Let’s face it – even if you’re getting married in the British summer, there’s no guarantee that your day will stay dry! No matter what time of year you marry, the key is preparation – check out our top ways to deal with wedding day rain and you can avoid your day being a complete washout.
Get some wedding wellies
If you’re marrying in the Great British countryside, you have to be prepared for mud! Wedding wellies are becoming more and more popular at country and festival-themed weddings, and for good reason – not only do they keep your feet from getting wet and dirty, they make for brilliant photo opportunities! We love pink ones, but buy whatever colour matches your wedding theme, or stick to good old Hunter green. For one of our favourite wet real weddings, take a look at Charlotte and Rob in their wedding wellies.
Bring a brolly
Umbrellas are incredibly useful at weddings, particularly when you’re facing the changeable British weather. Arm your ushers and bridesmaids with some plain white, clear or brightly-coloured umbrellas to fit in with your colour scheme and encourage them to accompany your guests from their cars to the venue door with them. Not only will they keep outfits dry and hair in place, but umbrellas also make a surprisingly good prop for wedding photographs!
Keep your dress dry
When you’re buying your wedding dress, make sure that the boutique shows you how to hitch your train up (or bustle it). Also take the time to practise with your bridesmaids so they’re well-rehearsed in carrying it – you won’t want it ruined during your walk to the ceremony. For the photographs, take a big white sheet to stand on on the grass, so that the bottom of your dress doesn’t get too filthy. Don’t fret too much though, as some of your best photos may involve being out and about in nature, and you can always have your dress dry-cleaned after the big day.
Check your flooring
If you’re having an outdoor wedding in a venue like a marquee, tipi or tent, ensure that sure you have the right type of flooring installed, or you could have a disaster on your hands! Ground water can seep through a marquee if you opt for cheap flooring options, so make sure a good chunk of your budget is dedicated to this if you’re planning an outdoor reception. Check with your supplier if you’re unsure.
Think of your guests
When you’re planning your wedding, you’ll be most likely imagining glorious sunshine – or at least dry weather! Instead, plan for worst-case scenarios weather-wise, and your guests won’t be left out in the cold. For example, when you’re planning the dinner layout, try to avoid putting wedding reception tables near doors as guests will be more likely to catch a draught on a rainy, windy day. Brrr!
Warm up with a drink
If you’re having your big day in one of the cooler months, consider serving warm drinks during the reception. This works especially well at Christmas, when you can serve your guests delicious glasses of mulled wine or cider, but why not offer liqueur coffee or tasty hot chocolate if you’re having a blustery autumn or early spring wedding? Check out more winter food and drink ideas here!
Look on the bright side
If you’re having a summer wedding and it’s threatening to cloud over, bear in the mind that it’s unlikely to rain all day. Keep checking the weather throughout the day, and ask your wedding venue’s co-ordinator if you can be flexible with the timings to make the most of the sunny spells.
Don’t worry about the food
Don’t panic if you have organised a barbecue or hog roast for your wedding breakfast. If your caterers specialise in outdoor catering options like this, they will nearly always have a wet weather contingency plan in place, and barbecues can always take place under cover. Check with your catering company before booking for peace of mind.
Be prepared
Keep your eye on the forecast using using the Met Office website. If it looks like you’re going to be hit with bad weather, ring round your guests a few days beforehand to warn them to bring wellies and coats. Better still – give your groom the job! Alternatively, if you’ve got a wedding website, use it to keep everyone updated on the weather. This is particularly important if it looks like you’re going to have snow, as it can bring even the best-laid plans to a standstill.
Be happy!
Last but not least, if the weather does go pear-shaped, try not to let it spoil your mood. There’s nothing you can do about it, after all, and although rain won’t ruin your day, you walking around looking miserable will! Take a look at our real weddings to see how our brides coped with the weather, or check out more great wedding planning advice here!
