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 […]

Opponents of marriage equality are often quick to dismiss same-sex marriage as a recent phenomenon. They claim same-sex marriage is the “latest assault” on Biblically prescribed morality. They’re content to treat it as a trend at best, or a harbinger of the so-called “end times” at worst. However, one American historian insists that they are […]

You may be focused on your special day when you’re planning your wedding, but a wedding is also about your community of support and love – your guests. It’s estimated that about 25% of the population has a disability that limits major life activities. As you get ready for your celebration, consider how to accommodate […]

As you and your partner begin to prepare for your wedding day, you are probably having a lot of conversations surrounding how your ceremony will go. Each detail of your special day will play a part in the overall success of the occasion. While it is not wise to stress out over the planning stages, […]

With same-sex marriages being legal in the United States, many couples are solemnizing their union as partners in ceremonies that resemble the traditions common in heterosexual weddings. Gay or straight, there are only a few requirements that make a marriage legal, and none of them involve an expensive white dress or a stirring rendition of […]

Weddings can bring out both the best and the worst in people. Most of your friends, family, and acquaintances will offer warm congratulations on your engagement. You’ll likely also share your excitement with those in your inner circle. However, you may encounter a few thoughtless, prying, rude, or blatantly unsupportive people whose words and antics […]