What to do about outdoor ceremony with rain?

Does your venue not have a rain plan? Umbrellas are definitely not sufficient.

I would find an indoor backup plan. I’ve been to a wedding where they refused to move it indoors when it was raining. Everyone huddled under tents and stood in the mud. The wedding party had clear umbrellas and all of them were soaked by the end of the ceremony because the rain was coming down sideways. It was also 50 degrees and it was pretty miserable for everyone.

I think your options are have the ceremony inside or rent a tent. I agree with your dad; umbrellas are not actually going to make your guests comfortable standing in the rain (there are so many issues with this; e.g., will the ground be muddy, what is the temperature, will there be any wind at all, how will the seats be kept dry, will there be anywhere for guests to go who simply can't/won't stand in the rain, etc.).

Will you and all your guests (and their chairs) fit in the gazebo? That could be an option, but only if everyone fits.

I wouldn't worry about putting any decor out in the rain. Just bring it inside if you move the ceremony.

I haven’t experience this. But my first thoughts are, how many guests are at your wedding? How cool are they? Personally I wouldn’t mind being out in the rain if I had a Pancho + Umbrella. Though I could understand others not being okay with that. Is there any possible way the ceremony can be moved indoors? Or can you find a low-cost tent situation? It may not even rain either! Weather changes so quickly. There’s been multiple times I had something outdoor planned, and it was supposed to rain, but it didn’t. Just incase it does make sense to have a back up plan though! Good luck to you with this 🤗❤️

I also don't think the umbrellas are going to cut it. A tent or indoor back up plan is better.

Is there an indoor backup if needed. Also is it going to rain during the ceremony time? On my wedding day it was overcast so we risked it because the radar showed no rain during our ceremony time. It ended up sprinkling for 30 seconds towards the end of the ceremony. Thankfully it was warm (summer wedding) and it didn’t last long and everyone laughs about it now.

Added a picture for my previous comment. A couple people tried to cover themselves but as you can see we just laughed 🤷🏼‍♀️ It is what it is.

Indoor backup plan is your best option. It’s the only way to ensure your guests stay dry and the ceremony stays pretty. Umbrellas are probably the worst option. Even clear ones will block people’s sight lines.

As a wedding violinist please get the tent or do it inside. Umbrellas are cute for bride and groom pics but they don’t cut it for ceremonies. There are many problems with rain like being cold and wet and ruining hair and makeup, getting mud on your dress and people’s outfits and shoes, not being able to hear the officiant and vows, any equipment and decor can’t be out there. Better to have it inside or spend the tent money and enjoy your wedding than ruin it in the rain.

Umbrellas may look cute in pictures but there are other things to consider like wet chairs and ground that your guests will be stuck dealing with. You will either need a tent to shelter your guests or find an indoor spot if you want everyone to be comfortable.

You need to have an indoor backup plan - it's not ok to ask guests to stand in the rain for your ceremony, umbrellas or not.