A Joyful, Rainy DIY Farmhouse Wedding in Poulton-le-Fylde
Rainy DIY farmhouse wedding reception Poulton-le-Fylde
We all know the unpredictable nature of British weather (especially in the North West), but when you’re planning a true DIY wedding, a Lancashire downpour can feel like the ultimate wildcard.
When Emily and Jonny planned their DIY wedding in Poulton-le-Fylde, they envisioned a relaxed, personal day centered around family, community, and their children. What they didn’t necessarily envision was the absolute torrential rain that was to greet them.
But here is the honest truth about wedding days: The weather doesn’t dictate the mood; the people do!
Bonus tip: Burying a wedding sausage doesn’t always work… 😉
This day became the absolute epitome of what a DIY wedding should be. It wasn’t about perfectly curated Pinterest boards or pristine weather; it was about a community pulling together to create something profoundly beautiful for a couple they love.
Here is how their incredible, laid-back day unfolded, and why a bit of rain might just be the best thing that could happen to your wedding video (and wedding memories!).
A Joyful DIY Wedding Highlights Video
A Chilled Morning with Family in Lancashire
The day kicked off at their family friends Mum’s local BnB in Poulton Le Fylde (Saracen’s House). I arrived to full English’s being enjoyed, along with a sausage butty of my own, before the girls all came together to open the gifts Emily had treated them to.
Over with the guys they were all ready, dressed and ready to leave way earlier than expected so my second videographer captured them arriving at the ceremony ahead of time and watching the morning nerves unfold.
In true DIY style Emily helped with hair and make-up for others as well as her own, before climbing into her stunning wedding dress with whimsical tulle sleeves. There was just enough time for a first look with her Parents, and a well timed ‘Mummy you look like a real princess’ from her Son before it was time to head over to the ceremony.
Joining me to document the day was Emilie May Photography who’s always a pleasure to work with!
The Legal Part: Simple, Chilled, and Personal
The rain was still lingering as we arrived at the local council registry office for the legal ceremony. It was intimate, understated, and completely focused on what mattered most to the the couple and their children. There’s something incredibly special about keeping the formal part simple; it sets a relaxed tone for the rest of the day, allowing everyone to let their hair down (even if the rain is trying to do the same!).
Their Son stood on his tip toes as he watched his Parent’s exchange the wedding rings he’d been looking after. They were then announced as Husband and Wife and it was time to celebrate!
A unique additon to wedding ceremonies at Wyre Civic Centre in Poulton Le Fylde is the drinks reception they can host for you afterwards. A table of nibbles and drinks were set up for guests to enjoy as well as a glass of fizz to enjoy a toast!
The rain eased off just enough for us to sneak outside into the beautiful gardens at Wyre Civic Centre for some confetti and releasing a pair of white doves. Releasing white doves on a wedding day is a tradition dating back thousands of years. It signifies love, peace, purity, and fidelity. Because doves mate for life, the flight of the birds represents the couple’s lifelong commitment. It also marks a new beginning together!
Back to Mum’s: The Ultimate Community DIY Effort
After the text-book British weather opened up, the reception moved back to Mum’s traditional Lancashire farmhouse. This is where the magic of a real DIY wedding truly shined!
Instead of a formal coordinator and a huge to-do list, there was an army of family and friends stepping up to the plate. As the rain came down, everyone pitched in:
- The Seating: A wonderful, mismatched collection of chairs borrowed from neighbors lined the space.
- The Shelter: A patchwork of gazebos became the ultimate refuge, with friends on hand to adjust them last-minute and rescue decor from the downpour.
- The Feast: The farmhouse kitchen was absolutely crammed with family members, laughing, chatting, and cooking up a storm together (the curry was absolutely delicious!)
- The Refreshments: A rustic wheelbarrow piled high with ice and beer kept everyone hydrated and perfectly reflected the laid-back vibe.
Every single corner of the farmhouse was filled with personal, handmade touches. Because everyone had a hand in building the day, the atmosphere was filled with warmth, teamwork, and genuine celebration. Nobody cared about damp hair or wet grass, everyone just embraced exactly what the day was and made sure the couple enjoyed it too!
Why Rain Can Be a DIY Wedding’s Secret Weapon
If you’re currently planning a DIY wedding in Lancashire and checking the weather forecast with a sense of dread, take comfort in this story. Torrential rain often does something magical to a wedding: it brings people closer!
When it rained on our wedding day back in 2009 someone shared some wisdom with me that I love to share with couples. “A wet knot is harder to untie than a dry one” and I was happy to take that after our wet wedding all those years ago!
When plans have to adapt, guests don’t stand around politely or watch on awkwardly; they muck in. They laugh as they run under umbrellas, they squeeze tight into the farmhouse kitchen, and they bond instantly over the shared adventure. It strips away any remaining formality and leaves you with a celebration that is 100% authentic, joyful, and deeply memorable.
It’s also SO much fun to film for a wedding videographer than loves genuine moments like me!
How to Prepare Your DIY Wedding for the Lancashire Weather
You can’t control the rain clouds or the weather (even if people claim the sausage or Etsy witches work), but you can control your mindset (and your kit list!). If you’re planning a relaxed, outdoor, or home-based wedding, here are a few ways to ensure the rain only adds to the fun:
- Beg, Borrow, and Steal (Shelter): Just like this couple, make sure you have a backup plan of gazebos, pop-up tents, or a nearby barn/garage space. Having friends ready to deploy them takes the stress off your shoulders.
- Lean on Your Village: A DIY wedding thrives on community. Let your bridal party, family, and neighbors help. It turns logistics into shared memories.
- Outsource Entertainment: Happen to have a Brother who was a fire performer like Emily? Or your Dad used to be in a band? Use your skilled family members and hire them to make the day even more personal (and memorable!)
- Embrace the Imperfect: Mismatched chairs, a wheelbarrow for a bar, and a crowded kitchen aren’t compromises! They are the character and soul of your day.
- Choose the Right Storyteller: On a fast-moving, rainy DIY day, the last thing you want is a videographer who insists on stiff, orchestrated poses in the downpour. You need someone who can pivot, capture the chaos beautifully, and find the magic in the candid moments.
Capturing the Real Stuff as a Lancashire Wedding Videographer
As a Lancashire wedding videographer, days like this are my absolute absolute favorite to film. When a couple is this relaxed and focused on their family and children, it translates beautifully onto screen.
My goal is always to capture your day exactly as it felt. The laughter in the crowded kitchen, the frantic last-minute gazebo adjustments, the kids splashing about, and the pure joy of everyone pulling together.
The films I create aren’t about manicured perfection; they are about real life, real love, and the beautiful, unscripted moments that happen when you just let the day flow.
Planning a relaxed, DIY wedding in Lancashire (whatever the weather!)? If you’re looking for a chilled-out wedding videographer who will document your day in a candid, completely un-posed way, I’d love to chat. Contact Me Here to see if I’m available for your date!