LGBTQ+ Wedding Ideas & Details To Consider

LGBTQ+ Wedding Ideas & Details To Consider - Eternity

LGBTQ+ Wedding Ideas & Details To Consider

9th June 2023

Planning a wedding is an exhilarating journey filled with endless possibilities, and when it comes to LGBTQ+ weddings, the possibilities are as vibrant and diverse as the couples themselves; but sometimes, for the LGBTQ+ community, South Asian wedding planning can feel daunting and exhaustive.

Here, at Eternity UK, we aim to be extremely inclusive for all our couples. When using our FREE digital wedding planning portal, couples have the choice to choose a same-sex wedding.

Whether it be searching for LGBTQ+ wedding suppliers, browsing through LGBTQ+ wedding inspiration, or planning your big day, we can help you in curating your dream day, filled with love.

planning aN lgbtq+ wedding ceremony

Tell your story

First & foremost, think of beautiful ways to weave in your special story into your wedding day & events. Whether it be where you met, your favourite date spots, or your favourite activities to do together. This is your celebration of love, and you want to showcase your story to your guests.

Search for inclusive wedding suppliers

Seek our wedding suppliers who are skilled, as well as LGBTQ+ supportive. There are a few ways to do this.

On first glance, you will be able to see if a supplier is LGBTQ+ inclusive through their website or social media, which may contain some sort of badge or indication. At a closer look, you will be able to see if they have worked with a diverse range of couples. Not only will this give you more comfort of them being a supportive supplier, they will also likely have tons of different ideas & inspiration from past events they have worked on.

Next, you want to also seek out their language. It will help you feel more comfortable and trust your supplier, if you know that they are conscious & aware of the correct pronouns or ways to refer to you and your wedding.

Lastly, be sure to ask specific questions and be completely open about your dream ceremony. A suppliers spoken language and body language will help you understand their excitement to be on board. As with any event, you want to be surrounded by a trusting & loving team.

Ensure your photographer understands your vision

On your wedding day, you will feel a range of emotions and the whole thing will be over in the flash of a second! You want to enjoy every moment. When it comes to after the event, the priceless memories will be best captured by your wedding photographer & videographer – so pick them well.

You want to ensure your wedding photographer & videographer understand your vision; whether you are comfortable with some intimate shots, or whether you prefer a more posed regal look – let them know.

In addition to this, many photographers may naturally opt for using gender-specific compliments when taking pictures ie. handsome. Make sure your photographer knows your comfortable pronouns and some gender-neutral phrases you would prefer for them to use. There is no harm in educating them.

Wear an outfit that's authentic to you

Traditionally, those who identify as a bride have opted for lehenga’s, sarees or suits; whilst those who identify as a groom have opted for sherwani’s. When it comes to your big day, wear exactly what is authentic to you and your partner. Whether it’s a traditional outfit to your culture, their culture, or something completely unique.

You want to feel more comfortable in your skin.

Flip the script

Traditional South Asian ceremonies have always traditionally have certain rituals meant for those who identify as a bride or groom. For example, the ‘Kanyadaan’ in a Hindu ceremony translates to ‘giving away the bride’.

As time has evolved, interpretations and practices vary, so you will want to analyse the different wedding ceremony traditions and understand how you can best incorporate those ones which mean something to you.

Our biggest tip is to work with a priest, registrar, or wedding planner who can practically find various ways of interpreting the ceremony to work for you.

Include wedding parties

To encourage the inclusive vibe of your wedding, refer to your loved ones as your wedding parties, as opposed to ‘bridesmaid’ or ‘groomsmen’, or your person of honour, instead of maid of honour. Whilst it may only sound little, it makes a large difference in setting the standard and making your guests comfortable.

Celebrate with pride

Same-sex marriages were made legal in the UK on 17th July 2013. Since then, many various countries have also passed laws which are similar; but there are still tons of countries and governments who are yet to pass these laws in their jurisdictions.

When it comes to your wedding, you are celebrating your love, as well as, the global movement #LoveIsLove. Celebrate & incorporate an ode to pride throughout your wedding.

Whether it be through your wedding stationery & signage, your wedding cake, your wedding favours & more.

Educate & inform

Whether it be your suppliers or your wedding guests, this is your best time to educate & inform them to understand about LGBTQ+ etiquette, terminology or resources.

Spread the love & the knowledge.