If you’re an LGBTQ+ couple getting married soon, you might be over the heteronormative traditional wedding ideas you have been seeing everywhere. As a queer wedding photographer, I know the struggle firsthand. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of being a part of so many amazing, non-traditional weddings, that I just had to put together a list of things YOU can use for your own wedding!
Walk down the aisle together
Who says one partner has to wait at the altar? If you are looking for a non traditional alternative, you and your boo can walk down the aisle together instead! Or! You can also both walk from each side, and meet at the altar at the end. How cute would that be? No matter if someone is walking you down the aisle or not, you can always find a way to make it a little more “you”.
Ditch the wedding party labels
It’s 2022, are we finally on board with degendering wedding parties?? Instead of limiting your wedding party to one gender or the other, let’s ditch the tradition altogether. Include whoever the hell you want in your I Do Crew, it’s more fun that way anyways!
Get ready together
You would think on your wedding day of all days you’d spend lots of time with your partner, but usually it’s the total opposite. With all the excitement and activity going on, it’s hard to carve out 1:1 time with your boo! One way to make sure you get some quality time in is by spending the morning together getting ready. And before you ask, this definitely won’t ruin the emotion of the first look or walking down the aisle. In fact, so many couples realize that getting ready with their partner helped calm their nerves by a ton and they were able to enjoy the day a little bit more! Having that time with your newlywed-to-be before the wedding can be so special if you opt for this route.
Create your own traditions
You know how when you’re dating someone, you find yourself saying things like “when we get married, *insert idea here*”? Well I’m here to tell you that all those ideas you’ve had, can absolutely be incorporated into your day! Feel free to create entirely new “traditions” that are totally unique to you and your style. Along the same lines, ditch any outdated or current traditions that just aren’t your vibe. Your wedding day is about nothing else but you, your partner, and your love story!
Pride-ify your wedding
Whether you want to be subtle or be seen from your venue rooftop, pride-ifying your wedding is never a bad idea. You can infuse bits of pride all throughout your wedding day – here are a few ideas that I’ve either seen done or think would be super cute!
- Wearing pride cufflinks/pins
- Pride-patterned soles on your shoes
- Mini pride flags for guests to wave for ceremony or reception exits
- Having subtle pride-themed decor
Get funky with your wedding attire
Let’s say it together: your wedding attire should be whatever is most affirming to YOU! If wearing a dress doesn’t feel right to you, don’t wear one just because people might expect you to. If wearing a suit doesn’t feel right to you, don’t wear one just because people might expect you to. There are so many stylish alternatives to the traditional wedding attire, so you don’t have to choose comfort over style.
Have a couples wedding shower
Last but not least, have you thought about having a joint couples shower instead of separate ones? Of course this isn’t necessarily at your wedding, but it sure is part of the festivities! This can be a great way to also spend some more time together with your loved ones before your special day. You can make it a totally personalized experience by brainstorming some fun wedding shower ideas!
