Planning a wedding is an exciting endeavour, and when it comes to same-sex weddings, there are unique aspects to consider. While wedding traditions are important, not all of them translate well for LGBTQ+ couples. This guide aims to provide valuable insights and tips for planning a same-sex wedding that celebrates your love and uniqueness.

 

READ MORE

GET YOUR FREE COPY OF THE ULTIMATE PARTY PLANNER 

How to find & choose the perfect wedding celebrant for your special day

How to make the most of your wedding hair & makeup trial

2024/2025 Inspiring summer wedding colour palettes

Securing your event suppliers is one of the most exciting moments in planning your upcoming celebrations, but the choice can be overwhelming. If you need help, please review our recommended list of the UK's best event suppliers HERE.  

 

A Guide to Personalised Celebrations

Photographer Esme Whiteside, Venue Hidden River Cabins, Florals Sophie Fieldsend Florals. 

Navigating Wedding Traditions:

Planning a same-sex wedding involves a thoughtful exploration of how to honour traditions while staying true to your authentic selves. From selecting the right venue and vendors to choosing your outfits and crafting meaningful moments, here are key considerations that will guide you in creating a wedding day that beautifully reflects your unique love story:

Checking Venue and Suppliers: Start by ensuring that your chosen wedding venue and vendors are not only open to but also genuinely celebrate LGBTQ+ couples. Look for venues and professionals who openly embrace diversity and inclusivity. Research their websites and social media to gauge their commitment. Seek out reviews and testimonials from other LGBTQ+ couples who have experienced their services. By selecting spaces and professionals that share your values, you'll create an atmosphere that welcomes and honours your love.

Outfits: Decide on your wedding attire based on your personal styles and comfort. Whether it's dresses, suits, or a combination, let your choices reflect your individuality. Prioritise comfort so you can fully immerse yourselves in the celebration without any distractions. Embrace the freedom to express yourselves through your outfits, ensuring that you both feel confident and authentic.

Walking Down the Aisle: Consider how you want to make your grand entrance. Whether you choose to walk down the aisle together, are escorted by someone significant to you, or create a unique arrangement, the decision is entirely yours. Break away from traditional norms and embrace what feels right for you as a couple. Your entrance should resonate with your personalities and symbolise the start of this beautiful chapter in your journey together.

Seating and Speeches: When planning the seating arrangements and speeches, challenge traditional gender roles. Embrace different options that align with your vision for the day. Consider seating your guests in a way that best suits your connection with them, rather than adhering to conventional norms. When it comes to speeches, encourage your loved ones to share stories and messages that reflect your unique relationship. By reimagining these aspects of the wedding, you'll create a more inclusive and heartfelt experience for everyone involved.

Photographer Esme Whiteside, Venue Hidden River Cabins, Florals Sophie Fieldsend Florals. 

Venue and Vendor Selection:

Choosing the right venue and vendors for your same-sex wedding is a pivotal step in ensuring a truly inclusive and memorable celebration. Prioritising LGBTQ+ friendly spaces and professionals who wholeheartedly support same-sex weddings will not only enhance your experience but also help you create a day that authentically represents your love story. Here are some tips to guide you in finding the perfect venue and vendors:

Research: Begin by researching venues and vendors that openly embrace inclusivity and diversity. Look for those who proudly advertise their support for LGBTQ+ weddings. Their websites, social media profiles, and reviews from other couples can provide valuable insights into their commitment to inclusivity. Once you've identified potential options, reach out to them and initiate a conversation. Inquire about their experience with same-sex weddings and their approach to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Inclusivity Matters: When selecting vendors, prioritise those who not only understand but also deeply respect your unique needs and preferences. Remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment, and you deserve to collaborate with professionals who honour that. Seek vendors who are attentive to your vision, adaptable to your desires, and committed to providing an exceptional experience. Choose individuals and teams who make you feel at ease, valued, and truly heard.

Photographer Esme Whiteside, Venue Hidden River Cabins, Florals Sophie Fieldsend Florals. 

