introduction

No matter how meticulously you've planned your special day, the weather remains one of those elements that simply refuse to play by our rules, espeically in the UK! If you see rain in the forecast for your wedding day, don't fret! Try not to check the weather apps out a month in advance and constantly be refreshing. Remember that weather reports are rarely accurate until about 24 hours before and even then sometimes they can be wrong on the day!

Regardless, a drizzle or even a downpour doesn't have to dampen your spirits or your wedding photos. In fact, with a little creativity and preparation, rainy day wedding photos can be as unique and memorable as you could ever imagine.

So let's talk about how to turn those raindrops into romantic keepsakes, shall we? Here are my top five tips for making your rainy day wedding photos absolutely stunning.

1. embrace the rain

Let's start with the most important tip: embrace the rain! It may seem counterintuitive, but there's a certain romance and drama that comes with the rain, making it the perfect backdrop for a love story. Don't hide from it; use it to your advantage! Think about fun, unique shots like dancing in the rain, sharing an umbrella, or a dramatic smooch under a torrential downpour. These could be some of the most memorable shots from your special day.

2. dress for the weather

Remember to prepare in advance for the possibility of rain. Consider getting a large white umbrella or a lovely pair of wellies that complement your outfits. For the bride, a wedding dress with a longer train can create a beautiful, flowing effect in the rain. A stylish wrap, shrug, or a vintage raincoat can also add an extra layer of chic to your look while keeping you cozy. Also check with your photographer/venue in case they already have a white umbrella. I know I usually keep one in the back of my car, just in case!

3. be flexible with your timings

It's rare that it rains the ENTIRE day, from the start until the finish. Usually there's a break in the rain. So my advice is to be more flexible with when you do your couples photos. Is it worth skipping your dessert to grab some beautiful photos? Or maybe delaying your first dance by 10-15 minutes? I would say so. You can't control the weather but by being flexible you can still get great photographs! The other advantage of a rainy day is that the sky offers a soft, diffused light that makes it easy to get nice photos. For more dramatic shots, a good wedding photographer can also incorporate the use of flash to backlight the rain, creating a magical, sparkly effect.

4. find sheltered locations

While you'll want to get some photos in the rain, you'll also want some dry shots. Scope out your venue for sheltered locations with a good view of the outdoors. Think covered patios, gazebos, or even a grand doorway. This way, you'll get the beauty of the rainy day backdrop without getting too wet! It was raining when we took this photograph but by carefully selecting the right location, we still created beautiful images.

5. trust your photographer

Last but definitely not least, trust your photographer. An experienced wedding photographer will know how to get the best shots, even in less-than-perfect weather conditions. They have likely worked in rain before and can guide you through the process. So, share your ideas, but also lean on their expertise. If you do like the backlit rain type shots, they are known as 'off camera flash' portraits and not all wedding photographers know how to do them. So check with your photographer to see if this is something in their skillset/style.

in summary

Rain on your wedding day might initially feel like a bummer, but remember, at the end of the day, it's the love, laughter, and joy that make your wedding photos beautiful. Rain or shine, these emotions will shine through. A little rain could even add a touch of unexpected magic to your photos, making them even more memorable. So put on your rain boots, grab an umbrella, and dance in the rain. After all, they do say rain on your wedding day is good luck!

Stay positive, stay prepared, and remember - every cloud has a silver lining, or in this case, a gorgeous wedding photo op!