Twists on Tradition

CEBU, Philippines – The reason as to why June is so popular for tying the knot has absolutely nothing to do with fine weather. Besides, in the Philippines, June is very notorious for intense showers and that’s hardly the definition for “fine weather”. Rather, it has everything to do with the Roman goddess of marriage—Juno—whom the Romans wanted to honor by yep, you guessed it, tying the knot.

Another possible reason, according to Associated Content, on June’s popularity as the wedding month, leans more to the practical side with couples wanting to time the conception of their first child such that the wife could still lend a hand at the farm doing manual labor. So much for romance, eh?

Finally, a more popular reason was that during the 1400s-1500s, people had the habit of taking their “annual baths” at the end of May. This could only mean that the whole lot in the population were squeaky clean by June, making it perfect for a celebration like a wedding (and of course the honeymoon immediately after while the bride and groom were still, ah, shall we say, smelling sweet?).

However, whatever the reasons may be, it’s quite clear that the June Bride tradition has been one that has stuck big time. Whether or not you’re tying the knot (and hopefully not the noose) this June, let’s celebrate this jolly month with a handful of ideas that are sure to add a twist into this romantic tradition.

Plant a Memory

Literally. If you’re wracking your brains for that perfect little something to give to your guests, start striking out tulle-wrapped knick-knacks and scented candles showered with lots of stardust from your list. Instead, come up with something simple and elegant but very memorable. Apart from your personalized thank-you note to each guest, seal the deal with a hand made card with specially crafted plantable papers. These are basically hand made paper cards with flower seeds embedded on them so after your guests receive the card, they can plant the entire thing (each card comes with a planting instruction) and remember your wedding with each blossom in the garden. Take a closer look at this treat at http://www.catinthebathtubpress.com/index.htm.

Guestbook—Gone

Ditch the guestbook, please, I mean, what’s so original about that? At the time when technology is at an all-time high, why not take advantage of it? Arm a very reliable friend with an instant camera (or a Polaroid cam if it’s available) and get a snap shot of each of the guests. Let each guest scribble a message on their photo the moment it’s hot off the photo printer and enjoy not just looking at each of your guest’s message years after the wedding but also at what they looked liked at that enchanted time.

Starlight, Star bright

A special day calls for a special present and for something as once-in-a-lifetime as a wedding, you know the kind of pressure it puts on the bride and groom for what kind of wedding gift they have to give each other. Skip the blender, please. You’ll have enough blenders to last you a lifetime, coming from your in-laws. Ditto for washing machines, socks, rice cookers, and duvets. Have you ever considered naming a star for the love of your life? 

Check out www.starnamer.net for this unique gift. Stars have been named after many of the world’s most important people but now, you can actually name a star after the person who means the world to you. When you name a star after your love, you’ll receive an authentic parchment certificate (framed or unframed) with the name of star, the dedication date, and the star’s exact location. You’ll also get a booklet with a detailed chart of the star named after your loved one, encircled in red to make it stand out.