Franklin Dean
Lesbian weddings, like all LGBTQ+ weddings, are now legal in all 50 US states, thanks to a 2015 Supreme Court ruling. While LGBTQ+ weddings are similar to heterosexual weddings in most ways, there are some differences. For example, lesbian couples may want to consider whether they want to come out to their wedding vendors, especially if gender is a big part of their service offering. There are also no rules about how to walk down the aisle, and couples can decide for themselves what they want to do. Some couples may opt for two aisles, where both partners walk down the aisle at the same time, while others may choose to be escorted by their parents or whoever is closest to them. Ultimately, lesbian weddings are about celebrating love and creating new traditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Same-sex weddings are now legal in all 50 states in the US, thanks to the 2015 Supreme Court ruling |
| Planning | Same as a traditional wedding, unless the couple wants it to be different |
| Proposal | There is no blueprint for how to propose |
| Vendors | It is recommended to choose vendors who are excited to work with LGBTQ+ couples and are inclusive |
| Attire | Couples can choose to match their partner or opt for unique personal styles |
| Aisle | Couples can choose to walk down one aisle together or have two aisles |
| Traditions | Couples can choose to keep or ditch any traditions they like |
| Bachelorette parties | Couples can have separate or combined parties |
| Vows | Couples can write their own vows, including religious sentiments if desired |
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What You'll Learn
- Lesbian wedding ceremonies can be personalised, from the vows to who carries the rings
- There is no blueprint for how to propose to your girlfriend
- There are no rules for who walks down the aisle, but there are several options
- You can choose to come out to your wedding vendors or not
- You can incorporate religious rituals or put your own spin on them
Lesbian wedding ceremonies can be personalised, from the vows to who carries the rings
Lesbian wedding ceremonies can be personalised in many ways to reflect the couple's unique relationship and experiences. One way to do this is through the wedding vows. Writing your own vows can be a meaningful way to express your love and commitment and can be as creative as you like. For instance, one couple shared their vows on ribbons during their ceremony, while another couple's vows brought tears to many people's eyes.
Another way to personalise the ceremony is through the choice of music. As many love songs are aimed at heterosexual couples, some brides opt to have a custom song written specifically for their first dance. Choosing your own music for the reception is another way to make the day feel more personal and unique.
The wedding attire is another opportunity for personalisation. While some brides may choose to wear traditional white dresses, others may opt for a coloured dress or a suit. One bride wore a teal dress, while her partner wore a dark teal suit. Another couple wore an airforce dress uniform and a woodland fairy meets steampunk outfit.
There are also many other creative ways to personalise a lesbian wedding. For example, instead of having a bridal party composed of only women, you could have 'bridespeople' of multiple genders. You could also add a fun twist to the bouquet-throwing tradition, such as throwing a stuffed cat to indicate who will adopt a cat next.
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There is no blueprint for how to propose to your girlfriend
When planning a lesbian wedding, you have the freedom and flexibility to create new traditions and make the day authentically yours. You can choose to incorporate religious elements, modify rituals, or forgo them altogether. You can decide whether to \"come out\" to your wedding vendors or keep that aspect private. It's up to you whether you want to match your partner's style on the big day or express your unique personal taste.
There are several considerations when it comes to the ceremony itself. You can opt for a single aisle or two aisles, with both partners walking down simultaneously. You can also get creative with your wedding party labels, choosing traditional titles like "bridesmaids" and "maids of honor" or going with genderless terms like "attendants" or "party people." Ultimately, you can call them whatever you like—it's about celebrating the friendship they have with you!
When it comes to the legal side of things, obtaining a marriage license and filing it with your government office is the same for same-sex and heterosexual couples. Requirements may vary by county, so be sure to check the necessary forms and fees. And don't forget to have fun with the planning process! From cake tasting to venue selection, it's all about celebrating your love and creating memories.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to proposing or planning a lesbian wedding. Embrace the freedom to make choices that reflect who you are as a couple and create a day that's uniquely yours.
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There are no rules for who walks down the aisle, but there are several options
One option is for both partners to walk down the aisle together, either with or without their parents or another special person. This could be a meaningful way to enter their marriage together. Another option is for each partner to walk down the aisle separately, either one after the other or simultaneously on two separate aisles. This could be done with or without their parents or another loved one. If the couple chooses to walk separately, they can decide who goes first by flipping a coin, playing a game of rock, paper, scissors, or simply choosing whoever wants to go first.
