How many of you are getting married or attending a wedding in June? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, at least 80 percent of you have at least one marriage to attend during “wedding month”. Ever wonder why June is such a popular month for weddings? Maybe it’s the romantic notion of being a June bride or perhaps is it due to the warmer weather and access to an endless amount of seasonal flowers? What bride would turn down a wonderful selection of flowers such as delphiniums, phlox or classic lilies at a much more affordable price than would be possible in other months? Although these reasons alone may be enough to make June the official “wedding month” for many brides, the tradition stems centuries back.

The Ancient Romans named June after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage who was the special deity of woman and for which they observed an annual festival on June 1st in her honor. Juno vowed to protect those who were married in her month and was believed to bring good health, happiness and prosperity to the young newlyweds. The Romans also believed Juno would help them give birth to their first child in the spring. This was the practical aspect to it. If a couple got married in June and the wife conceived, then the goddess would help her give birth before harvest time. This translated to the fact that she would be well enough to work the fields come harvest time. Hmm this doesn’t sound as romantic as you anticipated, right?

Naturally with time, these reasons for a June wedding faded and the mere tradition of being a June bride survived. Weddings amongst Greek-Americans during this popular month also increasingly flourished over the years. Lent is over, summer officially starts and it is also before everyone leaves the states to visit yiayia and pappou in Greece and Cyprus. As mentioned, June has many beautiful perks for a marriage, but it also has its disadvantages which can be quite significant.

Lovebirds pay a premium to tie the knot in June. You are also competing with a zillion other June weddings for booking the best venues, musicians, photographers and even churches! Trying to strike a deal may be difficult with the high level of demand during this month, but remember there are always ways to have your dream wedding, how you want it when you want it! Plan early and plan wisely, remember it is your wedding and they need your business. However there are many things that you won’t be able to alter, such as strict church rules or exceeding the maximum capacity at your reception site.

Greek Orthodox brides beware! If you’ve dreamt of having a violinist serenade you as you walk down the aisle, you may want to reconsider. Many Greek Orthodox Churches, such as those in New Jersey, only allow an organist or a harpist. Your very traditional parents surely have their own ideas of how your wedding should be, so before you relive your own special version of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, sit both sets of parents down and tell them what you envision. If they are still being persistent, then my advice to you is to “surprise” them and book a few vendors on your own. You will probably have to foot the bill, but you certainly will not have Greek flags on your invitations!

I may not be a June bride, but I am getting married very soon and must say wedding planning is quite demanding and can be a full time job. Feel free to email me for some tips and advice, let’s just say I am confident enough to write a book after all that I’ve been through and the wedding is still a few months away!

Maria
Maria.Athanasopoulos@gmail.com