Rainy wedding day tips to combat those spring showers

Spring is one of the most romantic times of year to get married in Kent. Blossom appears in the orchards, flowers bloom in the gardens, the countryside turns a fresh shade of green, and the days slowly grow longer and brighter. But alongside all that beauty comes the possibility of the occasional spring shower.

The good news is that you can still have the most joyous day if a few spots of rain decide to join you. As long as you have a wet weather wedding plan in place, you can still keep the atmosphere relaxed, your guests comfortable, and your day running smoothly; whatever the forecast brings.

Below, we share our expert rainy wedding day tips, so you know exactly what to do if it rains on your wedding day.

1) Choose a venue with indoor and outdoor options

Flexibility is key when planning a spring wedding in the UK. We recommend choosing a wedding venue with both indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces that you can easily move between if the heavens open.  

Look for a venue that offers:

• At least one licensed indoor ceremony space
• Short walking distance between areas
• Covered or sheltered arrival points
• Comfortable indoor areas for drinks receptions
• Good heating and ventilation

At Solton Manor, we will soon have six picturesque ceremony spaces to choose from (three outdoor and three indoor depending on the size of your wedding party), giving you the best of both worlds if the weather turns. If you’re planning to exchange your vows outdoors in either Godric’s Garden or Finet’s Woodland and dark clouds begin to loom, we can quickly move the celebrations indoors to The Old Stables, The Dutch Barn, or Solton Manor House for an intimate ceremony without any fuss. 

After booking your wedding with us, we will reserve your legal wedding date and time with Kent County Council. When completing the ceremony booking form, we recommend selecting your first choice as an outdoor ceremony and adding an indoor ceremony as your second option. This ensures that, should the weather change, everything is already in place for a smooth and stress-free transition indoors.

2) Plan for rain early, and then you can relax

If you’re planning on getting married outdoors in the spring, make sure you build a rain plan for your outdoor wedding early on in the planning process. This will give you peace of mind and ensure the morning of your wedding feels calm and organised, rather than a last-minute panic.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Check the forecast 72 hours before your wedding and notify suppliers if it’s going to rain – the most important ones being your florist or venue stylist who need to know where to set up
• Confirm your ceremony location and any decor adjustments with your venue 24 hours before
• Make the final call on the morning of your wedding and communicate it to your guests

When you communicate a clear plan with your venue, suppliers, and guests ahead of time, any change in weather becomes much easier to manage.

3) Keep your guests comfortable

It’s important that your guests remain comfortable and enjoy every minute of your day, whatever the weather. 

These thoughtful touches will help keep everyone comfortable and relaxed:

• Provide a basket of umbrellas at the venue entrances
• Offer towels or wipes so guests can quickly dry off their seats after a passing shower
• Include clear signage to guide guests between spaces
• Serve warm drinks if the weather turns cooler
• Place a basket of shawls or blankets near exits
• Consider providing heel protectors for outdoor areas

4) Don’t miss those rainy day photo opportunities

Rain often brings softer light, richer colours, and more dramatic reflections, making your wedding photos appear effortlessly romantic.

Instead of worrying about the weather, embrace those key photo opportunities by:

• Using clear umbrellas for elegant portraits
• Capturing those cosy moments under covered walkways
• Taking advantage of that short “after rain” window for outdoor photos
• Focusing on candid moments with friends and family

Here at Solton Manor, there are beautiful photo opportunities to be found across the entirety of the estate – from romantic portraits beside the historic ruins and intimate moments under the wedding pergola, through to light-filled group photos framed by the Venetian Bridge and faux canal. 

We partner with some wonderfully talented photographers who know every inch of the estate and understand how to turn the rain into the most picture-perfect wedding photos. For example, the summer house beside the pond provides a beautiful sheltered spot, keeping you dry while your photographer captures the rain gently dancing across the wildlife pond.

FAQs

What should I do if it rains on my wedding day?

If the weather is looking showery on your special day, we recommend having a clear wet weather wedding plan agreed in advance. Decide when you will move the ceremony indoors and make sure you keep your venue, suppliers, and guests informed of any changes.

Should we still plan an outdoor ceremony if the forecast is mixed?

Yes, it’s still worth planning an outdoor wedding ceremony if the forecast is mixed, especially if your venue offers a strong indoor option. Many couples plan for an outdoor ceremony but remain flexible if the weather changes.

Can Solton Manor host an indoor ceremony if it rains?

Yes, we can host your indoor ceremony in The Dutch Barn, The Old Stables, or Solton Manor House if the weather takes a turn for the worst. The Dutch Barn is often the preferred option, as we can host your entire celebration (from ceremony to evening party) in one space.