Whatever time of year you get married in Ireland or the UK, whether it's the middle of July or the middle of December the possibility of it raining is always a risk. Many couples get nervous about the idea of a drizzle or worse, a downpour ruining their day, but in all the real weddings we've featured over the years, there's not a single couple who had their special day dampened by the weather.

There's nothing we (or you) can do to stop rain on your wedding day (so there's really no point in worrying about it - we promise!) but there are some simple ways to make the best of it, and ensure your style doesn't get ruined and you still get some great photographs.

How to Deal With Rain on Your Wedding Day

Image by Peter Carvill via One Fab Day

1. Always Have an Umbrella

It may not be used but it's better to have one just in case. Make sure it's a pretty one in case it's used for the photos, and a really cute one can be the ultimate rainy day accessory. We have a whole post where you can shop them here.

Image by Adam & Grace via One Fab Day

2. Waterproof Your Makeup

Waterproof mascara is good for both happy tears and rainy days and we have a list of the best waterproof mascaras for brides right here. Also ask your makeup artist about using a fixing or setting spray once she's finished your look - we have a list of those here too. Wear lip balm too (both brides and grooms) as lips tend to dry out in cold, windy conditions.

Image by Remain in Light Photography via One Fab Day

3. Wrap Up

So your dress doesn't get totally soaked, have a wrap, cardigan, or jacket on stand-by (even if it's your everyday leather jacket, it'll look cool in the pictures!). See this post for cute cover up ideas for both you and your wedding party. Don't forget they'll be by your side most of the day, so they will need cover too!

Image by Anna G via One Fab Day

4. Stay Warm

If it's cold as well as rainy, hand and foot warmers are handy to have stashed in your groom's pocket. Hands and noses are the first to go blue in the cold, which can be noticed in wedding photos. Grab a hot drink between photo sessions if it's really cold too.

Image by Lucas Ramos Photography via One Fab Day

5. Protect Your Peep-toes

If you're wearing heels, have a second pair of flat shoes or wellies ready to take with you outside. It'll make walking from location to location in the soft, wet ground easier and will protect your gorgeous new heels.

Image by Sheena T Photography

6. Pack Tissues

Always carry a pocket size pack of tissues in case your eyes water from the wind or your nose begins to run from the cold - your bridesmaids can always keep them handy. You can always gently dab an raindrops that might land on your makeup - never rub!

Image by Molly Carr via One Fab Day

7. Prepare a Wet Weather Wedding Kit

Pack a tote bag with some wet weather essentials in advance, and leave it in the charge of a bridesmaid on the day. Bring it along in the car, no-one will notice but it will make the world of difference when it comes to standing in the cold and wet for an extended period of time! Planning an outdoor ceremony? Make sure to have enough brollies on hand should a shower happen. If you could potentially find yourself walking across wet grass - best to have an emergency stain removal kit too. Find out what to pack in that here.

Image by This Modern Love via One Fab Day

8. Change Up Your Timeline

Don't be afraid to switch up your timeline, head to your cocktail reception, then nip out for short bursts of photos, rather than doing the usual long photo session. Being flexible means you can take advantage of any breaks in the weather.

Image by Ivana Milchanska via One Fab Day

9. Trust Your Photographer

Don't let the weather rain on your parade, smile for the photos and focus on enjoying your day. You might have to take your family shots indoors, or abandon plans for certain photos, but your photographer will have plenty of rainy wedding day shots up their sleeve and will be able to scout out sheltered spots, so relax and know you're in safe hands!

Image by Iain Irwin Photography via One Fab Day

10. Get Soaked

Sometimes the best way to deal with rain on your wedding day is to just embrace it. The most fun rainy day wedding photos are the ones where the couple just dropped the brollies and danced in the rain. Once you've got the formalities out of the way, there's nothing wrong with just embracing the wet weather and having fun with it.

For more wedding planning advice for colder months check out our Things To Consider if You're Having a Winter Wedding.