June Bride: A Classic Wedding Song Choice?

The song June Bride from the 1954 musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a popular choice for weddings. The song's lyrics celebrate the tradition of June weddings, derived from the belief that the Roman goddess of marriage, Juno, blesses couples with happiness and prosperity. The song's upbeat tone and romantic lyrics make it a fitting choice for a bridal procession, especially for summer weddings.

The meaning of 'June Bride'

The phrase "June bride" refers to the superstition that a couple who marries in June will be blessed with prosperity and happiness. The tradition of the June bride is thought to have originated in ancient Roman times. The month of June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of love and marriage, and wife of Jupiter. Juno was also associated with feminine vitality and fertility and was considered a protectress of Roman women.

In addition to the blessing of Juno, there are several other reasons why June became the most popular month for weddings in Western culture. One practical reason is that a woman who married in June was more likely to give birth to her first child in early spring, giving her time to recover before the fall harvest. In medieval Europe, people bathed less frequently, so a June wedding meant that people would be smelling their best. Weddings also did not take place during Lent, so couples had to wait until late spring to marry.

The tradition of carrying flowers or wearing flower wreaths also contributed to the popularity of June weddings, as this was when the best selection of fresh flowers was available. The term 'honeymoon' also refers to the first moon after the summer solstice, which occurs in June.

The saying goes:

> "Oh, they say when you marry in June, you’re a bride all your life, and the bridegroom who marries in June gets a sweetheart for a wife."

The song's suitability for weddings

"June Bride" is a song from the 1954 musical film "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". The song's lyrics are centred around the concept of getting married in the month of June, which has traditionally been associated with weddings and romance.

The song's opening lines, "Oh, they say when you marry in June, You're a bride all your life", set the tone for the rest of the lyrics, which explore the idea that a couple marrying in June is a sign of lasting love and happiness. This belief is further reinforced by the line "For they say when you marry in June, You will always be a bride", implying that a June wedding brings good fortune and a long-lasting marriage.

The song also touches on the excitement and joy of the wedding day, with references to flowers, music, and the bride's journey down the aisle. It captures the magic and romance of a June wedding, making it a fitting choice for couples who are tying the knot during this month.

However, it is important to note that the song also includes traditional gender roles and dynamics that may not align with modern sensibilities. Lines such as "They're each promising to love and obey" reflect the expectations of a different era and may not resonate with all audiences.

Overall, "June Bride" is a song that celebrates the beauty and significance of a June wedding. Its lyrics and themes make it a suitable choice for couples looking to incorporate traditional and romantic elements into their wedding day.

The popularity of June weddings

Cultural and Historical Significance

June has been associated with weddings and marriage since ancient Roman times. The month is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, and wife of Jupiter. Couples who married in June were believed to be blessed with happiness and a fruitful union. This tradition continued into the medieval period, with newlyweds exchanging vows in June. Additionally, June was the flower season in the Roman Empire, making it an ideal time for weddings.

Influence of Religion

In Europe during the Middle Ages, weddings could not take place during Lent. Additionally, banns, an announcement of the intention to marry, had to be read over three consecutive Sundays before the wedding. These factors often delayed weddings until late spring, making June a popular choice.

Seasonal Considerations

The availability of fresh flowers has also played a role in the popularity of June weddings. While modern transportation has made flowers accessible year-round, locally sourced flowers are still preferred by many couples, keeping June a sought-after month for weddings. Warmer weather and longer days also contribute to the appeal of June, offering a more comfortable and convenient setting for the celebration.

Superstition and Folklore

Folklore and superstition have also contributed to the popularity of June weddings. It was believed that a bride married in June would be a "bride all her life" and that the couple would enjoy a happy and blessed marriage. Additionally, in ancient times, bathing was less frequent, and June offered a time when people were likely to be cleaner and smell better for their weddings.

Practical Considerations

Practical considerations, such as work schedules and destination wedding planning, also make June a convenient choice. Many occupations offer more flexibility during the summer months, making it easier for couples and guests to attend weddings. For destination weddings, summer is often the off-season in tropical and mountainous locations, offering better rates and availability.

The film 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'

"June Bride" is a song from the 1954 musical film "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". The film is set in Oregon in 1850 and follows the story of a backwoodsman named Adam Pontipee who travels to town in search of a bride. He meets Milly, a hardworking woman with impressive strength and cooking skills, and proposes to her. Unbeknownst to Milly, Adam has six brothers living with him in his mountain cabin, and she is expected to cook, clean, and launder for all of them.

Despite the initial challenges, Milly uses her wit and skills to begin teaching the brothers manners and proper etiquette. The brothers, who rarely interact with women, realize that they too want to find brides for themselves. They attend a barn-raising social gathering, where they meet six townswomen: Dorcas, Ruth, Martha, Liza, Sarah, and Alice. The brothers fall in love with these women, but their affections are not reciprocated due to the brothers' behaviour. The suitors of the women taunt and attack the brothers, leading to a brawl that angers the townspeople.

As winter sets in, the brothers pine for their loves and decide to kidnap the six women, causing an avalanche in Echo Pass to prevent the townspeople from pursuing them. However, they forget to kidnap a parson to conduct the weddings, and they are snowed in for the season. Milly is furious and forces the brothers to live in the barn while the women stay in the house. Adam, in turn, leaves to spend the winter alone in his trapping cabin. Over the winter, the women's feelings towards the brothers soften, and they sing "June Bride".

In the spring, the couples are happily paired off until Milly announces she is pregnant with Adam's child. Gideon, the youngest brother, goes to retrieve Adam, who is initially angry that Milly has given birth to a girl. However, he eventually returns, meets his daughter, and chooses a name with Milly: Hannah. Adam realizes the worry and pain he has caused the townspeople and decides to return the women to their families. However, the women refuse to leave, and the brothers attempt to bring them back, only to encounter the angry townspeople who intend to hang them for kidnapping.

In the end, a collective shotgun wedding is held for all the couples, and the film concludes with a happy ending for the brothers and their brides.

The tradition of carrying a bouquet

The bridal bouquet began to take on a more decorative purpose during the Elizabethan era, and it was during the Victorian age that the wedding bouquet as we know it today was born. While flower symbolism was significant during this time, with brides communicating romantic sentiments through their floral choices, this practice has faded, with couples now choosing flowers based on beauty and colour.

Today, the bouquet is meant to complement the bride's dress and the overall theme of the wedding, acting as an accessory and a focal point. The size of the bouquet is important, as it should be proportionate to the bride so as not to overpower her dress or be too small.

The bouquet also serves a practical purpose, giving the bride something to do with her hands as she walks down the aisle. It is traditionally held during the processional and handed to the maid of honour or a bridesmaid once the bride reaches the altar.

The bouquet toss is another tradition that stems from the bridal bouquet. It is believed that touching or running off with a piece of the bride's wedding dress or bouquet brought good luck and an impending proposal. The bouquet toss was invented as a way to distract and satisfy frenzied guests so the bride could leave without being harmed.

While the specific practice of carrying a bouquet may not be directly mentioned in the song "June Bride", the lyrics do reference weddings and the fleeting nature of love. The song is about the joy and romance of a June wedding, with the belief that a bride who marries in June will "always be a bride".

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