Is Rain on Your Big Day Really a Blessing?

Whatever the level of preparation on a wedding day, the one wild card is the weather. For whatever reason — a light drizzle, or a deluge, in the forecast — rain can become an object of anxiety: Both over sopping clothes and a perfect hair day gone wrong in photos. Though everyone wishes for sun, cloudy skies needn’t put a dampener on things. Rain, a good luck omen for many, has indeed been through a few hard times.

But does the widespread belief in this superstition have any basis in reality — or is it just a convenient explanation for people waking up to gray skies? To find out, we consulted two wedding experts. Here, they weigh in on the lore, offer insights from a number of cultures and give practical advice on what to do if a rainy wedding day is staring you square in the face.

The History and Meaning of Weddings in the Rain

It’s not a new concept that rain is considered good luck for the future of a couple. It goes back to Hindu tradition, in which rain signifies fertility. Rain brings life to the land so on a rainy day one is promised children after getting married. In this custom, it’s also believed that a wet knot is more difficult to untie, symbolizing a permanent and strong union.

There may be contrasting interpretations in other cultures, yet rain generally is considered a positive symbol. For some, this includes the possibility that it will wash away the sins of the past and open the way to a better future. Some believe it symbolizes the final tearing of a lifetime of happiness. Though some interpretations say it signals an unfavorable omen, the majority, take it as a good start.

Does Rain on Your Wedding Day Actually Bring Good Luck?

It's a nice thought, but whether rain is lucky or not comes down to perspective. The wedding planners Serena Blake of Everbright Celebrations and Jordan Lang of Timeless Harmony Events argue that it’s all about perspective.

“Rain can be a let down after months of prep for the day. But if you can change your thinking a little, it can be something beautiful.’ It is also really about how you and your loved ones react to the unplanned.” And here’s why, as she likes to point out: Embracing the moment — rain and all — can help ensure the event is just that much more memorable.

Lang agrees. “I don’t believe in luck, per se,” they say. “But I also believe that life is the accumulation of moments. If you and your partner dance in the rain together, is that luck — or is it joyous acceptance of life on its terms?

How to Make the Most of a Rainy Wedding Day

Superstitious or not, your attitude can set the tone for the day. Here, expert advice for how to transform a soggy forecast into a delightful experience:

Think of the Positives

It may not be your favorite kind of weather, but you cannot ignore the simple beauty of the rain. It makes for unforgettable memories and really adds a bucket load of romance — think about snuggling under an umbrella with your loved one, or your first kiss as man and wife in the rain. Cloud cover also usually makes for softer, filtered light — which makes photographers happy. And if the elements conspire to bring your nuptials indoors or under a tent, the result can be an even more intimate and involved celebration.

Plan Ahead

There is no changing the weather, however preparation makes all the difference. Every pair who is planning an outdoor fete should have a minimum of two contingency plans. Blake recommends making your Plan B as seamless as possible with your original vision so that it doesn’t feel like a step backward. Consider whether flooring is included, how the food will be moved around and whether you want to control the climate (through heaters or fans) there.

Let Go of Control

Once your plans are in place, let go and trust your team. It can be stressful to try to force conditions to be right, or to watch and track conditions too obsessively. “Micromanaging weather simply heightens anxiety,” Blake says. “You just have to trust your vendors, and just celebrate. You have a lot of people who love you, honey — rain and shine.”

With the best attitude and some preparation, rain will cease to be a hassle — it will be poetic, powerful part of the love story you tell for years.