You’ve planned your dream wedding for months and have chosen the perfect outdoor setting. But what if the forecast shows rain on your big day?

Despite what the weatherman tells you, rain is not a death sentence for your special day. In fact, rainy days can be quite romantic and perfect when you’ve planned details that will enhance the mood of an overcast sky. So whether it's pouring on your wedding morning or just drizzling during cocktail hour; here are seven ways to help keep those storm clouds from ruining your big day!

Formulate a Plan B.

The most obvious way to plan for rain is by having a back-up plan in place--but that doesn't mean settling on any old indoor venue as Plan B. Instead, take some time before picking your contingency location so it's an alternative option that still brings you job. That way if weather dictates a change, you won’t be absolutely devastated because there is something you love about this option, too.

Keep everyone updated.

If nasty weather is predicted, let everyone know about your back-up plan. This may mean posting it to your wedding website, sending out a mass text message, posting it on a Facebook event page, etc. Tell everyone about the Plan B and if they should come prepared for muddy ground.

If you’ve planned your wedding in a month particularly known for bad weather, consider including a card in your invitations outlining the inclement weather plan.

Discuss this with vendors in advance.

During your initial vendor consultation, ask how each vendors’ services would be affected by bad weather. You don’t want any surprises on the actual event date itself. Touch base with vendors a few days before the wedding if the forecast isn’t ideal. Rain or snow may require vendors to adjust their schedules or make other preparations, so advance notice is always appreciated. And don’t stress about your wedding day photos! Rainy days can actually create some really magical and unique wedding images.

Plan your day as if it will rain.

Believe it or not, the rain might affect many aspects such as how guests arrive, where they will sit, and what time certain events are scheduled. Consider everything from ceremony music and sound to parking and seating. If there's a chance the forecast looks grim, start building a schedule with plenty of wiggle room so the day can proceed even with an unexpected rainfall. This may be for naught, but it’s best to have a thorough plan in place to avoid wedding day stress.

Have matching accessories ready to go.

Think about all you’ll need to protect yourself and your bridal party from the elements— umbrellas, rainboots, handbags, etc. Then coordinate from there. Clear umbrellas are a good investment and can be easily sold after the wedding date. Matching rainboots for the bridesmaids would be cute, too. Just keep your hair and make-up on point and have fun with the rest.

Think about the little things.

Planning for the rain is a necessary part of weddings. If you're worrying about your guests or wedding party getting wet, make sure to have lots of towels available and extra umbrellas if possible! Find a place for guests to set their wet umbrellas and another to help them freshen up. Ladies would appreciate a few hair dryers in the restroom and maybe a curling iron or two. It may be helpful for the ladies in the bridal party specifically to have a back-up hairstyle that won’t get terribly frizzy in high humidity, too. Also, consider a separate outfit for the reception in case you need a dry change of clothes.

Embrace the rain.

Turn Mother Nature’s tantrum into a cozy reception. Offer hot chocolate or warm cider, maybe even blankets for your guests to snuggle up in. It may not be formal, but it will be memorable!

If the movies have taught us anything, expressing your love in the rain is incredibly romantic! Lean into that feeling and enjoy your day. It may not be exactly what you imagined, but marrying the love of your life still makes a pretty awesome day!

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