LGBT weddings, like any other wedding, can be personalized and tailored to the couple’s preferences and desires. There are no set rules or guidelines that dictate how an LGBT wedding should be structured or organized. Instead, it’s up to the couple to decide what traditions they want to keep and what traditions they want to modify or discard.
One tradition that can be modified for an LGBT wedding is the walking down the aisle. Traditionally, the bride walks down the aisle with her father or a chosen escort. In a same-sex wedding, there are a few options. The couple can choose to keep the single-aisle tradition, where one partner walks down the aisle first and the other partner follows. This can be done in any order that feels right for the couple. Alternatively, the couple can opt for two aisles, where both partners walk down the aisle at the same time to commence the wedding ceremony. This allows both partners to have their own special moment and can be a beautiful way to symbolize their union.
When it comes to traditions like the bouquet toss and garter belt toss, some couples may choose to keep these traditions, while others may decide to skip them altogether. These traditions are often gender-specific, with the bouquet toss being for single women and the garter belt toss being for single men. In an LGBT wedding, where gender roles may not be as clearly defined, these traditions may not feel as relevant. However, if the couple still wants to include them, they can modify them to fit their own preferences. For example, both partners could toss a bouquet or both partners could participate in the garter belt toss.
On the other hand, traditions like the first dance and cake-cutting are often cherished by many couples and can be a wonderful way to celebrate their love and commitment. These traditions can be kept as they are, without any modifications necessary. The first dance can be a beautiful moment for the couple to share their love and connection with their guests, and the cake-cutting can be a fun and symbolic moment that signifies the start of their life together.
Ultimately, the most important thing is for the couple to feel comfortable and happy with the traditions they choose to include in their wedding. LGBT weddings offer the opportunity to redefine and reimagine traditional wedding customs, allowing couples to create a celebration that is truly reflective of their love and identity.