What to Expect and How to Prepare for a Rainy Woodland Wedding at The Woods at Oakley
The Woods at Oakley outside Salisbury in Wiltshire, UK, with our towering trees, lush greenery, and natural serenity, provides the perfect backdrop for your dream woodland wedding that feels straight out of a fairytale. But as with any outdoor wedding, one element remains unpredictable: the weather. A woodland wedding can be stunning in the sunshine, but what if the skies open and rain begins to fall?
The truth is that rain doesn’t have to ruin your big day. In fact, with thoughtful preparation, a rainy woodland wedding can feel even more enchanting—think mist hanging between the trees, the sound of rain on canvas, and twinkling fairy lights reflected in puddles. If you’re planning to tie the knot at The Woods at Oakley, here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure that your rainy woodland wedding is every bit as beautiful and seamless as you dreamed.
How Can We Prepare for a Rainy Woodland Wedding?
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Embrace the Possibility of Rain
First things first: shift your mindset. Woodland weddings are at the mercy of nature, and rain is always a possibility in the UK. Instead of fearing it, prepare to embrace it. Rain adds a sense of intimacy, atmosphere, and drama that sunny days simply can’t replicate. Imagine walking down the aisle in the Hazel Bower ceremony area under umbrellas, with raindrops creating a soft soundtrack around you. When you view rain as part of the experience rather than an obstacle, you will enjoy your day, no matter the weather. There’s also something freeing in not being able to control every element of your wedding – instead of aiming for perfection you can enjoy your wedding day, come what may.
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Cover
The canopy of trees over the Hazel Bower, our licensed ceremony area, offers natural protection for you and your guests during your woodland wedding ceremony. You might find that this, plus some umbrellas, is enough to keep everyone dry as you exchange your legal vows (we have umbrellas you can borrow, as well as lots of other items left by previous couples – read our ‘Something Extra’ brochure here). If it’s expected to rain very heavily, we also have a stretch canvas that we can put up in the Hazel Bower (see what it looks like here). This is included in our Weekend Wooding package and available as an add-on for our Weekday Wooding package (read our brochure here to learn more about what’s included in our packages).
Our Hazel Bower stretch canvas
In the Bluebell Glade reception area, some form of structure, whether that be a marquee, stretch canvas or tipi, is a must. In our Weekday and Weekend Wooding packages, we include a stretch canvas for up to 50 people (take a look at our stretch canvas here). If you are having a larger celebration, you will need to bring in a larger structure to accommodate all your guests – we have several local companies we can recommend for this – read our ‘Friends of the Woods at Oakley’ brochure here. Having a large structure means that you and your guests are protected from all weather eventualities, including rain and extreme heat, which is becoming more common during UK summer months (read our blog on how to prepare for a woodland wedding in a heatwave here). You might also want to consider a structure that can have all sides down, in case of rain and wind.
Our Bluebell Glade stretch canvas
If you have guests staying in our luxurious Bell Tents, you may want to consider offering your accommodation (our stunning WW2 Nissen Hut) as a base for them to stay dry and to take a hot shower (our bell tent guests have their very own toilet and shower block, but some may prefer an indoor shower during rainy weather). Take a look inside the Nissen Hut and around the Bell Tents on our virtual tour here.
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Guest Comfort
Happy guests are the key to a joyful wedding atmosphere, rain or shine. You can plan for their comfort in advance by providing the following thoughtful features:
Ensure you have lots of space in your marquee for all your guests to mingle during your reception, and plenty of covered seating, where less able guests can sit comfortably. If you have any guests bringing dogs, you could even provide an animal comfort station – a cosy dog bed, blanket and water bowl under your marquee (read our blog on how to include animals in your woodland wedding here).
Consider providing your guests with umbrellas and blankets to keep them dry and toasty (we have two crates of blankets and umbrellas you can borrow – take a look at our ‘Something Extra’ brochure here).
If it’s chilly and the rain isn’t too heavy, you could light a fire at the fire pit in the Bluebell Glade (we provide the firewood!) to provide guests with extra warmth – you could even include a supply of marshmallows and sticks by the fire.
Marquee heaters can also be hired from All The Kit, a fabulous local company who can provide stretch canvases, dance floors, lighting, tables, chairs and heaters.
Provide a hot drinks station for guests – teas, coffees and hot chocolates will be greatly appreciated on a rainy day!
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Attire Choices
For the bride, consider a dress that sits just above the ground with your shoes on, and a fabric that’s easier to clean and less likely to show mud. Many brides choose to bustle their dress, so it doesn’t drag on the woodland floor, or switch to a shorter reception dress after the ceremony. Keep a pair of stylish waterproof boots handy (check out Marysia’s bright and beautiful wellies below!) and a shawl or cloak for the evening. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your dream woodland wedding dress, read our blog featuring our very own Woods at Oakley brides here.
For the groom and groomsmen, tweed, wool, or heavier fabrics often hold up better in damp conditions. Don’t be afraid to incorporate rain-friendly outerwear, like tailored jackets. You could also consider matching raincoats with your partner.
For the wedding party, make sure your bridesmaids and groomsmen have a waterproof layer and a warm option for the evening. You could provide matching umbrellas or raincoats, so everyone stays comfortable while looking coordinated. If you’re staying traditional with your colour scheme, perhaps the bride can be the only one with a white umbrella! You could even all wear matching wellies if it’s very wet.
