So this is it. The wedding day has dawned and, as you tentatively draw back the curtains, your gaze falls on the ominous sight of black clouds gathering on the horizon. Not the sun-drenched skies you'd been dreaming of, granted. But less-than-perfect weather conditions don't necessarily mean a washout wedding.
In some traditions, it's even considered lucky to have rain on your wedding day. Rain symbolises cleansing, blessings, fertility and unity - after all, it is more difficult to untie a wet knot.
Kirstin Prisk
Let's face it - if you're getting married on British shores, rain is a very real possibility whatever month you've chosen. What's more, snow has become a more frequent sight here in the mild southwest, and even glaring sunshine comes with its challenges. So face the threat of the heavens head on - and maybe even enjoy a little precipitation - with these weatherproofing tips.
PLANNING MAKES PERFECT
Tough as it is for your inner control freak to accept - some things are beyond your control, and the weather is one of them. "Always have a 'wet-weather' option in place!" says wedding planner Sarah Vaux (sarahvaux.co.uk). Focus on the aspects you can control by preparing a back-up plan, and ensure you pay it as much attention as plan A - i.e. make sure plan B is pretty damn cool too. That way, your day will flow seamlessly whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at you.
If you've opted for a reception at a venue, ask about contingency plans and indoor spaces available to you. "I always go through the weather options with the venue owners as often there is a short-cut if we are faced with a downpour. Check with the venue if there are rooms that can be used in the case of adverse weather conditions," says Sarah. If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, ask your wedding planner or the venue's wedding coordinator to make the call if clearing skies allow for the original outdoor plan to go ahead - ensure they liaise with someone responsible, such as a mum or bridesmaid.
If you're dubious about the weather but still long for a natural outdoorsy feel to your celebration, bring the outside in with flowers, foliage, rustic decor or make like Kate Middleton and deck out your venue with trees.
If you've booked open-air transport such as a horse and cart, ensure you have access to alternative wheels just in case. Dreaming of a string quartet entertaining guests during an al fresco champagne reception? Consider the logistics of moving the drinks and entertainment inside should the heavens open.
Should snow be a very real possibility, then consider how your suppliers are going to get to the venue. "Use suppliers who are local to your venue and ensure that they have contingency plans should it snow, the most important being marriage officiant, photographer, hair and make-up stylist," says wedding planner Ali Berry.
Some heavy-duty vehicles may prove essential, so be prepared. "If snow is expected, then I usually get out my 'little black book' of local contacts who have four-wheel drives or tractors and ask for them to be on stand-by to get the guests and wedding party to/from the church/venue," says Sarah.
Finally, consider the key elements that will ensure the comfort and fun factor are not diminished by the white stuff. "Have an iPod loaded with music should the DJ not be able to turn up. Also, ensure that there is sufficient heating at the venue and hire additional heaters if need be," says Ali. And remember to wrap up warm and head outdoors to capture some magical wedding photos.
CREATIVE CANVAS
When you booked your marquee reception, you may have envisioned a balmy day, with perhaps a light breeze toying with the bunting and fairy lights. Rain and wind probably didn't figure in your perfect picture - but neither does it spell disaster for a marquee wedding.
Consider the possibility of wet weather from the outset when deciding on the location. "Flat, mowed surfaces are always best," advises Nick Seamark from Absolute Canvas. "If the marquee site is in a field, you'll definitely need a hard floor."
Kirstin Prisk
That all-important contingency plan is also essential. "Always have a plan B in place," continues Nick. "If your marquee site is two fields away from the road, think about how you're going to get people there, as well as all the services." You'll also need to consider walking to the marquee yourself - so sensible shoes are a must-have.
Once they've arrived, some savvy planning will minimise the necessity for guests to venture outside. "It is often possible to build the toilets into the marquee structure so nobody is required to go outside if they need to relieve themselves!" suggests Sarah Vaux.
Strong winds can also prove problematic. "Don't try to fight it - if there are gale force winds, bring everything indoors. In a marquee the noise of the wind blowing the metal frame can be quite deafening so ensure that there are microphones for the speeches and musicians are at optimal volume," says Ali Berry.
You might decide to take the pressure off your shoulders by hiring a wedding planner, from a full wedding planning service to an on-the-day planner who will coordinate the logistics on the day.
PHOTO CALL
You know that image of the flawless blue skies and bright sunshine you've got in your head? Most photographers would take a steely sky over that any day. "Clouds are flattering - if the sun is shining you are likely to be squinting in your photos and the lines on your face will show up a lot more. Overcast skies soften shadows and make for more flattering portraits," says Sarah Falugo from Green Photographic.
The dramatic dark skies and spontaneity of wet conditions can make for beautifully atmospheric photographs. Embrace it with some playful accessories such as welly boots and umbrellas. "You might even consider a colourful rain mac for a few fun shots or how about a rainbow of umbrellas and wellies?" suggests Sarah.
For atmospheric wet wedding photos, again, preparation is key. "Agree with your photographer that you will still go outside if it rains. It will be a fun memory, and you'll get some very individual wedding photos!" says Sarah. If you're game for heading out into the elements, avoid the frizz factor by carefully prepping your hair. "You might want to have a backup hair style from your stylist, spray your hair into place using a super hold hairspray or simply get one of your bridesmaids to take a hairdryer to the venue," suggest Ali. And waterproof make-up is always a good idea!
