Planning for Rain or Sunshine on Your Wedding Day!
If there’s one thing every couple continues to do repeatedly in the lead-up to their wedding day is check the weather forecast! Freaking out, panicking, losing sleep, but if there is one thing we want to highlight here is you can’t control the weather, but you can plan for it.
Just as importantly, you can prepare yourself emotionally so that whatever happens on the day, it doesn’t take away from the experience.
And while we all dream of perfect sunshine, the reality is that weather is the one part of your wedding you simply can’t control, especially in Melbourne.
Watching the Forecast Can Be Emotional, and That is So Normal
Rain can feel disappointing when you’ve imagined an outdoor ceremony. Strong sunshine can feel stressful when you’re thinking about heat, makeup, guests, and comfort.
But here’s something we’ve seen time and time again after working with Melbourne brides for 25 years:
The couples who enjoy their wedding day the most aren’t the ones with perfect weather. They’re the ones who prepared for possibilities. Planning ahead gives you confidence, and confidence makes the day feel more fluid no matter what the sky is doing.
If Rain Is in the Forecast: What is Helpful.
Rain doesn’t ruin weddings. In fact, photographers often say it creates some of the most romantic images of the entire day. There are moments where all you have to do is manage the situation and it can end in real laughter and authentic connective moments, but still, simple preparations can make a huge difference:
Bring umbrellas
Clear umbrellas look beautiful in photos and keep everyone comfortable. Solid ones won’t allow light in and you’ll be cast in shadows, embrace the rain droplets!
Confirm your wet-weather plan
Whether that’s a marquee, indoor backup space, or adjusted ceremony timing, knowing the plan reduces stress instantly. Speak with your venue about options far in advance to make sure they’re catered for.
Allow extra travel time
Rain can slow traffic and movement between locations. We all know how crazy some people in Melbourne drive when it’s raining, the tradies are out there still speeding and the oldies are driving 20km under the limit! Don’t forget, some of your family and friends may also be coming from country towns and be less confident on complex Melbourne roads, you do only really see the sign when it’s too late right?
What is most important, remind yourself that rain changes the look of the day, not the meaning of it.
If the Forecast Is Bright and Sunny: Don’t Forget To Plan For Comfort Too.
Sunshine sounds perfect, but whoooft, we’ve all experienced that Australian sunshine intensity and not everyone loves a good old fashioned suntan (I’m looking at you GenZ with your sunscreen pattern trends and old school Boombers with your disbelief in the screen of sun!) Make sure you’re prepared for all variables, especially for outdoor ceremonies and the heat of the day. Helpful planning ideas include:
Sunscreen for everyone
A small basket at your ceremony entrance is a great idea and those who want it, really do appreciate it.
Water for your guests – who doesn’t love an Aussie esky!
Particularly important for summer weddings, you can also make these super cute by getting custom made labels on the bottles with your wedding details on them. If you have the budget, you could also do glass bottles and have them last longer as a keepsake! We love sustainability.
Shade options where possible
Parasols, trees, umbrellas, or ceremony timing adjustments can make a big difference.
Makeup and comfort planning
Professional hair and makeup artists already plan for heat, but having tissues and blotting paper nearby helps too. Some people opt for mini fans that you can sneak into a clutch or your gown pockets – muwhaha, how convenient.
The Most Important Step: Acceptance
This might be the most valuable preparation of all, but you can’t control the weather. Like, the Etsy witches can’t either, let’s be real.
However, you can decide how much space it takes up in your thoughts leading up to the day.
Once you’ve made your plan:
- Trust your venue
- Trust your vendors
- Trust your preparation
And then let yourself enjoy what the day is actually about. Because your wedding isn’t remembered for the forecast. It’s remembered for how it felt. Yes you might remember that it rained, but you’ll remember the fun and happy moments of that experience. Let go of the anxiety leading up to the day, it’s not worth losing sleep over!
Some Little Advice From the Brides of Armadale Team
After helping brides for more than two decades, one thing we always remind our clients is this:
The calmest brides aren’t the luckiest ones or the ones who drink only chamomile tea and eat carrots. They’re the ones who planned ahead and gave themselves permission to enjoy the day no matter what occurs. Because you simply can’t control everything.
Whether it’s sunshine, soft rain, or classic Melbourne “four seasons in one day,” your gown is designed to support you through every moment and we’re always here to help make sure you feel confident, comfortable, and ready for whatever the day brings. Like those pockets aforementioned, conveniently coming back into the blog post, circling back, what a vibe, smooth.
If you’re beginning your dress journey, we’d love to welcome you into the boutique and help you find something that feels completely right for you.
You can explore our collection or book an appointment here:
Because the most beautiful weddings aren’t defined by the weather, they’re defined by how they’re experienced.
