Every bride hopes for that postcard-perfect weather on her wedding day. Unfortunately, the reality is we just can’t control it and can never really know what to expect. Hawaii is a string of tropical islands, so it is bound to rain at least a little, pretty much every day. How much it rains and how long it lasts depends on the season. Weather apps and forecasts can give us an idea of what is to come. But frankly, we are still on a tropical island and the weather is pretty unpredictable. This is why it is so imperative to just have a rain plan.

Our recommendation is to just be prepared!!! Plan for a 100% chance of rain with a backup plan you are happy with so that you aren’t disappointed if it does happen. With the help of a wedding coordinator, you can take the right precautions and put together a solid Plan B. Your rain plan will make you prepared and allow you to relax if Mother Nature decides to make your wedding day a little more interesting.

Here are 10 tips and ideas to get you started on your rain plan:

Check with your venue to see if what their typical backup plan for rainy weather is. Especially in Hawaii, where rain is pretty common, most venues are bound to have a typical rain plan. Inquire about this with them so you can have an idea of what your rain plan will likely look like at their venue. If you are having an outdoor ceremony, organize somewhere you can move it undercover need be.

If you’re hosting your wedding outdoors, the best backup plan is to rent a tent. Yes, it comes at an extra cost but the stress it will save is well worth it! Tent’s allow you to still have the outdoor wedding of your dreams while having peace of mind at the same time.

Pick a venue where you are able to move inside. You can have an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception, this way if it does rain you can always have the option of moving your ceremony indoors where your reception is being held. You can also search for a venue that allows for a quick

Keep your guests in the loop!! Remind them that you’re getting married in Hawaii and to expect a chance of rain. There are a few ways to do this: try adding it to your wedding website, invitations, or even guest list emails. You may even want to encourage everyone to bring an umbrella or closer to the date depending on the forecast.

Definitely allow a little fluff time in your timeline in case you need to just wait for an afternoon shower to pass. This happens in Hawaii VERY often so it isn’t worth the hassle of moving everything undercover or switching up the day completely for a short 5-minute shower.

Work with your vendors to see how they work or what they need in case of rain. Your DJ may request and an extra tent, the rental company may need extra time to set up or provide covers for special furniture in case of a downpour. Especially in Hawaii, the vendors are pros at dealing with it and always have a rain plan. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask and will also eliminate some of your stress to know how everyone deals with unpredictable weather.

Check it, but don’t become obsessed with it. Obviously, want to be informed if the forecast says 100% chance of rain all day or if there is a hurricane is on the way. But remember, the weather is pretty unpredictable on a tropical island and can change at the drop of a hat. We encourage our clients to check the weather but not to become obsessed with it… that is our job!!

Don’t let the weather get you down, think umbrellas and rain boots. Umbrellas make super cute wedding favors. They are also a great prop for your wedding photos. If the forecast really isn’t looking great maybe you also want to think of getting some fun matching rainboots for your wedding party… just think of how cute THOSE photos would be!!  With this stylish idea, you will be able to stay dry and bring color to a gray sky.  Not only that, but it is bound to make great wedding photos.

You can’t control the weather so you might as well embrace it!! An outdoor wedding means being open to whatever nature throws at you. The rain may actually end up being an element that makes your wedding day absolutely unforgettable. It will also make for BEAUTIFUL, romantic photos!

Don’t forget, in Hawaii the rain is a blessing from the Gods – it embodies growth, unity, and even fertility! Outside of Hawaii, rain on your big day has been said to symbolize the strengthening of “the knot” you’ve just tied. Have you ever tried to untie a wet knot? Almost impossible! So, a little sprinkle on your special day isn’t the worst thing.

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