How to be prepared for rain on your wedding day

We have had several rainy wedding days this season, with Colorado’s monsoon season in full swing. As a Colorado Native, we NEVER complain about rain, but we do want to offer some quick tips on how to be prepared. 🌧 Any couple who is having an outdoor wedding ceremony or any outdoor component of their wedding needs to think about a backup plan. Keep reading for a few tips on how to plan for rain on your wedding day, without panicking.

1. Don’t start looking at the weather weeks out. We know it is tempting, but the weather in Colorado changes hourly, so we recommend preparing for rain (or snow), then being pleasantly surprised if you get perfect weather. What is it they say, “prepare for the worst, hope for the best”!

2. Discuss the inclement weather plan with your venue in detail. Do they have a space where you can move your ceremony indoors? When do they require you to make the call of whether to move your ceremony indoors? What is the plan if you do have to move indoors? Are there safety concerns that require you postpone the ceremony on or move it inside (such as lightning)? These are just a few questions that need to be discussed early in your planing process. We recommend having these discussions prior to booking your venue to ensure you are happy with the weather plan, but if that ship has sailed, it is never too late to ask these questions.

3. Tell guests to come prepared with a rain jacket, umbrella or poncho and bring them to the wedding, even if it looks sunny when they leave their hotel. Weather changes quickly in Colorado!

4. If all your guests are traveling and may not have room to pack an umbrella, consider purchasing enough umbrellas and ponchos for your entire guest count. Purchase them in the weeks prior and if we don’t use them, then you can return them. Better yet, have them monogramed and give them as a guest favor, whether you use them or not. Who doesn’t need another umbrella? Don’t forget to purchase clear umbrellas for your bridal party as they are great for photos.

5. Discuss photo options with your photographer in the case of rain. Does the venue have a great indoor space where family photos can be taken? Can the timeline be adjusted so photos can be taken when the rain stops or is lighter. This won’t be the first time your photographer has dealt with rain, so use them as a resource!

6. Finally, and this is a big one, discuss your weather tolerance with your signifiant other (and your parents). Are you okay getting married in the rain (if it is safe)? Are you okay with a little drizzle, but not a downpour? How long are you willing to postpone your ceremony to see if the weather will pass (keeping in mind that it will shorten your reception time)? Once you know how you both feel, make sure you communicate this to your venue, planner and all vendors so they can be prepared.

Bottom line, don’t stress about bad weather on your wedding day, just be prepared. Whether it is a gorgeous, sunny day or raining cats and dogs, you will have a gorgeous day and marry the love of your life!

Be sure to follow-us on Instagram for more wedding planning tips! As a wedding planner with 17 years of experience, we have truly seen it all. Happy Planning!