You probably booked your location or venue for a very specific reason, but since it’s raining you may need to rethink how we will utilize the space! You need a plan B. What’s more, it needs to be a plan that you really love, not a rushed alternative. Invest time in your rainy day plans and make sure they’re just as beautiful as plan A!

Take some time to plan and consider whether or not there is a backup space to put your ceremony indoors. Also, think long and hard about if there is a spot that would be ideal for large group and family portraits. I love natural light and will always say let’s go outside first, but if conditions are miserable, let’s come up with something else. We can take bridal party photos on a covered porch, under and overhang, near a cafe with a pretty covering over the tables, barely inside with the doors or barn doors open…there really are a lot of options!

We can still shoot outside if the rain is a mist or light drizzle! The lighting on overcast days can be so pretty and I always come prepared for less than ideal weather! My kit includes full protective gear for my equipment, clear shower curtains to stand on and not ruin the dress, clean umbrellas for groups up to 24 people and lots of towels to wipe off the water. So, if you’re up to it, let’s bustle your dress and head outside! You can even consider adding cute rain boots to your photos…all the heart eyes for some cute rainproof boots!

If you have decided to take on the elements outdoors, make sure you plan your hair and makeup accordingly! Loose curls don’t stand a chance in rain and high wind, so search for some hairdos with a little less maintenance that can survive your outdoor photos! Likewise, if you have invested in some hard-core waterproof mascara, this may be the time to send your personal attendant to the store!

We’ve agreed that weather is not a detail you can control, so let’s roll with it! Think outside the box and create moments throughout your day that guests will enjoy even if they are soaked from head to toe. There are lots of additional details that can be added last minute to make rain part of the wedding theme and experience:

– Change your signature drink from a mojito to a “Dark and Stormy”

– Change your ceremony recessional song to “Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head”

– Create a “Dry Bar” for guests with towels, hair dryers, flip flops and ponchos

– Bring some of the outside elements you loved inside. Set up hay bales and some sticks/branches, add some leaves to the table tops, etc.

If you’ve always dreamed of bright, warm and sunny wedding photos from your big day but you’ve ended up with dark clouds and raindrops, maybe consider a re-shoot! Find another day with sunshine and ask if your photographer will do a secondary portrait session! You can dress back up in your gown and tux, do your hair again, grab some fresh flowers and go re-live your moment!

This last tip is the most important one of all, rain or shine. Smile and enjoy your day!! Often times rain is considered good luck, but what it really comes down to is that, regardless of weather, you are marrying the love of your life. Things will go wrong, plans will change, unexpected situations will arise, but how you choose to react to all of those things will set the tone for your day. Be the sunshine for your rainy wedding.