats to ensure they are comfortable.
Rain ponchos are easily accessible and less expensive than other choices!
Signage to alert your guests that these rain accessories are allowed for anyone to use and to offer a better guest experience!
Plan hair, makeup, and outfit alternative plans
Consider an updo to withstand moisture. Ask your hairstylist and makeup artist if they have any tricks to looking fresh throughout the day. It’s not the worst thing to pay extra for your hairstylist and/or makeup artist to stay throughout the day for touch-ups. Enlist the help of your bridal party! If you’re moving to a photo location outdoors, have a bridesmaid or two help with the bottom of the dress. What will you wear? We need to keep you as dry as possible so that you stay comfortable throughout the remainder of your wedding day! A super cute raincoat or a clear umbrella might preserve most of your dress. Think of rain boots! Let the possibility of rain be the excuse to buy those cute, colorful booties you’ve been eyeing up!
Focus on the positives
Allergies and pollen are reduced on rainy days. Neither the bride nor groom will be sniffling unless it’s due to happy tears! You won’t have to worry about overheated guests or wilting flowers. Flowers are less likely to wilt due to the lowered temperatures.
Rain will create an intimate atmosphere for your special day. The inconvenient weather can give you an excuse to cuddle up next to your love with a blanket or umbrella. Your wedding pictures will be romantic and unique! The sun peeking through the clouds during a lull in the rain or the mist can and will accentuate your pictures for the better. There’s even a possibility of a rainbow! You’ll have one-of-a-kind memories to look back on forever.
Rain on your wedding day is often so dreaded. Although, superstitions suggest it should be celebrated. If you can get through the rain, you can weather any storm in your marriage. Some think of it as a sign of cleansing the past and rebirth. Others consider it a sign of fertility and abundance. One thing that’s similar about all of these superstitions is that rain on your wedding day means good luck. Embrace it! A little positivity goes a long way. You’re going to be marrying the love of your life surrounded by the people closest to you both. Don’t let the weather rain on your parade - no pun intended.
Photography: Allie Skylar Photography