Getting Married During Mercury Retrograde: Everything You Need to Know

While I am already a believer in the woohoo of this world, nothing solidifies and strengthens that outlook quite like weddings during mercury retrograde. Mercury retrograde - at its baseline understanding - is to expect something to go wrong. It’s a time where communication is fuzzy, technology acts up, and your ex decides they must text you back. This isn’t exactly the energy you want on your wedding day, but sometimes that venue only has one day open and it is smack dab during mercury retrograde. Here’s all you need to know about getting married during mercury retrograde. 

What is Mercury Retrograde - Astrologically Speaking

Summed up in one sentence: Earth and Mercury are both in their own lanes, orbiting the sun and sometimes on that ecliptic speedway in the sky the differing speeds cause mercury to look like it is going backwards (think Michael Jackson Moonwalking). 

What is Mercury Retrograde - Astrology Wise 

Summed up in one sentence: If it can go wrong it will go wrong, but in minor inconveniences. 

Getting Married During Mercury Retrograde - The Pitfalls & How to Navigate Them

Pitfall #1: Something will go wrong

Now, I’m someone who takes comfort in that statement because the flip side of that is perfectionism is off the table and at the hands of fate. By pre-accepting that things can’t go perfectly, that is a huge weight off of your shoulders to dictate things that are simply not in your control. 

To me, this sets off my MacGyver/Problem solving genes. I am ready to pivot, I’m in the wings with safety pins in hand ready to tackle any problem. 

In my time I’ve seen: 

• The groom's dad forgot his pants and a vendor so graciously gave up his pants for the groom.

• My heel has broken multiple times (my shoes seem to have a personal vendetta against me during mercury retrograde).

• Ear screeching feedback from microphones

• Microphones simply not working

HOW TO NAVIGATE: Pre-acceptance in your (and other’s) humanity (and maybe an emergency kit with nail glue and a small sewing kit stashed away somewhere close). Embrace the unexpected hiccups and think of how you will tell the story of your wedding with a comical twist to combat the stresses. 

Pitfall #2: Time will get lost.

Perhaps the most famous examples of Mercury Retrograde are f-ups timewise: EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IS LATE. 

Traffic magically appears and the ETA is suddenly an hour after your original time. Lines, delays, you name it. An elopement, there is some wiggle room there on navigating tardiness - but a wedding venue is not so quick to give you grace nor are the caterers going to be happy reheating the food.

HOW TO NAVIGATE: While you can’t help the things out of your control (a tree deciding to block an entire road, an establishment that is severely understaffed and there are lines out the door), you can at least be prepared. I give myself a 30 minute buffer. While that seems like a lot, if I get there early that’s my treat to scroll Tik Tok a few more minutes in the day. 

Pitfall #3: Small announces amount to quick tempers

On a day when you want everything to go right, and a lot of little things (or big things) are going wrong and way off plan - you are undoubtedly going to get frustrated and tempers can be quick. And who will you most likely lash out at - those closest to you. And who are all gathered in the same space - all those you love the most. And they will take the brunt of your temper. 

HOW TO NAVIGATE: Stay calm and channel your most unbothered self. I like to think of myself going through life like Matthew McConaughey - just coasting. 

BONUS PITFALL: Unexpected Appearances from Your Past

Yep, I’m talking about ex’s resurfacing. A hallmark feature of Mercury Retrograde - a text from your ex. It’s a classic rom-com troupe and I’ve seen it firsthand as a reality. 

During one wedding I was holding their phones in my booklet because that is where their vows were. One of the bride’s phone was lighting up nonstop with calls and texts - and that name matched her tattoo across her collar bone and not the woman standing in front of her….

As I handed her the phone, I gave her a look, her eyes got wide, and her soon to be wife saw who it was and rolled her eyes. Visibly annoyed, but understanding of the fact that he is a thorn in her side forever since there are kids involved. I commend them both for laughing it off and there were no bad vibes. I even made a joke that we all have {insert annoying ex’s name here} because ironically, I also have an ex-husband with the same name.

CONCLUSION

So, while the idea of Mercury Retrograde falling on your wedding day might bring a shivering superstitious “uh-oh” to your mindset, don’t let it overshadow your big day. Be prepared (mentally and physically) and remember that true love conquers any cosmic hiccups.