Wet weather weddings

There are plenty of summer dresses out at the moment that are absolutely perfect for a wedding: gorgeous, chiffon affairs in lovely pale pastels that float around the knee in a froth of gentle colour.

Unfortunately, none of them are really suitable for a wedding in the weather as it stands at the moment, where you’re more likely to end up with swollen river water frothing round your knees than gauzy fabric.

So what to wear to a wet weather wedding? There are a few things to bear in mind when you’re choosing your outfit for a sunless ceremony, and luckily they're listed below!

Bold colours banish the blues

Pale clothes + water = inadvertently flashing your bits to the mother of the bride (a white dress is, of course, more than allowable if it’s the wedding dress). If it’s not you that’s getting hitched, try bright, bold blocks of colour to keep you covered and, more importantly, prevent you from fading into the dull, drizzly background in group photographs.

If you’re not comfortable with anything too in-your-face, why compromise with some lovely bright accessories? They’ll look great when paired with a stunning black evening dress, and will ‘pop’ against the grey backdrop.

Say ‘no’ to stilettos

A good pair of stilettos is a girl’s best friend; unfortunately, a good pair of stilettos is also the nemesis of inclement weather. Try jumping over a puddle in a pair of spike heels or walking across a field that’s even slightly damp and you will feel the full wrath of their enmity.

So go for wedges, snazzy flats or platforms, and by all means bring a spare pair to slip into between venues. And if it starts tipping buckets, don’t worry too much: wellies at a wedding might initially seem like a sartorial faux pas, but when the bride and groom look back they’ll certainly remember you were there. And it’ll spark a lot of conversations: what better way to break the ice with the attractive waiter/groomsman/vicar than some wacky waterproofing, especially if you’ve coordinated it with your dress?

Oh-la-la umbrellas

It isn’t just Rihanna who can rock and umbrella: with the right attitude and the perfect parasol, you can too. Don’t bring a brand-encrusted brolly, as it’s unlikely the bride and groom will want their nuptials to look like a very fancy golf tour. Find something bright in a colour that fits with the theme of their wedding and you can pose away while complementing the décor; you might even get extra brownie points for lending it to the bride for outdoor snaps.

Cover up

How many times did your mother tell you never to leave your house without a coat? A full-blown parka isn’t required here (yet), and while a lovely little shrug or an understated cardigan can lend cosy elegance to your outfit it might not be able to keep the rain off your shoulders. So why not try a slick, tailored jacket in sturdy tweed or water-repelling fabric? It’ll add a dash of cool to your ensemble while protecting you from actual dashes of cold rain.