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Beauty Prep
Waterproof makeup and setting sprays are a must for a rainy woodland wedding. The bride and bridesmaids could consider wearing their hair down to stay warmer however, if it’s a windy day, up-dos may be a better choice to keep hair in place (a professional stylist experienced with outdoor weddings will know how to prep hair, so it lasts despite the rain). Hair spray or gel is a good idea for everyone and make sure someone has some tissues packed in case of running make up from rain (or happy tears!).
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Rain-Ready Decorations
When decorating your rainy woodland wedding, make sure anything you set up the day before is waterproof, or leave it until the morning of the wedding. You could set up the inside of your marquee the day before, but make sure you lock it down overnight to protect your decorations.
Make sure your signage is weather resistant – opt for a pallet with posca pen writing on, wooden place names, or chalkboards with waterproof pens rather than paper, which can warp.
Use LED tealights in lanterns for waterproof mood lighting (as we are a woodland wedding venue, we don’t allow real candles). Turn any lights on for the entirety of the day, as they will twinkle in the rain and keep everyone that bit warmer! It will give your wedding a magical, cosy feel.
When it comes to flowers, lean into the woodland setting with natural moss, ferns, and greenery. Wet foliage often looks fresher and more vibrant, making your décor stand out even more. We welcome you to forage in the woods for natural decorations or speak to your florist about hardy flowers that can withstand the elements.
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Catering Adjustments
The right menu can make rainy weather feel even more charming. Warm, hearty options like pies, wood-fired pizzas or a hog roast are perfect for a rainy woodland setting – check out our ‘Friends of the Woods at Oakley’ brochure here for catering inspiration! Offering hot drinks such as mulled wine, spiced cider or hot chocolate will make a rainy day feel extra cosy and comforting.
In terms of practicalities, our woodland kitchen in the Bluebell Glade will provide your caterers with shelter to prepare your meals. Alternatively, they may bring their own gazebo or van to serve from. If you’re having a buffet, ensure the buffet tables are under shelter. The same goes for your cake! Cut your cake under your marquee, in a space where guests can see you clearly, then serve it on a sheltered table (click here for more woodland wedding cake inspiration, featuring our Woods at Oakley couples).
Do remember to prepare your caterers and any other suppliers for what to expect at The Woods at Oakley – send them our virtual tour here and organise a site visit if they haven’t been to us before, so you can talk through your ideas, including your wet weather (and hot weather!) plan.
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Entertainment
Ensure your band, musicians and sound equipment are all protected from the elements under your structure (the sound of live music mixing with raindrops on a canvas is unforgettably romantic) and that your marquee has a dry dance area for when music is playing – no one wants to risk slipping in the mud! You can hire dance floors, and a lot of marquee companies provide coir matting. For a personal, DIY touch, you could put old rugs down in your marquee for flooring!
For your guests, consider providing sheltered activities such as board games or children’s activity packs at their table places. Have all your major events of the day, including your first dance, underneath your canvas.
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Prepare your guests!
We can provide you with a guest information sheet to send to your guests. It includes information on how to get to us, accessibility, smoking, animals and weather! You may also want to consider sending more detailed information out to your guests nearer the time, once you know the forecast. If it’s due to be wet, ask them to be prepared with sensible shoes, a waterproof layer, an umbrella and high spirits. Ensure they know that your woodland wedding is outdoors but let them know what cover there will be, so they can feel prepared and not caught out.
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Keep the Ceremony Special
Even if the rain alters your ceremony plan, it doesn’t mean it will be any less meaningful. In fact, many couples find that rainy woodland ceremonies feel more intimate and connected to nature. However, rain can sometimes muffle voices, so ensure you have microphones or a sound system ready if needed (we provide electricity in the Hazel Bower). A romantic touch might be an umbrella arch created by your guests as you walk down the aisle – it will make for great photos too!
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Photography
Rain transforms woodland photography. The Woods at Oakley already provides a dreamlike backdrop, but add some mist, reflections in puddles, and shimmering raindrops, and you’ll have images that feel cinematic.
For your couples portraits, work with your photographer to get the best shots you can (we have a number of fantastic local photographers in our ‘Friends of the Woods at Oakley brochure’ here) Grab your brollies and wellies and head to different areas of the woods for stunning photo opportunities, including The Wishing Tree, an area well protected by trees and featuring a woodland swing! The Oak Grove, our glamping area, has incredible views of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside and can make for amazing photos with a dramatic backdrop on rainy days. You’ll also find a new addition to the woods in The Oak Grove – The Perch. A treetop viewing platform which offers a breathtaking vantage point over the rolling fields at the edge of the woodland.
When getting those group shots, your photographer will be able to advise on the best place for these to happen, whether it be under your marquee or in a more sheltered area of the woods, such as The Hazel Bower. Alternatively, you might prefer your photographer to focus on candid group shots during your reception and evening party.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, rain is just one part of your day, and your guests will take their cues from you. If you laugh, dance, and splash through puddles, they’ll embrace the atmosphere too. The Woods at Oakley is breathtaking in all weather, so trust that your setting will shine no matter what the forecast says.
Preparing for a rainy woodland wedding at The Woods at Oakley is all about balance: being practical while staying open to the romance of the unexpected. With umbrellas at the ready, cosy touches for your guests, and a willingness to embrace the magic of the rain, your woodland wedding will be unforgettable. After all, rain is said to bring good luck on your wedding day and, at The Woods at Oakley, it also brings a sense of wonder that only nature can provide.
Looking for a bit more help managing your woodland wedding? Our Venue Coordinator Rachel, who got married in the woods in August 2024, can be hired as an event manager to help make your day run smoothly. Read our blog about her story here and email us at enquiries@thewoodsatoakley.co.uk for more information.
