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While it may be considered good luck for it to rain on your wedding day, in reality, most couples would probably prefer clear skies. If you have any portion of your celebration outdoors, there’s every chance rain could dampen your ability to execute your original vision. But since there’s no way to control the weather, all you can do is properly prepare for a chance of rain at your wedding, be strategic in the days leading up to the event, and embrace the good fortune heading your way.
“Don’t let the rain get you down at all,” advises wedding planner Xin Huang of Le Petite Privé. “The most beautiful photos and energy come out when you are living in the moment and taking in all the beauty. The rain can be really beautiful.”
Ahead, get all the expert insight you need to know to prepare for a rainy wedding day long before you receive a seven-day forecast.
Make a Rain Plan
Even if you are getting married in a region where it only drizzles a few times a year, planners agree that creating a rain plan is non-negotiable. “All couples really need to have a rain plan because weather is something that no one can control or predict,” explains Huang. “Our seasons have gotten really mixed around in recent years. Winters are starting later and summers are lasting longer. More abrupt and extreme weather conditions are popping up. Not only should couples have a rain plan, they should also love their rain plan.”
A rain plan is a series of adjustments that are unique to your own venue and celebrations that will be put into effect if showers are in the local forecast. “Once you make a rain plan and we have to proceed, don t look back and trust that your vendors will make it great,” shares New Orleans-based planner Michelle Norwood. “Just be open and know what is meant to be, will be.” If you’re unsure whether to put that plan into effect, she adds, “It is important to note that a 30% chance of rain means that 30% of the area will receive rain, not that there is a 30% chance that it will rain.”
Your plan should come together as you are having initial discussions and site visits with your venue. “Couples should always have a walkthrough for both scenarios,” recommends Huang. “We say to our venues, ‘Let’s start from arrivals and walk me through.’ This gives us the guest experience and gives me the eyes to observe what needs some TLC and where we might need to place human arrows. During this walkthrough, make sure the sales team knows you will also be interested in knowing the alternatives for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception in case of rain.”
While your plan should factor in spaces for the big moments of your day, consider how your guests will move about in the rain as well. “You can see if the routes to each location are too far or difficult to walk in formal shoes,” says Huang. “We also ask if during arrivals they will have greeters with umbrellas to help bring guests into the venue or if there is an entrance with a marquee so guests have coverage as they arrive.”
Book a Tent
Tents can take up a large chunk of your wedding budget, but if you’re hosting your nuptials outdoors and there’s no indoor alternative at your venue, a tent is a necessity. “All outdoor weddings really do best with a tent installed,” says Huang. “This is one of those things that just makes sense.” Norwood adds: “Unless you are happy to dance in the rain.”
Most couples who don’t want a tent in their initial plans can work out a contract with a rental company to have a tent on standby. Procuring a tent last minute isn’t always possible depending on when and where your wedding takes place. The pros add that a late order might result in a less-than-lovely-looking style. “It costs a 30% holding fee for the company to hold the tent and labor to assemble it,” shares Huang. “They will then check in and you can make the call two days prior if you will need to pay the remainder of the invoice and they can install the rain plan.”
“If you end up having to activate your rain plan, you will really need more than one tent,” she adds. “Think of a tent city with one for cocktail hour and one for ceremony. The tent for the ceremony can be flipped to be used for the reception tent and guests will flow into the cocktail hour tent.”
Prepare to Adjust Your Timeline
If it will only drizzle for a portion of the day, you don’t always have to put your full plan into effect and might only have to shift your timeline. “Usually for light conditions and passing rain, we will wait it out,” says Huang. “If there is a constant light drizzle, we will hand out umbrellas and roll with the punches as long as our couple is happy to do so.” Clear umbrellas are often a great solution so as not to obstruct your wedding photography.
“In areas like Capri, where the weather is quickly changing and passing, we will wait out the storm and just make sure to have the team help wipe down the chairs and ceremony space prior to welcoming the guests,” she explains. The key to adjusting the schedule is flexibility and putting the guest experience first. “We will also continue with an extended cocktail hour prior to the ceremony so we have happy guests.”
