It feels like the wettest summer we have had in years. If you are planning an outdoor ceremony in June or July, you might be watching the forecast with a bit of dread right now.

A few months ago, I shared a guide on keeping DIY flowers alive in the heat. But let us be realistic about our local climate. What happens when the heatwave turns into a downpour?

If you have taken the brave step of doing your own wedding flowers, there is absolutely no judgement here. It is a brilliant way to save money. But as the big day approaches, you need a solid backup plan to ensure your beautiful blooms survive the ceremony, even if your hairdo does not.

Here are my top professional tips for managing your flowers in bad weather.

1. Wind is the Real Enemy

Rain makes things wet, but wind snaps stems. If you have built your own aisle meadows or entrance arrangements, they will act like sails in a strong gust.

The fix: Weight everything down. If your arrangements are in buckets or plastic trays, fill the bottom with heavy stones or sandbags before adding water. A heavy base stops your hard work from blowing over and getting crushed on the wet ground.

2. Protect Delicate Petals from Bruising

Heavy rain does not just make flowers soggy. Large raindrops will physically bruise delicate blooms like peonies and sweet peas, turning the petals brown.

The fix: Keep your bouquets and delicate arrangements indoors or completely covered until the absolute last minute. Do not set them out an hour early. Give the job of bringing the flowers outside to a trusted groomsman just before the guests arrive.

3. Build Modular Arrangements for "Plan B"

If the weather forces your outdoor ceremony inside, you need to be able to move your flowers quickly.

The fix: Avoid tying massive fresh arrangements directly to outdoor structures if the weather looks bad. Instead, build your designs in sturdy containers that can be picked up and carried indoors at a moment's notice.

4. Dry the Stems Before the Aisle

If you have had to dash through a shower to get to the venue, the stems of your bouquet will be dripping wet.

The fix: Keep a clean, dry towel in the bridal car. Give the stems a really good wipe down right before you walk down the aisle. You do not want muddy rainwater dripping onto the front of your dress.

A Quick Note on the Future

Moving wet, heavy fresh flowers in a panic is incredibly stressful. That is exactly why I am launching a dedicated luxury artificial flower hire service this coming October. Our hire arches and moongates are completely weatherproof and heavy enough to withstand a storm, making them the ultimate stress-free option for unpredictable weather.

But for those of you braving the elements right now with your fresh DIY blooms: stay calm, keep them weighted down, and embrace the day. A bit of rain just makes for better photographs anyway!