Y'ALL MEANS ALL
Here at Infinity, we're passionate about helping couples plan a celebration of their love and commitment to one another.
The days of traditional, one-size-fits-all weddings are long gone (good riddance!), and we're here to offer a little advice for couples looking for more inclusive ceremonies and receptions.
Keep scrolling for inclusive wedding planning tips for LGBTQIA+ couples or anyone who doesn't feel quite at home with the gendered status quo.
1. No Frills Invites
Do you feel sweaty just trying to figure out which guests get certain titles and honorifics? Thanks to the rise in simple and intimate weddings, certain formalities are easily dropped if you prefer a more casual vibe. Go ahead and write preferred names (or even nicknames!) on those invites, place cards, and thank-yous.
2. Wedding Parties
Are you a bride with a best guy friend, a groom who feels weird making his sister stand with the bridesmaids, or an engaged person who dreams of a blended wedding party of all genders? Go ahead and embrace pre-wedding events on your own terms and focus on partying with the ones you love!
Photo by Stephanie Sorenson
3. Wear Whatever Feels Good
Don’t be afraid to let go of the idea of gendered clothing! Some people are more comfortable standing at the altar in a power suit, and some would rather rock a white satin gown. The same idea can apply when it comes to members of the wedding party: As long as everyone is sticking to your preferred color palette and fabrics, it’s cool to let your special guests go with the flow and choose outfits that make them feel at ease.
Photos by Lux Amore Photography, DC Events & Design, and Stephanie Sorenson
4. Your Ceremony, Your Way
Wedding ceremonies are often filled with gendered language and traditions, but we love to think outside the box. Instead of asking the wedding parties to enter in gendered pairs, let every individual have their moment to shine and sashay down the aisle.
If you're uncomfortable with the notion of being given away by a father figure, consider walking down the aisle with both parents, going solo, or walking down with a group of loved ones.
Photo by Details Nashville
5. Flowers and Bouquets
Are you a bride who would rather have a boutonniere for her dress or suit, a groom who dreams of holding a cascading bouquet, or someone who wants to rock a flower crown? There are all sorts of ways to incorporate flowers into your wedding attire.
6. Utilize Gender-Neutral Language
If the terms "bride" and "groom" don't resonate with you, consider alternatives like "celebrant," "partner," or just use your name! After your exchange of vows, you can ask your officiant to simply pronounce you "married."
Asking loved ones to be in your wedding party? Instead of "Maid of Honor" or "Best Man," consider asking them to be your "Person of Honor" or your "Best Person." Instead of asking them to be your "Bridesmaid" or "Groomsman," simply ask them to join you in your wedding party.
If you want to make things easy on your guests and mingling at reception tables breezy, consider asking for pronouns on your RSVPs and adding each guests' pronouns to their escort or place cards.
Photos by Lane Photography and DC Events & Design
Did you recently get engaged, or are you in the middle of your wedding planning journey? Head over to our ideas and advice posts to find tips on everything from handling stress to planning your perfect catering menu. Or head to our Pinterest for some visual inspiration!
