Rainy Wedding Day? Here Are 5 Tips to Ensure Your Rainy Wedding Photography Still Looks Magical
Nobody wants to wake up on their wedding day and see torrents of rain battering the windowpane. But even the wettest of weddings can still be breathtakingly beautiful to photograph.
If the forecast for your big day is looking more drizzly than dazzling, here’s what to expect and 5 ways to make the most of your photography, in spite of the showers.
1. Buy clear umbrellas - even if the forecast looks okay
Not white, and definitely not patterned - a simple, clear umbrella works wonders for any rainy wedding photography. Not only will the umbrella shield you from the weather whilst still allowing a full view of you and your partner, you can take some lovely detailed shots of raindrops on the umbrellas. Be sure to pick up an umbrella for anyone in the bridal party, and if you’re having your wedding outside in cooler months, buy enough for your guests in case of showers.
2. Expect to get a little dirty
Rainy day = dirty wedding dress, veil and shoes. It is nearly impossible to keep a white dress spotlessly clean when the paths and pavement are damp, but it’s all part of the fun. A good (again, clear!) umbrella will ensure that any bridal hair and makeup stays looking pristine, but don’t expect the same for your bride and groom’s outfits. Just try to remember that it won’t ruin your photos, and nobody’s wedding is ever truly picture perfect - in fact the rain makes it more unique!
3. Have a rain plan
We live in the UK! Every Brit knows that even a July or August wedding comes with no guarantee of dry weather. Make a rain plan and ensure that you’re prepared if your big day comes with a big shower. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony but the idea of your guests holding up umbrellas as you walk down the aisle is an absolute no-no, then pick a venue that has an indoor option. And don’t forget that rain often means cold. If your wedding is in a transitional month, i.e. April, May or September, be sure to stock up on blankets for guests that may be older, frail or simply unprepared!
4. Adjust your timings
As with any rainy day, light is limited and any natural light is going to drop a lot sooner than on a sunny day. Your photos will look more atmospheric and moody than they would have done with blue skies, but this is where some of the best shots come from. Surprisingly, rainy photos tend to look a lot better than those taken in bright, direct sunshine! Make the most of the natural light wherever possible, but be mindful that some of your timings might need to be altered if you want to get the couple shots you imagined.
5. Check your expectations
Whilst a little rain shouldn’t prevent you from getting all the shots of you and your partner, there are some photos that are much trickier to shoot when the heavens open. The main photograph that might be impossible to get is a full shot of the entire wedding party. Trying to manage 100 people in the pouring rain only leaves you with grumpy guests and a lot of soggy clothes! Be mindful that plans may have to change, and focus on the beautiful shots you can get instead.
Weather is one of the things that nobody can control, so don’t let it get to you if your day isn’t the sunshine and clear skies you were hoping for. If you’re starting to plan your wedding and want to discuss wedding photography, get in touch and book a call today.
