There’s a reason they say it takes 12-18 months to plan your wedding day. Big events naturally take more time to organize, and it’s only natural to want your celebration to be perfect, down to the very last detail. But some details you can’t predict or decide for yourself, no matter how long your engagement—like rain. If your big day is approaching this summer, chances are you’re obsessively checking your weather app. If that sounds familiar, read on for my favorite tips for dealing with rain on your wedding day—and how to get the best photos out of it.

What Rain on Your Wedding Day Means

I know that little cloud on the forecast can make your heart sink, especially if your wedding is outdoors, as most Colorado weddings are. But did you know that in some cultures, rain on your wedding day is actually considered a good thing? Afterall, a wet knot is more difficult to untie. So what better way to tie the knot than in the rain? Some parts of the world see rain on your wedding day as a true fresh start, celebrating a new union as you wash away the past and any bad memories. Others believe rain is a sign of future fertility and fortune. Whatever you believe, that leads me to my first tip:

1. Be Flexible

You know what they say… Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain! Since even the best planners can’t control the weather, letting go of expectations, going with the flow and not trying to force a situation will alleviate so much stress—and create some incredible memories in the process. Allow for a little more time in your schedule, and embrace the day for what it is! And be sure to add these memories to your photographer’s shot list:

• Have a friend or family member pick up some rain boots for your wedding party in plenty of fun, bright colors. Then show them off in a joy-filled photo session with your closest girls.
  
• Grab a cute umbrella, then sneak away with your photographer and your new spouse. The weather isn’t the focus of the day—your love is… The love you probably just vowed would weather the storms together! Rainy mist is so romantic. Why not make the most of it?
  
• Keep your eyes on the skies. Where there is rain, there are rainbows, and if one appears over your celebration, be prepared for your photographer to take full advantage!
  
  

2. Be Prepared

While you can’t control rain on your wedding day, you can plan for it, if it looks like a real possibility. Talk to your planner (if you’re using one) or venue coordinator, and have a plan B firmly in place for any parts of your day affected by the weather. (Think alternate ceremony spaces, or safe, secure tents for cocktail hour). Chances are they’ve dealt with the weather before, and can likely suggest vendors they’ve worked with before, if need be. Then be sure to tell your photographer! They’ll likely revise your shot list and timeline, bring the necessary items to protect their equipment and accommodate the drops and lighting, or even bring some great rainy-day props to use (like clear umbrellas). 

Once your backup plan is in place, you can be prepared with a list of items you’d need in that circumstance, or things you could provide your party and guests to make the most of the situation. These are a few of my favorites: 

• Candles/Lanterns
• Blankets
• Umbrellas
• Coffee/Hot Cocoa
• Towels

3. Protect the Glam

By all means, don’t be afraid to get wet if there’s rain on your wedding day—but be responsible for your look, too! You spent months tracking down the perfect dress, and gowns aren’t exactly machine-washable. And trust me, if there’s rain on your wedding day, you’re in for some amazing photos… shots you won’t want tainted by mascara running down your cheeks! Make sure to consider these options:

• If you head outside, try to stay covered, either under a jacket, an umbrella or tent.
• Have a member of your bridal party on train-carrying duty at all times to avoid a muddy hemline. 
• Have a change of shoes handy for walking from space to space
• Ask your hair and makeup stylist to stay longer for touch ups. Bringing some spare blow dryers and setting spray couldn’t hurt, either!

Even if you prefer clear skies, rain on your wedding day can make for memories you’ll never forget. If the forecast looks grim, your future together is bright! It will still be a beautiful day.

Sure… your love is forever, but wedding trends come and go. If you’re working on the details of a 2024 wedding, there are definitely some popular changes to the industry, and some you’re definitely going to want to embrace! Stay in style as you celebrate a timeless love story with these five wedding trends for 2024:

1. Restaurant Receptions

You read that wedding trend right—Restaurants aren’t just for rehearsal dinners anymore! Turn your favorite date night spot into the perfect place to celebrate your nuptials. Depending on where your heart and stomach connect, renting out a restaurant for an evening can be considerably easier on your budget than snagging a reception venue, and most will let you decorate for the occasion with wedding colors and personal touches. Different dining areas can be utilized in different ways (think dinner, dessert stations and a cleared floor for dancing), and you can add tons of your own personality to your already favorite food to make the day feel like your own.

2. Intimate/Low-Key Ceremonies

According to expert wedding planners, 2024 will be the year we say farewell to over-the-top spectacles, and say hello to intimate ceremonies that foster a sense of community and friendly accessibility. So ditch the razzle dazzle and giant floral arrangements, and gather your intimate guest list around a big family table instead. This trend lends itself to memorable ceremonies that are warmer, more meaningful, less formal and more comfortable for everyone.

3. Two-Day Events

If you’re on board with the intimate ceremony trend, but still want to dance the night away with an unforgettable party, you’re in luck. Friday night ceremonies and Saturday receptions is one of the biggest wedding trends making a splash in 2024! Even without keeping your ceremony small, planning a two-day wedding event can keep the ceremony from cutting into reception daylight and time, and keep the celebration from overshadowing the vows. Give each piece it’s due, and have twice the fun with double the days to remember.

4. Digital Guest Books

While there will always be space in the wedding industry for the old fashioned letterpress, wedding trends have long been highlighting the digital age, from the need for a wedding website to online registries and RSVPs. The next piece of a wedding now trending digital? The guestbook! Instead of asking your guests to sign a book, ask them to record a voice memo, short video or photo gallery with their well wishes. They’ll have fun embracing the technology and mediums we use every day. You’ll have fun watching and playing your messages in a more personal and interactive way!

5. Less-Formal Photography

Don’t get me wrong, here. Bridal portraits are still a must. But current wedding trends are all about the candid image. Think documentary-style photography, perfectly capturing moments as moments, not poses. It’s 2024… Your wedding photographer is also your content creator! This more relaxed approach to wedding photography allows others who weren’t there to experience your event as if they were there, documenting real-time memories you can share on any platform.