Rain, rain - It's my wedding day

You've been envisioning your wedding for months. Beautiful outdoor ceremony. Sunshine. Light breeze. Just the most perfect day!

You look out the window and instead of sunshine you see rain. Rain on your wedding day! How dare Mother Nature be so cruel!

You think of all the sweat and tears you put into planning this most perfect day, and now it's ruined. Don't despair, getting married in the rain can be a wonderful way to make your event memorable.

I'm hoping you and your wedding planner have discussed a back up plan. If not, here are some ways to make the rain work for you.

When you are scouting your ceremony location, look around for paved parking and walking areas that are accessible to the guests. Walking through puddles of muddy water or dirt will not make for happy guests.

Stock up with an ample supply of umbrellas for your guests and bridal party if the weather forecast hints at rain. Rain coats and towels will come in handy. Color coordinate the rain gear to match your wedding theme and your guests will think you planned the weather right along with your wedding.

Tents are an option but only if the ground is not saturated by the rain or, as long as you have proper flooring. The tent will not prevent any blowing wind or rain but for a light drizzle or mist, it will still be possible to continue with your event.

Opt for a low bun for your hair so even if it gets wet, the gel and spray should keep it together. Avoid satin shoes and try not to wear stockings as they will show rain spots easily.

If you can hold your ceremony inside your reception location, this is a dry way to continue your ceremony. As the head table is normally the focal point in the banquet room, move it out of the way and hold your ceremony at that spot. The head table may be reset while the bridal party is taking photos and the guests are mingling during cocktail hour.

If you decide the rain is not damaging enough to move your ceremony indoors, you may want to consider having your escort carry a black or gray umbrella down the aisle. This drab color will blend in to the dreary sky and will not be a prominent focal point thereby leaving the attention focused on you!

Umbrellas can make for some very cute wedding photos, so use them to your advantage.

Most of all, smile and have fun. Your guests will feel at ease and will realize the weather never ruined your wedding day!