Come rain or shine!

I hope this cold weather hasn't dampened your mood....or spoilt your wedding plans.

What happens if you have your heart set on an outdoors wedding but you're worried about the weather? My first piece of advice is: if you are a control freak, do not think about having an outdoors wedding. You won't be able to control the weather, and as your stress levels will be up under normal circumstances, bad weather is only going to push your stress levels through the roof.

On the other hand, an outdoors wedding has it's advantages. Being outdoors, you aren't limited with guests numbers, it's a relaxed environment, and it can save you money! Best part is that Mother Nature takes care of the decor for you! A great thing about being outdoors is that you can have games like frisbees, cricket, kites, which will keep the children occupied and out of trouble.

But what about the rain? It can literally dampen the mood! When you plan your venue, ask if there's a hall available should the weather turn bad. Alternatively, hire a canopy tent (with sides which protect you from the rain) and this will offer shelter from rain or the harsh sun! Check the weather forecast regularly to avoid being caught unprepared.

Have a number of umbrellas on hand for your unprepared guests. On your wedding invitation, you can include a few lines from one of Frank Sinatra's songs:
“I’m gonna love you
Like nobody’s loved you,
Come rain or come shine.
High as a mountain, deep as a river,
Come rain or come shine.”

It is believed that it is a blessing if you have rain on your wedding day. On the day of "tying the knot", a wet knot is harder to untie than a dry know!

This is a well known blessing, and I wish it for you, if you are a bride to be:

Happy is the bride that rain falls on
May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future
Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May your hands be forever clasped in friendship
And your hearts joined forever in love.
Your lives are very special,
God has touched you in many ways.
May his blessings rest upon you
And fill all your coming days.
We swear by peace and love to stand,
Heart to heart and hand to hand.
Hark, O Spirit, and hear us now,
Confirming this our Sacred Vow.