rainy wedding day bridal party

How to Create a Wedding Rain Plan for your Destination Irish Wedding

Do you have a wedding rain plan in place? In Ireland, no matter the time of year, there’s always a good chance of a shower at some point on your big day, whether it’s a drizzle or a downpour. But, while rain is most couples’ biggest fear, it needn’t be all doom and gloom. Of all the many wet weddings I’ve been at, not one has been dampened by the weather! In fact, rain can be especially romantic, and creates the most beautiful photographic opportunities. Not to mention that it’s traditionally good luck! As the blessing goes here in Ireland: “Happy is the bride that rain falls upon”. While there’s nothing you can do to control the weather, there are plenty of steps that you and your Irish wedding planner can take to ensure it doesn’t get in the way. Here are my top tips to help you create a wedding rain plan for your destination wedding in Ireland.

Work with your vendors to create a Plan B

If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception, it’s important to have a contingency plan in place. Ask your venue about alternate spaces and look at tent rental options as well. (A clear tent on a rainy day is so atmospheric!) It’s worth the cost of a lost deposit to ensure you have one as a backup. You should also communicate with your vendors to find out how they work on a rainy day and what they need. This is one of the many areas where having a destination wedding planner can really come in handy, as we can co-ordinate all the arrangements and draw together the logistics of transforming spaces and flipping rooms from one function to another.

Always be prepared

In creating a wedding rain plan, preparation is key! One step is to rent a supply of umbrellas for the bridal party as well as the guests. Clear umbrellas are the best option, as they won’t obstruct the view and look great in photos. They may not get used on the day, but it’s worth it to have them, just in case! Rain-proof gear is another necessity, like a cute pair of Hunter boots if you’re traipsing across muddy fields for the couple shoot, and a wrap or jacket. Towels and hairdryers are also a good idea for the emergency kit, as are tissues and hairpins. And don’t forget to wear waterproof mascara as well as a good fixing spray to keep your makeup in place.

Be flexible but decisive

It’s important to give yourself lots of options when creating a wedding rain plan. Even if you do have showers, they may not last all day, and a bit of flexibility will allow you to work around the weather. For example, if it’s bucketing down after the ceremony, you could go straight to the cocktail hour and head out for photographs as soon as the skies clear. You can also shift your couple shoot indoors or to sheltered outdoor spaces like arches and doorways. With that said, it’s also important to be decisive on the day and have deadlines in place for when to make the call to move to Plan B.

wedding rain plan groomsmen

Protect your wedding dress

A little mud on your hem isn’t the end of the world for most brides, but there’s a lot you can do to help prevent any damage to your gown. For example, you can have the hem of the dress professionally sprayed to protect it. Opt for a bridal petticoat that will lift the gown, and ensure it’s easy to bustle. Your bridesmaids can also be a big help in carrying your train, but be sure that they have flat shoes or boots to stop them from slipping into the wet ground.

Keep guests in the loop

If your wedding rain plan includes a change of timing or venue, be sure to let guests know in advance. That way, you and your bridesmaids won’t have to field endless calls on the wedding morning. Your wedding website is always a good place to put this information too.

wedding rain plan couple shoot

Try not to worry

Remember: you don’t need perfect weather to have a perfect wedding! The most important thing is that you are marrying the love of your life, surrounded by the people who mean the most to you. In five, ten, or twenty years, you won’t care that you got a little damp – in fact, some of the best stories and moments from your wedding day may come from the rain. Embrace it!

Umbrella in the rain
Tara in the rain

As a destination wedding planner in Ireland, I’m happy to help you create a wedding rain plan that works for you and ensure everything goes smoothly on the day!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Brett Harkness, Aspect Photography, Unikeye Wedding Photography, Into the Light, Doreen Kilfeather