BEST OVERALL
It’s finally here — your wedding day! But, as you get up, make a cup of coffee, and open the curtains to take in the morning, all you see are storm clouds and heavy rain.
This isn’t exactly what you had in mind for your wedding. But while humans can control many things, weather isn’t one of them. Don’t panic or be disappointed, though. Instead, have a backup plan.
Here’s what to do and how to get the best rainy wedding photos so you can still look back on your anniversary with nothing but good memories.
If you wake up to a rainy wedding day, there’s not much you can do. However, while the weather can’t be changed, there are plenty of things you can do in advance to ensure you still enjoy every moment and get gorgeous wedding photos, too.
First and foremost, before the big day rolls around, talk to your wedding planner and wedding photographer so everyone is on the same page with a plan for potential wedding day rain. Here are some other tips to keep in mind.
When planning a wedding, location is everything. Naturally, many couples fall in love with a stunning venue but don’t always think about the practicalities, like weather.
While an outdoor ceremony can be atmospheric, it’s best to pick a wedding venue that has indoor space too, just in case. Ultimately, anything you want to do outdoors, you should also be able to do indoors.
It’s rare that heavy rain will continue all day. While you may wake up to a downpour, the rain could clear completely by the afternoon, right in time for your wedding photo session.
Additionally, long-term weather forecasts are notoriously unreliable. Ignore them until a day or so before the wedding. Prepare for rain, but don’t stress by checking the weather every five minutes.
Any professional photographer will be well-versed in taking rainy day wedding photos. After all, they must protect their own camera gear from wet weather so they will no doubt have lots of ways to pivot.
It’s best to talk with them well before the wedding date to see what they suggest on how to get awesome rainy day wedding photography while remaining as dry as possible.
Most brides and grooms have their hearts set on a specific backdrop for their wedding day photos. However, a downpour can quickly make that location impossible.
Choose a backup spot that you love equally. Think gazebos, porches, covered balconies, sweeping staircases, and elegant hallways. Even a wooded glade can provide enough protection from the rain to get some epic photos and still capture all the magical moments.
If the forecast calls for rain in a brief window, you may also want to adjust your schedule for the day to wait until there’s a break in the clouds. If it means dashing out at the cocktail hour to get those beautiful natural light portraits, go for it. As long as the bar is open, your guests won’t mind!
Clear umbrellas are a must-have accessory for rainy wedding days. They make an excellent photo prop while keeping you dry and protected. Plus, you’ll get that coveted rain shot.
You may want to purchase umbrellas for the entire bridal party. They’re inexpensive and double as a fun and practical keepsake when the big day is over.
Jumping in puddles is so much fun, especially when you match your rain boots and wedding attire. An even better idea: Pair them with matching rain jackets and make a statement in your wedding portraits.
A positive attitude will go a long way for you, your fiance, and all your wedding guests. Simply smile, put on a storm jacket, and laugh about the situation. When you’re relaxed about the weather, it won’t alter how you feel about the day, and that will ensure incredible rainy day wedding shots where everyone looks happy and content instead of stressed and sad.
Rain isn’t always friendly to hair and makeup, but that doesn’t mean the end of the world. Simply add in some time for touch-ups so you feel your best even if the weather is gloomy.
Before, during, and after your rainy wedding photos, squeeze in extra time to smooth out your hair, reapply makeup, and clean off mud or dirty water. Bring a bag with sponges, towels, a hairdryer, and any hair products or makeup you might need, and you’ll be ready for anything the weather throws at you.
Capturing golden hour shots where the lighting is just right isn’t always possible when it’s cloudy, but go for it anyway. The light will still be soft and directional, allowing for atmospheric moments.
If it rains on your wedding day, embrace the situation and incorporate the weather into your wedding photos. Use clear umbrellas and covered outdoor areas to get unique shots.
To avoid the rain altogether, plan a backup location indoors.
Some believe it’s good luck to get married on a rainy day because you’re “tying the knot,” and a wet knot is extremely difficult to untie — meaning, your marriage will last.
A professional photographer will still go on with the shoot but will take measures to protect their equipment from getting wet. They may look for covered areas for the shoot or provide umbrellas. If appropriate, they may incorporate the rain into the session to get some gorgeous wedding photos.
It’s okay to take pictures in the rain as long as the photography equipment is protected. It can actually result in epic photos to remember forever!
Accept that there’s nothing you can do about it and carry on with the celebration! Have a backup plan for any outdoor activities. Pack umbrellas, rain gear, towels, and a hairdryer, and stay positive.
At The Groom Club, there’s nothing we can do about stopping the rain rain, but there’s a lot we can do to help you plan a stress-free and enjoyable wedding day.
We have advice for getting amazing wedding photos if you’re on a budget and tips on how much you should pay for a photographer. And if you want guaranteed sunshine, here’s everything you need to know about planning a destination wedding.
Discover all this and more with The Groom Club — your unofficial wedding planner!
