When a couple envisions their ideal wedding day, rain rarely comes into the picture. Unless a couple likes things soggy, chances are rain on the big day will be a bit of a disappointment.

While there’s no way couples can keep it from raining on their wedding days, there are ways to prevent rain from ruining the ceremony and the ensuing festivities.

* Have a contingency plan in place well in advance. Weather is unpredictable, but couples who choose an outdoor wedding should begin making a contingency plan well in advance of the wedding. This doesn’t mean couples need to plan two weddings, they just need to discuss with vendors what the plan of action is going to be should rain arrive. When booking a venue, discuss with the venue manager what the venue can do if it rains. Many venues will set up a tent and have an umbrella station for arriving guests. When getting married outdoors, choose a venue that’s both idyllic and capable of handling a wet wedding.

It’s best to also have a contingency photography plan in place as well. When choosing a photographer, ask about his or her history with rainy weddings. Find out if the photographer has an indoor studio where portraits can be taken if the conditions outside are not ideal. Or, maybe he or she is familiar with the reception site and knows a few areas that would make good backdrops.

* Get dressed at the venue. Brides understandably fear their wedding dress won’t survive a soggy ceremony. To reduce the gown’s exposure to rain, brides should consider getting dressed at the venue. This means they will only have to wear the dress outside during the actual ceremony. Wrap the gown and other accessories including shoes, in plastic to keep them safe from rain and mud. If the wedding is slated for later in the day, call the venue and determine how early the wedding parties can arrive and how much space will be provided for the party to get dressed. This won’t be too big an issue for the groom and his groomsmen, but the bride and her bridal party will likely want to get there several hours in advance of the ceremony.

* Wear waterproof makeup. Brides-to-be should wear waterproof makeup. In addition, bring a collection of items, including hairspray and extra makeup, that can help combat the elements.

* Prepare the ushers. Ushers will need to be extra diligent during a rainy ceremony. Instruct the ushers before guests begin to arrive that their roles have taken on greater importance thanks to the weather. Ushers should keep an eye out and an umbrella open for arriving guests, escorting guests to their seats under a cloak of dryness. Once the happy couple has said their “I dos” and all the guests have managed to stay dry, the bride and groom should offer some special thanks to the ushers who helped keep everyone dry.

Copy the Story Link