Hot Trends In Same-Sex Marriages
Popular New Styles For Gay Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies
Sep 7, 2008
Now that more same-sex couples are marrying or holding commitment ceremonies than ever before, we’re seeing some wonderful new trends and traditions emerge for those couples wanting to say, “I do”. From wedding registries to honeymoon spots, check out these hot new ideas for your marriage!
Gay-Friendly Vendors
While same-sex couples have made great strides towards having their civil rights recognized in recent years, there are still plenty of people who refuse to accept it. Brides and grooms shopping around for vendors for their same-sex weddings or commitment ceremonies still often face discrimination or just plain nastiness from intolerant bakers, planners, or caterers.
The solution? Use gay-friendly vendors for all your wedding supplies! You can find a huge database of such vendors at GayWeddings.com’s vendor locator or through the Rainbow Wedding Network’s vendor directory. Other same-sex couples in your area may also know some vendors who are receptive to and supportive of your plans. Using vendors that you know are gay-friendly can help you avoid hostility and intolerance so you can enjoy your day.
Registry Donations
Many gay couples have found that the traditional wedding registry isn’t suited to their needs. Since gay marriage hasn’t been legal for long, many couples have been living together for a while, and already have as many pans and dishes as they need.
A popular alternative to traditional Bed, Bath and Beyond-type registries is the donation registry, where couples can list their favorite charities or causes and guests can donate money in the couple’s honor.
You can make a charitable registry (or add charitable donations to your traditional registry) at the I Do Foundation— visit http://www.idofoundation.org/.
Wearing Your Ring…On the Right Hand!
Traditionally, wedding rings (and engagement rings) are worn on the left hand, but recently, many same-sex couples are choosing to switch it up. We’re seeing plenty of same-sex couples wearing commitment rings on their right hands, in order to draw attention to the fact that in many states, they are still not legally allowed to wed. This trend has carried over into gay weddings, too, with many couples choosing to wear their wedding rings on their right hands instead.
Interestingly, this right-handed trend has been creeping into straight marriages, as well; many straight brides this year are solving the two-rings-on-one-finger dilemma, not by soldering the engagement ring to the wedding band, but by wearing one ring on the left hand and one on the right.
Gay-friendly Honeymoons
The honeymoon is a time to rest and relax after the stress of wedding planning and before the everyday trials of married life begin. So why not go somewhere where you can enjoy yourself without worrying about heckling or prejudice?
Increasingly, same-sex couples are opting to honeymoon in gay-friendly spots. Places in states where gay marriage is legal are obvious choices; Californian destinations like Palm Springs and San Francisco and Massachusetts towns like Provincetown (voted 2007's Best Gay Resort Town by planetout.com) have been popular honeymoon spots this year.
For international travelers, Europe is always an open, friendly place— try London or Germany, or Eastern Europe for a cheaper vacation. Canada is an often-overlooked destination full of cultural, fine cuisine, and fabulous hotels.
No matter what you do, let your same-sex ceremony reflect what you want and what you love! Just don't turn into a Bride(or Groom)zilla!
