A Rainy Day Wedding in Bristol, Rhode Island

When it Rains... We still Get Married!


Every bride dreams of a beautiful wedding day, with gorgeous weather. The idea that it might rain is something that they never want to consider. This is especially true if your wedding ceremony will be outdoors. Rain on a wedding day has long been something with negative connotations (as even Alanis Morrisette points out when she sings "It's like rain, on your wedding day"). This doesn't mean that if it rains, your day is ruined. It can really be quite the opposite. Here is one of my favorite rainy day wedding couples.

Umbrellas Everywhere


Umbrellas have long been used as a photography prop. We do this even when the weather is great. We do it inside. They just look interesting. Sometimes, they are needed. Just look at the family and friends at this wedding at Colt State Park. The weather for Bristol, Rhode Island that day was just all rain, and everyone there had their umbrellas out. There was no stopping this bride and groom, though. They were ready to go and excited to be there. The rain really made for a special occasion.

A Beautiful, Smiling Bride


Look at her face. Everyone around her is huddled under umbrellas, but you'd never know it. She is 100% glee and joy. This might be one of my favorite wedding ceremony photographs. It really captures how happy she is to be getting married to him, rain or shine!

... and her adroring groom


The groom was equally unbothered by the weather. Big smiles all around (and the rain didn't make a dent in that carefully combed hair!) He's not looking at rain. He's not looking at clouds. He is looking at her. True love with this couple.

Kissing in the rain


When you think about kissing in the rain, what comes to mind? It probably is something rather dramatic, like right out of a movie scene. Sometimes, rain is what makes the moment. I'm sure they would have had a beautiful wedding no matter what the weather was, but I really think the rain made this wedding special. Look at the two of them. I can't remember the last time I saw people so happy to be outside on a rainy day!


SOME POSITIVE THINGS ABOUT RAIN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Good Luck

In many cultures around the world, rain on your wedding day is actually a sign of good luck. This is because in those cultures rain is a symbol of fertility and cleansing.

Everyone loves rainbows

The odds are small, but it can happen. If you have the right time of day, a big rain storm can lead to some beautiful rainbows on your wedding day. Who wouldn't want a rainbow at their wedding?

Reduced Allergies

Allergies can be hard to deal with, and weddings often make it worse. When you are outside, with lots of flowers, those allergens will be floating around. Rain will reduce the amount of pollen and other allergens in the air. A rainy day means you can breathe a bit easier at your wedding!

Rain makes for unique photos

Rainy day wedding photography often means that we have to do things a bit different. Locations, poses, working those rain drops into something creative and interesting. You will have photos that stand out from the rest!

Fresher Flowers

Believe it or not, those expensive flowers that you ordered for your wedding won't last very long. This is especially true if your wedding is on a hot, dry day. Rain and cooler weather means that they won't wilt quite so soon.

What Should Couples Do If it Rains on Their Wedding Day?

Don't Panic

Every one of your vendors should have experience in these rainy-wedding scenarios. Be sure to talk to all of your vendors in advance to see how they plan to work if the wetter weather arrives.

Ask Your Venue For Advice

Wedding venues operate rain or shine. They've seen it all. They've seen what works and what doesn't. If your ceremony is at a different location than the reception, see if the reception venue can accommodate a relocated wedding ceremony.

Embrace It

If it will rain on your wedding day, there is not much you can do about it (although if any of you find a way to control the weather, I'd love to find out how!) so embrace it. It is now part of your special day.