12 ways to stop rain putting a dampener on your wedding day

While the thought of rain on their wedding day gives some brides sleepless nights, the pitter patter of raindrops is actually believed to be good luck, which is good news if you’re feeling stressed about the weather.

And with the UK being world renowned for its unpredictable downpours, SoBristolWeddings has come up with 12 ways to stop rain putting a dampener on your wedding day.

1. Go undercover

If you’re already imagining the glorious sunny shots immortalising your outdoor nuptials, don’t be too disheartened by thinking up a back-up plan, just in case the heavens open when it comes to saying ‘I do’.

A marquee is always a good option, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities, but see if you can negotiate a cancellation fee to get your money back, should the weatherman predict a heatwave.

If you’re tying the knot in the grounds of a hotel or manor house, check whether there’s an indoor option too.

2. Wear wellies with pride

If downpours are predicted, and the thought of getting mud all over your sparkly shoes sends your head into a spin, be prepared and purchase the perfect wellies to go with your dream dress – and some for the bridesmaids too.

They’ll make for fabulous, colourful photos and give your tootsies a break from those skyscraper heels.

3. Hand out brollies

If it’s just a shower of rain you’re expecting, get some clear plastic umbrellas or bright and bold ones, depending on your theme, and be safe in the knowledge that you’ll still be able to get those stunning outdoor shots.

Save your guests the hassle of bringing their own brollies too by buying a bucketful of bargain ones they can use throughout the day.

4. Scatter the hay while the sun shines

Rustic, country-themed weddings should have a few hay bales knocking about, which can be last-minute saviours in the run-up to the wedding. If you know it’s going to rain and plan on celebrating outdoors, add a layer of hay to the grounds to soak up the water and help prevent mud forming. The ladies will almost certainly thank you for it.

5. Make way for a walkway

In the event of a damp weather forecast, remember to consider anywhere your guests will have to walk involving grass or land affected by water. If the ground is a bit soft, you’ll have a high heel headache on your hands, so it might be worth laying a boarded walkway down to give guests the chance to strut their stuff.

6. Lay down a track

It’s the same with cars. If you’re tying the knot on, or near, a soggy field, the groom won’t want to get his hands dirty trying to help dig vehicles out! Either consider laying a track down, if budget allows, or see if a local pub, neighbours or anywhere with dry, safe land can offer alternative space for guest parking.

7. Check cancellation fees

Whether you’ve got a bouncy castle or giant garden games planned, make sure you agree a cancellation fee with the suppliers upon booking in the event of rain, and feel safe in the knowledge that you’ll get your money back if they have to cancel. Many bouncy castle suppliers’ insurances won’t cover use in the rain, so double check to ensure everyone knows where they stand.

8. Keep your friends close and your stylist closer

If you’re lucky enough to be getting your hair and make-up done professionally, and are acutely aware that it’s going to rain, ask your stylists if they can stick around until the formal photos, so they can carry out touch-ups as and when required.

Alternatively, ask you maid of honour to keep all the beauty essentials in her bag, such as concealer, lipstick, eyeliner, grips and a mini can of hairspray, so you can stay picture-perfect all day long, whatever the weather.

9. Throw in the towel… or two

If a deluge is predicted, it’s a good idea to keep a few beach towels tucked away somewhere to clean up the dance floor and prevent slips and nasty falls, if guests track water in from outside.

10. Plastic is fantastic

If you’re holding the whole shebang outside and there’s no way you’ll take the ceremony indoors, invest in some clear plastic tarp to protect chairs, floral arrangements, aisle runners and decorations.

11. Light up the skies

Contrary to popular belief, you can still have that grand firework finale if it’s raining on your wedding day, in fact, some of the most beautiful displays can be in wet weather.

As long as you have a professional company lighting up the sky, they can take care of waterproofing the fireworks to ensure your wedding night still goes off with a bang.

12. Smile for the camera

Have a chat with your photographer about what you’ll do if it pours down all day and dampens your chances of alfresco photos. Take a tour with them around the venue to explore other options for the formal shots, but ultimately try to embrace the weather and work with your photographer to get the best shots possible.

© SoBristolWeddings
Thursday 21 January 2016