What does a San Diego LGBTQ wedding look like? This is completely up to interpretation – it’s your day! It can be as traditional or uniquely yours as you want it to be. Our team at Personal Touch dining is here to make your wedding day as special as possible. Follow our 7 tips below to ensure the perfect LGBTQ wedding.
Create a Detailed Plan
When preparing for a wedding, it’s necessary to create a detailed plan. Ideally, you’ll want to begin planning six months to one year before your big day. This way, you’ll have flexibility when choosing venue dates. This will help you minimize your overall stress level. Think about using Google calendar to keep track of important dates and appointments; it’s all about staying organized!
In your wedding plan, you’ll want to consider the venue type and the reception style. Do you want a venue that offers both outdoor and indoor seating? Are you looking for panoramic waterfront views or an idyllic countryside setting? Will your reception be small and intimate or large with plenty of room for dancing? It’s also important to make a detailed guest list. And don’t forget about the photographer and videographer! Planning upfront will help you to put all your must-haves in priority order, and you’ll be able to make better decisions. This will help your wedding run smoothly.
Have a Budget Determined
From catering to the venue to the color scheme, there are many options when it comes to throwing a wedding. Regardless of your budget size, it’s important to know how much money you have set aside for each service type. With a concrete budget, you’ll have funds in place to cover the fundamental services you need, as well as the little extra touches. However, you’ll still want to leave a little room to make adjustments. For example, if you see a décor option that is above budget level, but it brings the entire theme together, it may be worth the splurge. If you give yourself breathing room for these unexpected surprises, you’ll make the process easier.
Mix Up the Wedding Party
LGBTQ weddings often reinterpret tradition, and give new life and meaning to old customs. For example, the wedding party is the perfect time to be creative. You can have the most important people in your life included, and configure the wedding party any way you’d like. For same-sex marriages, don’t feel limited to a wedding party of all one gender. Or, do away with the wedding party all together! If you choose this route, don’t forget that you can still have your parents and best friends walk down the aisle. It’s your moment, so get creative and do what makes you happiest!
Get Creative with Your Ceremony and Reception
From large religious ceremonies to small, intimate family affairs, the ceremony is another opportunity to get creative. If you are a romantic, try writing your own vows to most accurately and passionately express your love to your partner. Or read a favorite book passage or poem that has specific meaning. Additionally, feel free to mix up the wedding attire. If you both want to deck out in formalwear, or something more tailored to your personalities, go for it.
The reception is also a chance to have fun and let loose. This may include time-tested traditions such as cake cutting, a dance with parents, or a bouquet toss. Or, you may have your own traditions that you want to start. If it’s a small group, go around the room and have people share memories of the two of you. If it’s a large party, why not have the DJ throw a dance contest? Either way, your guests will be thrilled to be involved in an interactive and engaging way.
Personalize Your LGBTQ Wedding
It’s always a great idea to have your wedding celebration reflect your personality as a couple. By infusing your sense of style and personal tastes, your wedding will stand out and be remembered by your guests. This can be anything from signature cocktails to an interactive photo booth with props from your travels together. If you put your heart into it, your event will be cohesive while highlighting your unique sensibility.
Showcase Your LGBTQ Pride
The theme of your wedding doesn’t need to be LGBTQ Pride, but don’t be afraid to incorporate it if you so choose. For example, consider making the inside of your cake rainbow. Or, use the color purple in strategic ways. Try using shades of purple for your linens or accents of lilac for your centerpieces. Additionally, think about incorporating rainbows into your attire. Try wearing a pride flag pin or holding a bouquet of multicolored flowers. Even further, consider reinforcing your LGBTQ pride with rainbow-colored wedding favors.
Enjoy the Day – It’s Yours!
At the end of the day, your wedding is yours to envision and enjoy. Plan, stay organized, and be creative, but don’t forget to have fun. Bring on wedding professional you trust who share a similar approach, and who will produce the ideal wedding day. Surround yourself with loved ones who bring positive energy, whether this means a small circle of close friends or a huge crowd. If you do what makes you happy, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have a blast on your wedding day.
