Traditionally, any Saturday in June was believed to be the perfect time to get married, a belief deeply rooted in cultural traditions. The Pandemic prompted a reconsideration of this belief, sparking a new wave of intrigue and discussion.
The Greco-Roman goddess Juno, the guardian of women in all aspects of life, held a special place in marriage and childbearing. Her reputation as a faithful wife made a wedding in her month, June, a profoundly significant event in ancient culture.
The idea of a June wedding also comes from the Irish-Celtic calendar. On that calendar, the Cross-Quarter Day of Beltaine (May 1) marked the beginning of a three-month courtship period for young couples. They would then marry on the next Cross-Quarter Day (August 1). However, the long wait was deemed too much by the younger generation, leading to a cultural shift. The courtship period was shortened to mid-June, a change that solidified the popularity of June weddings.
The Victorian era saw June as the ideal time for weddings for several reasons. It marked the practical end of Lent and Easter, and the arrival of warmer weather signaled the time to shed winter clothing and partake in their annual bath. Additionally, the month of May was considered unlucky, as the old saying goes, “Marry in May and Rue the Day.” On a practical note, the June weather made it easier for guests to travel to the wedding, whether by carriage or airplane. A wedding in June also meant a child would be born in the spring, a hopeful and auspicious sign.
Currently, June is still very popular, but it comes in second to October. It's interesting to note that for many wedding professionals, October fills up first, followed by June, September, August, May, and then all the rest, showing a shift in the popularity of wedding months over time.
At one time, Sunday was a popular wedding day simply because it was the one day most people were free from work. However, in the American 17th century, Puritans discouraged this, believing it was wrong to have celebrations on the Christian Sabbath. Friday was seen as bad luck and was known as “hangman’s day”, but Friday the 13th was considered the worst. These cultural beliefs and superstitions surrounding wedding days, including the idea that Wednesday was the luckiest day for weddings, maybe because Wednesday and Wedding Day sound so similar, add an intriguing layer to the history of wedding traditions.
There was an old rhyme that went like this: Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday best of all; Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, Saturday for no luck at all. (So, for those of you planning a Saturday wedding, does this mean you're out of luck?)
By recent, I mean 2019 and before. The most popular day to tie the knot is Saturday, regardless of the old rhyme. Rehearsals typically take place on Friday evening, the ceremony on Saturday afternoon, and the reception on Saturday evening. This schedule, though common, is not the only option.
However, the reality is that the vast majority of venues and vendors have their Saturdays booked a year in advance. This scarcity, coupled with other factors like finances and special dates, makes it clear that Saturday is not the only viable option for your special day.
When planning your wedding day, keep in mind that there are seven days in a week. Friday or Sunday could be a great choice. These days still offer the weekend convenience for your guests, and many venues are open to the idea of hosting on a different day. What's more, you might find that services are more affordable on these days, helping you make the most of your budget.
Look for long weekends and then consider a ceremony on the Sunday or Monday of a long weekend: Memorial Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day, or Labor Day weekend.
Embrace the flexibility of weekday weddings.
Embrace the flexibility of weekday weddings. Whether it's a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with careful planning, your wedding could become a memorable part of your family’s summer vacation plans. If you're a teacher, the summer break offers plenty of potential dates. The key is to give your guests ample notice so they can also make arrangements. Each season brings its charm: September/October with its cooler temperatures and changing leaves; Christmas, a time when decorations are readily available; January, a winter wonderland; February, the romance of Valentine's Day; and spring, the season of hope with Easter.
For many couples, the significance of the date is paramount. Whether it's the day you got engaged or the day you first met, these personal milestones often dictate the wedding date. I have done a wedding on all the dates that stood out. 01-01-2001, 02-02-2002, 03-03-2003, and so on. When you explain to your guests the personal importance of the date, most will appreciate and respect your choice.
In certain parts of the country, there is a defined season for weddings. In Ohio and Pennsylvania, the wedding world slows down significantly between New Year’s Day and April. Those are great times to approach a venue and vendors; they might be more than excited to book a wedding in the off-season.
Remember, your wedding day can be magical no matter when it falls on the calendar. With some thought and planning, you can create a day that is truly special and memorable.
Thumbnail Image: Photo by Bich Tran
Main Image: Photo by Pixabay