Planning A Gay Or Lesbian Wedding? Here’s What To Expect
Up until now, there have been an average of 2.4 million weddings per year in the United States. Thanks to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision on June 26 legalizing same sex marriages, the number of U.S. weddings may be in for a considerable boost. According to The Street, there are currently 4.5 million gay and lesbian couples who may take advantage of the ruling, and, in doing so, give new business to wedding planners, bakers, florists, and wedding reception places.
What To Expect From Same Sex Weddings
While it is monumentally important that lesbian and gay partners can now 100% legally say “I do,” there aren’t as many differences between heterosexual and homosexual weddings as you might think. The most obvious difference, the Auburn Journal duly and accurately notes, is that there are two grooms or two brides. Other than that, all inclusive weddings and all inclusive event packages for same sex couples look pretty much the same. There are some slight adjustments to be made here and there. The Knot showcases cute signs bearing the words “Here Comes The Brides,” there are gay marriage-specific webpages for couples to refer to when making wedding plans (sites like engayedweddings.com), and, yes, the wedding cake topper will undoubtedly reflect the likeness of the couple getting married, with two grooms or two brides.
The Biggest Differences
The biggest differences, according to married couples and experienced planners, are: the rules. As for the rules, there pretty much are none. When it comes to same sex marriages, there are relatively few established rules — and that can be a wonderful thing. It’s up to you to determine your wedding etiquette, like what exactly your wedding party will look like. Do you want all bridesmaids, all groomsmen, or a combination? How will they walk down the aisle, and how will they line up during the ceremony? Will one or both partners walk down the aisle? Will they walk down the aisle with a parent or their parents? Choose friendly and welcoming wedding reception places, set up a few rules with your partner, and enjoy the freedom and convenience of making your own rules.
Over one-third (35%) of weddings take place outdoors. Forty-eight percent of couples will look at venues online first. Thanks to the Supreme Court, gay and lesbian couples can now do all of these things — and more.
