We all know that of this time of year is one for a little shower or two. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote in Carousel “Then April cried and stepped aside…” – and in our neck of the woods, we’re not going to lie that showers can quickly turn into a downpour!
Most new brides would consider rain on their big day NOT what they wanted – Alanis Morrisette must have found it Ironic (see what I did there!) for a reason; I’m not going to say that it is not what people expect. But fret not; did you know that rain on your wedding day is actually considered to be good luck?!
Don’t believe me, do you? Go ahead and laugh. Go and say it’s just something to ease the bride, nothing more. The origin of that may have been true; but I’ve been doing a bit of digging and there’s actually quite a bit of symbolism involved linking a bit of rain to a long and healthy marriage.
So, based off my (very unscientific) research, I’m going to give you the run down on why Mother Nature should be low on your importance list whist planning your wedding with us:
1)Rain is one of the crucial ingredients to allow plants and vegetation to grow, and so they say that rain on your wedding day is a sign of fertility – meaning you’re bound to have kids in your marriage. I have personal evidence of this: a few years ago, I went along to a friend’s wedding. It was December and it rained cats and dogs. But in the 4 and a bit year they’ve been married, they’ve managed to pop out 3 kids!!!
2)Rain also washes away dirt and pollution, making things clean – and so it is said that it is a symbol of cleansing. If you’d been going through a rough patch one point in your life (particularly with a former relationship), it’s encouraging that a bit of water can wash away those bad memories once and for all. It’s a very similar reason as to why brides traditionally wear white
3)We have an old Hindu belief to thank for this one: it’s also a symbol of unity, and a stronger relationship. Imagine a wet sailors knot – it’s MUCH harder to unpick it than it than if it were a dry one
4)It has also been said that a spot of rain is the last time the bride will shed tears in her marriage… Ok, I admit that this one is a little more skeptical. I mean, it just says tears, it doesn’t say whether they’re good or bad tears – there’s nothing wrong with a few happy tears at the right moment
Still not sure? Bit skeptical? I understand, as like me, you’re not a big believer of superstitions. So, I’ve got a few more general reasons:
Your florist will tell you the same thing, but your flowers will in fact last longer in rainy (and colder) conditions than they would be at the height of summer. Your photographer would also be just as prepared for a downpour (however big) as they would be in bright sunshine – there’s even things they can only do during or just after rain: props such as wellies and brollies could make some fun shots with the bridesmaids and groomsmen: or for the more majestic shots, mist can be used to good effect – and don’t forget rainbows!!
It also seems that weddings that have rain, from my own experience seem more romantic for the bride and groom, and that there is a better atmosphere in the barn – as nice as it is to be able to use the grounds on a hot summer’s day, we find that the party is livelier when everyone is “stuck” indoors by the bar. Also, just think of the stories your family and friends will tell.
On another level, and I say this from personal experience – is that everyone on Team Wellbeing is prepared for if/when April Showers do come. True, some plans may change but our awning in the Wheatsheaf Barn will be ready and waiting to be used, so you can still pop outside and see the llamas and donkeys (for example), and our team will be teaming with umbrellas! In short, we’re determined that the rain will not rain on your parade!
All photography by https://shanewebber.com/
