New England weather seems to include the possibility of rainy weather for most of the year. As a wedding photographer based in Boston, I’ve seen my fair share of rainy wedding days. I often have worried clients call me to ask how they can best prepare for a rainy wedding day.

The good news is that rain doesn’t have to ruin your special day. With some planning and flexibility, a rainy wedding can still be incredibly dreamy. Rainy day lighting actually tends to highlight New England’s charm even more. 

Here are a few of my go-to tips on how to prepare for a rainy wedding day in New England.

Buy umbrellas to stay dry

Keep an eye on the weather forecast in the weeks leading up to your wedding. If the forecast is predicting rain on your wedding day, buy these classy black umbrellas or clear umbrellas from Amazon for you and your bridal party. Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping, which helps if you’re dealing with a sudden change in the weather forecast for your big day. 

Extra Tip: Double up two people to one umbrella. The umbrellas are big enough that a bridesmaid and groomsmen should be able to fit under one together.

Waterproof your hair and makeup

Whenever I photograph a rainy wedding, waterproof mascara is a lifesaver for me! As much as you can, try to use waterproof makeup and advise your bridal party to do the same. Hairstyles such as wispy, messy buns or flower crowns tend to hold up well for rainy day weddings. Chat with your makeup artist and hairstylist before your wedding to let them know that you want your hair and makeup to be as weather-friendly as possible. 

Consider a first look to get the best rainy day wedding photos

Lighting on rainy or stormy days can be tricky due to the limited sunlight. Furthermore, it is likely that what little daylight there is will diminish quickly. Doing a first look earlier in the day is a great option because it gives you more daylight to work with.

You can also watch for pockets of time that the rain stops for outdoor portraits. The moody lighting of rainy New England days actually makes for some of the most romantic photos, in my opinion!

Related: Gorgeous Rainy Day Elopement in Rhode Island 

Strategize rainy day options at your wedding venue

If you’re still in the process of picking your venue, consider what options each venue has for you if it rains on your wedding day. Does it have an indoor space or ample outdoor coverings? I like to recommend that my clients choose a venue with an indoor portrait option that they love, in case we end up having to take their photos inside due to a storm. 

Communicate with your guests about the rain

If you know you’re getting married during a rainier season, you may want to let your guests know about the chance of rain on your wedding invitations. You can ask guests to bring umbrellas and jackets or let them know if you will be providing those items yourself. Out-of-town guests who are unfamiliar with New England weather will especially benefit from this heads up. 

If you originally weren’t expecting a rainy wedding day, but that’s now in the forecast, consider emailing those who RSVPed or adding a message about the chance of rain on your wedding event website, so your guests can prepare accordingly. 

Rain won’t ruin your wedding day

The biggest thing I want you to know is that you got this! A rainy day wedding doesn’t have to be a stressful nightmare. Yes, it takes little extra strategy and preparation, but it is doable. Rainy day weddings in New England can be especially beautiful, as the rain itself creates a very romantic and ethereal setting!

xoxo Marcela