Wedding in the rain: What to do when storms, hail and foul weather are forecast?
Updated: Sep 5
One week before the wedding, the weather forecast suddenly looks rather bleak.
Rain. Wind. Maybe thunderstorms. In the worst case, even hail.
And while you're still hoping the forecast will completely change by Saturday, another question arises.
What else can we do now?
The good news: Even if your wedding is mostly planned outdoors, there are still a few things you can prepare a few days beforehand that will really help on your wedding day.
And this isn't about completely replanning the location or the schedule. Those responsible on site will discuss that amongst themselves anyway.
This section is about the things that you and your guests can still organize yourselves.
Wedding in the rain: Inform your guests in good time
That is probably the most important point.
If it becomes clear a few days before the wedding that the weather is going to be really bad, let your guests know.
Not just on the morning of the wedding.
Because if 80 people realize shortly beforehand that they need umbrellas, towels, a change of clothes and possibly rubber boots, it creates a lot of unnecessary stress.
A short message in the wedding group is often enough:
Rain is currently forecast for Saturday. Please bring an umbrella, a towel, and a hairdryer if needed, just in case. We also recommend sturdy shoes or rubber boots for walking across the grounds.
This way you spread the preparation work out among many people.
You don't need to buy 40 umbrellas yourself or try to find ten hair dryers somewhere.
And in the end, probably every person has exactly what they need.
When the ground is muddy, a new shoe dress code is introduced.
A wet meadow is one thing.
One completely soaked meadow in chic wedding shoes is another.
If it becomes apparent that paths or areas are becoming muddy, inform the guests specifically. Not only that:
"Remember to bring suitable shoes."
But calmly:
"Sturdy boots or rubber boots are expressly requested for the walk to the wedding ceremony and across the grounds. In warm weather, swimming shoes or going barefoot can also be a good solution."
The elegant shoes simply come along and are put on after the wedding ceremony.
This might sound like a minor detail, but it solves a rather obvious problem: if there's only a general warning about muddy ground, many guests will still show up in their dress shoes. Nobody wants to be the only person in wellies at a wedding.
But if the practical shoe dress code applies to everyone, the situation suddenly looks very different.
Speak briefly with your photographer.
You don't have to solve that yourself either.
If rain is forecast for your photo shoot, have a quick word with your photographer.
Most people have already had experience with weddings in the rain and probably already have a plan in mind.
A different photo location, a covered area, a time window between two showers, or a transparent umbrella can be enough.
And quite honestly: Nobody expects you to compile a list of photogenic indoor spaces in the area just a few days before the wedding.
You have booked people who are familiar with such situations.
Consider where wet guests can dry off again.
Often, not much happens during a short rain shower.
However, in really foul weather, it can become quite unpleasant at some point if several people are present.
standing somewhere at the same time with wet hair, clothes or shoes.
Therefore, it's worth considering beforehand:
Where can your guests quickly dry off if needed?
If there is a restaurant, hotel or similar establishment attached to the location, just ask.
Sometimes it's possible to book an additional room or even one or two empty rooms for a few hours.
A place where towels can be unpacked, hair blow-dried and clothes briefly dried does not have to be glamorous.
It simply has to be dry.
And that's precisely why the information should reach guests in good time: Bring towels and, if needed, a hairdryer.
Having several hair dryers can make a surprisingly big difference, especially after a heavy downpour.
Designate someone for "Rain Plan ON"
This point is often underestimated.
On the wedding day, several people suddenly look at different weather apps.
One person says:
"This will surely pass."
The next one:
"It doesn't look so bad in my app."
And while everyone is still debating whether they should really change their plans, it starts to rain.
Therefore, it can be useful to designate a person beforehand who, in case of doubt, will say:
"Okay. Rain plan ON."
This could be a maid of honor, a family member, a wedding planner, or a service provider who keeps a close eye on the proceedings.
This person does not have to make decisions about safety or location planning alone.
But it can be responsible for ensuring that people stop hoping for perfect weather conditions in time.
Because sometimes it's more relaxing to activate a Plan B and later find out that the rain might not have come after all, than to wait too long and then frantically rearrange everything in the middle of a shower.
In the event of genuine severe weather, safety comes first.
Rain is one thing. Storms, thunderstorms, or hail are something else entirely.
If the weather becomes too bad, your safety and the safety of everyone else is more important than the original schedule.
Then the outdoor wedding ceremony doesn't have to take place at all costs, and one part of the program can also be postponed.
Really bad weather can throw your plans into disarray, and everyone will probably remember it later – but that's just how it is. Have a good time with your loved ones, take care of yourselves, and create wonderful memories of your unique rainy wedding :)
What tip for dealing with bad weather have I forgotten? Feel free to write it in the comments below.
And if your wedding is coming up soon, you'll also find more ideas and things to think about in the last few days before the celebration on my blog:
Are you still looking for a special souvenir?
Then live painting at your wedding might be just the thing.
Just ask here if I'm still available on your date. I'd be delighted to paint for you :)
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