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It’s no secret that April showers bring May flowers. But, what do you do when those showers threaten to ruin your wedding day? In an ideal world, every wedding would go as planned. It would look exactly like your pinterest board with every detail matching the vision you imagined since the day your future hubby got down on one knee. But sometimes, mother nature rains on your parade—literally. The good news though is that the rain does not have to ruin your party. If there is anything we have learned in this quarantine season that we are in, it’s that #leilanibrides are the strongest women we know + NOTHING can stop them from having the most beautiful wedding. Whether some of our couples have moved forward with getting married at home or made the tough decision of postponing the day they had circled on their calendar for months, we are absolutely floored by the strength + patience of these women. So, we bring the same strength + resilience to a rainy day, knowing that nothing, especially rain, can ruin the big day.
But, we understand that rain is still not ideal for your wedding day. Mud and a thunderstorm are probably not the picture perfect ceremony you imagined, but everyone loves the romantic kiss in the rain and the ambient white noise of rain on a roof. So, with that in mind, let’s begin preparing for a romantic rainy evening.
Photography: @jenfujphotography
Rent a clear tent
If you were planning for an outdoor wedding, talk to your venue at the beginning of your planning stages about possible spaces on-site for a necessary relocation or available tents. You may be able to plan for an indoor fix if the venue knows ahead of time of your desires. If you were planning for a cocktail hour + reception indoors, the #leilanisquad can always transform that space for a ceremony + then the fun events afterwards. What if there’s no space indoors? Rent a clear tent! There’s something magical about the ambient white noise of raindrops on a tent + your guests will feel that too. Also, by having a clear tent, the outdoor views you were hoping for are not lost in the move indoors. Make sure the tent also has clear sides to protect your guests from any rain brought in by wind.
Make it cozy
A rainy day calls for a warm environment snuggled up in blankets + drinking hot cocoa. Now, subtract the pajamas, add some heels + dresses, and it’s your wedding day! The point is, instead of sulking in the rain, you can transform your big day into a cozy afternoon watching the rain outside with your family + friends. Give out blankets to the guests when they walk in, rent a few portable heating towers, set up a DIY hot chocolate bar, serve some warm cider, put on some music + start dancing in the rain! You can definitely make the most of your rainy day by still having a dance party. Plus, once you add the open-air concept created by the clear tent, you will have yourself the most romantic party yet.
Make it fashion
Rainy weather doesn’t only mean stormy gloom, dark clothes + sweats. It’s your wedding day so make the typically gray weather fashionable. Throw on a pair of Hunter boots + match them with your bouquet. Not only will they be comfortable for any outdoor photos, they will make your shots even more memorable + fun! Maybe purchase matching raincoats for the entire bridal party + get different colors for you + the groom. Finally, make sure you have umbrellas. We have seen the most gorgeous photos of couples with clear umbrellas, but you can even add a pop of color by using mismatched umbrellas that fit your wedding color palette.
Photography: @jenfujphotography
Keep guests in the loop
Make sure your guests know what to do when the rain comes. When sending out invites, include in your details card information about what to do in case it rains. This may mean telling them where to relocate, what to expect in terms of setting, or even alternate modes of transportation if your ceremony was supposed to be in the middle of a (now, muddy) park or forest. Make sure to also update your wedding website with this information and any possible updates as the day gets closer.
Get creative with rainy photos
There’s beauty in spontaneity, so grab your umbrella and run out into that rain! Talk to your photographer + videographer about creative shots to take in the rain. Have them scout the location beforehand for possible indoor shots. Incorporate your umbrella or raincoat in the photo. Maybe even take a completely soaked photo at the end of the night for a fun memory to look back on!
Most importantly, remember that it’s still your wedding day so make the most out of it! Rain or shine, you’re marrying the love of your life so don’t let the rain bog you down. It’s okay to feel frustrated—after all, it’s not the wedding day you imagined. But, stay positive + embrace the unexpected. Remember that some of the best memories will come out of this. When you fully embrace the rain + choose to be your own source of sunshine, you’ll be able to throw the best party yet.
