Many things influence when you chose to have your wedding, but did you know there is an old Irish verse predicting how the month of your wedding will affect your married life?
June isn’t the only month to get married, and there are advantages and disadvantages to every month. If you don’t have a particular month in mind, thinking about some of your criteria and priorities can help you narrow it down.
- How much does the climate where you plan to marry affect your decision? Does your local area have four very distinct seasons or is the climate mild year round?
- Are you dreaming of an outdoor ceremony or reception? Check local weather records to see what days have the best record of being warm and dry.
- Is there a particular anniversary, birthday or holiday you would like to have your wedding on or alternatively to avoid? Remember, this will be your wedding anniversary forever. Having it on Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve means you will have a lot of hassle dining out.
- Do you have budget concerns that would be helped by having your wedding at a less popular time of year? Venues change their rates according to season, so a venue that might be unaffordable in May or June might be a much better deal in September or October.
- Are you planning your wedding for the same year as any close friends or family? Make sure you keep in touch and don’t pick the same day. In fact, if your guest lists have a lot of overlap, you would be doing your loved ones a favor by keeping a few weeks at least between your weddings.
- Are there certain colors, foods, flowers, bridal or bridesmaids dresses that you want that work better in one particular season? Pastels are gorgeous in spring and summer, but look out of place in some places come October or November. Your barbeque theme reception might not be comfortable in February.
An Old Irish Verse Has Some Ideas…
When you are picking a date, make sure you allow enough time to plan without panic. Nine to 15 months is usually enough time. You might want to take into account this traditional Irish verse about when to marry.
Marry when the year is new, always loving, kind and true
When February birds do mate, you may wed, nor dread your fate
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you’ll know
Marry in April when you can, joy for maiden and for man
Marry in the month of May, you will surely rue the day
Marry when June roses blow, over land and sea you’ll go
They who in July do wed, must labor always for their bread
Whoever wed in August be, many a change are sure to see
Marry in September’s shine, your living will be rich and fine
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry
If you wed in bleak November, only joy will come remember
When December’s rain fall fast, marry and true love will last

It probably is not a coincidence that May and October are busy months for farmers. Every month has pros and cons really, but one thing is for sure: Whatever day you pick for your wedding, you can make it magical and memorable by weaving in some Irish wedding traditions.