Planning a queer wedding doesn’t have to suck.
Planning a wedding should be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can come with a lot of headaches as well. LGBTQIA+ couples tend to have some unique and sometimes daunting headaches. Understanding what those might be and having an idea of solutions before you encounter them can make it much easier.
How to Avoid Legal and Administrative hurdles when planning a LGBTQIA+ Wedding
One of the most difficult and frustrating hurdles to overcome for LGBTQIA+ is the legal aspect. Many countries have made great strides in recognizing same-sex marriages, others have not progressed as well whether it be restrictions or outright bans. In America, it’s important to also recognize the differences in states, counties and cities and what specific procedures are in place regarding paperwork.
The best way to avoid headaches is to research the specific regulations in your area. Consulting with a LGBTQIA+-friendly legal professional can also help in giving peace of mind that you are checking all the boxes.
Dealing with Family Acceptance of a Ally-Friendly Wedding
Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but sometimes you may face resistance from family members. This can be a great point of emotional stress and tension during a time you should celebrate. It is important to have open and honest communication. Don’t let others take away from your big day and employ the use of therapists and your support group to facilitate difficult conversations.
Hire LGBTQIA+ Wedding Vendors
Vendors are the backbone for a lot of the different facets of your wedding day. It’s important to find vendors that are supportive of your love and know how to celebrate your big day. You don’t want vendors who make you uncomfortable or worse are just discriminatory.
Research and meet with potential vendors. It is important to make sure your vendors are upfront and proud of their inclusivity. You can usually do some research online to see if they make a point to say they are LGBTQIA+ friendly and have experience working with these couples.
In my previous blog “We’re Celebrating Inclusive Wedding Vendors & You Should Too” I discuss other inclusive vendor like myself. CHD provides gender-fluid and alternative lovers the opportunity to include any unique language from their event stationery to day-of décor for couples of all backgrounds.
Ignore Heteronormative Expectations of Your Wedding Day
The wedding industry is steeped in a heteronormative mindset. Gendered bridal parties, and traditional roles for the couple can make it difficult to truly celebrate yourself. It can be difficult to find wedding resources that aren’t steeped in these heteronormative traditions.
It is important to celebrate you and your big day. You can find and work with wedding planners that specialize in LGBTQIA+ weddings. They can know where to find the best resources that represent and celebrate you. Make your wedding your own.
Decide if You Should Hire Wedding Day Security
Unfortunately discrimination is still a big part of our world and may need to be considered in wedding planning. If you live in an area or know of certain communities that may be an issue then work with your venue to make sure that it is secure or private if you desire. It is important to surround yourself with those who support and love you and can make your wedding a safe and exciting space.
Enjoy your wedding – no matter who you love.
While planning a wedding may be a complex adventure, you are more than capable of persevering and crafting the perfect big day. Remember to lean on your close friends and loved ones for help and support and embrace yourself and what you enjoy and want. Your wedding should be the ultimate celebration of your love for one another and there are many resources and people to help you make your wedding memorable. You deserve a beautiful and unique big day.
XOXO – Chelsey