June Weddings: Should You Still Say 'I Do'?

June is a popular month for weddings. The month is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, so it has long been considered auspicious to marry then. The good weather and lack of major holidays also make June a convenient month for weddings, offering flexibility for travel and a wide range of venue options. However, the popularity of June weddings means venues and vendors are often more expensive during this time.

Pros and cons of a June wedding

June is one of the most popular months to get married, with good weather, time off, and historical context on its side. Here are some pros and cons of a June wedding:

Pros

• June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of love, marriage, and childbirth, making it an auspicious month for weddings.
• The month usually brings long days, beautiful weather, and an abundance of flowers, creating a perfect setting for a celebration.
• June offers flexibility for travel and makes various locations, venues, and themes possible.
• There are plenty of in-season food and floral options, such as salads, fresh herbs, and strawberries or blueberries for desserts.
• It is the off-season in many tropical and mountainous locations, so you may find better rates on wedding venues.
• It is easier for guests with children to attend, as they don't have to deal with school schedules.

Cons

• June is a popular month for weddings, so venues and vendors often have higher prices.
• The weather can be unpredictable, with the possibility of hurricanes and intense heat in some regions.
• You may need to avoid certain observances, such as Father's Day and Pride Month celebrations, to ensure your desired date doesn't clash with other events.
• June weddings can attract bigger crowds, especially for destination weddings, so advance planning and booking are necessary.

The history of June weddings

The popularity of June weddings has a long history, with several reasons being given for why this month is considered auspicious for nuptials.

The tradition is thought to have originated in ancient Rome, with the month of June being named after Juno, the goddess of marriage, childbirth, feminine vitality, and fertility. Juno was also considered the protector of women in all aspects of life, especially in marriage and childbearing, so it was considered lucky to marry in her namesake month.

The timing of June weddings also has a practical element. In the Middle Ages, bathing was less frequent, and people often only bathed a few times a year. The peasant class might only bathe once annually, usually in late spring, making June a good time to marry as people would still be relatively clean.

Flowers were also an important consideration. In ancient times, the availability of fresh flowers influenced the season of weddings, and this continued until relatively modern times when flowers became available year-round due to air shipping. June, with its abundance of blooms, was an optimal time for weddings, and the fragrant flowers also helped to mask any body odour.

June weddings were also popular because of the mild weather, which made travel easier for guests, and the timing was good for any resulting babies, who would be born the following spring and have a better chance of survival.

Finally, according to an old wives' tale, marrying in June will bring a couple a lifetime of happiness and prosperity.

Weather considerations

June is a great month for a wedding, with the promise of warm weather and sunny skies. However, there are a few weather considerations to keep in mind when planning your June wedding.

Firstly, while June usually brings warm temperatures, it can also be unpredictable, depending on your location. In some years, there may be intense heat, with temperatures soaring to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in the South and Southwest. Therefore, it is important to choose a venue with good air conditioning to ensure your guests' comfort. Additionally, suggest air-conditioned accommodations to your guests, especially if they are travelling from out of town.

Secondly, hurricanes and large-scale fires are also a possibility in June. If you are planning a wedding in a coastal state such as Florida, Texas, North Carolina, or Louisiana, keep an eye on the local weather forecast and have a backup plan in case of tropical storms. Similarly, if you are planning an outdoor wedding, be mindful of the fire risk and have an alternative indoor venue lined up if necessary.

Lastly, while June usually offers beautiful weather, there is always the slight chance of rain. To prepare for this, have a backup plan for your ceremony and reception in case of unexpected showers. Consider renting a boat or a rooftop venue for the evening if the weather is ideal, but have a plan B in place, such as an indoor venue or a marquee.

To summarise, while June is typically a great month for a wedding in terms of weather, it is important to be prepared for all possibilities. Stay informed about your wedding date's weather forecast, provide weather tips to your guests, and always have a backup plan. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your June wedding is a success, regardless of the weather.

June wedding traditions

June has been the most popular month to get married for centuries. The sixth month of the year is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage, love, fertility, and childbirth. Tying the knot in Juno's month was considered auspicious and was believed to bring happiness and prosperity.

In medieval times, people didn't bathe very often. The nobility bathed monthly or a few times a year, while peasants might bathe just once a year, usually in the spring. So, a June wedding meant everyone would smell their best. Brides carried bouquets of fragrant herbs and flowers to mask any unpleasant odours.

The availability of fresh flowers was also a factor. The best selection of blooms was found in late spring, making it an optimal time to marry.

Another reason for the popularity of June weddings is rooted in Christian Europe during the Middle Ages. Weddings did not take place during Lent, and banns (an announcement of the intention to marry) had to be read over three consecutive Sundays. This meant couples had to wait until late spring to marry, after the banns had been read.

In Celtic tradition, the term "honeymoon" refers to the first full moon of the summer solstice, when newlyweds were told to drink honey every night to increase their health and virility.

Planning and preparation

June is a popular month for weddings, so it's important to plan and prepare well in advance. Here are some key considerations:

• Budget: June weddings are in high demand, so venues and vendors often have higher prices. When creating your budget, prioritise must-haves and decide what can be adjusted or cut if needed.
• Weather: While June usually has sunny skies and warm temperatures, it's important to stay informed about the weather forecast for your wedding date. Provide weather tips on your wedding website and always have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather conditions.
• Date Conflicts: Although there are no major holidays in June, there are a few observances to keep in mind, such as Father's Day and Pride Month celebrations. Choose a date that avoids clashing with these events.
• Venue: June opens up a variety of venue options, from beach ceremonies to vineyard or garden receptions. Consider the size of your guest list and choose a venue that can accommodate your guests comfortably.
• Catering: Take advantage of in-season produce and seafood options for your wedding menu. Incorporate spring greens, fresh herbs, and desserts featuring strawberries or blueberries.
• Flowers: Popular blooms such as calla lilies, lisianthus, hydrangeas, peonies, and roses will be in season. Use them to create beautiful bouquets and decor that complement your chosen colour scheme.
• Attire: Opt for comfortable and lightweight fabrics for the wedding party and guests. Suggest breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton for suits. For outdoor weddings, avoid formal neutrals like black and white, and instead choose lighter colours that complement the natural scenery.
• Guest Accommodation: If your wedding venue is in a popular holiday destination, consider suggesting air-conditioned accommodations for your guests. This will ensure their comfort, especially if your wedding is during a heatwave.
• Invitations and Paper Designs: Choose whimsical handwritten scripts or botanical designs that accent your custom photo invitations. Send out invitations early, especially if your wedding is during the peak travel season, to ensure your guests can make the necessary arrangements.

Frequently asked questions