The Rainy Day Wedding

Ugh. It is the middle of March and we are seeing hints of spring in the weather. Unfortunately, it is through rain instead of sunshine. This brings me to the discussion of "the back up plan." If you are planning on having your wedding outside in Minnesota, this is essential.

Everyone would love to have sunny, beautiful weather on their big day. However, it doesn't always go that way. They say that rain brings good luck to a marriage. It is a good thing because it sure can wreak havoc on your wedding. That is, if you don't have plan B in place.

If you are having an indoor ceremony and indoor reception, your back up plan consists of some nice umbrellas. (Believe me, I have seen some amazing pictures of couples kissing in the rain and using umbrellas for props!)However, for those of you that want the outside ceremony with tented reception, there are a few other precautions that you must take in order to have a dream wedding and reception!

Numero uno - you must, must, must have an indoor space that will fit your entire guest list booked as a back up in case of a down pour. It can be standing room only but seating is preferential. It should also be clear to your guests that this is the place to go if it is raining during the time your ceremony is set to start.

I know having a back up venue is an added expense but the alternative is to have a soaking bride with a ruined dress and grumbling guests. Last summer, I went to a distant cousin's wedding and it was raining. She did not have a back up plan, so at least half of her guest list did not come to the ceremony. Many only showed up for the reception or did not come at all.

For brides that are having a tented reception, you must have event flooring in the tent. You don't want to have a muddy wedding dress or your bridesmaid's heels sinking into the ground.

Additionally, for a tented reception you should work with your planner to have a back up floor plan available so the tent can double as your ceremony space should rain set in. This will mean extra work for your planner and catering staff so a decision should be made about two hours prior to the wedding. This will allow for the alternative set up to be ready by the time guests start arriving. If the sun peaks out, know that it would be impossible to reset the ceremony site in 15 minutes and that the ground will still be saturated with moisture and mud.

Personally, I would also have a back up generator on hand from your rental company in case the power goes out. At the very least, make sure you have enough candles to illuminate the space while you are enjoying dinner. The reality is having no power would be a rare occurrence but not unheard of.

I also recommend buying coordinating umbrellas for your entire wedding party. Whether they are used or not. This is a really inexpensive, yet wonderful, fix to rain and can do some amazing things for your photographs. Classic black always looks great in photographs but you could certainly pick colors that coordinate with the wedding party attire as well.

Also, if you want an outdoor wedding make sure that your wedding gown is appropriate. Having a long train or Cathedral veil is not a wise choice if you will be outside. It is OK to have a train but be aware that it will be bustled the majority of the time. Likewise, if it is a sunny day be aware that if you have a heavy dress you will be sweltering! So dress appropriately for an outdoor space.

In Minnesota we have this little problem called mosquitoes. They are incredibly bad when we have moisture so plan to have mosquito repellent available for guests. An even wiser choice is to have an electric mosquito trap!

Finally, I think the most important thing to have on your rainy day wedding is a sense of humor. Your dress will get muddy, it might be unbearably humid or cold. Guests could be delayed or stay home. These are all things that are beyond your control so try and keep a cool head. If the ceremony starts late or you have to use the MP3's on the best man's cell phone as dance music until the electricity comes back, be able to laugh. Be joyful. Everyone will remember your grace under pressure and that is truly a beautiful bride!

PHOTO CREDITS: STYLE WISE IMAGES,HOFFER PHOTOGRAPHY, ERIKA GERDEMARK PHOTOGRAPHY, LITTLE TREE STUDIOS, WEDDING DAZED