Photo: Ryan Ray Photography
It's a week before your wedding and a cloud icon with slanted raindrops taunts you from your weather app. It's the worst kind of wedding crasher, but one you have to be prepared for: rain on your wedding day. While worrying may not change the outcome, having a backup plan in place will help you to stay calm. And preparation starts well before the big day.
"I always tell brides that when you choose a venue and want to have elements of your wedding outside, make sure you see and love your backup space just in case," says wedding planner Heather Lowenthal of Posh Parties.
If you're planning on taking pictures outside, figure out where to take photos in case it rains. "You might also want to inquire with your venue to make sure there is enough space for you to do formal portraits indoors," says wedding photographer Levi Stolove.
While you finish up your hair and makeup, have your photographer scout the venue for creative places indoors to shoot since you want to preserve your dress before the ceremony. "Sometimes indoor shots can be super interesting and if it was all sunshine outside you might not get those less expected shots," Stolove says. "Find areas with pretty floor to ceiling windows that would make for nice photos even with the rain in the background."
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If you're a brave bride and are willing to venture outdoors, bustle your dress or grab a bridesmaid or wedding attendant to help you venture out into the light rain with your husband-to-be. "One advantage to a rainy wedding is the lighting can be very pretty for photos," Lowenthal says.
Be prepared, though: "Have a few umbrellas on hand and some shoes you don't mind getting wet — rubber rain boots can be very cool looking," Stolove recommends.
Keep in mind that you may want to touch-up after being outside in the rain, so leave yourself time. If your hair frizzes easily, you may want to consider switching your long locks for a beautiful up-do instead, Lowenthal says.
Finally, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. "If after the ceremony or later on in the night you dare to get a little wet, some photos in the rain could be very romantic!" Lowenthal adds. At the end of the day, you'll be a Mrs. rain or shine, so remember to enjoy it.