Girl … let me just say, no one wants this. Moment of truth – as a bride I remember getting married 7 years ago and praying and praying that it wouldn’t rain. However, as a photographer for 8 years, my husband Peter and I have learned how to create beautiful images anywhere in any condition and have a wonderful attitude and even find joy in difficult situations.
We love couples that are prepared so this blog post is to help our couples be ready! We are sharing the best ways to be prepared when you are deciding on a venue, when rain is in the forecast the week before your wedding, and what to do when it’s raining on your day.
A rain-proof venue
It could always happen
This is the most important question I would ask any bride, “can you handle the risk of difficult weather and making your guests uncomfortable being outside in the rain?” For myself, I couldn’t (just being honest). We got married 2 weeks after I graduated from college and I was running our business and needed to make sure my plans could be executed easily. I opted for an indoor ceremony and reception to avoid the risk. However, everyone is different so – if you are a “go with the flow” type of person, then you could book a venue that doesn’t have an indoor ceremony and reception space. We hope it doesn’t rain, but you need to understand, that it could and we can handle it!
Favorite Venues
We love The Stone Mill Inn and Cameron Estate Inn because they have amazing covered and indoor venue options that are gorgeous and still align with the overall aesthetic of the venue. You can prepare for an outdoor ceremony and then if needed, the day of, change to be inside.
Stay flexible with your location
When do you have to decide on ceremony location – Some venues require you to decide 48 hours before your wedding where you will have your ceremony. We recommend selecting a venue that allows you to decide the morning of your wedding since the weather can change so fast!
If it’s forecasted to rain
The weatherman isn’t God
As much respect as we have for meteorologists, the weather can change within 10 mins of a forecast. We have seen it in person where storm clouds come in, it pours heavily for 15 mins then it’s sunny. Our tip is to seriously evaluate the weather 3-5 days before. Any sooner than that it’s not going to be as accurate. We love the Dark Sky weather app to get to-the-minute updates!
Let’s chat!
We also have a final consult about 3 weeks out from your wedding day. If there is rain in the forecast, we will schedule a brief (15 – 20 min) phone call to ensure we are on the same page and prepped to go. We recommend that you talk with other vendors that would be affected such as live musicians, DJ, florist, and rental companies to know about your contingency plan.
Be prepared with a few “must haves”
Our brides have loved having the following items on hand for their wedding day to handle any rainy weather issues:
- Matching clear umbrellas – keep the tags on so you can return them if it doesn’t rain
- Pretty flat shoes and boots – nothing is worse than sinking and ruining high heels in damp grass or having cold and wet feet.
- Pretty wrap – Sometimes with rain comes chilly temps so if you have a strapless or sleeveless gown, purchase a pretty shawl or pashmina to stay warm.
- Extra hair and make up touch ups – At times hair and makeup react to the moisture from the rain and you need a little touch up throughout the day. Have your makeup artist and hair stylist make a little touch-up kit with hairspray, makeup setting spray, extra powder, etc. so you look perfecto all throughout your wedding.
We have photographed TONS of these glamorous Kate Spade tennis shoes and brides love how comfortable they feel and they can walk anywhere all day. Also – how cute?!
It rarely rains all day long! We got a beautiful break in the rain and did these amazing veil shots (Peter the amazing veil thrower). So, stay positive and flexible to work with what you have and take the opportunities when you can.
When it’s raining on your wedding day
Attitude is everything
Don’t panic! Stay positive and work with your wedding vendors to make your wedding a beautiful success. This is where your bride tribe and family play a huge part – we need to stay positive to be creative and give you gorgeous photos
Secondary amazing spaces
Over the years we have learned how to turn porches, overhangs, barns, and other random structures into beautiful portrait locations to keep you dry and looking beautiful! It’s important to hire experienced professionals that have learned how to embrace unexpected situations and adapt well without compromising their experience or final images!
Embrace the weather and have fun
When bridal parties go with the flow and use their umbrellas we all enjoy it more! This is where you umbrellas, wraps, and flat shoes come in so handy! Your wedding day is truly about saying yes to forever and that is amazing rain or shine!!
The bride wanted to do their first look in a park close to the capital. I found this stunning entrance when I was scouting the day before and fell in love. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the rain I probably wouldn’t have taken photos here. Such a blessing!
AH! So beautiful and elegant, we felt like we were in DC!
This group was so positive!! During bridal party is was barely sprinkling and I asked if they wanted to stop and it was a unanimous “no – keep going, it’s good luck”.
Some of these photos are my all-time favorite and were “back up locations”
