Here’s what I know for sure, after 5 seasons owning and operating Moxie Bright Events, and 16 years as a Los Angeles resident: Neither Brides or Angelenos welcome a rainy day.
Photo by Julie Pepin
Zoe & Jeremy celebrated their love and their marriage in March, which is touch-and-go as far as LA weather is concerned. Los Angeles has been in a terrible drought since 2014, so I think we have all forgotten that it can, in fact, really RAIN in LA. March 10th was that day! It really rained!
Photo by Julie Pepin Photography
Photo by Julie Pepin Photography
However, Zoe and Jeremy took it all in stride, and even with a smile!
Truthfully, if you have to go with Plan B, Calamigos Ranch in Malibu has the best Plan B around. We moved the ceremony indoors, lit the enormous fireplace in the Redwood Room, and made a truly cozy ceremony experience for friends and family.
Photo by Julie Pepin Photography
Photo by Julie Pepin
Here are my tips for Surviving a Rainy Wedding Day in Southern California and Beyond:
- Get your Mind Right! This one eas easy for Zoe & Jeremy, as they are naturally chill people. But for those of you who aren’t (no judgment here!), you should get the Calm app for your phone. You can pop on there, do a quick 5-minute meditation, and be good to go for the day. I recommend this to all my couples, rain or not! At the end of the day, you want to look calm, cool, collected, and relaxed. Like this:
Photo by Julie Pepin Photography
- Embrace Plan B. This tip is about mindset, but also about logistics and practicality. It’s not nice (or practical) to have your guests sitting on wet seats or in a rainstorm, even if an outdoor ceremony is what you have been dreaming of all year. So, after you meditate, fix your mind on the new awesome vibe your wedding will have with Plan B. Your happy, dry, warm guests will thank you!
Photo by Julie Pepin Photography
- Gather your Gear. Find out if your photographer has clear umbrellas. They are much easier to forgive in photos, and you can order them from Amazon in a pinch. Your wedding planner may also have them – we keep a few in stock for this very reason.
Photo by Julie Pepin
You also might want to consider rain boots. They can even be super cute white rainboots, like these from Chooka, UGG, and Hunter.
- Lead by Example. If you are bummed about your rainy wedding day, your guests will notice your energy, and they will be bummed too. So, live it up on your wedding day! Embrace every moment!
Photo by Julie Pepin
Photo by Julie Pepin Photography
- Consider a Change of Attire. Whether your plan is to tear it up on the dance floor like Zoe, or just to visit with guests all night, you may want to consider a costume change on a rainy day. If you’ve braved the elements to take your photos, you may have a damp heavy gown on your body, and that’s not fun for a 10-12 hour day. Consider a short dress or a jumpsuit. There’s no rule that says it has to be white!
Photo by Julie Pepin Photography
Photo by Julie Pepin Photography
At the end of your wedding day, here’s what you will remember: all your loved ones in the same room, how it felt, how fast the whole day went by, and how happily exhausted you are. You won’t remember the rain. I promise.
Zoe and Jeremy, your wedding day was such a warm, cozy, heartfelt day. You both led with such a strong loving example, and then you tore it up on the dance floor! I wish you a lifetime full of adventures, beautiful sunny skies, and open, smooth roads.
Creative Team
Wedding Planner: Moxie Bright Events Venue & Catering: Calamigos Ranch Photography: Julie Pepin
DJ & Photobooth: DJ John at Hey Mister DJ Ceremony Musician: Mark Bouras
Florals: Holly Flora Wedding Cake: Park Street Baking Co Mini Desserts: Cake Monkey Bakery
Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier Bliss Chair Signs: Happily Ever Etched (use code: MOXIEBRIGHTEVENTS for a discount!)
May 2, 2018
This is all fantastic advice! It’s so important to have a Plan B that you can be happy with, and that doesn’t look like Plan B…and a fireplace always makes that so easy! Also, I just downloaded the Calm app for myself, so thanks for all of the amazing advice!
Oh, you are going to LOVE the Calm app! I use it almost every day, it’s the best!
OMG I love this so much. SO many great ideas here that I haven’t even thought of-calm app? CHECK definitely sending that to my clients. Changing for your reception? Such a great idea to get that heavy wet gown off of you!! Brilliant, Renee, as always!!!
Oh, you are going to LOVE the Calm app, and my clients do too!
Such great advice!! Thank you for sharing. No one wants to have rain on their wedding day but always good to have a plan just in case. 🙂
Thanks Tiffany!
So beautiful, Renee! Angelenos have no clue how to deal with rain, lol and although we need it, we still hate it. Great tips on how to navigate a rainy wedding day – I totally think embracing it is so important and helps the couple to keep their focus on the task at hand. . . getting married!
Beautiful couple and stunning wedding!
Thanks, DeNitra! I knew I was an Angeleno the day that I canceled plans because of rain. SMDH.
Yes, you always need a plan B. If plan B could be this stunning (wow) I know PlanA would have been just as magical.
Thanks, Keneshia!
I love the way this started out. Putting the rain on notice, hilarious! Great tips and advice. 5 minute meditations? Yes, everyone needs that app.
Briana, lol. I DID put that rain on notice!
Such beautifully stated advice! You really never know when Mother Nature is going to pop in to say hello!
Thanks Jordan! So true, Mother Nature can’t be planned, she does her own thing! lol