Pulling back the heavy curtain I saw what I had been dreading. Droplets of rain peeled their way down the window pane. It was October and the morning of my wedding.
We’d booked our beautiful Berkshire barn wedding in October so we’d planned for rain but we held out hope that the sun would shine for us. The damp weather certainly didn’t dampen my spirits, there was so much still to do!
Hair was pinned, make up was applied, prosecco sipped and jewellery carefully selected. I was so excited but I’d heard a few comments about “it being such a shame about the weather”.
Then our wonderful Registrar Hilary appeared like a fairy godmother and changed my whole view.
“Did you know that rain on your wedding day is good luck because it signifies that your marriage will last. As you know, a knot that becomes wet is extremely hard to untie – therefore, when you “tie the knot” on a rainy day, your marriage is supposedly just as hard to unravel!”
Rain may be the last thing you hope for on your wedding day, but it should be something to plan for, and it really can be an amazing addition to your big day!
The key, as in all things wedding, is to plan ahead. Check out our useful hints and tips to help your day go ‘swimmingly’!
Venue – Any couple having an outdoor wedding ceremony should consider having a back-up plan! Have you walked around with rain in mind? Does your venue have a good wet weather plan? What are the walking routes like? Do they provide umbrellas for you and your guests? Can you get from your dressing area to the ceremony without getting drenched or blown away? Are there places for indoor pictures?
An exclusive hire barn wedding venue in Berkshire, Lillibrooke Manor, offered us a variety of beautiful buildings for our ceremony and reception. From the country church feel of the Small Barn through to the awe-inspiring Great Barn, Lillibrooke offered us a stunning setting and guarantees you beautiful photographs. indoors or outdoors, whatever the weather. Our wedding venue did not disappoint.
Photographer – Have a chat in advance about how they would approach a wet day, chances are they’ll have a host of images they can show you from previous wet weddings. Do they have some shots in mind to make the most of the rain? Most photographers will agree that they prefer clouds and a dull day than bright, eye-squinting sunshine to deal with!
Shoes – Heel protectors are the hidden heroes of a wet day, or wellington boots…possibly the LAST thing you thought you’d wear but some can look fabulous.
Wedding Dress – Do you know how to hitch it up? Keeping your dress off the floor when walking between spaces can help you (and your dry cleaner!) later on in the evening.
Don’t forget that rain does have its good sides too. Reflections everywhere, lights glistening on wet surfaces. Raindrops pin-pricking your photos like tiny fireflies. Cute umbrella shots of you both huddled together. Keeping everyone in one place, your guests won’t be as tempted to wander away if it’s wet outside, and you won’t have to send out the ushers looking for stragglers while you’re preparing for your first dance!
It rained a lot on our wedding day and we loved it. We have some beautiful photographs, hilarious memories, it was our unique wet wedding day and it was far from a washout!
Check out some of our favourite rainy wedding photos—they’re sure to convince you everything will be okay!
Thank you to our bride Lauren who wrote about her rainy October wedding day.
The Heritage Venues team at Lillibrooke Manor would be delighted to hear from any couples who would like to share their story and photos with us. Share your top tips and memories with couples looking for their dream venue, advice and wedding inspiration.
To arrange a viewing of this beautiful rustic wedding venue you can call 01628906040 or fill in an enquiry form online.
Photographer Richard Murgatroyd
