So, does it tend to rain a lot in Ireland? Well, there’s a reason why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle. Those endless green fields don’t come about as a result of hot dry days.
Let’s break this down, stats fans… In Ireland, the number of days with rain per year is between 150 and 225, depending on the part of the country. On average, 1 in every 3 hours will have measurable rain! So, with an Irish wedding it’s best to hope rather than expect a dry day.
So how can you prepare for a rainy wedding in Ireland? Here are our top tips for a rainy wedding day…
Choose a venue that has a plan B
When viewing potential wedding venues, ask about their contingency plans for poor weather. Do they have sheltered areas for photographs? Do they have a place indoors big enough for family photos to be taken? Do they provide guest umbrellas? Can they show you any photos from rainy weddings?
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, see how flexible they are – some venues allow you to confirm 2 hours before the ceremony, while others insist on a decision the day before.
Don’t freak out!
This is good advice for ALL aspects of your wedding, but particularly the weather. There’s nothing you can do about a rainy day, but there’s plenty you can do to not let it get you down.
Let your vendors and suppliers worry about the logistics on the day. Yes, your wedding won’t be exactly as you may have envisaged, but the truth is that no wedding ever is and, trust us, you won’t enjoy it any less.
Buy some umbrellas
Yeah, you know this one already, but it’s not as straightforward as grabbing your dad’s giant golf umbrella. With a bit of thought, umbrellas can make for amazing photos.
The key is to pick the right umbrella. Dark umbrellas can block out light and make for unflattering skin tones while brightly coloured umbrellas will add a colour-cast to your skin.
White or clear umbrellas without logos or branding are much better. Having a number of matching umbrellas for family and bridal party can make for great photos too.
Put your ushers to good use
Arm your ushers with large umbrellas so they can help guests get from their cars into the venue. It’s a warm and welcoming touch that your guests will really appreciate. And the ushers get to look like absolute heroes.
Bring appropriate Footwear
We’ll not be having you walk through mud, but you may have to walk on wet grass. Brides should consider having a spare pair of closed-toed heeled shoes that can temporarily replace more delicate wedding shoes. Or, you could go all out and get yourself a nice pair of wellies!
Rain can make for slippery conditions, so make sure to rough up the bottoms of any dress shoes to give you a little more grip. Otherwise, you’ll look like you’re auditioning for Bambi on ice…
Have a shawl or wrap
Shawls and wraps are not just for winter, they’re useful all year round in Ireland. While you might not want it in your photos, it can be a lifesaver between photos or when getting to and from your wedding car.
Think Drinks
If your wedding reception is in autumn or winter, a rainy day is likely to be a cold one. Consider swapping prosecco for warm cider, Irish coffees and hot whiskeys, or maybe just good old teas and coffees.
Look out for rainbows
You can’t have rainbows without rain! There are few things as gorgeous in a wedding portrait as a big, colourful rainbow. If your photographer runs up to you excitedly gibbering something about a rainbow, follow them, quickly.
Be Brave and be happy
Don’t be afraid to grab an umbrella and venture out into the rain. Your photographer will stand in the worst deluge to get a shot. Crazy weather can produce some of the most photogenic conditions for photography - without question, we think the most photogenic skies are the stormiest ones.
The important thing is to roll with the punches. For better or worse, this is the weather you’ve been dealt with on your wedding day. If you smile and embrace the weather in good humour, you will get great photos.
Remember to smile and nod
At least 60% of your guests will be sure to tell you how rain on your wedding day is good luck. Go easy on them as they’re just trying to make you feel better about the weather. It’s an Irish thing - the same people will tell you it’s good luck when a bird sh*ts on you…
By the 20th time you hear it, you’ll want to scream in their face, but bury that emotion deep down in the pit of your stomach and just smile and nod…
