With same-sex or gay marriage becoming legal in more countries and regions there are more gay and lesbian weddings happening every day. Traditional wedding rules do not always apply to same-sex weddings and many couples simply make up their own rules.
Planning a same-sex wedding is mainly the same as a traditional wedding. There is careful consideration as to the location to make sure it is gay friendly and the same theory applies if the couple chooses to be married in a church. Some couples choose to be married during their cities Gay Pride celebration since many gay friendly officiants are usually there for the celebration.http://gaylife.about.com/od/samesexmarriage/a/ceremony_2.htm
When it comes to attire Lesbian couples may choose to both wear wedding dresses or one or both may choose to wear more traditional menswear such as a tuxedo. Gay couples may also choose to both wear suits or tuxedos. http://gaylife.about.com/od/samesexmarriage/a/ceremony_2.htm
Family Support
Many families can still feel confused about their children or relatives wanting to have a gay or lesbian wedding. There are many organizations made to assist friends and family members of LGBT loved ones that can help. One organization is PFLAG or Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian and Gays. http://community.pflag.org/Page.aspx?pid=194&srcid=-2
Gift Ideas
Gifts for Gay or Lesbian couples are the same as straight couples. If the couple is just starting out traditional gifts to start a home are appropriate. If the couple is more established then consider giving to their favorite charity or giving towards their honeymoon. There are popular websites such as honeymoon.com which caters towards this type of wedding gift.http://www.gayweddings.com/friends-family/faqs
Ellen & Portia's Wedding
This video is a segment from The Ellen Show of Ellen and Portia's wedding. The video features behind the scene footage of the couple preparing for their wedding including setting up for ceremony. It also features photographs of the couple at their wedding and of them with their families and friends.
Locations Where Same Sex Marriages are Performed
Same Sex Marriages Performed:
- Belgium
- Canada http://www.equal-marriage.ca/resource.php?id=538
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- South Africa http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/afrec/vol21no1/211-gays-lesbians-combat-bias.html
- Spain
- Sweden http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/05/26/f-same-sex-timeline.html
Performed in some Jurisdictions
- Mexico
- United States: CT, CD, IA, MA NH, and VT http://www.hrc.org/laws_and_elections/state_law_listing.asples/7017501996?Congress%20Considers%20Outcome%20of%20D.C.%20Gay%20Marriage%20Legislation
- Aruba (Dutch only)
- Israel
- Netherlands Antilles
Civil Unions and Registered Partnerships
- Andorra
- Austria
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Luxembourg
- Columbia
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
- Ecuador
- Denmark
- Czech Republic
- France http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006_docs/Francesummary.pdf
- Wallis and Futuna
- Germany
- United Kingdome
- Greenland
- Uruguay http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7017501996?Congress%20Considers%20Outcome%20of%20D.C.%20Gay%20Marriage%20Legislation
Civil Unions Performed in Some Jurisdictions
- Argentina: BA, RC, RN, VCP
- Australia: ACT, NSW, TAS, and VIC
- Mexico: COA
- United States: CA, CO, HI, ME, NJ, NV, OR, WA, WI
- Venezuela: ME
Gay and Lesbian Weddings Fashion and Merchandise
- Please see Mahalo's guides to Wedding Fashion, Wedding Dress, Bridal Shoes, and Wedding Rings
- Love And Pride: Gay Commitment, Wedding & Anniversary Rings
- GayWeddings.com: Wedding Supplies and Merchandise
