Rain in the Forecast? Here are 5 Tips to Help You Be Prepared

Planning your destination wedding and worried about the weather? You join almost every other destination wedding bride I’ve ever known, so let’s talk about it!

One of the many reasons couples choose destination weddings is having an outdoor wedding, whether it’s on the beach or amidst a beautiful backdrop. And what’s more perfect than a wedding in the sunshine with a gentle breeze off the ocean?

Since I’m one to be fully transparent, let me tell you that things don’t always go the way we want them to. Things may go wrong on your wedding day. And that’s okay – we’ve all had something not quite go as planned. Sometimes Mother Nature likes to throw us a curveball.

Here are some tips I’ve collected throughout the years to help you navigate the unpredictable nature of the weather.

If you haven’t already picked a wedding date and want a better chance at good weather, check out my guide to when to have a destination wedding!

1. You can’t control the weather 

The number one thing I tell all brides is that we can’t control the weather. It’s without a doubt the ONLY thing with certainty that we have zero control over. So why stress about it?

I know, I know – easier said than done. But what good will it do stressing yourself out by obsessively checking the forecast in the days leading up to your wedding? Caribbean forecasts are rarely accurate, and change hour by hour.

With enough things to worry about, focus your energy elsewhere. Unless something major happens like a tropical storm or hurricane, don’t even bother checking the forecast!

What to know: Just remember you can’t control the weather. What you CAN control, however, is your outlook and remembering the importance of this incredible day! Oh, and your hydration. Seriously, drink water!

2. Sprinkles vs Downpour

It’s common for Caribbean forecasts to call for rain and cloud cover almost every day. We’ve been away where the forecast said rain every single day, but if it did rain, it would just be for a few minutes.

Fortunately, the Caribbean climate tends to produce rain overnight, or short and sweet. We’ve been through a few 5 minute sprinkle showers, which often would come as a reprieve from the sun. 

What to know: You may get rain on your wedding day but chances are it won’t ruin your beach wedding!

3. Have a Backup Plan

One of the things to consider when planning a destination wedding is the importance of having a backup plan. One of the biggest destination wedding mistakes brides can make is ignoring any potential for unfavourable weather.

Have a clear backup plan before your wedding and ask your wedding coordinator before your wedding what the options are. No one likes to consider this option, but it’s better to be prepared. Your coordinator will let you know the process for this and it will usually depend on the forecast and potential for rain. 

To help ease your mind, plan on going on a site visit if you can swing it, and see the backup locations in person.

It does suck, but if you decide to push to stay outside and if it does actually rain, you may be charged for the staff to scramble to move everything inside.

I was at a friend’s wedding at Excellence El Carmen in Punta Cana and right before the reception it absolutely poured. Hers was set up on the rooftop patio and unfortunately it all had to be moved inside. But you know what? We all loved the intimacy – and air conditioning! It was perfect.

What to know: Be sure the idea is something you’re comfortable with, although it’s not ideal. I’ve actually known brides who had to move to their backup plan and they said it was better than they imagined, and better than what they originally planned for! 

4. Clouds can be a good thing! 

Everyone wants blue skies and sunshine for their destination wedding, but did you know that clouds can give you better photos? 

No squinting in the sun, no shadows on your face, no sunburn, and some natural shade! Wearing a wedding dress on a beach in 80° heat can be a lot more comfortable with a bit of cloud cover.

What to know: Your guests will appreciate it too, since there’s rarely any shade for them at a beach wedding.

5. Remember the real reason for the day

When it comes down to it, the reason why you’re getting married is to spend the rest of your life with the one you love most. Will things go awry? Maybe. Will it be perfect? Maybe not. 

But your wedding will feel magical as you celebrate your love with your family and loved ones. 

What to know: Don’t forget the weather is out of your control – as frustrating as that can be. Focus your energy on the positives!

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