Couples, it appears, prefer to marry in December and not the “traditionally romantic” month of June.

At least this is the observation of one Catholic bishops’ conference official.

Father Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the conference’s Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, said this is especially true in the provinces, such as in Tarlac diocese where he is based.

“Not many couples marry in June because schools open that month,” he said.

“Couples need to contribute to the tuition fees of their siblings,” Father Castro said.

He said December is the most popular month because couples have money at this time when Christmas bonuses are given out.

Wedding planners confirm this, saying a “June bride” is not a Filipino concept, because it is the start of the rainy season. Couples prefer to get married in December or the summer months of April and May, they said.

“A June wedding is a Western concept. They think that if you marry after spring you will be starting afresh,” said Aian Cabuso, a wedding planner.

“Here we take into account times when our relatives abroad come home, and that happens during the holidays.”