LIKE A CLOCKWORK: IMPORTANT PLANNING TIPS FOR YOUR LGBTQ WEDDING
If you already planning your wedding ceremony you probably should pay attention at these things too. Here some planning tips for you to make your ceremony just exactly like you want.
What are some unique ideas for how a couple approaches their ceremony procession?
Each couple is different in how they approach the ceremony procession and there is no “right way” to do it regardless if it’s a LGBTQ wedding or not. The most popular version we’ve seen with couples is to walk in simultaneously down different aisles and then meet in the middle. One of couples opted to have three aisles; each of them walked down their own aisle on either side of guests simultaneously, met up at the front, and then walked down the center aisle together at the end of their ceremony. Another couple opted for two aisle that they each entered at the same time.
Another popular option is for the partners to walk in together, maybe hand in hand, down the aisle. If their wedding party is also walking in for the processional, the attendants can be paired up with one from each side (regardless of gender) and then split when they get to the front to stand on the side that they are representing. Some couples choose to nix the processional all together and just enter from the side, while others may choose a more “traditional” ceremony processional with each partner walking in with their parents down the center aisle.
What are we seeing in the way of non-traditional ceremony seating?
Choosing a “side” during the ceremony is a tradition that has very much gone out of style for most weddings, regardless if it’s same-sex or heterosexual. Honestly we can’t remember the last time we attend a wedding where the couple wanted their guests to sit on a specific side. That being said, we’re seeing couples start to get creative with their ceremony seating arrangements. Ceremonies without an aisle or seating “in the round” have become very popular with all of couples, regardless of if they are same-sex or not.
How are couples going about choosing their wedding party? What are some emerging trends there?
First things first, let’s get the lingo sorted out. We always prefer to say “wedding party” rather than “bridal party” regardless of if there is a bride in the wedding or not – it is way more inclusive. A lot of couples, regardless if they are same-sex or not, are having mixed gender wedding parties with ladies and guys standing on both sides of the ceremony alter so saying “wedding party” tends to suit all of couples.
For the past few years we’ve seen a trend leaning towards very small wedding parties, with one or two people per side, all the way to have no wedding party at all. When couples choose to forgo a wedding party they often each choose someone special, such as a parent or sibling, to be the witness to sign the marriage license in private after the ceremony.
What are some vow exchange ideas for couples?
We’ve seen couples be very traditional with the classic vows (altered slightly) and they might switch off who goes first for the vows and who goes first for the rings. More often than not, the couple chooses to write their own vows and make it more personalized.
A popular title that we’ve seen used in the ceremony vows is “beloved” rather than saying “husband” or “wife”; but then again it depends on the couple and the titles they use in their relationship.
What’s trending for how LGBTQ couples are approaching first looks?
This all depends on their relationship! The most common option that we’ve seen is to turn around at the same time for the First Look, rather than having one person go up to the other person. We love this one because it adds a playful element with both turning around at the same time and the reactions usually make for a great photo!
We’ve also seen plenty “traditional” First Looks where one person in the relationship is more suited for standing and waiting while the other is more suited for walking up during the First Look.
Another trend that we’re seeing is for the couple to get ready together and not do a First Look but just walk out together and start taking photos. They might exchange a card or gift before the photo time which is a great opportunity for an intimate and emotional moment. It really just depends on what fits you and your partner’s personalities best!
Honestly, when you’re planning a wedding you are focused on the two individuals, their relationship, and how they want to personalize their day; it’s the same approach regardless of if they are same-sex or heterosexual. Most of couples are picking and choosing which (if any) traditions they’d like to incorporate; and just because a couple is same-sex does not mean that they can’t be “traditional” in the
wedding sense, we saw some very traditional LGBTQ couples and some very non-traditional brides & grooms. The exciting thing is, regardless of the gender, you get to create a celebration that reflects the couple and their love!
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