A rainy wedding day is not something that most people hope for and, yet, it is something you should plan for. Here are some simple tips to consider:
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♥ Make sure you have a backup option in case of rain and, importantly, be prepared to go with it! You won’t want your family and friends getting cold and wet and you won’t want all your own preparations (hair, makeup, wedding dress, shoes etc. being compromised.) If your backup option is close by, all the better; you may need to make a dash for it!
♥ Devise a way (e.g. a private Facebook group post) to let guests know in advance regarding any change of plans and don’t forget to phone your celebrant too.
♥ Your celebrant will have allowed a certain amount of time for travel, set up, ceremony, pack down etc. and may well have another appointment or even family time to go to, so there could be a time factor to consider as well. While there may be some flexibility, expecting someone who is not invited to the reception to hang around for an indeterminate time is lacking in courtesy. For this reason, a discussion with your celebrant is the way to go. Unlike your photographer, musician, caterers etc., your celebrant will have planned to slip away about 30 mins after your ceremony is due to conclude so, to stay past this time, may involve an additional fee.
♥ If it looks like there may be a shower of rain, provide plenty of umbrellas for people to share or ask them to bring one of their own. As a celebrant, I always advise my couples upfront that I won’t take my PA out into the rain. If, however, rain is threatening and the ceremony is already underway, I’ll have two big umbrellas on hand (one for the music person to shelter under with my PA, and one which the couple I’m marrying can shelter under with me.)
♥ Consider wearing gumboots for the ceremony (and maybe reception) if it looks like you’ll be having a rainy wedding day. If you’re wearing a long dress, gumboots won’t be seen … unless you’d like to feature them in a special photo; they can be a fun and quirky way to show your personality.
♥ Don’t forget, it’s not just the ceremony that you need to consider. Are you planning to hold your reception outdoors? If so, arranging a marquee or tipi in advance would give you peace of mind that you and your guests will have somewhere to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company.
♥ It’s unlikely that it will rain continuously for hours. This, of course, means you should still be able to get some amazing photos outdoors at some stage during your celebration. Dramatic thunder clouds provide the most spectacular backdrop for wedding photos and your photographer will, no doubt, take advantage of these. Staying outdoors when there’s lightning or hail about is, of course, not recommended.
♥ If you’re planning an outdoor reception, consider pegging down some plastic sheeting or providing lots of hay to provide a path for your guests. It will save them getting that sinking feeling as they move around outside!
♥ If your heart is set on wearing heels, consider wedges or heel stoppers so that you can stand and walk comfortably before, during and after your ceremony. Shoes with heels sink easily into grass and mud and it would be a shame to spoil them.
♥ Also, consider the parking arrangements for your guests. If your wedding is being held on private property and there’s torrential rain, it won’t be much fun if family and friends get bogged when it comes time to go home.
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Lastly, don’t forget that rain on your wedding day is often considered to be good luck. It symbolises a fresh start, cleansing, growth and new beginnings. Every cloud has a silver lining and, with a little planning, a rainy wedding day will turn out to be the best day of your life!
#056 ~ 31/10/2018
© Lindy Cooke Celebrant