I think that the advice once given by lindac, I think, is the best: keep thinking about your GUESTS' feelings and comfort, not your own, and you won't go wrong.

We are expecting 70+ people in 2 1/2 hours, and it is POURING. Even if it stops, the ground will be too soaked to have the party outside. We will manage indoors, but it won't be the party I dreamed of for our 25th anniversary/50th birthday (mine) party. The rented tables and chairs and pretty tablecloths won't even be used. I am worried that some people won't come, because the invitation said "cookout and cocktails," and surely they won't stay as long.

So my challenge is to conceal my disappointment, keep smiling while listening to the same remarks about the weather a hundred times (not exactly the conversational theme one hopes for), and focus on making a wonderful evening for my GUESTS.

In the end, that will make me happiest, too, I know.