They say rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck. But when your outdoor wedding location is looking more like a muddy swamp than the sweet scenic setting you signed up for, lucky is the last thing you feel.
For most couples, the weather will be perfect. You will look breathtakingly beautiful, and you’ll be surrounded by your closest family and friends as you exchange marriage vows in a picture-perfect outdoor ceremony.
But what happens if it starts to look like rain? Or worse, what if a storm hits while you’re getting ready? H&A Weddings is here to help you plan for the worst, so you can relax and enjoy your big day, rain or shine.
What to Do if it Rains on Your Wedding Day
When it’s time to plan your wedding, the best thing you can do is make a plan for the worst. If your outdoor wedding is at the mercy of the weather, that means having a solid backup solution ready to go.
Wedding Planning 101: Tips for Rain
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding during the rainy season in Georgia, choose clothes that are weather-appropriate, just in case. Men might want to consider a dark suit that won’t show dirt or water spots. For women, this might mean choosing a lightweight dress or tea-length skirt that won’t be too heavy or clingy if it starts to rain.
Did You Know? March is the rainiest month in Georgia, but thunderstorms are common through late-Spring and Summer.
If you have any outdoor wedding decorations, make sure they can withstand wet weather. If not, plan to bring them inside or put them under cover. Most outdoor decorations can be repurposed indoors with a little creativity.
Do remember to have a plan for your guests. Make sure they know what to do if it starts raining. Consider using signage or ushers to direct traffic and keep everyone dry. If you’re getting married outdoors, make sure to have umbrellas, ponchos, or raincoats on hand for everyone.
And finally, don’t panic. A dedicated wedding coordinator can ensure your event runs seamlessly no matter what, and a creative wedding photographer can create stunning photos in any weather.
Find a Wedding Venue with Outdoor and Indoor Location Options
Of course, the best protection is a pound of prevention. When you’re looking for a romantic outdoor wedding venue, choose a location with both outdoor and indoor facilities, and make a plan for both. Your dream wedding location might be beside the creek, but if your tranquil wedding venue also boasts a barn, a ballroom, and a luxurious salon, you know your guests won’t be left out in the rain if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Alternatives to an Outdoor Wedding in Bad Weather
If you’re worried about bad weather during your outdoor wedding, don’t despair! There are a number of weather backup plans to consider.
First, look for alternative indoor ceremony options. If you’re set on getting married outdoors, look for an outdoor wedding venue that has indoor spaces that can be used in case of bad weather. If your venue doesn’t have an outdoor space, you may need to get creative.
Local churches might offer last-minute wedding bookings, but it might involve some hasty phone calls, and there’s no telling how far you might have to drive. Community centers are another last-minute event venue, but you may find the facilities a bit bare.
Another option is to hold your wedding ceremony and reception in different locations. Instead of holding your ceremony beside the water and the reception in the grand ballroom, a last-minute weather change could lead to a ceremony indoors and cocktail hour on the veranda outside once the rain passes. In some cases, bad weather may mean holding your wedding ceremony and reception in the same location.
Finally, talk to your wedding venue ahead of time to find out if you’ll have access to outdoor event tents in the event of rain. You may be able to request large event tents or upgrade your wedding package to include it. With impeccable styling from the Design Studio, H&A brides enjoy stunning tent setups for cocktail hour, ceremony, or reception backup plans.
Tips for Dealing with Rain on Your Wedding Day
So, what should you do if you wake up on the morning of your wedding and it’s going to rain? Don’t worry, we’ve seen everything!
First, try to relax. It’s not the end of the world if it rains on your wedding day. In fact, it could even be a good thing in the end. Filtered sunshine during light rain storms can provide the perfect lighting for wedding photographs, and storm clouds offer a dramatic photo backdrop for stunning shots.
With your plan B ready to go and a designated wedding coordinator to handle any flips or rearranging, you shouldn’t have anything to stress over. This person will be in charge of making sure your weather alternative wedding plan is executed with minimal fuss and confusion while you focus on enjoying yourself.
And you should definitely enjoy yourself! Catch the raindrops on your eyelashes, dance in the rain with your beloved, and let the wind tug at your hair. From Spring showers to blustery Fall days, your wedding doesn’t have to be ruined by a little unexpected weather.
Beautiful Weddings in Any Weather
We hope these tips help you weather any storm on your wedding day! Remember, it’s not the end of the world if it rains, and with a little bit of planning, you can have a beautiful event no matter what. For more information on dealing with bad weather or for help creating your perfect wedding plan, contact H&A Weddings today!
Call Georgia's Premier Wedding & Event Venue
H&A Weddings offer three tranquil wedding venues in Northwest Georgia and access to a full suite of professional wedding vendor services included with every wedding package. Choose the level of service that fits your budget and watch your vision come to life in a magical way. To learn more about our formal wedding venues, waterfront wedding spots, and elegant rustic barns for getting married, contact our office today or schedule a tour of the grounds online.
