A Guide To How To Prepare For Rain On Your Wedding Day, Because You Know None Of Us Can Control The Weather
Wedding planning is already an emotional endeavor. From decor and favors to food and making sure guests arrive on time, it constantly feels like so much can go wrong. At the same time, it might feel like it is your responsibility to control everything down to the last minute.
Unfortunately, though, some things are simply out of our control– and that includes the weather.
So, before you tie the knot, you may check your trusty weather app and see some storm clouds headed your way. There’s nothing you can do to stop Mother Nature in her tracks, and this realization will probably send you into panic mode.
Regardless of whether the forecast is calling for a torrential downpour or a light drizzle, you might be worried about how your wedding dress will hold up or how good the lighting will be for your photos.
But, despite picturesque blue skies and rays of sunshine being the “ideal” wedding backdrop for most couples, warm and sunny weather all of the time is just not a realistic expectation.
You don’t have to just obsessively check the weather app and hope that your big day is spared the raindrops, though. Instead, there are plenty of proactive steps you can take to prepare for a rainy day.
Plus, it helps to keep in mind that rain on your wedding day is actually believed to be good luck.
The Meaning Behind Wedding Day Rain
Igor – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
Yes, rain on your wedding day might not have been a part of your plan. But, in many cultures, getting a few showers when you say “I do” is actually a really great sign for your marriage.
For instance, untying a wet knot is known to be much more difficult than tying a dry one. So, in Hinduism, rainy weather has been associated with strong, unbreakable marriages.
Other people also believe that rainfall helps cleanse couples of bad memories and mistakes, allowing them to start fresh as newlyweds.
Finally, rain showers supposedly predict fertility, fortune, and prosperity for brides and grooms.
So, if you are forced to grapple with a bit of rain on your wedding day, remember to look for the positive.
Wedding Day Rain Plan
In addition to staying optimistic, you can also take some real steps to protect your wedding from showers.
The first and most obvious step is to remain updated on the forecast once you know rain is headed your way. Knowing a storm’s hourly movement will help you prepare more efficiently and effectively.
For instance, if you realize that it is just supposed to drizzle for about an hour in the afternoon, you may be able to shift your schedule back accordingly. Or, if you know that the skies will open up right after your ceremony, perhaps you opt to take pictures beforehand. That way, everyone can head inside for your reception before the rain comes.
Still, while it may be tempting to start checking the weather weeks in advance, keep in mind that weather is very unpredictable until about 48 hours before an event. So, try not to obsess and stress over the forecast. Instead, wait until two days before your wedding to make any hard changes to your plan.
In the meantime, you can also work on other preventative measures in the event of a rain shower.
Primarily, you can finalize a backup plan either on your own or with the help of a wedding planner. This can help ease stress and ensure you have a solution in the event of any inclement weather.
The first step in solidifying a backup plan is understanding what accommodations your venue can offer. For instance, if you plan to have an outdoor ceremony but rain threatens the day, can they move you inside? On the flip side, if you have your heart set on tying the knot outdoors, figure out if your venue can provide tents or if you should place a hold at a tent rental company just in case.
Think of this “tent hold” as a sort of insurance policy. It will be there in case you need it and provide you with peace of mind.
While getting ready for your big day, you should also make sure that you are prepared for the worst-case scenario. This might include packing extra lipstick, stain removers, or a backup pair of heels.
However, your “emergency bag” should definitely include some rain protection gear. First, you and your partner need to have an umbrella. Clear ones are preferable since they will not conceal your wardrobe and still allow for gorgeous photos.
You should also prepare for the chance that you will get wet. You can bring a hairdryer to blast your dress or hair, and you can also bring an extra pair of shoes in case they get a bit muddy.
Finally, one thing you must not forget is a bunch of cheap hand towels. Pass these out to guests so any seating areas can be wiped down following a sprinkling of rain.
It is also critical that you remain in communication with your guests throughout the wedding planning process. If you have a wedding website, you can share your “backup plan” in order to let guests know if any portion of the event will be outdoors. There, you can also inform guests how to dress– and what to bring– in case of any inclement weather.
Lastly, the most important thing you can be during a rainy wedding day is flexible and embrace the weather. By accepting that you cannot control the weather, and that rain is a possibility, you will let go of a lot of tension and stress leading up to your big day.
You can also try to adopt a “go with the flow” mentality and learn to adapt to whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Don’t let a few droplets burst your bubble. Instead, try to remain positive, and your guests will feed off your energy and follow suit.
At the same time, you can even make rain a fun part of your wedding day. If you know some showers are coming, buy some colorful rainboots or get some personalized umbrellas for your bridal party. You can also score seriously steamy pics with your partner as you kiss, hug, and dance beneath the mist.
At the end of the day, you can either fight the rain and let it cloud your mood (pun intended). Or, you can embrace it and let it wash over your new marriage.
Sticking to the latter may be easier said than done. But it is definitely worth it. After all, the love that brought you and your partner together is supposed to help you both weather the strongest of storms, right?
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