Rainy Day Weddings -- No It's NOT a Disaster IF You Plan Ahead

Photo courtesy of www.inspiredbythis.com

Every bride dreads looking outside on the day of her wedding and seeing leaden skies and rain pouring down! But while it might not be what you were hoping for there are ways to minimize the problems it can cause.  Don't forget, the French believe that a wet wedding means a happy marriage.  Some things to consider:

Consider wearing bright colored rain boots under your dress to get from the car to the church and to walk into your reception hall.  These bright boots are available at stores like Target and can make a colorful statement on a gray day!  You might want to think about purchasing some for your bridesmaids as bridesmaid gifts if you are anticipating rain.  Or consider putting your white shoes on after you get into the church or reception hall saving the material on your shoes.

Photo courtesy of Braedonsblog.com

Purchase some colorful golf umbrellas in advance to protect you from the rain and for your ushers to use to walk your guests to their cars.  A rainbow of umbrellas with dry guests under them can bring brightness to a day of gray weather.

If you're planning an outdoor reception have a backup plan in case of rain.  No one is guaranteed a sunny day or a rain or snow free day.  Be sure to have a backup venue just in case the weather doesn't cooperate with your planning.  Also be sure all your vendors have plans in case of rain.  Some may need different equipment if it rains, you may need to provide a tenting for a planned outdoor wedding.  All this has to be planned in advance. 

Be sure your hair and makeup are weather-proofed.  Waterproof makeup and some heavy duty hair spray can help keep things under control.    Also be sure to have a makeup bag so you can reapply makeup at your reception if needed. 

Find out if you can get dressed at your wedding venue to help protect your wedding gown.  Many churches and reception halls have bride's rooms where you can dress and get ready.  If it's pouring rain this may help protect your gown from rain.  Carefully pack your gown so it doesn't get wet while transporting it.  Your bridal store may be able to help you by providing bags to cover your gown. 

Make signs that say "Rain, Rain" and another that says "Go Away" for the bride and groom to hold while they pose.

These and many more ideas can turn your wet and gray day into a creative and imaginative wedding day, full of fun photos and a smiling bride and groom.

Do You Need Wedding Insurance?

Wedding insurance is one of those small details that many brides overlook. The costs range from $125. to $300. Wedding insurance and riders you can add to them cover a myriad of disasters that you can't control. If your wedding has to be postponed due to rain or bad weather, your insurance will cover the cost of rescheduling. It will also cover the expenses involved in postponement for the illness of essential people (read your fine print for the definition of essential). If you minister/rabbi or justice of the peace is a no show you'll get back some of your costs. If a vendor essential to your wedding disappears or goes out of business you can get back some of the cost, although how much depends on the specific policy. If the location of your wedding or reception doesn't carry their own insurance, your policy will cover damage to the building due to electrical and mechanical problems, fire, or if they go out of business. You can get riders to cover the damage to or theft of gifts if your rental or homeowners insurance doesn't cover them. A rider can also cover a spouse who is suddenly called to active duty in the military and if your gown store or the tuxedo store goes out of business or sustains damage. If you are having a wedding in your home be sure to carry liability insurance. Last of all, if you need to postpone your honeymoon due to bad weather, illness or other circumstances there is a rider to cover it. For companies offering wedding insurance go to: http://www.webanswers.com/bridal-weddings/snowstorm-concerns-for-our-wedding-904789.
Now that you know all the things that could go wrong you need to weight the pros and cons of your investment in your wedding to decide if it's a cost effective purchase.