How to Plan a Gay Wedding

Though a gay wedding can be just like any other "traditional" wedding there are extra details and considerations that need to be accounted for before planning a same-sex big day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Day planner
• Notebook
• Wedding day attire
• The same vendors that any other wedding would require
• A completed application for a civil union, domestic partnership or marriage license

1. Decide on what kind of ceremony and reception the couple wants.
2. Figure out who will be paying for the majority of the wedding whether it be the couple, one member of the party or one of the party’s parents or families.
3. Talk to the couple about whether or not they want a wedding party and about who will hand over the rings.
4. Ask the couple about any common interests, themes or traditions that they would like to tie into the wedding.
5. Choose a wedding date.
6. Discuss what kind of officiant the couple would want residing over their ceremony and whether the officiant's sex or sexual orientation is important.
7. Establish the couple’s wardrobe and whether both people will be wearing the same type of outfit.
8. Book a venue, florist, DJ, photographer, caterer and any other services that the couple might want.
9. Create a guest list of everyone that the couple would want present at their wedding.
10. Send out invitations.

Tips & Warnings

• If one of the parties is going to be the "bride" talk to that person about who they want to walk them down the aisle.
• Before deciding on a venue make sure that it is gay friendly.
• Because same-sex marriage laws can be tricky, it is a good idea to hire a lawyer to guide the couple through the process of declaring a civil union, domestic partnership or marriage.
• Talk to the couple beforehand about their families and their relationships with them. If they are invited to the wedding make sure that the environment is welcoming, respectful and sensitive to their needs as well.