The Ironic June Bride

classic1950s silhouette
pattern by Gaston Mallet

Photos of my mother's wedding album initially sparked the innate adoration for wedding gowns I had as a child. I recall frequently asking her to look at those photos taken in June 1965. She was a June bride like many of her day. June was the highly coveted wedding month especially during the 1950s and 1960s. "A June bride is always a bride.." sweetly spoken from the movie "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers."I gushed at my mother as a bride dressed in an elegant a-line peau de soie gown with a pill box hat and multi-layered cathedral veil. Not getting enough from the photos, my excitement always lead to her showing me the actual gown carefully stored in her closet. For that moment as I touched the fabric and became intoxicated with the intricate seed pearl beading throughout the gown, I felt dreamy like many young ladies who imagined themselves a June bride like their mom.

An American wedding in the 1950s/60s was fairly cookie cutter in many ways. The sleeved dress was fully petticoated and later classically a-lined. The layered veil and blusher were piled under a hat or tiara. Pearls and gloves were typical accessory choices with handkerchiefs carefully folded in a matching handbag. The maids were mirrored images of the bride except in pastel colors. The wedding was usually at a church and the reception nearby complete with a towered cake and a tiny bride and groom on the tippy top. The music was a band or less and the couple changed in to their "going away" outfits before leaving the reception hall guests onward to their honeymoon in the Poconos, Bermuda or Niagra Falls.

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings Summer 2012

Today the June bride might still try to capture the mystique of her mother or grandmother's wedding by adding a vintage touch to her day, but what I love the most is today's bride can be"ironic" which is the ultimate chic and still nod to the brides who married before her. The photo above perfectly illustrates my point and one that I constantly remind brides I assist. Go for the big dress you always dreamed of and contrast it with your venue. You don't need to match your venue, be unexpected, create fashion irony and surprise your guests! This will highlight your gown choice tenfold. The bride in this photo epitomizes this concept by pairing a dramatic, duchess satin gown against a massive tree that looks like hay. I adore the contrast of grand meets country. Her dress is unexpected and to some not for that venue, but I say oh yes her choice was perfect for this 1900 barn wedding held in Washington state.

This look above is not for all, but it does shout to all brides, classic to avant garde, today there are no rules like there were in the 50s and 60s. You as a bride can truly be who you are on your wedding day. I still think it's sweet to be a June bride, but the month alone can conjure enough tradition. Wear a satin ball gown on the beach, a cocktail length feathered frock down the aisle of a cathedral, a mint tulle dress in the woods! Stand out and don't blend in as the bride. I frequently hear things like "the walls of my reception room are gold so I have to choose something that goes with it." My response.. do the opposite of the warm tones. Wear an ice blue toned gown and the backdrop will only spotlight you more. Be daring, but within your comfort zone of course. Congratulations June brides! Your wedding month has made history even before you step down the aisle and make your own!