It something that almost every couples fears: A rainy wedding day. In Minnesota, we have such a short window for outdoor weddings, so we really like to take advantage of it; anything that risks ruining the opportunity to say “I do” under a beautiful blue sky on a nice day.

This scenario always reminds me of Friends, specifically the one with Phoebe’s wedding. Long story short, there is a huge blizzard that threatens to cancel the whole day. Rather than postpone, however, they crew takes advantage of the beautifully frosted New York streets, creating a one-of-a-kind setting that no one could recreate if they tried.

As a photographer who absolutely relishes in these sort of unique settings, I am a big fan of this sort of scenario. Any wedding say should be unique to the couple, and it may be immature to think that unplanned weather is a wrench thrown into plans. It might just be a great way to make the day truly your own.

What can a couple do to be prepared, just in case? A few things…

HAVE THE APPROPRIATE PROPS.

A couple of clear vinyl umbrellas for rain, a cape/cute overcoat/hand muff/matching boots for snow can go along way in ensuring your outdoor wedding wants happen. 

HAVE A PLAN B.

Bring a tent or two. Find an overhang. These are two ways to keep the show outside, but still offering a little protection from the elements.

REMEMBER THAT IT IS YOUR DAY—AND YOU ONLY GET IT ONE TIME—AND THAT ALONE MAKES IT PERFECT.

Are you going to wear your dress again? If not, why does it matter if it gets a little wet or maybe a bit muddy? Are you drying the flowers? No? OK, so if they get a little cold and witty after the ceremony, so what? What else were they for? I get it—we want our wedding day to be perfect and we want everything to stay beautiful. But here’s the deal: Of all there days to be present, this is it, so it is best to live it up and squeeze every last memory out of everything. It is a simple economic principle that no risk, no reward, and that applies here. Dramatic, unique, one-of-a-kind wedding memories don’t come from a cookie cutter—they come from living one step beyond the plans and into reality. 

It is going to feel that there are a lot of rules when it comes to a rainy wedding day, but truly there is only one rule: You do you. It is your day, your vision, your love story. Write it your way.

On Mondays we educate! Check out the blog every Monday for a new post to help you plan your wedding your way! Find past posts here!