Happy Pride month friends! I didn’t want this month to end without giving a few of my tips for same sex couples. That being said, I think about all our weddings as just that – weddings. There’s little reason to categorize same sex weddings as something different when it comes to planning advice. Sure, their are nuances to the ceremony and specific needs to the event, but that’s not unlike weddings with cultural ties or simply weddings with family ties and traditions. Each couple has a specific set of circumstances they are working with that make them unique. At Bella, we approach every couple, every client and every event as individual as the people and therefore the planning experience reflects that. We embrace all types of couples, families and events, LGBTQ or otherwise. But here’s my case for why same sex couples should consider a destination wedding (and some advice for your planning along the way).
Destination weddings make weddings more intimate. Smaller guest size, fewer obligations to invite people you aren’t as close to but may feel obligated to include and fewer folks will RSVP yes simply due to travel. If you want something intimate, private and authentic, consider a destination wedding (no matter who you marry!).
If you’re uncomfortable or unsure, ask. Just because a wedding professional doesn’t have a same sex wedding on their website or Instagram feed, it doesn’t mean they don’t welcome the opportunity to work with you. They just may not have had the chance or opportunity to book a LGBTQ client in the past. If you’re unsure, ask.
Don’t be afraid to ask for modifications to a contract. Some contracts are archaic and not inclusionary but not by intentional design. If you’re asked to sign a contract with boxes to fill in for “bride” and “groom,” request that the company amend the language to reflect your relationship appropriately.
Think outside the box. We tell all our clients this! Don’t conform to rules that you don’t want to. If you prefer to have two ceremony aisles so you each walk down your own aisle and meet at the end, do it! Who said there should be one aisle anyway? Throw out traditions that you don’t want and use the ones you do.
Communicate with your vendor team. Just like any other couple, if there are uncomfortable family dynamics or politics at play in your guest list, share that with your planner so they can help you navigate those waters as best as possible and shield you from any issues on the wedding day. Your wedding planner is your advocate!
And finally, come to Colorado! Colorado, despite a baker or two, embraces same sex couples who want to wed here (and legally). So many of our industry peers are inclusionary in our great state. You’ll get the best of the beauty America has to offer, very private, natural event spaces and an army of talented event professionals to help carry out your destination wedding in Colorado too!
Are you considering a destination wedding?
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