Plan the perfect LGBTQ Wedding

1. Pop the question

Who proposes to whom? This may be one of the most common questions. Many heterosexual proposals are initiated by the future groom but when it comes to LGBTQ proposals, either one of you can pop the question. Now that’s what we call equality! So, whether you feel like making a grand romantic gesture down on one knee or simply pop the question whilst cooking dinner together at home in your pjs, it’s all about the love the two of you share and that special commitment you want to make to one another.

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2. Choosing your Wedding Party

The people in your life you choose to include in your wedding party are not only going to be there for you on the big day but also hopefully for the rest of your lives together. So, whether you choose to ask a sibling, a friend or another family member, their gender shouldn’t define their role in your wedding. Instead, choose those who have supported you as a couple and who will be happy to stand by your side on this special day.

Just remember that the traditional terms of “maid of honour” and “best man” are optional too. Although you will have to both designate witnesses to sign the register, nothing says you can’t be creative when it comes to the rest of you wedding party. So, if you want your best friend to walk you down the aisle and a family member to help welcome and guide guests as they’re coming in- it’s all up to you! Just ensure that everyone in your wedding party is very clear on their duties both before and on the day to avoid any confusion.

Want to wow your guests with an amazing wedding speech? Then click here to read Confetti’s article on how to write a great same-sex wedding speech.

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3. Make your own rules

The thing with wedding traditions is that they’re just that- traditions. So, if you feel like adopting only a few of those or none at all on your wedding day, it should feel right to you and your significant other. Do you want to get ready together? Do you want to spend the night with your future husband/wife before the big day? Or do you want to both walk down the aisle together hand in hand? Whatever feels right for you and your partner is what you should do on your big day.

Still looking for decoration inspiration for your big day? Then click here to read Confetti’s article on Same Sex Wedding Decoration Inspiration.

4. Surround yourself well

Whether you’re working on your guest list or your supplier list- the most important factor to make sure you have an amazing stress-free wedding, is to choose who you want on your big day.

If you don’t want to invite that judgy aunt you haven’t spoken to in 10 years or if you are uncomfortable with anyone you feel forced to invite to keep the peace, just remember that this day is first and foremost about the two of you and nobody else.

When it comes to your suppliers, it’s also important to make sure that they are on your side and committed to making this the best day of your life. Using sites like LGBTWeddings.com, referrals from friends or other wedding professionals and attending our National Wedding Shows to meet suppliers in person are all wonderful resources to find trusted professionals who are pro LGBTQ.

Photo by Maico Pereira on Unsplash

5. Destination Weddings & Honeymoons

If the two of you are dreaming of a destination wedding or if you’d like to throw a pre or post wedding celebration in another country, it’s important to ensure before planning anything that this destination is LGBTQ friendly. Although more and more destinations are welcoming of LGBTQ couples and weddings, many are still sadly prejudice and haven’t yet progressed in that department.

The same applies for your honeymoon. Your honeymoon is a time for the two of you to bask in post-wedding bliss and the last thing you want is to feel unwelcome or feel like you can’t indulge in public displays of affection with your significant other. Life is too short!

The best place to get information on destinations is simply doing a little research online. You can also contact travel agents who will be able to advise you not only on destinations but also on resorts and hotels. Last but not least, our Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Show at ExCel London this October will be the perfect occasion to chat with travel experts in person and get all the most up to date information to find the best destination.

You can also check out Confetti’s article on Best Destinations For Same Sex Couples by clicking here.

Here at The National Wedding Show, we celebrate diversity and inclusiveness every day. We welcome everyone to our shows and celebrate love. Share what Pride means to you with #MarryProud on social media so we can share it on our social!

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