You can plan your wedding down to the very last tiny detail, but one thing you don’t have any control over is the weather.
This means you can’t guarantee warm, sunny weather, or even that it’ll be dry. What you can do though is prepare for every eventuality, even if this means heavy rain, wind or even storms.
With a little advance planning, you’ll still have an incredible day.
Preparing Your Wedding Look for Any Forecast
You’ve probably got a style, colour palette or particular look in mind for your wedding suit already. You don’t need to compromise your dream outfit just in case of poor weather, but it could be wise to bear a few important things in mind when selecting colours and fabrics.
For autumn and winter weddings, it’s especially important to plan ahead. Think about footwear suitable for muddy or wet ground, and the kinds of colours and fabrics which resist rain best without creasing or sagging when damp.
Choosing What Suit to Wear for a Wedding in Rain or Shine
Here are some pointers to consider when choosing a wedding suit that works well in all weather conditions:
- Fabric choices – if there’s a risk of rain on the day, you might want to go for lighter wool blends that resist creasing if damp, avoiding delicate silks and linens
- Colours – it’s worth remembering that darker shades (such as navy, charcoal and forest green) tend to be better at masking potential rain spots compared to pale tones
- Fit – it’s always a good idea to go for a well-tailored suit anyway, but it’s especially important in damp conditions, as a great fitting suit won’t sag if it gets a little wet
- Shoes – polished leather shoes with a good sole are a good all-weather choice, but make sure to avoid suede unless indoors or under cover
Practical Accessories That Keep You Sharp and Dry
If you’ll only be outside for a short while, you may not need to make any adjustments to your suit to protect against the weather. You can use accessories instead, to keep you dry, comfortable and stylish.
A high quality umbrella in classic black is a great starting point, but you might also want to add a tailored overcoat or trench coat. This can look seriously stylish when worn over a classic three-piece suit.
It may be a very small detail, but make sure your pocket square is in a weather-resistant fabric. Otherwise, it can lose its shape when damp.
And a quick wedding day grooming tip – choose hair styling products that are able to resist the elements. Otherwise, your perfectly styled hair could be ruined by the rain.
Is It Good Luck If It Rains on Your Wedding Day?
For some people, rain on their wedding day can feel like a catastrophe. But for others, it can actually be good luck. In some cultures, rain symbolises renewal, cleansing and even fertility.
Even if this isn’t relevant for you, a sudden rain shower on your wedding day can still be interpreted as a positive omen. If nothing else, you’ll all be laughing and smiling in more candid wedding photos as you make an invigorating dash from the car to the venue. You may even be lucky enough to get dramatic skies as the backdrop for your photos.
How to Deal With Rain on Your Wedding Day
If the forecast is showing rain for your wedding day, don’t panic. There’s nothing at all you can do about it except put some wet weather plans in place and have a wonderful day. It definitely doesn’t need to spoil the occasion. It can even make it more breath-taking.
Planning Ahead With Wet Weather Back-Ups
As you organise all the details for your wedding, it’s worth putting a wet weather contingency plan in place just in case. This is especially important for winter or autumn weddings, where there’s a good chance of rain.
If it looks like rain on the big day, you can simply roll out your backup plan and have everything covered (quite literally).
This plan may include:
- Preparing the venue with marquees, or making use of covered terraces or indoor spaces – this is something your wedding venue should be able to help with
- Coordinating with your photographer for creative rain shots (for example – umbrellas, reflections, moody skies).
- Health and safety – speaking to the venue or planner about putting down matting and safety signage to prevent guests slipping on wet floors.
Keeping Guests Comfortable Whatever the Weather
You can also arrange some smaller touches to keep your guests comfortable, even if it’s pouring down on the big day.
These include providing umbrellas or even blankets if any part of the day is outdoors, or arranging for the bar to serve warm drinks, mulled wine or hot toddies (depending on the season).
Signage is important, so that everyone knows where to go and how to avoid slippery spots or poor terrain. Another thoughtful touch is arranging with the venue to provide extra cloakroom space for coats, or covered smoking areas for guests.
