Rain on your wedding day. Your worst nightmare. It’s pretty damn likely in the UK too! No matter what time of year you book your wedding!

In some years, it’s rained all through the summer (just look at this year so far - it’s bloody chucking it down again as I’m writing this).

I’ve photographed October weddings with blazing sunshine and weather warm enough for a paddle. I’ve also photographed summer weddings with huge thunderstorms and weather warnings! There really is no telling what you’ll get.

Many couples try to plan their day to avoid the rain, and they totally detest the idea of a drizzly wedding day (I’ve even known couples to lose sleep over the weather forecast!) but it doesn’t need to be the disaster you may fear…

Fun Fact: A rainy wedding is traditionally considered to be good luck! It predicts a stronger union - “a wet knot is much harder to untie”

I actually think rainy weddings are pretty awesome!!! I always advise my couples to mentally and physically prepare for rain. Yes, even if the date is set for July! This way you won’t be phased if it happens - if you are fully prepared, you might even look forward to it! You certainly won’t be losing sleep! If the sun does happen to make an appearance at this point it’s just a massive bonus!

How to prepare for a rainy wedding

So, above, I mentioned being prepared. How do you do that? I’ve put together some advice to help you embrace the unpredictability of the Great British weather and help you see that it could actually be pretty freaking awesome if it rains! All it takes is having the right frame of mind. Here are the steps to take to prepare.

Ask your venue “What’s the plan“

Your first port of call should be to speak to your venue and make sure there’s a contingency plan in place if your ceremony is due to be held outside. Is there an indoor room that can be quickly set up? If it’s only a drizzle, will there be coverings both above and on the ground beneath the guests’ seating? Is there space for the totally non-negotiable bouncy castle inside? And the ice cream cart?

Pack a brolly

Preparation is key. Ensure you pack enough wet weather essentials for the whole party (or remind them to bring their own). I’m talking wellies, brollies, towels, blankets, jackets, shower caps, snorkels, flippers, the whole shebang! Some of these can even be personalised for you so it feels less of a chore and more of an opportunity for adventure! (Wedding themed wellies, anyone?)

Have Indoor Activities Ready

Have some indoor activities planned for your guests in the event that the outdoor ones get rained off. Why not put some Lego at each table and run a competition for best creation? How about a huge “pub quiz” with the happy couple as quiz masters? You could make each question about you/your relationship, or a more universal general knowledge! Stage a dance-off between the two joining families judged by the guests! Have you ever seen tispy adults try to play musical statues? The possibilities are endless!

Have fun getting rainy photos taken

Always wanted a Star Wars themed wedding? The umbrellas are now your lightsabers (cue sound effects)! Want to capture a romantic kiss in the rain, just like in the movies? You got it, compliments of the British weather! And there might even be the opportunity of celebrating beneath a huge, beautiful rainbow. Who could ask for more?

Colour Scheme

Stuck with your colour scheme? Choose something loud! Bright, fun colours will stand out amazingly against those grey skies. Bonus - you’ll look fantastic in the sun, too! Or, you could go the other way entirely - lean into the moody weather and match it with muted tones for a wistful, romantic vibe. Either way, your photos will look ace!

Get sweaty! The rain will be welcomed!

That’s right - throw your best shapes on the dance floor. Really go for it! When you do step outside, you’ll be grateful for a bit of rain - so refreshing! Then when you are outside, You may just hear Beyoncé playing from inside and start to dance in the rain! (Like these two below)

Mindset

If you can do all of this, or even just one of them, you’re sure to have an incredible time whatever the weather! This couple didn’t even care that it snowed!

Creating that mindset and telling yourself “It will rain on my wedding day and it will be awesome!” leaves you to focus on the best bit. FOOD! Urrrmm, I mean… Marrying the love of your life! Rain or shine, that’s what the day’s all about isn’t it? Love doesn’t worry about the weather, and neither should you!