When it comes to tying the knot, you’ve got 365 (sometimes 366) possible options for your wedding day. Traditionally, many couples opt to exchange vows in the month of June, a custom that may have originated from Roman mythology. The goddess Juno (the Roman counterpart to Hera) was affiliated with motherhood and considered a protector of all women, especially in marriage and childbirth. Getting married in June, the month named for Juno, was considered good luck. Practically speaking, June is often a popular month to get married as the first official month of summer. In many parts of the country, June weather tends to be mild, lacking the rain of the spring and the heat of the mid-to-late summer. School is out of session in most places, allowing families to travel and participate in weddings. June is also the month when many people celebrate and commemorate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer pride. For a same-sex couple seeking to marry during June, here are some ideas for incorporating LQBTQ+ pride into your nuptials.

Working the Rainbow

Perhaps the most iconic symbol of LGBTQ+ pride is the rainbow flag. Your wedding will likely have a color scheme. For your big day, find inspiration in the rainbow flag. You can go with the original 8-color flag created by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1977 or the Progress Pride Flag created in 2018 by artist Daniel Craig. You can also start with other Pride flags representing those who identify as transgender, bisexual, intersex, nonbinary, or asexual. Use these color schemes for the following:

• Attire and accessories: Rainbow-colored outfits and attire are an easy way to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride on your special day. Members of the wedding party could dress in different hues from a flag. Rainbow-colored accessories such as jewelry, pocket squares, cuff links, and ties are also nice for displaying pride.
• Décor: Consider using pride flags as wall décor or incorporate smaller versions into your table settings.
• Floral arrangements: Multicolored florals acknowledge the month and the season splendidly. Bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, altar displays, and table settings provide opportunities to combine the visual and olfactory appeal of flowers with the colors of the season.
• Food and beverage: While a white, multi-tiered wedding cake is an iconic symbol, you can mix things up with a cake that features pride colors in the icing or the cake itself. Edible party favors are another opportunity to feature the rainbow. If you’ll be serving alcohol at your reception, a LGBTQ+ pride-themed cocktail is an especially appropriate touch. 

Attending a Parade

Many cities and towns hold parades to celebrate Pride month. If the location of your nuptials has a parade, incorporating pride into your celebration isn’t difficult. After a wedding or reception, invite your guests to attend the parade with you and your new spouse. You can also make the parade part of pre-ceremony activities such as an engagement party, wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, or bachelor/bachelorette party. Take things to the next level by marching in the parade with your nearest and dearest.

Sticking a Pin in It

Corsages, boutonnieres, and lapel pins are common accessories for wedding parties. Pronoun pins are a “prideful” alternative. Consider buttons that feature personal pronouns, not only for those in your wedding party but also for guests as well. These buttons are a way for you to have a more inclusive affair, and they’re actually helpful. 

Same-sex couples can legally marry in the United States, making things official with a marriage ceremony. While you and your partner can choose any month to say “I do,” a Pride month-themed wedding may resonate deeply. Consider these tips for incorporating “Pride” into your special day.