Nobody books an outdoor ceremony thinking it'll rain. But this is England, and a summer date in Northamptonshire is no guarantee. The good news is that a rainy wedding is only a problem if you haven't planned for it. Sort the back-up early and you can stop checking the forecast every hour in the final week.
Here's what to think about.
Ask the venue the right questions
When you're looking round venues, ask about the wet weather plan before you fall in love with the garden. Specifically:
- Where does the ceremony move to if it rains, and is that room licensed for ceremonies?
- When do we have to make the call, and who makes it?
- Where does the drinks reception go, and how many people fit comfortably?
- Is there covered space between the rooms, or will guests be running across a courtyard?
- Is there anywhere sheltered for a few outdoor photos?
Go and look at the back-up room
Really, go and stand in it. A room that holds 120 people for a seated meal can feel very cramped with 120 people standing around with drinks, and you want to know that before the day, not on it.
If the back-up room is the same room you'll eat in, ask how they'll turn it around. Sometimes the drinks reception happens in one half while staff set the other. That's fine, but you'll want to know.
The ceremony
Outdoor civil ceremonies in England have more options than they used to, but the rules on where a ceremony can legally take place still apply, so check with your venue and registrar what's allowed on their grounds and what happens if the weather turns. The registrars will have their own view on safety, especially in high winds.
Set a decision time, often the morning of the wedding, and stick to it. Flip-flopping at 11am stresses everyone out.
Keeping guests happy indoors
The real risk with rain isn't the ceremony. It's the drinks reception. Lawn games are off, guests are squeezed into a bar, and the photos are taking longer because everyone's dodging showers. This is exactly when you need something that works in any space.
A close-up magician is ideal. They don't need a stage, a table or any space at all, so they're just as good in a crowded bar as on a lawn. We run Magician For Hire, so we've a horse in this race, but ask any venue coordinator what saves a wet drinks reception and you'll hear something similar.
A photo booth or magic mirror from UK Photo Booth Hire can be set up earlier than usual to give people something to do. Board games and a few packs of cards on side tables are a cheap, cheerful extra.
Photos in the rain
Some of the best wedding photos are rainy ones. Clear umbrellas look great, and a lot of photographers love the moody light. Talk to yours in advance about where they'd shoot if it's wet, and whether there's a porch, a barn doorway or a covered walkway they like.
Keep the group shots short on a rainy day and get them done indoors. Nobody wants to stand on wet grass for twenty minutes.
Small things to pack
A few golf umbrellas (white or clear look best in photos). A towel or two. Spare shoes for the walk between buildings. Something warm to throw over your shoulders. Ask the venue for doormats and somewhere to leave wet umbrellas, or the floor gets slippery fast.
If you've got guests travelling, mention on the wedding website that it might be muddy underfoot. They'll be glad of the warning.
Don't let it ruin your mood
Honestly, guests remember a wet wedding fondly if the couple are smiling. They'll talk about the umbrellas and the soggy confetti for years. Make the plan, then let it go.
For more on fitting entertainment around the day, have a look at our wedding entertainment ideas, and our winter weddings in Northamptonshire post if you're planning a cosy one.