Rain, rain go away. But when it doesn’t… have a wedding day rain plan ready to go.

It is always a good idea to make a wedding day rain plan – no matter what season it is. We’ve learned after years of photographing weddings, engagements, and portraits just how unpredictable weather can be here in Minnesota and across the Midwest. There is a lot of magic we can do with photography so long as we keep you and your crew as dry (and therefore as comfortable) as we can.

Here are three tips to have in your wedding day rain plan arsenal for that just in case moment.

#1. Determine Back-up Locations

Rain can affects all of the outdoor locations of the day. From wedding party pictures, newlywed portraits, some family pictures, and if you were planning any aspect of your ceremony or reception outdoors too. Determining a back-up location in advance helps with expectations and communication among your friends and family. It also saves the wedding day timeline from getting off track due to last minute decisions. The best back-up locations are open outdoor areas with a large overhang to keep your wedding party dry and to still let in the light, porches, or at the inside edge of open architectural doors. If you would prefer to play it extra safe with an indoor location, then we recommend choosing a place with many large windows to let in as much natural light as possible or to find a clear, non-distracting background at your reception venue.

#2. Umbrellas

Just because it is raining outside doesn’t mean that you can’t be stylish! We recommend purchasing enough clear umbrellas for each wedding party pair (including yourself). We love the look of the clear umbrellas to allow all of your bridesmaids and groomsmen to stay both dry and visible in the pictures. The groomsmen also get to earn some chivalry points with this one as they help escort the bridesmaids to each location under the umbrella. You’re welcome, fellas. If clear isn’t an option then we recommend choosing a classic black umbrella or one that perfectly matches your wedding colors for an extra pop of color.

#3. Embrace Rain as Part of your Story

This one really comes down to entering into the day with a positive mindset. If it rains on your wedding day, it becomes as much a part of your story as your dress and your bouquet. At that point, you have done everything you can do to prepare, but ultimately you can’t control it. So embrace it and cherish it as part of your story. One of our favorite internet heroes is hands down Kid President. He reminds us that “you can either cry about it OR you can dance about it.” Which will you choose? Personally, we will always choose dancing in the rain by your side!