Love knows no boundaries, and LGBTQ+ couples are redefining wedding traditions to reflect their unique identities and love stories. This post explores traditional wedding customs that can be embraced by LGBTQ+ wedding couples while encouraging creative freedom to reinvent and personalise these traditions. Celebrating love in all its forms and honouring the diversity and inclusivity of LGBTQ+ weddings is a necessary part of the wedding industry.
Not having a traditional script to follow allows for a relaxed approach to proposals and informing families. Discussing your LGBTQ+ wedding ideas and what you would like is the same for all couples, regardless of their identity. It's the beginning of a lifelong journey. There are no rules for your inclusive wedding - you can start planning your day your way.
1. A LGBTQ+ wedding proposal:
LGBTQ+ marriage was made legal in 2014 in the United Kingdom, which means it gives you, as a couple, the freedom to write your own rules about your own LGBTQ+ wedding proposal. Do you have to follow the tradition of asking the father for another's hand in marriage? Of course not. And who asks whom? The key here is there are no expectations about who asks who. Discussing marriage certainly comes up between couples, Listening to your partner and understanding their preferences is important. Voice your opinion if you would like to ask or be asked. You will know what is right for you two, especially if you have explored this topic together.
2. Your 'I do Crew':
Isn't this the wonderful part of weddings? Planning your best people to be by your side helping with the pre-wedding events, being a sounding board for ideas, attending fittings, helping with tasks, greeting guests, and signing the register. Who says certain genders should have certain jobs? Select friends and family members who have been instrumental in your journey. You can choose to have mixed-gender or gender-neutral wedding parties. Choose your own roles and names, breaking away from traditional gender-specific roles and embracing inclusivity-Bridesmates, Bridesmen, Groomsmaids, Wedding Party-you choose.
3. The Exchange of Vows:
The exchange of vows is a cherished wedding tradition. LGBTQ+ couples can embrace this tradition by writing and exchanging personalised vows that reflect their journey and commitment to each other. Sharing these vows in a way that is special to you will show your guests the depth of your love. These vows can incorporate LGBTQ+ themes, experiences, and aspirations, allowing you to express your love authentically.
4. Walking Down the Aisle:
In a traditional wedding, walking down the aisle symbolizes the bride's transition from her family to her partners. LGBTQ+ couples can reimagine this tradition by choosing alternative ways to make their entrance. Both partners can walk down the aisle together, accompanied by loved ones, or enter the ceremony space simultaneously, symbolizing their equal partnership and the merging of their lives. It's what you both want and what feels right, for celebrating your love story in your inclusive wedding, that is important.
5. LGBTQ+ Unity Rituals:
Unity rituals represent the joining of two individuals into one partnership. LGBTQ+ couples can personalise these rituals to reflect their unique identities. For example, a unity candle, hand fasting, ring warming, or jumping the broom. Another option is a unity tree planting ceremony, symbolising the growth and strength of the relationship. There's so much fun, individuality and personal experience invested into these that they step outside the confines of the traditional and into a truly unique and memorable LGBTQ+ wedding ceremony.
6. Wedding Attire:
LGBTQ+ couples have the freedom to choose wedding attire that aligns with their personal style and identity. Whether it's a traditional white gown, a dapper suit, or a gender-neutral ensemble, couples can express themselves authentically and celebrate their individuality. Embrace your style and share it throughout your inclusive wedding day. Perhaps think about incorporating LGBTQ+ pride colours or symbols into accessories or outfit details (We can highly recommend Rebecca Anne Designs who offers custom embroidered wedding veils) adds a unique touch.
7. Wedding Rings and Exchanges:
The exchange of wedding rings symbolizes the eternal bond between partners. LGBTQ+ couples can choose rings that reflect their identities and love story. This can include incorporating LGBTQ+ pride colours, engraving meaningful symbols or messages, or opting for non-traditional ring designs to add a personal touch. This ring exchange is a moment of profound connection, celebrated in a way that resonates with the couple's unique journey and commitment to each other.
8. LGBTQ+ Wedding Reception:
The wedding reception is an opportunity to celebrate your love surrounded by family and friends. There is a trend with wedding receptions to create a memorable experience and space for guests. Either with the space or venue that you've chosen decorated lavishly or by incorporating smaller more personal details. You can go big with LGBTQ+-themed decorations, incorporating LGBTQ+ pride flags, designing a customized LGBTQ+ wedding cake, or selecting LGBTQ+ artists to perform. Or you could choose classic elegant décor paired with personalised stationary, photo walls of your journey as a couple or making a feature of a telephone audio guest book station. Whatever you decide to do just remember to embrace your LGBTQ+ wedding reception with the mantra 'be unapologetically you.'
9. Flowers for inclusive weddings:
Flowers play a significant role in setting the tone and aesthetic of your wedding. LGBTQ+ couples have the opportunity to make bold, creative choices that reflect their unique love story. Here are some ideas for incorporating flowers into your LGBTQ+ wedding:
- Choose flowers that hold personal significance for you and your partner. Whether it's a specific flower that has special meaning or colours that represent your journey, make your bouquets and boutonnieres truly personal.
- Break away from traditional gender norms by mixing and matching floral arrangements. Instead of traditional bridesmaids' bouquets and groomsmen's boutonnieres, consider having all members of your wedding party carry or wear floral pieces that reflect your wedding theme and colours. This can include floral crowns, corsages, lapel adornments, pocket buttonholes or even small handheld posies.
- Many LGBTQ+ couples are passionate about social and environmental causes. Opt for sustainably sourced, seasonal, and locally grown flowers to support eco-friendly practices. Additionally, consider donating your wedding flowers to hospitals, nursing homes, or charities after the event to spread the love and joy of your special day.
Finally:
LGBTQ+ wedding couples are rewriting the rules and reinventing wedding traditions to reflect their identities, love stories, and journeys. By embracing traditional customs with creative freedom, couples can create a wedding day that is a true reflection of their love and celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community. Honouring the past as much as you want to, embracing the present, and shaping the future of weddings with love, authenticity, and creative expression is what love and the wedding industry should strive to achieve. Your day, your way.
