The decision to get engaged can be a huge step in your relationship. Though this is a special time, studies suggest that planning a wedding can make couples feel stressed and disconnected. One way to avoid this is by practicing techniques to develop better communication with your partner. Look over these tips and learn how […]

With many nations around the world legalizing same-sex wedded unions within the last decade, their societies’ definitions of marriages are also shifting. While the concept of polyamorous or “open” relationships is not new, the advent of marriage equality in the United States adds a new dimension to this entire issue. More couples, including those in […]

You’re probably used to traditional wedding ceremonies, where every word spoken has great import and gravitas. But maybe that just doesn’t work for you or your friends who are getting married. The great news is, as the wedding officiant for your friends’ weddings, you don’t have to stick with traditional language. Here are a few […]

Stress can be a constant in most people’s lives. However, its presence has increased dramatically for LGBTQ individuals in the last year. Queer and transgender people face very real prospects of violence, harassment and discrimination. Today’s social climate remains uncertain, and as a same-sex couple you may be experiencing higher-than-normal stress levels. However, it’s important […]

It’s an honor and a joy to be invited to witness the union of two hearts in marriage. With any wedding, there are certain things you should do as a good guest. Responding to an RSVP and showing up on time are just two things every guest should do. While these are good tips for […]

Whether you’re eschewing gender-based wedding customs, being more inclusive, prioritizing relationships over tradition or some combination of the three, it’s entirely up to you to decide who’s going to stand next to you and your spouse-to-be when tying the knot. Gone are the days when a bride has to have a maid of honor for […]

If you are in a same-sex relationship but have conservative parents, chances are you’ve put off having them meet each other for fear of an awkward situation, family arguments or hurt feelings. Now that you and your partner have decided to take your relationship to the next level and get married, you can’t keep putting […]

Marriage equality is the law of the land, thanks to the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision in 2015. Nevertheless, some queer and transgender people have faced difficulties trying to find officiants for their wedding ceremonies. If you’re stuck without someone to solemnize your union, consider these potentially useful officiant options. Try a Justice of […]

A wedding is more than a ceremony and reception. From parties before the day of the big event to the honeymoon, the coming together of two people in marriage is a true event. Traditionally, women have had bridal showers in addition to their bachelorette parties. Bridal showers were once meant for the bride and close […]

These days, the decision to change your name after getting married is entirely your own. Once upon a time, heterosexual couples followed the tradition of the bride changing her surname to her husband’s. For members of the LGBT community, this tradition doesn’t exactly work. While plenty of straight and gay couples are moving away from […]