Rain, Rain, Go Away?
They say rain on your wedding day is good luck, but when you wake up to a hurricane with an actual name, it can feel like anything but. Trust me, I know. When I married my husband Sean on November 11, 2022, we were expecting a mild fall day for our outdoor ceremony. Instead, we were greeted by Hurricane Nicole—a real, named storm moving up the East Coast. What could have been a nightmare turned into one of the most joyful, creative, and unforgettable days of our lives.
Rain on Your Wedding Day? Here’s How to Turn a Storm into a Story
That experience reshaped how I guide my couples. Rain itself never ruins a wedding; it’s how you prepare and respond that makes the difference. With the right plan, a little flexibility, and a supportive team, even the most unpredictable weather can add magic to your story.
1. Create a Backup Plan You’ll Be Excited About
A rain plan shouldn’t feel like a downgrade. If it does, you won’t use it confidently when the time comes.
Design your Plan B space early—whether that’s a tent, a barn, or an indoor backup room. Treat it with the same care and attention as your original vision.
Rent a tent with clear tops or sidewalls to block the rain but still let in light.
Ask your venue if they can prepare your rain plan area at least 24 hours in advance if needed.
Use candles, string lights, or lanterns to add a warm, romantic glow.
2. Communicate with Vendors Early and Often
Rainy days require teamwork. The smoother your communication, the smoother your day will go.
Send your vendors a weather update email 48 hours before your event so everyone is aligned.
Confirm who makes the final weather call and by what time (often 4–6 hours before the ceremony).
Coordinate with your hairstylist and makeup artist early in the week if rain looks likely. Ask about weatherproof products, backup touch-up times, or additional stylists if humidity causes delays.
Have vendors contact your planner or point of contact, not you, on the wedding morning.
3. Plan for Guest Comfort
Keep guests dry, warm, and smiling with thoughtful touches that double as decor.
Provide baskets of umbrellas, towels, or blankets at entrances.
Add a cute sign that says, “Rain or shine, we’re so glad you’re here.”
Offer warm drinks like cider or coffee if it’s chilly, or lemon water if it’s humid.
Include heel protectors for grassy spaces and extra mats or rugs at doorways. Depending on your vendue, also consider purchasing bales of hay to lay at grassy entrances to provide drier surfaces.
4. Think Ahead About Your Outfit and Shoes
Wet weather can make moving around tricky.
Bring two pairs of shoes—one for outdoor photos and one for your ceremony and reception.
Consider water-resistant fabric protectors for your dress hem and veil.
Ask your planner to keep a few towels and a blow dryer on hand for quick fixes.
5. Get Creative with Your Photos
Some of the best photos happen when you embrace the unexpected. During our wedding, our amazing photographer built a photo tent using a pop-up canopy and clear shower curtains melted together with an iron—a completely improvised setup that let us capture outdoor shots while staying dry. The photos turned out absolutely magical.
Clear umbrellas and soft rainlight create a dreamy, cinematic feel.
Don’t shy away from the puddles—reflections and raindrops make stunning details.
A creative team can always find beauty in the storm.
6. Remember What Truly Matters
When I look back on Hurricane Nicole, I don’t think about the wind or the wet shoes. I remember the laughter, the love, and the story we’ll tell forever. Your wedding day is not defined by perfect weather but by how you embrace it together—with joy, grace, and a plan that lets love shine through any storm.
Experience Matters
At Alexandria Event Design, we’ve coordinated through countless rain-delay weddings, unexpected weather changes, and last-minute pivots. Our team knows how to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and bring calm to any situation. When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a coordinator—you’re partnering with an experienced team that’s ready to handle whatever the forecast brings, so you can focus on what really matters: celebrating your love.