How to Weatherproof Your Outdoor Wedding

You could be a Type A spreadsheet girly or a go-with-the-flow “Age of Aquarius” type, but there’s one thing you have in common with all brides: You can’t guarantee perfect weather for your big day. Unexpected rain, bad heat, blustery wind, and even wildfires can put a big damper on your celebration plans, especially if you’ve booked an outdoor wedding venue with an (ideally) picturesque backdrop. Luckily, you’re here — AKA you have the foresight to plan for the unplanned, AKA you’ll roll with the punches and make the best of a weird weather situation. Here’s what we’ve compiled from our real bride stories!

BTW, have you taken our Find Your Style quiz yet? Dive in for venue inspiration, theme ideas, wedding gown styles, and more…

Why Weatherproof Your Outdoor Wedding?

Imagine this big bride panic: Despite your best-laid plans and obsessive weather tracking, you wake up to less-than-optimal weather on your wedding day. Have you weatherproofed? DID YOU PREPARE? Here’s what to check off before the critical moment:

• Get a plan in motion for how the day is going to go. This includes educated guesses based on the date and location. It is better to plan ahead than to be caught off-guard.
• Take stock of all your weatherproofing options for a Plan B, e.g.,  rentals, venue flexibility, DIY contributions, and any itinerary changes due to weather conditions.
• If weather dictates your celebration activities, map out a couple of flow charts for the day-of coordinator (or MOH) to help them understand all possible itinerary changes.  
• Communicating ahead of time with your vendors can help everything go smoothly on their end too, as they’ll have a plan that can easily be adjusted to your specific needs. No more miscommunication caused by your maid of honor trying to talk to five people at once — while you’re indisposed ruining your wedding day timeline. 

Planning for Rain

If rain is possible for your location and season, here’s how to make everything right as, well, rain:

• Invest in cute umbrellas either to match your wedding colors (or clear for guaranteed versatility)! These can shelter guests from the rain and create cute, unique photo ops, AND they make great gifts for your outdoor wedding party. 
• If you’re getting married during a predictably rainy season, consider investing in or renting large tents to guarantee a dry, cozy, and lively dance party. 
• Talk to your vendors! Many wedding venues and vendors already have plans for rainy days, so be sure to consult with about a plan B in case of rain.
• Look for a venue that has both indoor and outdoor space for your guests. A building large enough to hold everyone with a cute patio, garden, or large green space outside to have the ceremony in so you can shift inside if it rains.

PC: Christopher Ian | Shi Lessner Photography

And remember, embrace the possibility of rain! Superstitions say it is good luck if it rains on your wedding day, so count that as an unexpected perk. Talk to your photographer about cute rainy-weather shots you can get with your sweetheart. Get inspired with this gorgeous couple dancing in the rain after their ceremony!

Positives to Rainy Outdoor Weddings

Keep in mind a few positives about rain on your outdoor wedding day:

• One-of-a-kind photos that capture that romantic kissing in the rain. (Think The Notebook vibes!)
• Your wedding flowers are less likely to wilt with misty air and cloud cover.
• If it’s a springtime wedding, rain means your guests are less likely to have pollen-related allergies.
• Rain makes rainbows possible — a lovely addition to the background of your wedding ceremony. 
• Rain can make for a super memorable day for you and your guests.
• The weather conditions can help you focus more on the things that truly matter instead of on aesthetics. Let go of that idea of perfection and live in the moment… You’re marrying the love of your life, it will be perfect no matter what!

Rainy Outdoor Wedding Dresses

All that being said, you might have a few adjustments to make to your look. For example, makeup touch-ups are a must for rainy-day weddings. Here are some wedding dresses with pockets to help keep that waterproof mascara closeby (or to keep your vows dry!):

• Ambrose by Maggie Sottero is a stunning, perfectly timeless ballgown with a unique asymmetrical neckline. 

• Cohen by Sottero and Midgley is a dreamy bohemian fit-and-flare with unique sleeves and illusion pockets at the hip. 

• Dolly by Rebecca Ingram is beachy, effortlessly feminine, and summery-chic, a perfect complement to the rainy season. 

