Your wedding is just a few days away and the forecast is predicting rain...every couple’s worst nightmare (maybe because it's one of the few things you can't control)! What you can control is how you prepare for potential rain on your wedding day. Here are some tips and ideas of how to make the most of a rainy wedding day!

Bride and groom on rainy day at lakeside wedding in NJ — Photo: Gio Jung

First things first, wedding photographer, Anthony Ziccardi advises that couples avoid checking the weather weeks out from their wedding date; this will only stress you out and that's the last thing you need! Try to wait until a few days before your wedding to check the weather and if it's looking like rain is inevitable, keep these points in mind:

1. Rain Boots

If you don't have any already, now is the perfect time to invest in rain boots! There are really cute options out there and you can hopefully wear them again and always be reminded of your wedding!

2. Umbrellas

Have umbrellas on hand so you can stay dry while taking photos outside. Umbrella photos are some of our favorite rainy wedding day photos!

Check with your venue and photographer first to see if they provide umbrellas in the event of rain. Consider having some umbrellas for your guests as well.

3. Keep Guests Informed

If your wedding ceremony is still being held outside despite some rain, keep your guests in the loop so they can plan ahead with proper shoes, jackets, and umbrellas.

4. Have a Backup Plan

Check with your venue to see what their rain plan is. At Rock Island, we have three backup options for your wedding ceremony!

5. Check in with your Vendors

Ask your vendors if the inclement weather will affect how they operate, if any schedule changes need to be made, what they do to prepare for rainy wedding days, or if they have an helpful tips.

Wedding hair stylist, Julie Finnerty of Styles on Location recommends that you have two hairstyle options that you love with a backup in the case of rain. She also says that up dos are the way to go-- messy buns, braids, chignons. The less hair you have down, the better! And of course, make sure you have lots of hairspray on hand!

Wedding hair stylists and makeup artists, Jessica and Cheryl of The Mane Event encourage using waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and foundation on rainy or humid days. They also highly recommend having a back up hairstyle option that is fully up. Moisture causes flyaways, waves, and frizz...the last thing you want on your wedding day! Wearing your hair up will help prevent all of these things. Jessica and Cheryl always use products with humidity-fighting qualities.

6. Create a Cozy Environment

It may be damp and cold, so try to make it comfortable for your guests! Think blankets, a cider or hot cocoa bar, umbrellas, and cute signs.

Cider bar cart for a fall wedding ceremony

Look on the bright side...

There will be a good chance of a rainbow.
Your flowers will last longer; they're less likely to wilt in rainy conditions than they are in hot and sunny conditions.
You won't have itchy eyes or a red nose thanks to reduced airborne allergens.
Rain on your wedding day is good luck.
Clouds make for amazing photo conditions!

Find a list of wedding photo spots at Rock Island here. You can use this as a guide of where you can take photos if it rains on your wedding day!

How to Prepare for Rain on Your Wedding Day