Wedding season is back in full force. I know because mine is also coming up! It’s part of the reason I am writing this blog; to distract myself from checking the forecast for the big day every time a new weather model updates. 

When you are planning an outdoor wedding, weather becomes the wedding planner.

I knew when we changed our date to late June, the weather would become a big concern of mine. Not just because I am a meteorologist, but because I love the idea of an outdoor ceremony, and typical late June weather is not always ideal for outdoor plans. 

For the safety and comfort of our guests, the venue will move our ceremony inside if there's a good chance of rain. I will be disappointed that we will have to pay a flip fee for our reception space, and everyone will say, "rain on your wedding day is good luck," but is there any truth in that?

Rain is supposed to be good luck and a symbol of a strong marriage ahead. You may be familiar with the phrase “tying the knot,” but do you know how it came about?

Tying the knot comes from the handfasting ceremony, a practice that binds couples together by tying knots of cloth around their hands. This ceremony represents two becoming one. 

Handfasting ceremonies originated in Scotland. This ancient Celtic practice dates back to the medieval era, but over time, handfasting became part of the engagement period. It was a ritual used to strengthen the bond of the soon-to-be-wedded couple before the official ceremony. 

Because a wet knot is harder to untie than a dry one, rain on your wedding day is a sign of good things ahead. But Tara Lucas, the bride you see in the photo below, said, "if I heard 'rain is good luck' or 'a wet knot is harder to untie' once more that day I would’ve lost it.”

If you’re like Tara and don’t want to hear rain is good luck on your wedding day, I understand. But, I have some more good news.

I asked my wedding photographer Danielle Layell if shooting in overcast conditions makes for better wedding photos. She said, "overcast defuses the light nicely. I wouldn't say it makes better photos necessarily, but a bonus is that it gives you more versatility, as far as where you can shoot, because you don't have to avoid harsh lighting or shadow." On a completely sunny day, Danielle says the sun can "cast shadows and blow out the background."

As a meteorologist, I always chuckle when I think about how the peak wedding season coincides with severe weather season and hurricane season.

A lot of couples love the idea of getting married in May. Tornadoes are also very common in May.

Another popular wedding month is September, a very busy hurricane month. Even if you're not getting married in an Atlantic coast state, guests that travel from hurricane-prone states may have trouble traveling.  

If you are getting married soon, try to remember while we can’t change the weather, we can change our attitude about the weather. We can also accessorize with cute bubble umbrellas and bright rainboots!