Some say its good luck, some are devastated by it. Whichever perspective you take, you are looking at chaos. That’s right folks, we’re taking about a rainy wedding day in California!

To say that rain in California is rare is to say the least. Yet, this winter has been full of surprise. If you are a beach-vibe bride getting married on the West Coast this Spring, you might be in for an ‘I do’ drizzle. These five rainy wedding day tips will keep the “April showers” from ruining your love parade.

Consider an alternative to your outdoor setting.

We are suckers for an open space and natural lighting. But, if your love story is causing the sky to cry, you’re going to be put on-the-spot to make a decision about what to do next. The best way to handle this scenario is to create a “chance of rain” plan with your coordinator to put your mind at ease. This way you won’t be thinking, “What if it rains?,” the entire day.

When it comes to the day’s schedule, run a tight-ship!

Your lovely wedding coordinator should provide you a timeline of the day’s events. All those tiny events have to happen before the BIG event. If there is anything to make yourself extremely aware of about California, it is that the freeways become grid-locked (that is no exaggeration…).  If your ceremony is taking place on or near any Southern California beach and you will have to drive either the 405, the 55, the 5, the 57, the 15, or the 91, you will be battling traffic to make it to your venue. That battle will turn into an all-out car war if rain starts to fall. So, check your weather app and stick to the schedule.

Your guests will mind the light sprinkle.

You are getting pretty for your big day and so are your guests. If the weather changes during your ceremony, you won’t be the only one wondering if your makeup is running; and we don’t even have to get started on the hair situation. A simple and sweet way to make your guests feel cared for is to stash a small, on-theme umbrella under every other seat. This way, you won’t have mismatched handbags blocking heads in the background of your pictures!

 See The Silver Lining.

News flash! A rainy wedding day means your photographer is going to have a field-day. Clouds diffuse the sun’s harshness and allow for the BEST portraits. There won’t be awkward shadows on your face or even beads of sweat that will need to be edited. If anything, when it comes to the photo-op part of your day, the gloominess will be something to be grateful for.

Stop the train…!

… from getting soaked and muddy, that is. The longer the gown’s train, the more epic everything is; really. The photos, the walk down the aisle, the maid-of-honor scrambling to make sure it looks aesthetically pleasing during the ceremony. All very epic. However, a soiled train, not so epic. This one is simple, ensure your dress has a loop and button option which pulls the train up from dragging on the floor. 

The rain does not have to be devastating to your dream “I do.” Plan ahead and remember what you are in it for. You and your life partner will face a few more rainy days after this one. 

Rebecca Calagna was named a Wedding Wire  ‘Couple’s Choice’ wedding coordinator in 2019. Keep up with the RC Events Team as they celebrate love all over Southern California. Schedule a consultation with Rebecca Calagna and take the first step in planning your dream wedding.