Queer Wedding Trends: Breaking Traditions and Embracing Individuality
Before we dive into this article, let’s start by appreciating and celebrating all the incredible queer couples who have been recently engaged! Tying the knot is an exciting time in every individual’s life, even more so for those who push the boundaries of traditions and choose the less-trodden path. With that said, queer couples have taken a unique approach to their weddings, bringing many trends that help them embrace their individuality as they start a new life together.
So, let’s get into it.
Extravagant Photography
The LGBTQ+ community’s celebration of diversity is vividly reflected in their wedding photographs. The trend of hiring top-notch professional photographers skilled in playing with light and colors has opened up a world of creative possibilities. From rainbow confetti displays to colored smoke and even paint battles, photography is all about extravagance and individuality.
Some even use the surroundings to create ethereal moments. For example, suppose you have an elegant industrial-themed reception set in Los Angeles. In that case, the photographer will use unique elements of the space, like steel beams, exposed brick, large windows, steel beams, metallic fixtures, artwork, etc., to create breathtaking portraits.
Unconventional Bridal Party
One thing that’s pretty evident in same-sex weddings is that they don’t let gender influence their roles; this has become evident in taking a unique approach with bridal parties and having two sets of groomsmen and bridesmaids.
Instead, queer couples refer to their closest family and friends as “honorable guests” or “I-do crew” so they can attend wedding functions like the bridal party wearing whatever makes them feel comfortable without gender obligations.
Permanent Wedding Favors
Being queer is the definition of breaking stereotypes, and one stark symbol of doing that also lies in many forms of body art. Recent trends among LGBTQ+ weddings include permanent favors over sending the guests a regular monogrammed centerpiece. These permanent favors, such as tattoos, bracelets, and piercings, are not just gifts but symbols of the couple’s commitment and a lasting memory of their weddings.
Couples include tattoo, bracelet welding, and piercing stations to ensure guests have a lasting memory of their weddings. Whether you get a tattoo of your favorite quote or adorn a helix piercing, it’s a sign of embracing uniqueness and sharing a special moment with everyone.
Symbolic Ceremonial Acts
There is immense cultural significance in symbolic acts like the first dance, saying your vows, or kissing the bride. While these are the traditional ones, queer couples have taken the symbolism of love even further by including unique practices or rituals like the sand unity ceremony, where both couples have two containers of different colored sands and they mix them as a sign of uniting their personalities.
Headfasting is also gaining popularity among LGBTQ+ weddings; it’s a pagan ritual where the couple crosses their hands, and the officiant, a family member, or a friend ties a colorful ribbon around their wrists to represent joining the couple.
Another trend set ablaze is the unity candle ceremony, in which two candles are lit at the beginning of the ceremony and are used to light a larger central candle afterward. The two candles represent the couple, and using them to light the larger one represents their fresh union.
Gender Fluid Fashion
The rise of gender-fluid wedding fashion is a powerful symbol of inclusivity in the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a new era of attire that allows individuals to express themselves authentically selves on their special day. The wedding industry’s increasing diversity clearly acknowledges that love is beyond societal constarits, and fashion should reflect that.
Even better, wedding fashion is not just for the to-be-weds. When bridging the gap between inclusive fashion and traditional gender roles, gender-fluidity has become highly popular for wedding parties and the guests.
Walking Down the Aisle Together
Queer weddings add an unconventional twist to the tradition of fathers walking their daughters down the aisle. By breaking stereotypes yet again, queer couples choose to walk down the aisle together, and this trend has gained momentum since last year.
Instead of having a loved one give you away on your special day, same-sex couples take a different approach to this age-old custom. In a way, this trend is an incredible way of symbolizing two souls walking towards a new beginning together.
Unique Settings
Whether it’s the overall seating arrangement, buffet setup, or venue location, queer weddings are heading towards distinct styles over traditional settings. For example, some couples swap the regular straight-row arrangement for a circular seating arrangement for an intimate ceremony.
Similarly, couples are all about finding distinctive venue types ranging from forests, barns, vineyards, beaches, etc. In fact, wedding venues like the Aolani Catamaran Sailing offer a unique experience as the couple and guests set sail and enjoy the wedding celebrations amidst the serenity of the sea.
Joint Stag/Hen Parties
Heading towards a more unconventional trend, this one completely defies your regular bachelor/bachelorette parties. Instead of having the regular stag and hen parties separately, queer couples choose to have it together.
It may be a joint party, a weekend getaway, or a fun-filled night out, but the purpose is to unite everyone. It is especially great if you and your partner share the same friends or hang out in similar circles.
