Top 10 Tips for an Outdoor Rainy Wedding in Kent

If you are planning an outdoor wedding - you will have one of the most magical days of your life - it will feel spiritual and natural and will look absolutely stunning. But like any engaged couple - especially in the UK , where our climate is changeable - you may be apprehensive about having a rainy wedding but let's embrace rainy day weddings and enjoy them!

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Here are 10 top tips to make your outdoor wedding weather-proof and enjoyable:

Let your wedding guests know on the invitation, that it is an outdoor venue - so they can be prepared well in advance for any eventuality. If you want them to bring umbrellas and wellies if the conditions get challenging - let them know early.

Use your wedding website, social media or email to announce the weather forecast the week of the wedding - this way, guests can make any last minute outfit changes and have their wet weather gear to hand if necessary. ​

If there is rain forecast before the wedding ceremony - have tarpaulins to hand which can be draped over the chairs and removed just before everyone arrives - check with the venue if they will do this, if not, this could be a job for the Best Man to organise.

If there are showers predicted on the day you may want to source hay to cover any muddy areas and have umbrellas to hand to protect everyone if you don’t have an alternative covered area.

If you are pinning your hopes on an outdoor drinks reception or al fresco entertainment, make sure there are sheltered areas available should the worst happen. A gazebo or marquee with tables and chairs can be useful on both sunny and rainy days, so speak to your venue about setting one up a day or two before the big day. 
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Doormats and runners should be issued by the venue or marquee suppliers for rainy days to ensure floors remain as dry as possible - so check what they will supply. If you are holding a marquee wedding, ask your supplier about flooring options to prevent any unwanted accidents. Wooden flooring is generally better than coconut matting, especially for guests wearing high heels. Also, have a pile of old towels just in case the dance floor gets wet - get the groomsmen prepped to mop it if necessary!

​This can be a plan B or C - but not all outdoor venues will have this option.

​Bring a pair of bridal white or brightly coloured wellies or traditional Hunter wellington boots - they can look really cool and offer up a great photo opportunity. 

If you are desperate to wear your wedding shoes - bring them out for just some of the photos! (remember sensible footwear can also provide a welcome break from crippling bridal shoes!)

​Don't fight the rain, embrace it. Buy colour coordinated umbrellas for your guests and make your outdoor wedding photos a creative opportunity. Also splash out on an ultra cool brolly for you and your partner, ideally a transparent design or one that stands out from the crowd. 

If the umbrellas don't get used - they can be returned and money back! If they do get used you will get some gorgeous outdoor shots.

Prevent your dress from getting damaged come rain or shine by opting for an underskirt which can be hooked up to avoid dragging your train. Not only will this save the day when rain arrives, but it will also minimise dirt and snagging.

Request that your photographer carry a sheet for outdoor photos, to be placed on the floor for the bride and bridesmaids to stand on. It can be easily folded and placed under your dress and is the perfect saviour in these conditions.

Alternatively wear a shorter styled dress and then all panic about hems are avoided!

Make sure your photographer has a wet weather contingency plan well before the big day. Professional photographers should always have back-up ideas and a good photographer will be able to confidently tell you exactly what he/she will do when faced with rain. Pose the question early on in your wedding planning to ensure you don't get caught out. ​

Steer clear of any beauty product that's guaranteed to run. Have a spray tan rather than using instant tan on the day, use waterproof mascara and seal in your look with a setting spray. Your hair and make-up artists will be able to advise and prepare you accordingly.

With wet weather comes the peril of frizzy, flyaway hair. Hair and makeup touches will no doubt be required - so make sure you put together a handy kit, complete with hairpins, hairspray, tissues and waterproof mascara AND make sure someone you trust can put their hands on it easily on the day.

Finally, don’t panic! It’s your wedding day so enjoy it! 

Whatever the weather, those special moments of your wedding day will be captured - so you won’t even remember the rain and if you do - it will be with a smile!

Whatever you're faced with on the big day, delegate all jobs in advance and just enjoy every moment of it!

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