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Charleston is a city full of charm, stunning waterfront views, and some of the most unpredictable weather imaginable! One minute, it’s all sunshine and blue skies, and the next, a surprise shower rolls in out of nowhere. I’ve seen it all as a wedding photographer in Charleston, SC. I’ll never forget those dreamy golden-hour sunsets, the unexpected afternoon showers, and even the hurricane that turned into a wedding day. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, having a Plan B for rain on your wedding day isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential.
I know thinking about rain on your wedding day isn’t ideal, but trust me, preparing for it will give you peace of mind and ensure your day still feels like the best one of your life. So, let’s talk about how to plan for unpredictable Charleston weather while still making your wedding day feel absolutely perfect.
Table of Contents:
- Why Having a Plan B is Essential for Your Wedding Day
- Embracing the Unexpected
- Choosing a Rain-Friendly Venue
- Charleston Wedding Photography in the Rain
- Keeping Guests Comfortable
- Vendor Coordination
- Mindset & Positivity
- Burying of the Bourbon: A Southern Tradition
Why Having a Plan B is Essential for Your Wedding Day
Charleston’s weather can be a little over the top and hard to predict. We’re talking about pop-up showers in the spring, thunderstorms in the summer, hurricane season in the fall, and the rare misty winter day. Hurricane Ian swept through the night before I photographed a wedding, and there was no electricity when I arrived. However, as we were getting ready to take the first look, it came back on. We embraced the moment, and everyone’s spirits remained high.
The key to staying stress-free is to accept that the weather is out of your control, but having a solid backup plan is in your control. If you plan ahead, you won’t be left scrambling if the forecast takes a turn. And the best part? Some of the most romantic and memorable weddings I’ve captured have had a little rain involved. Planning ahead will be worth it, even if you don’t need your backup plan!
Embracing the Unexpected
If there’s only one thing you get out of this blog post, it’s this. I highly recommend ignoring the weather app altogether and not checking it at all. I know that checking the forecast obsessively in the weeks leading up to your wedding day can feel like an act of control, but the truth is, the weather in Charleston can change by the hour. A 70% chance of rain a week before your wedding could turn into clear skies by the time your ceremony rolls around.
Instead of stressing, focus on what you can control:
- Having a practical backup plan in place.
- Trusting your vendor team to handle adjustments with ease.
- Reminding yourself that rain can be incredibly romantic and a sign of good luck!
Choosing a Rain-Friendly Venue
Indoor vs. Outdoor Considerations
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, renting a tent is one of the easiest ways to create a solid backup plan. Many of my couples already have a tent intended for their reception, making it easy to move the ceremony under cover if needed.
Venues with Built-In Backup Options
If you’re still venue shopping, ask about their rain plan. Many Charleston venues offer beautiful indoor spaces or covered porches as perfect ceremony backups. Moving everyone inside might be tricky if you have a large guest list, so always clarify the logistics with your venue coordinator before booking.
That said, don’t pick a venue just because of its rain plan. Choose the venue you love, then figure out how to make it work, rain or shine!
Charleston Wedding Photography in the Rain
I know what you’re thinking, “Will my wedding photos be ruined because of the rain?”
Honestly, no. Rainy wedding photos can be stunning. There’s something about how rain makes everything feel extra cozy and romantic. That being said, if it’s pouring, we’ll adjust.
Posing & Lighting Considerations
Some of Charleston’s best wedding venues have gorgeous indoor spaces or covered porches, so we can still get beautiful portraits even if the weather isn’t cooperating. I love capturing photos inside Charleston’s classic estates, and there’s nothing better than a white-covered porch to create a clean, timeless look for your portraits.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend my couples buy bubble rain umbrellas (the clear ones!). They look adorable in your portraits and with the wedding party. It’s better to have them on standby in case we need to use them. I suggest you keep them in their packaging and don’t open them; that way, if you never use them, you can return them! Click this link to buy your bubble umbrellas.
Keeping Guests Comfortable
If rain is in the forecast, make sure your guests are covered!
- Offer umbrellas (or rent large ones to cover sections of seating).
- Dry off chairs before the ceremony if it rained earlier in the day.
Your guests will appreciate the extra thoughtfulness, and it will help keep everyone in high spirits no matter what!
Vendor Coordination
Your vendors are professionals at handling last-minute changes, so lean on them!
Communicating Your Plan B with Vendors
- Talk to your wedding planner early on. They’ll be the ones to handle any last-minute adjustments.
- Most venues require a decision on the rain plan by a particular time before the wedding. Be sure you know that deadline so you’re not making a rushed decision.
Mindset & Positivity
At the end of the day, you’re getting married, and that’s what matters most. Some of the best moments can come from unexpected weather. It might be the two of you walking hand in hand in the rain or guests laughing as they huddle together under cover. Those are the moments you’ll look back on forever, and in years to come, be able to laugh about it. The day is about your love story; a little rain won’t change that.
Burying of the Bourbon: A Southern Tradition
Want to try to keep the rain away? There’s an old Southern tradition where couples bury a bottle of bourbon upside down in the ground exactly one month before their wedding. Bury it near your ceremony site, or choose your reception site as the next best option if that’s not possible. Then, after the ceremony, you dig it up and share a drink to celebrate. You can keep and open the bottle to celebrate your first anniversary!
Does it work? Maybe! But it’s a fun tradition, makes for great photos, and, worst case, you’ve got a bottle of bourbon to enjoy!
Making the Most of Your Day
Rain on your wedding day isn’t something to fear; it’s something to embrace. With a solid Plan B, the right mindset, and a trusted vendor team, your wedding will still be everything you dreamed of.
So, take a deep breath, trust the process, and know that your wedding day will be perfect, rain or shine.
And hey, if it does rain? Grab those bubble umbrellas, find a dreamy-covered spot, and make some magic.