Let me be honest with you: planning a wedding in coastal Virginia can sometimes feel like rolling the dice. One moment, you’re dreaming of a gorgeous beach ceremony or a sun-kissed garden party, and the next, you’re watching the forecast frantically as clouds gather, or worse—there’s talk of rain, thunderstorms, or a hurricane brewing offshore
I’ve been there with my couples, watching as the wedding day they dreamed of takes a different turn because of the weather. I’m not going to sugarcoat it—it’s tough. But here’s the good news: you can still have the most incredible, joyful wedding day, rain or shine. Here’s how to save the day when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
1. Acknowledge that this sucks
First of all, when your plans change and you have to abandon the vision you dreamed of, it’s okay to feel disappointed. You’ve spent months planning every little detail, and suddenly, the weather has thrown a wrench in the works. That stings. Let yourself have a moment to say, “This sucks.”
I remember when Tori and Brian planned the perfect beach wedding. They had visions of walking down the sand with the waves gently rolling in, but when the big day came, so did the thunderstorms. There was flooding, lightning, and even hail. Their entire vision had to shift last-minute to an indoor celebration. And yeah, it was hard. Tori had every right to feel upset. She had pictured this day for so long, and it didn’t go as planned.
But once you let yourself feel that disappointment, you can start to reframe it. Which brings me to my next point.
2. Focus on what brings you joy
Okay, here’s where we take a deep breath and focus on what truly matters: It’s your wedding day. YOU are marrying your favorite person in the world! A rainstorm or an indoor ceremony can’t take that away.
Michelle and Tim, another couple of mine, had their heart set on getting married at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. They imagined saying their vows in the butterfly garden, surrounded by nature. But on their wedding day, the rain didn’t let up—no picturesque sunset, no warm golden hour. And while they could have let that completely spoil their mood, they chose to focus on what the day was really about. They were about to commit to spending their lives together. They realized that the joy of the day wasn’t tied to perfect weather; it was tied to the people they loved and the promises they were making.
It’s okay to take a moment and remember why you’re there in the first place. You’ll be surrounded by your closest friends and family, celebrating a day filled with love. THAT is the magic of the day, no matter what the weather looks like outside.
3. Laugh, dance, and party!
Here’s the ultimate truth about wedding days: the moments that don’t go as planned often end up being the ones that make the best memories. So instead of worrying about what didn’t work out, lean into the unexpected. Rainstorm outside? Dance under the tent like it’s nobody’s business. Got soaked in a downpour? Grab an umbrella and make it part of your story.
When Tori and Brian moved their wedding indoors, something incredible happened. Once the initial stress wore off, they decided to throw caution to the wind (literally) and partied harder than they ever imagined. The photos of them laughing, dancing, and embracing the chaos are some of my favorites. They may not have gotten their perfect beach wedding, but they got something better—unforgettable moments filled with joy, laughter, and a whole lot of love.
Same with Michelle and Tim. After the rain, they just embraced it and danced like no one was watching. Their guests joined in, and it was the kind of wedding that people still talk about, not because of the rain, but because of the way they celebrated like there was no tomorrow.
So when the weather doesn’t cooperate, remember: it’s still your wedding day. Laugh, dance, and party like you never planned on sunshine in the first place.
Final Thoughts: The Weather Is Just a Small Part of the Story
Yes, unpredictable weather can throw a wrench in your plans. But when you look back on your wedding day, it won’t be the rain or wind that you remember most—it’ll be the way you and your partner embraced whatever came your way. It’ll be the joy, the love, and the celebration that stick with you. So when the forecast isn’t in your favor, take a deep breath, focus on what matters, and let the party roll.
You’ve got this.
Let me be honest with you: planning a wedding in coastal Virginia can sometimes feel like rolling the dice. One moment, you’re dreaming of a gorgeous beach ceremony or a sun-kissed garden party, and the next, you’re watching the forecast frantically as clouds gather, or worse—there’s talk of rain, thunderstorms, or a hurricane brewing offshore […]
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