For many gay and lesbian couples, there is no plan for how to propose marriage, since you may be the first same-sex couple you know to get married. If you have a million and one questions about how to propose to your boyfriend as an uncle or how to propose to him as a girl, that's totally normal. Now that you've found the right person to share your life with, it's time to start planning a wedding to celebrate your love. As with any wedding, your same-sex wedding should fit your personal style.
Start by getting your spot, selecting a date, and inviting your guests. Then choose the vendors and order the materials for your wedding. Finally, plan the ceremony with your partner. A gay wedding is different from a traditional wedding in many ways, in which the combinations of who walks down the aisle with who is one of the biggest.
Traditionally, a member of the bride and groom's wedding party walks down the aisle together at a time. You may wonder if there are any special requirements or forms to legalize your marriage. Same-sex and LGBTQ couples are eligible to obtain a marriage license in all 50 states for their union to be legally recognized. Requirements tend to vary by county, so visit your local county clerk's website for a list of forms and charges you'll need to file.
Usually, a marriage license requires a nominal filing fee and proof of identification (a driver's license, state identification card, or passport). A marriage license is usually valid for 60 to 90 days, so you should apply for it a few weeks before your wedding date. One of the most complicated situations in a gay wedding arises when you choose the members of your wedding party. Since gay marriage wasn't even legal until a few years ago, there aren't many customs or practices to resort to for a gay wedding party. In some ways, planning a same-sex wedding isn't much different from planning a wedding between a man and a woman.
Still, some couples may choose not to participate in the proposal ritual and decide to simply get married, and then start planning a wedding. Jove has been named “wedding guru” by US Weekly and as one of the best wedding planners in the United States by The Knot and Brides. In the UK, homosexual couples can legally have a civil union or marriage in a place licensed for civil ceremonies. However, at a gay wedding, it can be difficult to navigate this wedding party walk if there are mixed sex parties. If your parents are paying most of the wedding bills, you can keep the peace and invite Uncle Mike, even if he has made his views against gay marriage known in the past. But unlike a traditional wedding, choosing the members of a gay wedding party can be much more complicated.
If you want a wedding planner, you may want to choose someone who has experience planning same-sex weddings, as they will have more wedding ideas and understand your big day wishes. This is an area where a lot of couples at a gay or lesbian wedding like to throw away the rule book. Weddings are all about celebrating the love between you and your partner, so leave the planning and stress to us. We have 20 tips on how to plan the perfect same-sex wedding with lots of ideas to make your day as unique as you are as a couple. As an LGBTQ+ couple, it's not so clear what to do when it comes to last names, so you can choose what works best for you.
Planning an unforgettable same-sex wedding doesn't have to be overwhelming or stressful. With these 20 tips from an expert on how to plan an amazing gay or lesbian wedding day that reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple, you'll be able to create an event that will be remembered for years. Start by setting up an initial budget that includes all of your expenses such as venue rental fees, catering costs, decorations, music/entertainment costs etc. Then decide on what type of ceremony you would like – religious or non-religious – and find out what type of officiant is available in your area.
You'll also need to decide on whether or not you want bridesmaids/groomsmen/flower girls/ring bearers etc., who will walk down the aisle with whom (if anyone), what type of music will be played during the ceremony etc. When it comes time for selecting vendors such as caterers or florists etc., make sure they are comfortable working with same-sex couples. You'll also need to decide on whether or not you want traditional elements such as cake cutting or bouquet tossing etc., which can be done in whatever way feels right for both partners. When it comes time for invitations and thank-you notes etc., make sure they reflect both partners' names equally.
Finally, don't forget about all of those little details that will make your day special – from personalized vows and readings during the ceremony to special touches like custom cake designs or unique favors for guests etc. With these 20 tips from an expert on how to plan an amazing gay or lesbian wedding day that reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple, you'll be able to create an event that will be remembered for years.