Take a flexible and relaxed approach to your timetable for the day, so that you can organise your outdoor photos around the weather if necessary. However, you may need to modify your plans for group photos in the face of persistent rain. "Discuss with your photographer the possibility of doing less group shots in the event of rain. Let them know which group shots are high priority just in case it isn't possible to get them all done indoors," says Sarah. Chances are, there will be a break in the rain, so you can all head outside and capture those shots against a beautiful backdrop.
If it looks like rain is due to set in for the duration of the reception, consider bringing the photographic fun inside - with a novel twist. "Set up a photo booth for more interesting indoor shots. Buy a huge piece of vintage material and photograph each other in front of it," says Sarah. You might decide to set up your own photo booth or ask your photographer to provide the service.
And if the weather really is too bad to get outside for any outdoor photos and you've set your heart on it, all is not lost - you can book a post-wedding shoot.
Kirstin Prisk
THE HEAT IS ON
Let's not forget that the other end of the spectrum comes with its own challenges. If you're blessed with blue skies and a hot sunny day, then ensure you take a few heat-related precautions. I recently attended a wedding where the groom was a sweaty - though blissfully happy - mess throughout the ceremony. It was a humid July day and, in the absence of an air-conditioned room to get ready, the stifling conditions meant the man of the moment had barely put his immaculate morning suit on before he'd sweated through it. Take heed: an air-conditioned room for the preparations and celebrations are a must. If you're having a marquee wedding, then open up the windows and allow the fresh air and views to pour in. "Make sure you have a few electric fans in place in case it rains and you can't do so," suggests Ali.
Ensure you serve a selection of refreshing, non-alcoholic drinks alongside the boozy ones to keep guests hydrated. If you're planning outdoor games, it may be wise to have a canopy to protect competitive guests from glaring sunshine.
"Perhaps hire some brightly coloured parasols if there aren't any shaded areas or trees, and serve plenty of water," advises Ali.
If a sizeable chunk of your celebrations will be taking place al fresco, ensure some bottles of sunscreen are readily available. "I always carry sunscreen as there is nothing worse than a bride getting sunburnt on a hot wedding day!" says Sarah Vaux. And how about handing out fans and serving a little sweet and cooling indulgence from an ice cream trike?
Umbrella Boutique
ALL ABOUT THE ACCESSORIES
Turn the weather into an opportunity to team your wedding attire with a fabulous accessory. Umbrellas are a must-have for rain or hot sunshine, and can double as a pretty and practical favour. "Make sure the ushers have umbrellas on their list of things to bring in the car. I often hire boxes of white umbrellas from Hire a Brolly (hire-a-brolly.co.uk)", says Sarah Vaux.
In response to the recent spate of wet summers, there's a bewildering choice of chic bridal umbrellas and even bespoke bridal wellies on the market.
Wedge Welly
Love Umbrellas www.loveumbrellas.co.uk
Weddington Boots www.weddingtonboots.com
Wedge Welly www.wedgewelly.co.uk
Rain boots from Felton www.fultonumbrellas.com
Umbrellas from Felton www.fultonumbrellas.com
Umbrella Boutique www.umbrellaboutique.co.uk
WED SAYS RELAX...
Chill out (if you'll pardon the pun), forget about the weather and focus on what it's all about. Seductive as those visions of sun-kissed celebrations might be - have faith in the fact that you'll have a wonderful day come rain or shine.
To really take the edge off the worry, consider investing in wedding insurance.
"It you need to change the date or have to book another supplier to replace one which can't turn up, it could be a wallet saver and offers peace of mind. Definitely worth budgeting for," advises Ali Berry.
Finally, be optimistic. Even if you wake to threatening skies, chances are it won't pour down all day. The most important thing is that you're celebrating with the people that matter most to you - and that rain might just bring a lot of luck your way!
MY WET WEDDING
Recently married wedding blogger and stylist Sarah Christopher shares the story of her wet but wonderful day...
Lucy Shergold
We knew it was a risk to plan the majority of our wedding outside and
unfortunately the weather gods didn't fall in our favour. But we had prepared to an extent. I bought some golf umbrellas in our wedding colour and the venue supplied large white ones - we also asked everyone to bring wellies just in case.
With regards to a 'plan B', we had enquired with the venue a few days before the wedding if there was an alternative space to hold our blessing and drinks reception as a backup plan and they agreed to open the tiny but beautiful tea rooms just in case - lucky they did, as we weren't just dealing with rain, but hail too!
My hubby made the executive decision to let our guests into the reception barn early so we decided to do the speeches in there (they had originally been planned outside). The venue even managed to find some storage heaters and we have lovely memories of chatting with friends, Pimm's in hand and our feet all up on the heaters!
I think any couple planning a predominantly outdoor wedding in the UK should expect the unexpected. Our much dreamed of 'Indian Summer' September wedding was colder and wetter than we could have ever imagined. It was good that we had (mainly in jest) prepared our guests for a 'come rain or shine' outside do - and even when the registrar put the ceremony on hold halfway through to let the storm pass no-one seemed phased - in fact, those moments really made the day for us - there was so much laughter!
I admit, when I woke up on our wedding morning and first saw how awful the weather was I felt gutted, but as soon as my friends and family started to arrive and my hubby sent me a photo text of his colourful brollie, all my upset disappeared. Come rain, hail or snow - what was happening that day was bigger than the weather: we were saying vows in front of our nearest and dearest and looking back now, we honestly wouldn't change a thing.
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright WED Magazine 2012
