Welcoming Beth Beresford

Bruisyard recommended wedding supplier Beth Beresford joins us to share her advice for not letting the ever-changing English weather affect your wedding day plans

Planning a wedding is a beautiful but unpredictable journey, and the weather doesn't always cooperate. If you're faced with the possibility of rain on your big day, don't panic. With some thoughtful preparation and a positive mindset, you can still have a magical and memorable wedding. Here are some of my top tips if it's looking like it might drizzle on your big day.

A Backup Plan

The first step in preparing for a rainy wedding day is to have a well-thought-out backup plan. If you're having an outdoor ceremony or reception, make sure there's a suitable indoor alternative available. This could be a tent, a covered pavilion, or an indoor venue. Knowing you have a plan B in place will help ease your worries. If you are planning on large family group photos, make sure there is suitable space inside to do these and that includes enough lighting too.

Rain-Friendly Attire

It's not often thought about, but choosing attire that can withstand the rain can make a difference. If you want couples photos amongst the grass after a heavy downpour, bring some wellies or flat shoes. Walk to the location in the sensible shows and pop the stunning, but less sensible, shoes back on when you get to the location. Make sure you have some sort of warm coat or jacket to wear outside, it's often something forgotten about.

Worst Case

It may seem negative but if you are planning a winter wedding it's highly likely you are going to get some rain. I have attended winter weddings that have bulk bought umbrellas in the colour theme of their wedding. A confetti photograph outside looks amazing, even if everyone has umbrellas. I have had a couple previously gift coloured umbrellas as favours, we do live in the UK after all, they are a very practical gift. You can check out websites such as Jolly Brolly, who sell every colour going and in bulk. Or if you want to be more frugal, you can often find bulk umbrellas on Facebook MarketPlace, with couples selling after their wedding.

Consider Rainy Day Portraits

Rain can create beautiful and atmospheric photo opportunities. Make sure your photographer is experienced enough to be able to capture images in the rain. It also is worth checking they have professional weather sealed equipment, after all you don’t want to risk corruption of your images.Don’t panic too much, Suffolk has a unique climate and rarely does it rain all day, rain during the day usually equals a beautiful sunset. You can also schedule two couples portrait sessions into your timeline, you are almost guaranteed that it won’t be raining for one of them.

Keep the Memories Flowing

If rain is in the forecast, make sure your guests are comfortable during the ceremony and reception. Provide towels, blankets, or shawls to keep guests warm and dry. That also goes for entertainment. Simple activities can be provided to guests to keep the joy and moments flowing, from packs of cards to mini quizzes. Most importantly make sure there is something for the kids, if you are having them, to do. When enclosed in a smaller space they can get cabin fever.

Stay Positive and Flexible

The most important tip for a rainy wedding day is to stay positive and flexible. Remember that the most important thing is the love and commitment you're celebrating, not the weather. Embrace the rain and enjoy your day regardless of the forecast. After all, the Celtic believed that rain symbolised good luck for the marriage ahead.

While rain on your wedding day may not have been part of your original plan, it doesn't have to dampen your spirits. With proper preparation, a backup plan, and a willingness to adapt, you can still have a beautiful and unforgettable wedding, come rain or shine.

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