How to Get Married in the Rain

More and more brides are opting for casual outdoor weddings. But what if mother nature brings rain to your party and your venue is unable to accommodate your guests indoors? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A black umbrella
• An outdoor tent
• Non-satin, non-bejeweled shoes
• The ability to completely detach your train (a dress with no train is best)
• A sense of humor

How to Get Married in the Rain

1. When planning your garden wedding, keep in mind that it just may rain on your day. Be certain to have several umbrellas handy for unprepared guests and a few extra rain coats and towels.

2. More than likely, your garden ceremony will be immediately followed by an outdoor reception under a large tent. (If not, you can stop reading because you already have an indoor escape plan). When you or your planner arrange the tables, be certain to wait until the day of the wedding to set the head table. If it rains, you can take away the head table to make room for the wedding party and clergy to stand for the ceremony. After the ceremony while the bridal party is having pictures taken, the planner can replace and set the head table while guests mingle and have cocktails. No one will even notice.

3. Because you want the focus to be on you as you approach the tent, have your father, or whoever is giving you away, carry a dark colored umbrella, preferrably a black one. The black umbrella will blend in with the clouds and streaming rain. The only thing guests will notice is your beautiful and brilliant white gown. The rain will be an after thought.

4. Once your photographer says enough is enough, join your guests, have a glass of champagne, eat something, and remember that rain on your wedding day is a sign of luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Do not wear satin shoes or stockings that cover your toes. Choose a vinyl or lucite style that can be easily wiped clean of mud, leaves, or grass. Don't forget the pedicure!
• Wear a simple hair style. If your hair is not naturally curly or permed, don't curl it. The best style for outdoors is a low bun with all of your hair, including your bangs, pulled back and set with gel or spray. If it rains, your hair will still look perfect!
• Buy a white satiny wrap for your shoulders. This will help take away the "chill" caused by the rain. Plus, it will protect any beading you might have on your gown.
• Offer to pay for your bride's maids shoes if they get ruined. This is a nice gesture and your friends won't keep referring to your wedding as "that wedding."
• Keep smiling. If guests see that you're at ease, they'll be able to have fun without worrying about your mood.