At Rose Bell Events we know that your wedding is more than just an event, it’s a celebration that reflects your personalities as individuals and as a couple, and marks the beginning of your new life together. For your guests, this will be an intimate glimpse into that life, and an opportunity to share in your love for one another.

 

We never forget that this is your day, which is why we strive to capture the uniqueness of each couple we work with by truly listening to your wants and concerns. Whatever your vision of that “perfect wedding” may be – a candlelit ceremony at dusk, a barefoot service on the beach, or a lavish affair for you and 300 of your closest friends – we pride ourselves not only on meeting your expectations but far exceeding them. With your vision and our industry know-how, we can turn the wedding you’ve always dreamt of into a reality.

 

Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn about how we can help you make your wedding one of a kind.

 

 

 

Congratulations on your engagement! While many businesses are happy to serve their clients, it can still be an awkward process to screen out those that are not yet comfortable with same-sex weddings. So let us do the work for you! We will deliver to you vendors that are not only exceptional in their field, but happy to work with all brides and grooms.

 

 

A gay wedding isn't so different from a straight one. It starts with two people that love eachother, a commitment to spend your life together, and a beautiful party that celebrates your union.

 

Many gay couples may choose to celebrate their union with historically heterosexual traditions such as the giving away of the bride. But gay couples also have the opportunity to rethink the ceremonies surrounding marriage and rethink how the ritual looks, feels, and is performed.

 

Your relationship may be unconventional, but the premise is still the same: your wedding should be a distinctive expression and celebration of your love for each other. While Rose Bell Events will help you plan every detail, we understand that certain questions arise when planning a same sex wedding that don’t necessarily apply to heterosexual weddings – and that’s where this guide comes in.

 

 

Commonly Asked Questions:

The term “wedding” is not exclusive to heterosexual couples. But maybe you don’t want to call it that if same-sex marriages are not legal in your state or if it is not an accurate reflection of your experience together. Perhaps you prefer to call it a commitment ceremony, a holy union, a rite of blessing, or another sentimental phrase. Call it what you want, but “to wed” is to unite as a couple, and that is exactly what you plan to do.

 

 

While tradition dictates telling your parents before anyone else - who you tell first depends on who is the most supportive of your relationship. If your folks have been anything but encouraging, you may prefer telling your closest friends first to gain the confidence you may need to break the news to your parents.

 

 

Marriage is more than just a piece of paper. Marriage involves commitment, compromise, even a joint checking account. Aside from that, you may want to write up a relationship agreement that outlines your emotional expectations to each other and have it notarized, listing your partner’s name on medical paperwork as your spouse, and including each other in your wills.

 

 

If same-sex marriage is not legal in your state, then your officiant need not be “official.” A judge or a justice of the peace can consent your union symbolically, or a close friend or family member can do the honor. If you so wish, a man or woman of the cloth can also speak at your ceremony.

 

 

It’s not necessary if you don’t feel comfortable, but rest assured that vendors are not hired to judge you. In fact, letting them know of your unique situation may enable them to infuse creativity into your celebration. You aren’t the first couple to plan this type of event, so your vendors may have some good ideas from other gay weddings.

 

 

If you really think this person will be uncomfortable attending, send an invite anyway and let him or her make the final decision. When it comes down to it, some people may surprise you. Just remind yourself that someone who does not want to attend because they have a problem with your sexuality is probably not someone you want there to celebrate with you.

 

 

Some couples don’t feel it is necessary to draw attention to their sexuality, while others want to call out the fact that same-sex weddings are not readily recognized. Ultimately your ceremony should reflect the way you feel about each other, and should speak to why your lives will now be joined in marriage. Include whatever you feel is relevant for your situation and beliefs.

 

 

There is no set formula for any wedding ceremony, but there are a few key components that should/could take place: the greeting (“we are gathered here today”), vows, ring exchange, readings, and the pronouncement of marriage, sealed with a kiss. But this is your day, so do what your hearts’ desire to make it personal.

 

 

It is a time-honored tradition for the bride’s father to walk her down the aisle. But what do you do when there are two brides or two grooms?  There are a number of options: One partner can wait at the end of the aisle while the other walks or is escorted down, you can walk down together, or you can create a seating arrangement with two aisles that convene at the altar. Do whatever is most comfortable for both of you.

 

 

Wear anything that speaks to your style. Women may choose to don the traditional gowns and veils, but if frills and lace aren’t your thing, another style of dress or even a pant suit will do. Men can wear tuxedos or a nice suit purchased especially for this occasion. You may choose to wear matching attire or separate outfits to complement your individual style.

 

 

No matter your sexuality, this will always be an issue. But before you book a site and start sending out save-the-dates, check with any possible contributing parties to figure out who can afford what. Maybe your parents will be willing to chip in for a certain portion of the wedding, or maybe not. This is the case with all marriages – gay or straight. It is important to have this conversation at the beginning of the planning process before you get too deep into the planning process.

 

 

While there is no unvarying term to describe your same-sex spouse, there are a few standbys that encompass the legitimacy and intimacy of your relationship. Say whatever is most comfortable for you, whether it is husband/wife, spouse, life partner, significant other, companion, or soul mate. Just choose a term that reflects that a new step has been taken in your relationship, and understand that it is okay to adjust his or her title depending on the circumstances of the conversation.

 

 

Again, changing your name is completely optional and up to you.  If you feel a name change is a preferable way to establish your new union, then go for it.  Lucky for you, you can choose the better of the two names (or the one that is easiest to spell and pronounce!). You could also hyphenate both of your last names or even come up with a totally different last name for the both of you to take. To ig deeper into the various married last name change options and implications visit this website.