How to prepare for a rainy wedding day

If this fall wedding season taught me anything, it was to be prepared for any weather on your wedding day. Of my six fall weddings, it rained during 4 of them. And I’m not talking like a quick sprinkle, I’m talking about a full day wash out type rain.

So to help ease the stress you may be feeling, read my tips on how to prepare for a rainy wedding day.

Be flexible

Being flexible with your timeline on a rainy day is so important. I’m constantly checking outside to see if the rain lets up enough to dash outside for a few quick portraits.

These were taken in a span of 5 minutes. I noticed it stopped raining, equally excited and frantic, grabbed the couple, and dashed outside The Manor at Silo Falls for Becky & CJ’s portraits during Tropical Storm Ophelia.

Know your venue’s indoor option

When touring venues, be sure to ask about their rain plans and indoor ceremony options. You don’t want to be scrambling to find an alternative the week of the wedding. And make sure you love the indoor option just as much as the outdoor option! We all want to be optimistic that we’ll have the perfect weather but unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way.

Covered outdoor areas are always great for portraits also. That way you can take advantage of the beautiful natural light while not worrying about getting wet! So maybe the ceremony can’t happy outside but your portraits can.

The covered area outside of The Westin Annapolis made the perfect location for Caroline & Sam’s portraits

Shift your expectations

I know I know, this one can be a tough one. I get it, you’ve been dreaming of this beautiful sunshiney day since you started planning, if not longer. Whatever happens with the weather, it’s just something that makes your day unique and is part of your story. So embrace whatever is to come and shift your expectations.

That may include changing the location you planned on taking photos or taking photos with umbrellas (don’t worry I have a pair!)

Understand your dress may get wet, so plan around what you’re comfortable with. Whether that’s photos outside and a damp train or a dry dress with photos inside. You tell me what you’re comfortable with!

Miranda had dreamt of having their first look along the Baltimore Waterfront Promenade. When it came time for it she said “fuck it I want to do that, so we’re going to do it”. So we grabbed umbrellas and headed outside. Pro tip: trash bags can help keep your train from getting as wet and dirty.

Don’t be afraid to dance in the rain

I know it may not have been what you had dreamt of, but embrace anything and everything the day brings, including dancing in the rain!

Make sure you’re communicating with your photographer, and all of your vendors, leading up to the day. This is so important regardless of the weather forecast, but even more so on a rainy wedding day. Having an idea of how plans could shift and talking through your vision can be so helpful for everyone to be able to execute the day well.

Remember why you are having a wedding to begin with

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if it rains on your wedding day. They say it’s good luck anyways! So, remember the reason you have planned this event and invited all of your friends and family. To celebrate you and your soon to be husband, your love, and the life you are starting together.

So rest assured, that if you end up having a rainy wedding day, it will be beautiful no matter what!

If you’re a couple reading this I’d love to chat with you about your wedding day! Please feel free to reach out. Now booking 2024 and 2025 wedding dates!

Nicole Simensky Photography is a wedding photographer for the kind hearted, sophisticated couple with an edge. Here to put you at ease, have you laughing, and capture timeless photos for you to enjoy for a lifetime. Nicole Simensky Photography serves Towson, Baltimore, Maryland and beyond.