Rain, Rain, Go Away


Rain, rain, go away is a sweet line from a sweet children’s song, but the reality of rain on your wedding day isn’t sweet at all. Our weather in Minnesota is so variable, that I always ask couples what their bad weather backup ceremony location is. I’ve had three weddings this season where rain was a factor, and the couples took different approaches to it.

In May the couple proceeded with their outdoor ceremony as planned. Guests sat huddled under umbrellas trying to avoid the chilly rain that continued throughout the ceremony. The bride was very composed and seemed unconcerned about the bad weather. The DJ, however, was uncomfortable with the potential impact of the rain on his equipment. I did make a few modifications to the ceremony to keep things moving and minimize the time people sat in the rain.

In July the couple really, really wanted to have an outdoor ceremony, so we continued with the outdoor plan. The wedding party was mostly protected by the tree we were standing under, but as I looked out at the guests, many of them were holding programs over their heads trying to stay dry.

And then just recently rain impacted a third ceremony. This couple, however, after trying to capture a few outdoor photos, decided to hold the ceremony indoors. The venue set up a ceremony space by moving reception tables aside and setting up rows of chairs. At ceremony time the guests calmly and comfortably awaited the entrance of the wedding party, and the ceremony went off without a hitch.

It’s unusual to have rain impact so many ceremonies in a single year. The weather is one aspect of your wedding day that you have no control over. While you may wish to have the rain, rain, go away, it is best to have a backup plan that you are happy with and willing to implement if necessary. Your guests (and DJ and officiant) will thank you for it.