Some couples may prefer to stick to more traditional elements, such as having the father of the bride walk her down the aisle, while others may choose to adapt these traditions to fit their unique preferences. For example, some couples may choose to have both parents accompany them down the aisle, or they may opt to have no aisle walk at all.
Whatever the couple decides, the important thing is to rehearse and make sure the moment feels authentic and representative of their relationship.
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You can choose to come out to your wedding vendors or not
When it comes to planning your lesbian wedding, you may be seeking gender-specific advice and inspiration for your ceremony and reception. One question you might be asking yourself is whether you want to "come out" to your wedding vendors.
The answer to this question is entirely up to you and your partner. You may decide to be upfront with a wedding vendor if gender is a significant part of their service offering. For example, if you are hiring a caterer, a wedding planner, florist, cake designer, or transportation service, you may choose to disclose your sexual orientation. This can help ensure that you receive the support and equality you deserve when planning your special day.
On the other hand, you may prefer to keep your sexual orientation private from your vendors. This is also a valid choice, and you are not obligated to disclose any personal information that you are uncomfortable sharing. Ultimately, the decision to come out to your wedding vendors is a personal one, and you should do whatever feels most authentic and comfortable for you and your partner.
To find vendors who are supportive and inclusive, you can browse dedicated same-gender wedding directories or look for vendors who use inclusive language and feature diverse couples on their websites, images, and social media posts. It is important to remember that you should never feel uncomfortable or awkward when working with a vendor. If you do, it may be a sign to trust your instincts and look for someone else who better aligns with your values and celebrates your love.
Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment to your partner. You have the freedom and flexibility to create new traditions and make choices that feel true to you as a couple. Whether you choose to come out to your vendors or not, focus on what matters most to you, and create a day that authentically reflects your relationship.
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You can incorporate religious rituals or put your own spin on them
Lesbian weddings, like all LGBTQ+ weddings, are about celebrating the love between you and your partner. The great thing about LGBTQ+ weddings is that you have the freedom and flexibility to create new traditions that are unique to you.
When it comes to religious rituals, you can incorporate them in a way that feels authentic to you and your partner. For example, if you're Jewish, you might incorporate the Seven Blessings ritual by having your guests recite the final blessing together so that everyone feels involved in the ceremony. Or, if you practise magic, you could include a magic ritual alongside your Jewish rituals, like one couple who shared their experience of doing so. They also signed a ketubah (a Jewish marriage contract) in addition to their state marriage license.
You can also put your own spin on religious rituals. For instance, instead of having traditional vows, you could replace them with readings from the 2015 Supreme Court decision legalising same-sex marriage or a romantic poem by a LGBTQ+ poet such as Adrienne Rich, Walt Whitman, or Audre Lorde. If you want to propose on bended knee, you can do so, but you can also choose not to.
In addition to religious rituals, there are many other traditions that you can incorporate or adapt to make them your own. For example, you might choose to walk down the aisle together or have both of your parents escort you to the back of the aisle before you walk down together. You could also opt for two aisles, where both partners walk down the aisle at the same time to commence the ceremony. When it comes to attire, you might decide to match your partner or wear outfits that reflect your personal style.
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Frequently asked questions
The process of getting married as a lesbian couple is the same as for heterosexual couples. You need to obtain a marriage license, have a ceremony officiated by someone licensed to do so, and sign the marriage license with your new spouse and your officiant as a witness. Then, file the license with your government office and receive your marriage certificate.
There are many ways lesbian couples have chosen to walk down the aisle. Some couples choose to walk down the aisle together, while others opt for one partner to wait at the altar as the other is escorted down the aisle. There is also the option of having two aisles, where both partners walk down the aisle at the same time. Ultimately, there are no rules, and each couple can decide what they want to do.
No, you do not have to invite everyone to your wedding. You should only invite people who support your relationship and will bring love and joy to your special day. It is your day, so fill it with people who will celebrate your love and make you happy!
There are no rules when it comes to attire for a lesbian wedding. Some couples choose to match their outfits, while others opt for unique styles that reflect their personal taste. You can also choose to incorporate elements of tradition, such as wearing a dress or suit, or go for a completely different look.
Planning the ceremony is a fun part of the process, as you can make it your own! You can include religious elements, such as including faith-driven aspects in your vows, or opt for a non-denominational ceremony. You can also include community participation, such as having guests read poetry or recite blessings, or keep it simple with just the two of you.
