How Do You Deal With Rain on Wedding Day?

How do you deal with rain on wedding day is a common question that I get asked. When you pull into the venue and the rain is pouring down and you must duck inside or be soaked what happens next?

First, rain and stormy weather do not have to ruin a wedding day! Yes, there must be adjustments made and a good attitude is very important. If you choose to have an outdoor wedding, you must realize, rain is always possible.

I think that is the hardest message to get across to families is, it might rain, and you need to be okay with that. I have seen so many disappointed, sad faces, and even tears on a rainy day. While others just roll with the punches, make the best of it and have a great time anyway.

We have had summer weddings with hardly any rain and then there have been years where it seemed like almost every wedding had rain or stormy weather to deal with. I have learned so much about how to deal with rain on a wedding day.

How about some insights?

• Google says… Rain on your wedding day is good luck because, rain represents many things in different cultures – most of which include fertility, cleansing, unity, renewal, and tears.
• Here at Denison Ridge we have a covered area that will hold 150 guests with tables and chairs. We can add more but it does get cozy, not a bad thing!
• The rain has never stopped the ceremony from happening outside. Guests have had to wait out a sprinkle of rain inside the barn a time or two and we have had to dry chairs off but that is it. However, if we need to do the ceremony in the barn because of rain we have a plan or two (bride will have a say in this ?).
• The bride and bridesmaids/groom and groomsman have their own rooms and there is a large staging area where family can be between photo sessions.

Professional photographers

• Professional photographers know all about dealing with rain. They take their profession seriously. I have seen the most beautiful and unique photos from a rainy, stormy day! If you have a great attitude your photos will be stunning.
• Caterers are some of the most adaptable people I know, bless their souls! Having a professional caterer will be advantageous to the bride and the venue. These people are masters at their craft, stand back and watch.
• The DJ will want to be in the barn under cover. They have very specialized equipment that is very expensive. A tent is usually not an option unless you are sure the rain will stop shortly.
• If you think the rain is going to continue the whole day, it’s best to set everything up in the barn from the get go.  One set of linens go with the package.
• Sometimes the rain stops. If tables are set-up it’s easy to just move the tables out of the barn, with help, to the lawn and view setting.

Denison Ridge has had to answer the question of how do you deal with rain on wedding day at our venue. Every venue is different, but there should be a rain back-up plan. If you are just starting your venue business it will take time to figure this out, and you will. Even now we make adjustment from time to time as any business should.

If you would like more information on starting and running a Wedding Venue Business, feel free to check out my ebook “How to Start and Run a Wedding Venue- In Your Own Backyard”, a guide where I share so many helpful tips that will help you run a successful venue even on those rainy days!

The best advice is to be calm and stay relaxed! Rain is not the end of the world on wedding day.  Attitude is everything on a rainy day and as a venue owner people look to you for support. Be ready to give it!