Creating Your Wedding Party:

When assembling your wedding party, cherish the opportunity to honour those who have played a significant role in your journey. The beauty of a same-sex wedding lies in the freedom to redefine traditional roles. Whether you opt for a mixed-gender party, choose unconventional titles, or assign non-traditional roles, remember that this is your chance to celebrate the people who hold a special place in your hearts. Select individuals who have supported your relationship and who will stand by your side as you embark on this new chapter together. By focusing on those who matter most, you'll create a wedding party that truly reflects your unique bond.

Guest List and Celebrations:

Crafting your guest list is an essential part of your wedding planning journey. Prioritise individuals who not only celebrate your love but also contribute positively to your lives. Don't feel obligated to invite everyone you know—opt for quality over quantity. An intimate gathering of close friends and cherished family members can lead to a more profound and meaningful celebration. Surround yourselves with people who genuinely support your union, and who will join you in rejoicing in the love you share. By curating your guest list with care, you'll create an environment where your love story can be celebrated authentically.

Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties:

Pre-wedding celebrations are an opportunity to have fun and create lasting memories with your closest friends. The beauty of planning bachelor and bachelorette parties is that you can tailor them to your preferences and personalities. Whether you choose separate parties or opt for a joint celebration, ensure that the experience reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple. Discuss your desires with your friends and let your personalities shine through in the celebration's theme, activities, and location. Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to these celebrations, so embrace the freedom to design an experience that resonates with you both.

Photographer Esme Whiteside, Venue Hidden River Cabins, Florals Sophie Fieldsend Florals. 

Personalising Your Ceremony:

Your wedding ceremony serves as a profound representation of your love, values, and unique journey. It's an opportunity to craft a meaningful experience that resonates with your individuality. Here's how you can customise various elements of your ceremony to authentically reflect your love story:

Walking Down the Aisle: Deciding who walks whom down the aisle is a personal choice that can be based on your preferences, traditions, or special connections. You can choose to walk down the aisle together as equals, highlighting the partnership that defines your relationship. Alternatively, you may opt for a processional that resonates with your personal stories, whether it's a family member, friend, or mentor who escorts you. Embrace the freedom to create an entrance that feels right for you and beautifully encapsulates your journey.

First Looks: Consider incorporating a first look into your wedding day schedule. This private moment before the ceremony allows you and your partner to connect intimately amidst the excitement. Sharing a first look can calm nerves, provide a serene space to exchange words, and strengthen the bond you share. It's a time for authentic emotions and genuine expressions of love that set the tone for the rest of the day.

Ceremony Readings: Make your ceremony readings truly resonate with your relationship, transcending traditional gender roles. Choose readings, music, and scripts that align with your shared experiences and journey as a couple. Whether it's poetry, passages from literature, or personal anecdotes, the readings should authentically reflect your bond. Focus on messages that celebrate love, partnership, and the unique connection that you both share. By customising your ceremony with meaningful content, you'll create a powerful narrative that speaks to your love story.

Photographer Esme Whiteside, Venue Hidden River Cabins, Florals Sophie Fieldsend Florals. 

Choosing Your Outfits:

When it comes to selecting your wedding attire, it's all about what feels right for you and your partner. Gone are the days of adhering strictly to gender norms. Whether you both opt for dresses, suits, or mix and match to create a unique ensemble, let your personal style and comfort be your guide. Your wedding day is a representation of your love story, so embrace the freedom to choose attire that reflects your individuality and partnership.

Last Name Changes:

Deciding on last name changes is a deeply personal choice for any couple. As you plan your same-sex wedding, take the time to explore the various options available to you. Blending surnames, using hyphenation, or even creating an entirely new name are possibilities to consider. Research the legal processes involved in your country and discuss openly with your partner to find a solution that aligns with your desires and beliefs. Your wedding signifies the start of a new chapter, and your last name can be a beautiful reflection of your shared journey.

