The June bride

People said that getting married in June -- or becoming a June bride -- was believed to be lucky by many, that's why June is a month booked with so many weddings.

Well, I didn't get married in June (we were supposed to, before hubby reached his 30th birthday, but due to some circumstances, it was moved to August), but why do many couples choose June as a month to wed?

AisleDash.com shares that this belief began with the Romans, wherein the month is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of relationships. And because she reigns over women and marriage, it was said that brides getting married during her month, which is June, will enjoy a happy married life.

SuperWeddings.com brings another light into the myth or tradition. June was a popular month to get married because during the 1400-1500, people can take a bath once in a year -- which was during May. By June, people were smelling fresh, which was a good time to hold celebrations such as weddings. Now isn't that odd?

I guess June is also a good choice since by this month, it's summer in some countries. Well, not here in the Philippines, though...

So, are you a June bride?

Wedding projects you could do yourself

When my husband and I were in the thick of the wedding preparations, one thing that we always kept in mind was meeting the set budget. Unfortunately, with a limited budget, we couldn't splurge for some things like grand invites and funky souvenirs. So we thought of saving some money by doing some wedding DIY projects.

If you come to think about it, there are many wedding items you can actually do on your own. It just takes some time, patience and creativity to make it happen. On our end, we chose to create a few things using materials that are readily available in the market and would cost less than if we had it done in a shop, such as our wedding invitations and favors. We just needed some paper and a trusty printer and voila! Done!

If you have a graphics program installed in your computer, a printer and some nice paper or cardboard, you can also create save the dates, programs, table numbers and thank you cards by yourself. If you're into crafts, you can create simple table centerpieces or even the pillow for your rings. You can even hand tie your own flowers or embellish your own unity candle.

How each project will cost depends on the materials you will use. As a tip, drop by thrift stores or look for shops that sell the raw materials for wholesale price. When you have all the stuff you need, channel your creative energies on assembling and creating your DIY piece.

There are lots of wedding things which can be your DIY projects. Not only does it save you on costs, it also gives your wedding that unique, personal touch. Just remember to allot ample time for each project, preferably months before your wedding day (just so it won't be stressful for you), and ask help from talented family and friends as well.

Photo credit: Tools by konarska and Flowers in water 2 by stachoo, both from sxc.hu.

Wedding gowns: Get inspiration from the Carolina Herrera Bride Barbie Doll

Last Saturday, when my hubby and I went to the mall, I saw this Barbie exhibit celebrating her 50th year in the industry. There was a display of really beautiful Barbie dolls, but this one really caught my attention:

Carolina Herrera Bride Barbie Doll
(Image from Amazon.com)

I was (almost) literally drooling on this Barbie doll. Among the Barbie brides displayed there (including the ones from Monique Lhuillier and Reem Acra which had an awesome bustled skirt), the Carolina Herrera was my favorite. And why not, the lace details and criss-cross ribbons on its bodice was a winner. If I were as sexy as Barbie, this would have been my dream wedding gown. Actually, the overall wedding look, including her hairstyle and make-up, was so elegant.

It's interesting how Barbie can give you lots of fashion inspiration, even for a wedding dress. My only gripe is that I don't think I have a chance to own this Barbie doll, since it's really expensive here. Tsk.

Operation Dream Dress by Brides.com

Brides.com features the semi-finalists of the Operation Dream Dress participated by newbie designers and fashionistas from the US. 20 entries are currently under selection, all of which have undergone much deliberation from the site owners. Visitors can choose which one they would like to win on the 26th of the month.

I would've liked to vote, but the entries is only open to US residents (and I'm here in Manila, tsk!). But if I were able to vote, I'd pick any of these three:

1. Entry #1 from Jennifer Allen. I like the one-shoulder styles that's so in rage nowadays. It's got flower appliques on the bodice, shoulder strap and the train, which I think looks like a garden of pink and lilac blossoms. Definitely fits a bride with a cheery personality.

2. Entry #11 from Suzanne Perron. Strapless gowns will always be in vogue. I like the trumpet style tiered skirt, as well as the lace details. Fits a sexy, sassy bride. Somehow I'm reminded of my Barbie dolls when I saw this one.

3. Entry #20 by Susan Zygarewicz. It's got a simple style, and when you need some covering for those cold weather weddings (or maybe you just want to hide your upper arms), you just have to don the matching 3/4 sleeved bolero. When it's time for partying, you can transform into something alluring by simply removing the jacket. It's like a 2-in-1 look already. If my sister were to get married, I would suggest her this bridal style.

You can check out the complete gallery here.

How about you? Got any favorite picks?