Whilst rain on your wedding day is traditionally seen as a dampener on the proceedings (thanks Alanis Morissette) it can also be an awesome way to make your big day as unique as you.  Ryan Welch Photography put together their top 10 tips for brides to make the most of the good old British weather- including those April Showers!

 1. Go festival chic with your footwear – Save the Jimmy Choos for the first dance and rock wellies like a Glasto girl whilst you’re braving the great outdoors. Choose turquoise Hunter’s for your something blue or find wellies that match your theme for you and the bridal party. Not only will you save those special sparkly soles with the hefty price tag, you’ll get some pretty cool pictures too. If you’re really not the wellie wearing type, get some heel covers to protect those precious pumps!

2. Waterproof your makeup – Water resistant mascara is a no brainer on your wedding day but if you’re expecting wet weather it’s time to call in the big guns to defy the tears and the rain. Take extra precaution with makeup that will last the storm – we’ve had several brides swear by the staying power of Mac’s Pro Longwear Waterproof Foundation and Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick power has been proven with a dunk test, no less!  Don’t forget a good primer to keep it all in place. Discuss options with your makeup artist and to ensure ultimate bridal beauty staying power ask if they can stay later to do a touch up before the reception.

3. Keep hair undone – This season’s relaxed boho bridal hair trend is the perfect partner to wet and windy weather. Chill out knowing the weather won’t cramp your style with this carefree look; a few drops and blusters simply add to the effect. Add a floral garland or jewelled hair band if you want to keep stray hairs off the face.

4. Don’t forget an umbrella or two – Not only will your guests be glad of some umbrellas to hand on a rainy wedding day, they also make amazing photo props. Flood your pictures with colour instead of the dreary weather using bright hued umbrellas or use clear ones for a more simplistic look. You could even give them out as favours!

5. Have a Plan B – If it’s looking like a wash out, discuss alternatives with your venue. Many outside settings offer a backup venue and others can make the most of the one you have with some careful planning beforehand. Laura and Steven liaised with Pencoed House before the wedding and were able to plan a 20 minute spot in-between the ceremony room being turned around and the room being laid out for the wedding breakfast for us to take their group & family photos.

6. Keep your dress dry – Stand on a white sheet for outdoor photos to avoid a ‘bride dipped in dirt’ look, ask your photographer to bring one or your venue may be able to provide. Make sure you and your bridesmaids are clued up on hitching up your train or putting into a bustle to stop it dragging on wet floor, no one wants a soggy first dance. Close up shots will allow you to hold your dress off the ground and also get those dreamy blurred background!

7. Give cosy treats to guests – Swap predictable wedding reception drinks like bucks fizz and lemonade for winter warmers like mulled wine and hot chocolate. Not only do they look beautiful they taste sublime to a windswept wedding guest.

8. Speak to your photographer – Whilst expecting rain on your wedding day can seem like a bit of a dampener, the moody weather can make a stunning backdrop to your wedding photos. Discuss with your photographer beforehand, they may have some clever tricks up their sleeve to use to their advantage; overcast skies make perfect lighting and reflected raindrops can look like starry skies.

9. Protect yourselves from extreme weather– If you’re planning a wedding in the UK, there’s no telling what the weather will do. A sprinkling of snow would be magical, but an outright blizzard catastrophic! For ultimate piece of mind take out wedding insurance to ensure no matter what the weather, you’re protected if the worst does happen and plans have to be changed last minute.

10. Be happy! – Yes it’s raining on your wedding day, but there’s not much you can do about it. So own it; splash in the puddles, dance in the rain and let the wind blow your hair. Most importantly laugh and don’t let the weather rain on your wedding parade!

All images in this blog post were taken over the last 12 months of wedding’s we’ve photographed at Ryan Welch Photography! Some of our favourite shots of the year are included in this post, proving that rain can be a blessing not a curse.

We are happy to announce Ryan Welch Photography will be joining us at the The National Wedding Show Birmingham 30 September-2nd October

#TNWS