What Happens if it Rains on my Wedding Day!?
Panic! Just kidding! Most of the time, rain on a wedding day doesn’t affect things very much. Even if some showers are in the forecast that day, the chances that it’ll come down during the times that you need to be outside are usually fairly low. Remember, the forecast for any given day covers the full 24 hour period. A few years ago, the weather networks were indicating rain for six Saturdays in a row! …and, spoiler alert: not a single one of our weddings was negatively impacted. Most couples only need an hour or so outside for photos, maybe two if their ceremony is outdoors. If that’s the case, then have a plan B ready, just in case!
Let’s say that it does drizzle right when you want to head out for photos. How much of an effect the rain has depends on a number of factors. The first is simply how hard it’s raining, and if you’re willing to go outside or not. If it’s merely sprinkling, you can likely still take most of your photos outside, using an umbrella to get from location to location. There are lots of places with natural shelter to take advantage of - trees, or along the sides of buildings for example. It’s on your photographer to be experienced and creative enough to make the most of the situation and come away with great images. It’s also worth mentioning that clouds provide soft, flattering light. This means your photographer can shoot pretty much anywhere and in any direction, without having to worry about nasty shadows formed by direct sunlight.
If the rain is really coming down or you’re just not comfortable heading out into it, then all your photos will have to be taken inside. In this case, it’s your photographers job to identify the best indoor spots and to set up their own lighting if the natural light doesn’t look good. If your photographer is practiced setting up and using their own off-camera flashes, then you’re in good hands. This is a great question to ask photographers that you’re considering hiring, as not all wedding photographers know how to do this.
At Union Eleven, we’re big fans of using off-camera flash. Not just when it’s raining, but as a creative tool as well. At the bottom of this article I’ve included some example photographs that we’ve taken using off-camera light. When you know what you’re doing, you can turn even the ugliest places (like a parking garage!) into something really cool.
Finally, above all else, always remember what weddings are really about: you, your partner, your family and your friends coming together to celebrate. They can do that rain or shine.
