The rainy-day wedding checklist
Print it, tick it off, stop worrying. Everything you need to decide and pack in case the sky has other plans.
When you book your venue
- Ask exactly what the indoor or covered backup is, and see it in person
- Ask the deadline for the rain call, and who makes it
- Check if a tent can be held (and what it costs to release it)
- Look up the historical rain odds for your date and venue
- Read the weather clauses in your venue and vendor contracts
1–3 months before
- Decide your rain plan A, B and C for ceremony, photos and reception
- Ask your photographer where they'd shoot in the rain
- Order clear umbrellas for the wedding party (and guests if outdoors)
- Consider wedding insurance and check what weather it really covers
- Plan flooring or walkways if guests cross grass
The last 10 days
- Ignore long-range apps; check trends from 10 days out
- Take the forecast seriously from 7 days out
- Make the final call 2–3 days before, together with your venue
- Tell guests about shoes, layers and the backup location
- Assign one person to manage weather logistics on the day
Your rain kit
- Clear umbrellas and a few towels
- Spare shoes or rain boots for the couple
- Blankets or wraps for a cool evening
- Stain remover, safety pins, hairspray, tissues
- Plastic bags for wet items and a lint roller
And if it rains anyway: many cultures say it's good luck. You'll have the best story at the table.