Don't Let Rain Ruin Your Wedding Day — Here's How to Be Prepared

Depending on where you get married, rain could likely part of the proceedings. Make sure you pick a venue that has a beautiful indoor alternative if you need it. Many venues plan for exactly this — if you're opting for an outdoor space, this often includes a conservatory or adjoining room where your guests can keep warm and dry if the weather turns. That space should be as beautiful as your original location, but double check before signing on the dotted line that you're not paying for bland and ugly conference room for your plan B.

If you have your heart set on a wedding in the woods, you're going to want a barn, or at least some canopies in the trees, where your guests can shelter. If you're determined to have your ceremony outside no matter what the weather, then it's down to you to keep your guests dry and warm. They'll need umbrellas, waterproofs, and stiletto protectors to stop high heels from sinking into the mud.

If you were opting for long flowing hair but your hair frizzes at the mere mention of rain, it's worth having a back-up plan and going for an updo if it starts pouring on the morning of your big day. It'll be much easier to fix if you do get caught in the rain. Make sure you've got a bridesmaid on standby with cordless straighteners and smoothing spray so you can make the necessary touch ups. A veil might well come in handy if rain is likely, giving you an extra layer of protection. Oh, and make sure your mascara and eyeliner is waterproof, you might need it for more than just tears during the vows!

Make sure someone has an umbrella. It doesn't have to be white, but it shouldn't be a massive promotional golf-sized umbrella you got at a conference. Keeping a bride dry isn't a one-person job. You'll need someone to hold your umbrella while someone else is keeping your dress high above any puddles. Although it doesn't make for the most elegant of arrivals, consider popping your wedding shoes in a bag and switching at the venue so they don't get ruined in muddy puddles before you make your way down the aisle.

If you're lucky, those cloudy skies might clear by the afternoon, but if they don't, you're going to get wet and there's not much you can do about it. Well-meaning guests will keep helpfully informing you that your beautiful white shoes are getting muddy and say what a shame it is that it's not sunny. Ignore it. Unless there is actual thunder and lightning or a power cut which is impossible to ignore, keep it out of the speeches. Beam a huge smile and change the subject when anyone mentions it. If you're not talking about it, no one else will either. The day is about you and your beloved, not the weather.

"Choose a photographer that can show you how they shoot in wet or dark weather," advised wedding photographer Lina Orsino-Allen of Lina & Tom. "Ask questions — what happens to family group photos, do they have a plan? Most photographers have the basic skills to light up an umbrella, but if you're really worried about rain, choose someone who has shown some real creative flair in bad weather before."

"If the heavens have opened but your photographer is still encouraging you out, don't worry about getting your dress dirty and go for it," said Lina. "After all, it can be dry cleaned and it's important you enjoy the day to its fullest. Maybe you'll look back at your wedding photos and say 'I'm so happy it rained!'"