What if it rains on my wedding day?
I think this is every brides idea of the worst thing that can happen, because rain sucks right? Well not necessarily, in fact we've spoken to several wedding photographers who not only claim that it doesn't ruin things but can make for fun, silly and special moments that you'll never forget (and will forever be captured on camera!)
Don’t just take our word for it though, here are the thoughts of some of the finest wedding photographers we know about their approach to shooting in this damn British weather and what effect rain has on a wedding day.
Phil Barrett
Tell us a few things you’ve seen at rainy weddings that really helped keep things positive.
To be perfectly honest, apart from the obvious brollies I have yet to encounter anything out of the ordinary. What I would say though is remember it’s a wedding day, embrace your story, be it wet and wild or hot and sticky…it is your day, your story, and allow yourself to relax as the story unfolds.
How much does a couple’s attitude towards the weather impact on your ability to still get great photos for them?
Attitude, in my experience, rarely ever is anything other than one of positivity and eager anticipation of the day ahead. Regardless of the weather, it is usually nerves that can play a big part, and it is those that will keep you focused more on what is happening around you rather than what’s happening outside. So my advice…relax, enjoy the moments in hand and forget what’s happening outside.
When you arrive on the morning of a rainy wedding for bridal prep are there any wise words of wisdom you share with the bride?
I just say hello, give a cheery smile and proceed into what I am there to do. My words are usually more concerned with making sure my bride is relaxed, and if the weather is causing a bit of concern, I usually point out that the best, most creative images involve the weather, from stormy clouds, rainbows and reflections…it all makes the images so much more special, so much more creative and so much more memorable. So just chill, and be safe in the knowledge that the rain is not going to make me stop working, and using it to my advantage.
Describe your approach to shooting a rainy wedding, is there anything you do differently compared to a sunny day?
There is little difference in all honesty. I am mostly documentary, so I tell the story of the day in the way I can…if that involves rain, brollies, wellies and a trip to a waterfall (true story) then so be it. If I get wet it doesn’t matter, if I lie down in a puddle to get that amazing reflection, it doesn’t matter. As long and my couples enjoy their day…and have images to relive it time and again, then I will always do what it takes. So again….just relax and trust the person you have employed to do their very best.
Has a wedding ever been ruined by the rain?
No…never.
When a couple are looking at wedding venues what advice would you give them from a photographers point of view (in relation to bad weather on their big day)?
Venues are hard to call….all are so different and many people get married outdoors and have marquees in fields for their receptions. What I would suggest though is to look at weddings a photographer you have shortlisted has captured when it’s been wet and wild… this may well have some bearing on whom you do eventually book, as not every wedding photographer likes to roll around in the wet!
Matt Badenoch
Tell us a few things you’ve seen at rainy weddings that really helped keep things positive.
A guest wellington boots station with wellies people could borrow.
How much does a couple’s attitude towards the weather impact on your ability to still get great photos for them?
I will always capture the truth of the wedding day, but my preferences is to focus on the fun and joy. So if the couple let the weather get them down this would have an impact on the energy of the photos I capture. However, for every rainy wedding I’ve had to date, the couples have embraced the rain and been absolute rock stars!
When you arrive on the morning of a rainy wedding for bridal prep are there any wise words of wisdom you share with the bride?
Embrace the rain! I’ve witnessed so many awesome/fun/beautiful moments that wouldn’t have occurred without the rain. Plus rain usually has the effect of bringing people together in smaller proximities which has the bonus of boosting the energy and atmosphere of the day.
Describe your approach to shooting a rainy wedding, is there anything you do differently compared to a sunny day?
Not massively. I just keep an eye out for the opportunities the rain might bring (e.g. guests running for cover, umbrella shenanigans, puddles I can use for reflections etc).
Has a wedding ever been ruined by the rain?
Never. It actually often contributed to some fantastic moments that never would have happened on a sunny day.
When a couple are looking at wedding venues what advice would you give them from a photographers point of view (in relation to bad weather on their big day?)
This is Britain, so while hoping for a sunny day it’s always worth having a plan B when it comes to the rain. Check the venue has suitable indoor or covered locations for all parts of your day. Beware of slippery floors and ask if they provide umbrellas for guests if it rains. If having a marquee, always ensure you have suitable flooring for wet weather so you don’t risk having a stream running through the middle of your reception.
Joshua Wyborn
Tell us a few things you’ve seen at rainy weddings that really helped keep things positive.
One rainy day a couple were having their wedding in the back garden, well, field. The plan was to marry in the meadows but sadly with the rain on its way it was a mission of everyone helping out to move it all into the marquee. This back up plan being in place was really important, as without it, it would have been a bad soggy day!
How much does a couple’s attitude towards the weather impact on your ability to still get great photos for them?
It makes all the difference. I always ask couples if its raining if they’re happy to get wet, or at least hold a brolly and see how they hold up? If they’re not up for it I run around the venue looking for lights that are funky and pulling out my flash guns like mad.
If they are, then we go outside and embrace the madness. Either way the smiles are real and we always get amazing images!
When you arrive on the morning of a rainy wedding for bridal prep are there any wise words of wisdom you share with the bride?
Typically rain on your wedding morning is supposed to be good luck for the rest of your married life… So I always bring that up! I have several weather apps on my phone too and look at them to see if it will pass or not. I’m honest, if it’s staying all day I tell them, they can get their heads around it and prepare for things. if its going to pass at a certain point I say so and we plan portraits for that time!
Describe your approach to shooting a rainy wedding, is there anything you do differently compared to a sunny day?
Not really much different, On rainy weddings I make note of more of the venues lighting and details than I would if it was all outside. Besides that I see it all the same. I document what happens, whatever happens.
Has a wedding ever been ruined by the rain?
No, most couples just accept it for what it is! It isn’t ideal but it is what it is. Sure dresses get wet, suits get soggy and sometimes mud gets to be an issue but its all part of the fun and years down the line it makes for great stories.
When a couple are looking at wedding venues what advice would you give them from a photographers point of view (in relation to bad weather on their big day)?
Ask the venue if they have back up plans for bad weather and see if they have any cool things like light fittings or huge mirrors that you like. Does it have big bay windows in the bridal suite? Does it have its own brollies for guests? Does it have a games room to keep everyone happy, or are you all going to be stuck in the same room all day and night? It sounds crazy but all of these will help you know how prepared for rain they are and how much they can change with the weather. In the Lakes we are used to it, and most if not all venues have plans for the weather!
So there you have it, not only will your day NOT be ruined by the weather, it might actually enhance it… just make sure you pick a great photographer who is equally as creative in the rain as in glorious sunshine. Thank you to Matt Badenoch, Phil Barrett and Joshua Wyborn who are all members of our incredible REAL directory!
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