Inclusivity is key

As LGBTQ+ couples, finding suppliers and venues that wholeheartedly embrace your love is a priority. Inclusive professionals will ensure that your wedding experience is free from discrimination and judgment. Seek out wedding suppliers who are not only accepting but also enthusiastic about celebrating your union. When browsing portfolios and reaching out to potential suppliers, consider their commitment to diversity. By selecting venue and vendors who understand and appreciate your love story, you'll build a wedding day that authentically represents your relationship and sets the stage for a joyful and inclusive celebration.

Wedding Gift List: Celebrating Your Journey

Your wedding gift list is more than just a collection of items—it's a reflection of your journey as a couple and an expression of the life you're building together. Consider it an opportunity to celebrate your unique story and the future that lies ahead. Incorporate items that hold sentimental value and speak to the story of your love, whether it's a cookbook from a cuisine you've explored together or a travel fund for your dream honeymoon destination. Align your gift list with your interests, adding items like art supplies for art enthusiasts or cooking classes for food lovers. Mix traditional and experiential gifts, from household essentials to contributions to your honeymoon fund, to create cherished memories. Share your joy and excitement with loved ones by providing context for your selections, guiding them towards gifts that resonate with your journey. Ultimately, your wedding gift list is a celebration of your unique love story and the adventure that awaits you as a married couple, enriching your life and honouring the beauty of your partnership.

We recommend to use:

The Wedding Shop

Prezolla

Amidst the flurry of wedding planning, it's essential to keep sight of what truly matters—the celebration of your love and commitment. Whether you choose to adhere to traditional customs or blaze a new trail, remember that your wedding should resonate with you as a couple. Traditions can be adapted or redefined to align with your values and experiences. Stay true to yourselves, and don't allow external opinions to overshadow the significance of your day. Your wedding is a celebration of your unique journey, and it should feel authentic and meaningful to both of you.

 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are there any specific considerations for planning a same-sex wedding?

Yes, whilst many aspects of wedding planning remain the same, there are unique factors to consider, such as selecting LGBTQ+-friendly vendors and personalising traditions to suit your preferences.

How do we find LGBTQ+-friendly wedding vendors?

Look for vendors who prioritise inclusivity and diversity in their portfolios. Don't hesitate to ask about their experience with same-sex weddings and gauge their enthusiasm for working with you.

What options do we have for wedding party arrangements?

You can opt for mixed-gender or gender-neutral wedding parties, or even create your unique roles like "honour attendants" or "best people" to include those closest to you.

How can we customise our wedding ceremony and traditions?

Personalise your wedding by choosing who walks down the aisle, crafting your own vows, and selecting readings and music that resonate with your relationship.

What should we wear to our same-sex wedding?

Wear outfits that reflect your personal style and comfort. Choose attire that makes you feel confident, whether that's suits, dresses, or a combination thereof.

Can we have non-traditional seating arrangements at our ceremony?

Absolutely! You can break away from traditional seating and opt for unique arrangements that suit your personalities, like having a circle of love or creating two aisles.

What are the options for speeches and who should give them?

The speech-giving process is flexible. Choose who wants to speak, whether it's the best men, the maid of honour, or anyone else who wishes to share their thoughts.

How can we handle potential conflicts with family or guests?

Focus on inviting those who support your relationship, and don't be afraid to set boundaries. Remember, it's your day, and your happiness is paramount.

Can we keep our last names or choose new ones?

The choice is yours! Whether you keep your names, hyphenate, blend them, or create something new, make a decision that feels right for both of you.

How can we make our same-sex wedding unique and memorable? - Embrace your individuality and tailor your wedding to reflect your love story. Be open to breaking traditional norms and creating a celebration that resonates with you.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER AND GET YOUR FREE COPY OF 'THE ULTIMATE PARTY PLANNER'.

DISCLOSURE: WE SOMETIMES USE AFFILIATE LINKS IN OUR CONTENT. THIS WON'T COST YOU ANYTHING, BUT IT HELPS US OFFSET THE COSTS OF PAYING OUR WRITING TEAM. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!