Wedding Weather

SUMMER is the season of love, or so it may seem from the number of weddings that take place in Britain during the months of May to September.

Around 60 per cent of all marriages in England and Wales take place during these months and there are various reasons why so many couples set their heart on a summertime wedding.

The fragrance and beauty of an abundant supply of flowers is just one reason and although many varieties can now be obtained out of season, grown in greenhouses or imported from abroad, seasonal flowers are more likely to be fresher and less expensive.

The summer offers a wonderful assortment of roses, carnations, gardenia, daisies, freesia and orchids.

Tradition may also play its part in the popularity of summer weddings.

Pagan custom considered the summer a good time to marry because of the sun's association with fertility.

June especially was considered to be a lucky month.

June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of love and marriage, who vowed to protect those who married in her month.

Almost 28,000 people in England and Wales marry in June each year.

Essentially it is actually the weather that lies at the heart of many couples' decisions to marry during summer, and July stands out as the most popular month.

The warning given in an old English proverb - 'if the first of July be rainy weather, it will rain, more or less, for four weeks together' - has done little to cool the enthusiasm of a host of couples who choose to walk down the aisle in July.

According to an ancient proverb you're pretty safe from the threat of poor weather if you observe the golden rule: 'never cast a clout till May be out'.

The weather, however, is a law unto itself. It shows little respect for ancient custom or proverbial assurances. Therefore, despite many couples choosing the summer in hope of a warm, sunny day, many do not actually get it and some get an odd mix of rain and shine - which can cause chaos with the caterers!

Only about six per cent of weddings in England and Wales take place April, with showers being a major concern for many couples.

According to Met Office records April 2000 was the wettest April since records began, with a total of 143mm of rain during the month. The previous highest April totals were in 1782!

So, it appears, it really doesn't matter which month of the year, or which season you choose for getting married.

The weather can let you down at the most unlikely times and similarly can outshine even the gloomiest of forecasts.

If you do find the sun is not among the guests on your wedding day, remember it really isn't the end of the world.

Look on the bright side: according to a Native American adage, a nuptial downpour means you'll never cry over your marriage.

It is now possible to check the forecast well in advance of a particular date. If you discover rain is likely, consider some of the following:

* Pop along to the reception venue before the wedding and have a good look round for the best interior settings for your photographs.

Talk with the manager to ensure he is aware of your wet weather contingency plan.

* Not all wedding photographs have to be strictly formal. If it is going to rain, why not make light of it and arrange for the bridal party to carry co-ordinating umbrellas? A shot of you all stood in the rain, under an array of brollies, will make an unusual and fun addition to the official album!

* If it's not raining but the ground is soggy from a prior downpour, ask an usher to provide a roll of carpet (off-cuts usually inexpensive).

You can stand on this for the outside photographs and the heels of your expensive shoes won't sink into the ground.

n Invest in a long velvet cape, which won't crush your dress in the same way a coat might. You will look extremely regal as you walk from the car to the church and travel on to the reception.