Cold-Weather Outdoor Weddings

Outdoor weddings are beautiful and timeless, but if your wedding date is early spring, late fall, or even winter, there’s a distinct possibility of unpredictable weather. If cooler temps are on the horizon, there are many things you can do to make sure your guests stay warm during your ceremony without sacrificing your aesthetic:

• Place cozy blankets in your wedding colors along your ceremony aisle for your guests to wrap themselves in during your vows. 
• Bundle yourself and your bridesmaids up in matching shawls, wraps, or jackets that are both cute and comfy (and great for gifts!). 
• Opt to serve warm beverages like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or cider as part of your refreshments. 
• Rent heaters and heat lamps, create fire pits, or consider tenting an area to keep your guests warm.
• Pass out hand warmers to your guests as they enter the seating area.

PC: Life and Style Photography | Rafe Abrook

And for you, shop for long-sleeve wedding dresses to ensure your wedding look is picture-perfect and ready for the elements. A few of our latest faves:

• Drew by Maggie Sottero is sexy yet demure, featuring an off-the-shoulder wrap-like accessory (sold separately) for shimmery coverage.

• Kensington by Sottero and Midgley features detachable sleeves that can be removed for different temperatures. 

• Joanne by Rebecca Ingram is ethereal and lightweight, yet perfectly versatile for a cool-season wedding. 

Heat Got Your Guests Down?

If heat is your main weather contender for your outdoor wedding, look to a few easy upgrades to keep your guests calm, cool, and ready to party. We love the idea of adding mini portable or fluttering handheld fans to your ceremony, personalizing water bottles with labels and photos, and handing out cute umbrellas and parasols to help guests keep the sun off their skin. (All in your wedding colors, of course!) 

You might also consider getting married at an outdoor venue that has lots of tree cover or other shaded areas to keep guests cool. This is a huge upgrade if you’ve got your heart set on a June wedding. 

Next, talk to your makeup artist about how to keep your makeup sweatproof and make a plan for regular touch-ups. On a similar note, keep deodorant, perfume, and cologne nearby for you and your sweetheart if you have a long day of events planned.  

PC: Vivid Blue Studio | Deb Wood

The Gown and Glam

Gown-wise, look for a light silhouette that gives plenty of airflow, allowing you to breathe easily and move about your day. (Dive into our latest beach wedding dresses for inspo!) You might also consider changing into a shorter, more warm weather-friendly dress for your reception. (Your groom could pack a second dress shirt to change into as well.)

For hair and makeup, consider wearing your tresses up (and allow your bridesmaids the same option). This helps you look chic and polished, whereas wearing your hair down might be a bit of a styling hassle. For bridesmaids, pick a style of dress that they will be comfortable in; sundresses or shorter dresses are perfect options.

Of course, cooling cocktails and fresh menu items are a must for keeping guests from overheating. Talk to your bartender about stocking up on seltzers and juices, and make a plan for transferring ice and keeping it cool onsite. 

Hot Outdoor Wedding Dresses

A few affordable warm weather-friendly outdoor wedding dress options we’re loving:

• Lorraine by Rebecca Ingram is soft, comfortable, and effortless to style for a summer celebration. 

• Hattie Lane Marie by Rebecca Ingram is a princess-y silhouette with beautiful lace details and soft sparkle. 

• Addison by Rebecca Ingram is a sophisticated minimalist style with a “cool girl” flair. 

Smoke at Your Outdoor Wedding

Unpredictable weather might be one thing, but dealing with an unexpected wildfire is quite another! If there is possible fire danger near your mountain retreat or lovely lakeside venue, here’s how to prepare ahead of time:

• Consider a tent with flaps that you can close. That way, people aren’t breathing in so much of the smoke.
• Fans and air purifiers can help clear the area and circulate fresh air for your guests.
• You might offer guests cute disposable masks if they want to wear them.
• Touch base with your vendors and ask if they have a plan in case of smoke caused by nearby wildfires.
• Consider packing eye drops in your emergency kit for you and your bridesmaids in case the smoke dries out your eyes.

PC: Mackenzi Knight | McKenna Shannon

Happy planning for your beautiful outdoor wedding! If you loved these dress picks, find a boutique near you to try them on IRL!

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Our Favorite Spring 2024 Plus Size Wedding Dresses

15 Chic Long Sleeve Wedding Dresses For The Modern Bride