A Real Rainy Wedding T + R
” We got married in September and had planned for our ceremony to be outside in the beautiful Pavilion. The day came and the weather had other ideas and it rained all day! We had a last minute change and the ceremony was held in the Summer House – and it was perfect. The atmosphere was so cosy and special with the candles lit and our family and friends all together..
The HPH team handled the last minute change so seamlessly and were amazing with us and the guests, providing umbrellas and organising everyone. We had some of our favourites photos under the Summer House porch and we were still able to get a confetti photo with our wedding party.
When we look back on the day, we don’t even think about the rain and that is definitely down to the amazing support of the HPH team and our suppliers. One of our favourite things about HPH is that the inside and outside spaces are both stunning and we are so happy with how everything went. “
Toni + Ryan
Forgot to bury a sausage the night before your wedding? Don’t panic! Take a look at Toni + Ryan’s beautiful, but rainy, September wedding to ease your mind..
On catching up with the couple the day before their wedding, Toni + Ryan were well aware of the upcoming forecast and were expecting the rain! As you can imagine, there then comes a lot of questions – will it still be a great day? Will our guests still have a good time? Will everything go to plan?
The short answer is – YES! Here at Hooton Pagnell Hall, we are well versed in a rainy-day wedding and are on-hand whatever the weather. When not expected, rainy weather can cause a lot of stress for couples, but rest assured, we take care of all the last-minute changes!
T+R had originally planned to have a ceremony outdoors at our Pavilion and had been briefed in advance that this could be moved into our Summer House if the weather did not agree. We are always very open with our couples about this, so they know what to expect on the day.
From the very start, Toni + Ryan were so relaxed, Toni had the most gorgeous smile, which was truly on her face all day! We kept in close communication with them both to update them on the weather and any changes that were taking place behind the scenes! Communication is key and we understand that couples don’t appreciate any unwanted surprises on their big day – apart from the bottle of champagne that Ryan had kindly sent up to our Garden Rooms for Toni and her bridal party to enjoy whilst getting ready (a little top tip there for any future husbands reading this!)
As the morning progressed, the rain, as expected, arrived and we had to make the decision as a team to move the ceremony into our Summer House. This involved directing any suppliers to set up in there rather than the Pavilion and for us to move any items that were due to be placed outside. The great thing about having multiple ceremony spaces is that we always have the ‘Plan B’ option set up in advance, as we know that plans can change very quickly! Neither the couple nor any guests had to worry about this, as our team had it all in hand and communicated with Toni + Ryan at every point.
Quick Changes
Telling a couple that their dream outdoor ceremony is going to be moved inside isn’t always what they want to hear, but this couple took it in their stride!
Whilst the quick change-around was happening, guests were enjoying our Main Hall, the drinks were flowing, music was playing, and everyone had a chance to catch up in the warm and dry. The results in the Summer House were truly stunning, with pretty pastel pink and purple décor and matching flowers. The tealights were lit, and the intimate space became cosy and inviting! As we moved guests across for the ceremony, Simply Strings really set the scene with their beautiful melodies. At this point, our team were already prepped with umbrellas of every size and handed these out to as many guests as we could.
Toni + Ryan had a first look together on our Main Hall staircase and took the aisle walk together (we loved seeing this unique take on an aisle walk.. remember, your wedding should be a reflection of you both!) The photos of Toni & Ryan heading across to their ceremony under their umbrellas are truly special and show that no matter the weather, marrying the love of your life is so exciting!
Making the most of the weather!
The ceremony was perfect and still some last-minute changes came into play! For Toni + Ryan we decided that the confetti shot straight after the ceremony, should take place under the shelter of the Summer House entrance, this meant that most guests could be directed back to the Main Hall for cover, drinks and canapes but the newly married couple could still get that all-important photo with their close family (without getting wet!) Having the Main Hall as part of their package meant there were no worries when it came to a dry space for guests. The couple also had their family portraits under the cover of the Summer House, and even their beloved dog, Ralph, made an appearance – I think we can all take some tips from dogs, as a bit of rain never ruins anything for them! The photo results speak for themselves.
The couple joined their guests in the Main Hall and then it was time to make way across our lawns to the Tithe Barn for the wedding breakfast. Again, umbrellas were on hand, and any shortcuts were offered for those less able. Toni had thought of everything and even brought heel savers for anyone wearing stilettos! Nobody likes their heel getting stuck in the grass…
The rain even cleared up later in the afternoon which gave Toni + Ryan the opportunity to snag some photos in our Japanese-themed garden.
A night to remember..
The energy kept up throughout the afternoon and evening, with the couple entering our Tithe Barn to Sean Kingston – ‘Fire Burning’. Usually, couples enter from the gardens for their announcement, but again, as a last-minute decision, we had Toni + Ryan come through the bar area to keep them dry! The speeches and meal commenced, finishing off with a stellar performance from the Undercover Waiters. The couple and their guests danced the night away with the help of South West Band – complete with inflatables, glow sticks, and light-up glasses – rain completely forgotten!
Tips from Team HPH –
- Bring your own umbrellas and urge guests to – you can even make this fun by having matching or personalised umbrellas!
- Relax, have fun and let go! All of our couples who have had a rainy-day wedding have said that it didn’t dampen their day; they were just delighted to finally be married and be surrounded by their loved ones.
- Have fun with your photos and always grab the opportunity to get some outdoor photos when there’s a break in the rain.. You can see from Toni + Ryan’s photos that nothing could have taken the smiles off their faces!
- Consider your footwear – Toni had some gorgeous heels but opted for some sensible, flat sandals in the end! As mentioned, she also brought some heel savers for her guests.. this is particularly helpful, especially when there are lawns to navigate.
- Outdoor matting for the grass is a great option and creates a dry walkway for yourselves and your guests, take a look at Your Event Cover or Bar Events UK, who have provided matting for some of our couples who prioritise this within their budget.
- Don’t keep checking the weather! As much as we’d love it to be, the weather is out of our control and constantly checking only causes stress and doubt! Poor weather can change all sorts – from your ceremony location to photo opportunities and timing.. but embrace the rain, take a breath, and remember that our staff will take care of all this for you!
- Make time for a Plan B! If you are worried about the weather, come and visit us before your big day and put some back-up plans into place so you aren’t surprised on the day itself – you could even speak to your photographer about some different photo opportunities or ways of keeping guests entertained inside rather than outside!
- Most importantly, remember that a wet knot is harder to untie!
A huge shoutout to all of the incredible suppliers that made this wedding truly amazing –
Photographer | Esther Louise Triffit – https://www.estherlouisetriffittphotography.com/
Florist | Serenity Blooms – https://www.serenityblooms.co.uk/
Makeup Artist | Amy Louise – https://www.instagram.com/__amylouisebeauty/
Hair Stylist | Amy Elliott – https://www.instagram.com/amyelliotthair/
Dress | Emily Bridalwear- https://www.emilybridalwear.co.uk/
String Trio | Simply Strings Trio – https://simplystringstrio.co.uk/
Undercover Waiters | The Undercover Waiters Ltd – https://theundercoverwaiters.co.uk/
Evening Band | South West Band – https://www.southwestband.co.uk/
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