I think one thing that every bride starts doing in run up to their wedding day is glancing at the weather app on their phones, and nervously checking to see if they are going to have the glorious sunshine that they had dreamed of in their heads or at least dry weather!
If you are planning to have a wedding in the UK, no matter whether it be in the height of summer, a lot of brides start to get that sinking feeling as they scan to the date of their wedding, only to be met with an onslaught of looming panic that is the the emoji grey cloud with rain droplets, below the title, ‘Heavy rain’ (crying emojis!).
However, we think that rain is can actually be a positive and in many cultures rain on your wedding day is actually considered a sign of good luck and the idea is that it is washing away tough times. It also signifies fertility and it is also meant to represent a long-lasting marriage – woohoo! So whether you are superstitious or not, I think you’ve got to take this one if it happens to you as it will be really enable you to in fact focus on the day and what is important.
Not only this, but I think my favourite part of seeing a typical English weather wedding is the AMAZING photos that come out of it! They make the best artistic and fun snapshots, so make the most of this. Honestly, just look up rainy photographs on Pinterest and you will know exactly what I mean. Umbrella photo porn ALERT ALERT. (heart eyes emoji!)
But for those of you who just want a few tips on how to handle and prepare for your fabulous rainy wedding day, we have listed our 5 must have tips below.
The key is in the mental preparation that this is the best day of your life because you are marrying your soulmate not the English weather! Then anything you get will be magical, whether it be sun, snow, rain or hail!)
1. Customised ‘BIrd and bone designs’ jackets
For a rainy, cold or even for a sunny day (!) Bird and Bone designs customised jackets are the ultimate must have for any wedding. We’ve had brides getting married in the middle of summer saying that their brides really loved the jackets because not only were they really warm and a great addition to their bridesmaid outfit, but they added a great element of FUN! Come that rainy day though, they have said they don’t know how they would of survived the day without them especially with the photos ops and all the standing around that goes on (if you’ve never been part of a wedding party before, there is a lot of this!).
2. Hire umbrellas
This is our next must, and can be done relatively last minute as well, if you don’t want to pull out the extra money there are great companies out there. Below we have listed a few suppliers that make this process very easy. The advantage of hiring rather than buying them is that it does end up working out cheaper and also saves you the hassle as most deliver and collect which is really handy! They also make the most fabulous accessory for your wedding photos (see below!) so why not hire them just in case and even use them for a bit fun !
They are delivered to your door, and then after the wedding you just organise the courier online to pick them up from your chosen location. Simple, and affective. Plus everyone loves a prop in photographs. It gives people something to do/hold, and in my opinion, umbrellas create some of the most fabulous photographs.
https://www.brollybucket.co.uk
https://www.brolliesgalore.co.uk
3. Customised Trainers or Wellies
Customised trainers are a must for dancing the night away. At Bird and Bone designs, our Brides always ask us about personalising their wedding shoes whether it be a pair of heels or trainers. However they can come in handy also when the weather has just got too much if you choose to get a sturdy pair of wellies or trainers which can be worn outside for your fabulous photos. Not only do they become practical, but can create some great shots. Get in touch with us to find out more!
4.waterproOf your Hair and makeup….
Hair and makeup are so important to a bride and her bridesmaids. So our next tip is when choosing who to have for your hair and makeup on the day, talk to them about what they can do to help if it does rain on the day. With makeup there are the obvious ones, wear waterproof mascara (Always really a must for the happy tears anyway). Also a good make-up artist should use a fixing spray anyway, but it might be an idea to talk to them about this beforehand, or if you know its going to rain a few days before, ring them up and have a chat. It will but your mind at rest.
Regarding hair, make sure that your hairdresser sets it properly, and again have that conversation with them. If your hair is down, it might not last as long. But when you go for your trial, test it afterwards to see how resilient it is. Again if you are worried beforehand, talk to them. Extra hairspray and setting might be required for the day so make sure your bridesmaids are armed!
5. Change your timeline
Don’t be afraid to change the timeline of the day. Speak with your venue/wedding coordinator and your photographer the day before. Remember nothing is ever set in stone, and a good venue and photographer will work around the weather, so you can nip out for short bursts of photos, when the weather eases up. If you are flexible throughout the day it will mean you can take advantages of breaks in the weather and ensure you get those dream photos no matter what!
6. Speak to your photographer
This will put your mind at rest greatly. When picking your photographer, it is always good to look at the range of photos they have taken and how creative they have been when the weather hasn’t been as great on wedding days/ events. A good photographer, will work with the environment around them, so use them and talk to them. Have fun with the photos and let them come up with creative ideas on the day!
7. Embrace the Rain!
Our last top tip is to just have fun. Love the rain, embrace it. This is the number one way to not let the rain, ‘rain on your parade’! You can try and control many factors of your day, but as everyone will consistently tell you in the lead up to the big day, you can not control the weather.
So go with it, dance in the rain. I promise you you will have the best day and create the most magical memories!
Bird & Bone Designs 