When you live in the Pacific Northwest aka the Fraser Valley and the weather forecast predicts not just rain but an atmospheric river on your wedding day you learn to laugh, and to keep smiling no matter how wet you are. Often as a wedding photographer we know that the weather can change at a moments notice and Brianna and Ante’s February wedding day was no different. Overnight the 1-3mm mm of rain switched to 25-30 mm of rain and I knew it was going to be a wet one.
I think my favorite part of their wedding day was that never once did they let the rain damper their spirits, they are so in love and there was no way a little bit, ok it was a LOT, of rain was going to get in the way of them having the most magical backyard wedding.
If your wedding day is calling for rain here in the Pacific Northwest here are a few tips I recommend as a photographer that has had my fair share of rainy weddings… did I mention my first 5 weddings this past year were all in the torrential rain!
surviving your rainy day wedding forecast
Tip number 1
Make sure your wedding venue has a back up rain plan! Weather is unpredictable, especially here in the Fraser Valley. The best way to handle the unpredictability is to ensure you know what your venue’s back up plan is so there is no surprises. If you do not have a back up plan, such as a clear or white tent that your ceremony can be moved to, ensure you have enough umbrella’s to go around in the chance that the skies open up right as your ceremony starts.
tip number 2
Clear Umbrella’s are your new bestfriend! I personally own a fleet of 15 that live in my car all year round much to my families eye rolling. Clear umbrellas are the best option as they look cohesive and still let in a lot of natural light to allow for the best lighting during portraits. It also doesn’t ruin your carefully planned out colour palate of your wedding day. Local dollar stores carry them for around $8 each but even better just stalk Facebook Market Place- there is always at least a handful of brides offloading the fleet they purchased for their wedding day!
tip number 3
Make sure to have things on hand to keep everyone warm and dry. Things such as extra blankets for your guests to stay warm are such a nice added touch. Other things to think about are towels- especially important to wipe off the chairs if it starts to rain just as your ceremony is about to begin.
TIP NUMBER 4
Bring a change of shoes to wear during Wedding portraits. There is nothing worse than wearing wet shoes for the rest of your wedding day and your reception, this is for your partner as well! Packing a spare set of shoes for outdoor portraits ensures your 'fancy’ weddings shoes stay dry for the rest of your day. As a photographer I always make sure there is at least two changes of shoes in my trunk, and a complete change of clothes as I have gotten that wet at weddings before!
tip number 4
Have fun! Let go of all your preconceived ideas of what your wedding day is supposed to be and just have fun with your besties and your partner. Your images will still be amazing and beautiful and will reflect what your wedding day truly was- a celebration of your love surrounded by all those that love you, regardless of the rain.
Still have questions about WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS?! First off BREATHE, and then…
