Plan everything, including the weather!

Ah, wouldn't it be amazing to be able to know, months in advance, what kind of weather you might expect on your wedding day? Of course the Americans are way ahead and have already found an answer to this ancient bridal worry. That's right, in the US of A you can plan your wedding day down to the last ray of sunlight!

By Trailer screenshot (Singin' in the Rain trailer) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The tool provided by the Weather Channel is called the Wedding Planner, and it makes its predictions based on historical weather data. You just need to enter a US postal code and a chosen date, and voilà - you'll be able to find out if the sun will shine on your big day!

UK brides can't - at least, not yet - count on technology to dodge rainy days. However, they can always rely on tradition! The Royal Meteorological Society has put together a handy powerpoint presentation that takes the "myth" out of weather folklore and explains the scientific foundations of good old sayings such as "red sky at night, shepherd’s delight", "when swallows fly high, it will be dry", "when halo rings around the moon or sun, rain is approaching on the run".

But if you're stuck with the luck of having a rainy wedding day remember to put together a back-up plan! Check with your venue if mats can be provided in case of rain - that way you can use them to assemble paths connecting the marquee to the main building. You should also gather a handsome supply of umbrellas and wellies matching your colour theme, after all, the last thing you want featuring on your wedding photos is an ugly promotional brolly. And finally remember to treat yourself and your guests with a cosy warm drink, a soft shawl and a big smile!