Trends in LGBTQ Weddings
LGBTQ weddings continue to establish their own place in the wedding industry with a language full of relevant vocabulary all their own, an emerging demographic, and some needs unique to the LGBTQ community, with others similar to many hetero couples. We took a look at the emerging trends in LGBTQ weddings to help educate and assist in the planning for weddings within this dynamic market.
Age at Time of Wedding
The average marrying age for LGBTQ couples has become more in-line with the general public. When marriage equality was declared nationwide in 2015, we saw thousands of older couples who had been together for decades tying the knot. Now, couples are entering relationships with the possibility of marriage, and are following the more mainstream timeline of engagement and planning.
Catering Trends
Food and beverage trends are no different for LGBTQ couples than they are for straight couples. Creating an interactive experience for their guests and intertwining elements of their backgrounds and relationship into the menu options are currently on-trend. Craft sodas, stylishly displayed, are also growing in popularity.
Dream Honeymoons
Couples want to “have it all” in their honeymoon. They desire relaxation on a beach or in wine country immediately following the wedding whirlwind. After a period of quiet and relaxation together, they then get their fix of a city and local culture or adventure.
Countries like Italy, Greece and Argentina, that offer a diversity of experiences within a drive or short flight’s reach of each other, are currently trending for travel. Uniquely, LGBTQ couples have to be mindful of a country’s legalities when it comes to gay rights. It’s for this reason that many places in the Caribbean, which are traditionally popular for honeymoons, are not a safe option for same-sex couples.
Attire
Off-the-rack suit options are made for the average cisgender, a term that refers to a person whose gender identity matches the gender they were assigned at birth and even tailors often find it challenging to create custom suits that embody style and identity beyond the gender binary. Luckily, some amazing companies are slowly filling the need for queer-friendly designs, many queer-owned themselves. Brands such as Kipper Clothiers, Bindle & Keep and The Tailory are successfully creating custom looks across the spectrum.
We’re also seeing many bridal designers offer pantsuit or jumpsuit options for the soonlywed who doesn’t want to wear a dress, but still wants to have that bridal vibe.
Personalization is a Priority
Whether it’s including heirloom pieces in their wardrobe choices or having their stationers create custom illustrations that are seen throughout the day’s details, couples want their wedding day to be a representation of their love story.
Additionally, geometric shapes on cakes, backdrops and tablescapes are also particularly popular amongst gay men thanks to their sleek, masculine design.
The trends for LGBTQ couples are similar to those of other couples. They want to look good, feel good and remember their special day fondly. Use this information as a catalyst for change in your approach to and service of the LGBTQ community and its latest trends.
Brittny Drye is the founder and editor-in-chief of Love Inc., one of the leading equality-minded wedding blog and digital publication. Her inclusive efforts have been celebrated by the New York Times, The Advocate, OUT Magazine, Refinery29, NY Daily News, Cosmopolitan, and more. She serves on the 2018-19 North American Advisory Board for the International Academy of Wedding & Events.
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