Traditions For Gay Wedding You Should Know About

Traditions to Ditch & Reinvent for Your Gay Wedding

Marriage is a ceremony steeped in tradition. But when it comes to gay weddings, that rulebook is officially thrown out.

The only thing which matters is showing your love for one another. Don’t worry about following the script!

So if you’re planning on tying the knot, or thinking of asking that big question to your partner, here are 10 traditions you can ditch or reinvent!

Ditch Proposal Norms

Say goodbye to going down on one knee! Girls can finally ask the big question. And no need to seek a father’s permission, either.

Same-sex couples can reinvent how they propose to their partner. While some traditions are nice, proposals are a great, unique way of showing your love.

And who knows, maybe both of you are just itching to ask each other!

Ditch the Labels

Labels can complicate same-sex weddings, and gender should not dictate what everyone’s role can be on your wedding day.

Replace titles like the maid of honor, best man, usher, and more. Think of your own titles, or simply pick gender-neutral terms. It is a good idea though that if a friend has a job to do on your day, they know what’s expected of them!

Dress Code – Wear What You Want

Some people dream of their wedding day in a big white dress or posing in a sharp-looking suit. And whilst that’s still a great idea, if you want to move away from tradition, you can reinvent the wedding dress code.

Two brides in dresses? One bride in a suit? Pink? Blue? Multi-colored? Or perhaps two grooms in matching tuxes? Don’t be afraid to mix, match and make your style unique. The main thing is you are comfortable!

Rings and Symbols

Many couples mark engagements and weddings by exchanging rings. And whilst this is a beautiful symbol, you can reinvent this tradition to suit your relationship.

Some same-sex couples exchange other things, including watches, bracelets, or other sentimental gifts. They may also choose a wedding ring that is specially designed or has a unique look about it.

Other symbols such as wedding cake, flower bouquets, religious candles, even the music you use during your ceremony – can all be changed to suit your vision.

Location

Traditional weddings usually take place in a church. And whilst that may still be an option for you, why not think of something really special to celebrate your day?

Civil ceremonies often take place in beautiful, interesting places, including castles, historical sites, or outside in nature. Some couples even travel overseas to get married, where everyone can have a family holiday!

Here are 10 countries where same-sex marriage is allowed. Get booking!

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Germany
4. Ireland
5. Mexico
6. Portugal
7. Spain
8. United Kingdom
9. United States
10. Uruguay

The Celebrant

Gay weddings often have a celebrant who takes care of the legal nature of the ceremony. However, sometimes there can be an unofficial celebrant whose job is to add personal touches to your service.

Your celebrant might be a family member or close friend of you both. You might even have more than one to make the entire day that bit more special.

Write Personal Vows

Speaking of making the ceremony truly unique, many same-sex couples write their own vows as part of their wedding. What better way to make your love public than telling a room full of friends, family, and your partner why you love them.

Stag & hen parties. Why not both?

In the run-up to weddings, family and friends usually go on a big day trip to celebrate. Instead of only asking one gender, though, why not ask everyone important to you?

Planners have lots of ideas for mix-gender parties, including team-building exercises, afternoon tea, a lovely meal, and a night out afterward.

Top Table

During the evening meal, many weddings have a traditional top table’ where the bridal party sit. However, it’s a great idea to change this up and sit among your guests.

Whilst a seating plan does make a wedding day easier to manage, don’t place yourself away from your guests – sit in the middle of the action!

Reinvent traditions

Do you want to throw something other than your expensive bouquets? What about doing something different than a first-dance?

Maybe instead of cutting a cake, you want to try something else for a photograph? Reinventing small traditions is a great way of making your entire wedding experience unique and a day to remember!

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