Wedding planning is a daunting task for any couple. However, we recognize that planning a wedding with the same gender can present some unique challenges. While many couples follow wedding traditions, others don’t work as well.
The traditional methods for paying for your wedding and choosing the outfits can be a minefield. Congratulations if you are newly engaged and planning a wedding with the same sex. Let’s create a wedding celebration as lovely as your love story.
Payment for the Wedding
Don’t be concerned if you are unsure who will pay the bill. Many couples, regardless of gender, are now taking care of their wedding expenses.
It’s really a matter of who has the money to pay for it. You can split costs into three parts or let each party pay what they want. Once you have created your budget, you can start planning the fun part of the wedding.
Hire your wedding vendors for a same-gender wedding
We would be lying if we said that we had not heard horror stories about LGBTQ+ couples being refused service by vendors. When we select our vendors for Junebug weddings, inclusiveness is one of the main factors. When searching for vendors, we recommend that you look for professionals who have diverse portfolios in your locality.
We also know many wedding suppliers haven’t worked with LGBTQ+ couples, but we would love the chance to. Keep these things in mind when reaching out to vendors whose portfolios don’t represent you as a pair:
Don’t allow anyone to make you feel inferior. If a vendor refuses to provide a service that you paid for, then they are not a vendor you should work with.
It’s like finding your best friends. As you prepare for your first meeting, set high expectations.
Don’t hesitate to post a review if you had a bad experience with a business. Couples of all kinds, LGBT+ or not, need to be informed about discrimination or poor customer service. You can prevent other couples from experiencing the same thing by leaving an honest review.
Your Wedding Party
Don’t worry about separating friends and family on either side of your altar. We like mixed-gender parties. You’ll be able to tell which friends will stand by your sides as you marry if you think about the people who have supported you throughout your relationship and life.
Don’t worry if you don’t like the idea of having a wedding party. It’s not about following the rules when it comes to wedding planning. You can make your wedding and do what you feel is right for you.
Your Guest List
In addition to including those who are supportive, you should also include only those people on your guest list who will be excited about your special day. You don’t have to throw an extravagant party for the sake of it. Only invite those who have been supportive of your relationship from the beginning. You will also avoid unnecessary and unwanted drama at your wedding.
Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
You can celebrate separately and throw individual parties where your future spouse is not invited, or you can celebrate together in one a href=”https://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/tips-for-hosting a joint bachelorette party. You can throw separate parties without asking your future spouse, or you can have a joint party to celebrate the last hurrah of your relationship before your wedding.
Junebug Tip:
Airbnbs are the perfect place to host large bachelor and bachelorette celebrations. Take a look at the Airbnbs that are perfect for bachelorette parties. We think they can be used for both.
Wedding Day Traditions
You may also want to customize some of the traditions that you have or eliminate them. Consider these important factors when planning your wedding:
Walking Down the Aisle: You can decide who walks down the aisle. You can choose to walk together down the aisle. You may decide to both walk down the aisle or have someone special accompany you. You can choose your father, mother, or brother as the escort. We’d begin by asking Jonathan Van Ness if he is available to accompany you down the aisle.
First Looks: We love First Looks at Junebug. This allows you to spend some time together in a more intimate setting before the wedding day chaos takes over. Consider adding one of the personal experiences to your wedding instead if you are still unsure.
Ceremony Readings Many of the traditional wedding ceremony readings might not be appropriate for your relationship. This is not only because you are an LGTBQ+ pair. Make your ceremony unique by choosing readings and music that are meaningful to you. Check out these ideas for a gender-neutral ceremony script or these readings that are not religious to get some inspiration.
What to Wear at a Same-Sex Wedding
Wearing a classic suit is the best way to feel comfortable at your wedding. If you feel most comfortable in a classic suit, wear one. You can both wear dresses if you want. You don’t have to worry about each other being overshadowed. You can choose to keep your dream dress a secret or not. It’s your choice.
Consider matching colors and patterns when choosing your suits. Coordinate your pocket squares, ties, and shirt patterns to create a cohesive appearance. You can ask your floral for boutonnieres to match but not be identical.
Junebug Tip:
Ministry Of Supply has a wide range of moisture-wicking suits that are ideal for any bride-to-be. The company specializes in suits for men as well as suits for women. These gorgeous and versatile options are not to be missed!
Last name changes
It’s not a question of right or wrong when it comes to deciding which person gets whose last name. You can choose to use two different surnames, combine them with a hyphen, or create a new last name for you and your partner. Some couples decide to adopt a completely new name.
Each country has its own rules for changing your name. Your marriage certificate may be the determining factor in some countries.
Last Thoughts to Keep in Mind
Every wedding comes with a certain amount of expectations from friends and family. Try to ignore the noise and instead focus on what’s important to you both as a couple. Remember that your wedding is a celebration of your love, not the opinions of your relatives. Do not let others’ opinions dictate your wedding planning if you do not want them to have a voice in your marriage.
