Rain on your wedding is good luck, but it creates a tremendous mess of mud, ruined make up, and frizzy hair. It can cause you to rearrange your ceremony, photos, and outdoor reception plans. Unless you want to puddle-jump from the ceremony to the reception, plan for the few things that will make bad weather a more pleasant experience.

The purpose of planning for rain is to create a "Next Best Scenario" that meets your vision and can be seamlessly implemented. An excellent example is moving your outdoor ceremony inside; a well-laid plan is the difference between shuffling guests under an awning in a panic and directing them to the covered patio upon arrival. If less-than-perfect weather will affect your guests' experience, it is time to plan.

Your wedding planner is the perfect person for consulting and creating a wedding rain plan. As the center for all wedding day activities, she fully understands your vision and can advise you of the best possible alternative. She is also the best person to communicate and oversee the production of your "Plan B". Likely she has experience with avoiding the weather and can offer expert guidance on everything from modifying the procession to keeping your guests happy.

Preparing for the Weather
* Pack Color-coordinated Rain Accessories
A colorful umbrella and coordinating rain boots will keep you dry when out in the elements. Shop for these ahead of time, and put them next to your overnight bag just in case you wake up to cloudy skies. Ask your bridesmaids for their shoe size and pick up matching boots and umbrellas for them, too. Your photos, and their feet, will thank you.

* Flooring Required
Every tent should have a floor and side panels. Even if it hasn't rained for a day or two, flooring is a must to ensure that guests are comfortable, able to dance, and removed from any lingering mud or water hazards. The side panels are only necessary if there is bad weather on the wedding day. Otherwise, ask the tent company to leave the panels off and set them nearby.

* Coffee Bar
Guests will appreciate the ability to keep warm, and a specialty coffee bar will help.  Rain often cools the air by several degrees, so a hot cup of coffee will take the chill off and get them ready to party through the evening. For something special, ask your caterer to provide seasonal spices, shaved chocolate, and flavored syrups.

* Provide Umbrellas
As guests depart the hotel, or as they enter the ceremony, provide plenty of umbrellas for them to use during the day. Dry, happy guests are guaranteed to dance longer and truly enjoy your reception. Guests never travel fully prepared, so they will appreciate your forethought.

* Create "Plan B"
Make back-up, contingency plans for all outdoor events. Ask your venue if they offer a complimentary hold on indoor, back-up space on the chance that your event must move indoors. Also, ask how far in advance you need to make the judgment call to move inside. Your wedding planner is the best resource for creating these plans and communicating your wishes to all of your vendors.

Alden Blair Events is a boutique wedding planning firm available for weddings throughout New England
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