Gay and Lesbian Weddings

Planning a gay or lesbian commitment ceremony and you are not sure what the essential elements are to the ceremony. Maybe you have been invited to a commitment ceremony and are just not sure what to expect. You woul be surprised to know that gay and lesbian ceremonies are very much the same as traditional weddings, and the ceremony is nearly identical. The only difference is that a commitment ceremony is not legally binding in many areas yet. It is simply a public affirmation of the couple's commitment in front of their friends and family.

A commitment ceremony can take place with gay, lesbian or transgendered couples. This ceremony could be formal or casual, and depends on the couple's wishes and the rules of the officiant or house of worship it is being held in. Generally speaking, this is a simple outline of how a gay or lesbian commitment ceremony will occur.

BeHitched Weddings takes great pride in helping couples out there have the perfect commitment ceremony and reception. We will work closely with our new clients to make sure that everything goes smoothly so you can get wild and crazy.. because it's true what they say.. "Girls Just Wanna Have fun!"

Here a a few things to look into when planning your Committment Ceremony...

Type of Ceremony - Depending on the state and country of residence, gay couples may have the option of planning a full marriage, civil union, domestic partnership, or commitment ceremony. You may also want to decide if you and your partner desire a religious or non-religious ceremony.

Itinerary- A typical ceremony and reception will take at least 5 hours, not including pictures taken in between the ceremony and reception. Take ample time to discuss your ceremony plans with your partner. Keep a notebook for important information and develop an itinerary of the ceremony day. Share this itinerary with the reception hall, DJ or band, officiate, venue and other people key to the success of the ceremony.

Budget -Take time to carefully plan the budget for your ceremony. Take into account the number of guests, the venue, entertainment, photography, rings, tuxedo rentals, etc. An easy way to plan a commitment ceremony budget is to allot a certain amount for each major area of the ceremony. Here is a simple break down:
50% Reception
10% Flowers
10% Music
10% Photography
10% Tuxedo or Dress Rental
5% Invitations
5% Miscellaneous

Wedding Vows- Individually write your vows. Vows can be as personal or standard depending on your preference.

Location & Venue- Of course, the location of your ceremony should be a special place for both you and your partner; however, consider choosing a central location for all of your guests. Also, make sure the venue of choice is gay-friendly. Call ahead to make sure the venue you choose is comfortable hosting a same-sex ceremony. In addition, make sure you are comfortable in the venue of choice. Gay Friendly Inns is a great place to start. Some couples also choose to have their ceremony performed at gay pride. Often there will be officiants on hand to perform group commitment ceremonies. View the gay pride calendar.

Find a Church-Call a gay-friendly church and ask if they are willing to perform a gay commitment ceremonies. If they refuse, don't get discouraged. There are many others that will.

Number of Guests-Some couples choose to have small intimate ceremonies, while others have large events. Invite the number of guests that make you and your partner comfortable. Remember that the cost of the ceremony can rise depending on how many guests you invite.

Invitations- You can purchase wedding invitations at your local stationary store or online. Choose invitations to your taste. If money is a concern, try a little creativity and create your own special cards or host an announcement shower at a friend's place.

Reception Halls & Caterers- Decide if you'd like a reception at a private home, a public hall or non at all. If considering a public venue, call the reception hall and book it at least 10-12 months in advance. Be prepared to tell the event planner your desired booking date and time, how many guests you are expecting and what cuisine you'd like served (if they cater as well). Some places offer full packages (ceremony venue, reception, caterer, music and photographer).

DJ/Band and Photographer -The DJ can sometimes be a sore spot when it comes to wedding and commitment ceremonies. Choose a DJ with experience. Select a play list that tailors to both your tastes and the palate of your guests. Decide on a photographer with experience and be clear about what you expect. It helps to choose a DJ and photographer that is comfortable in a gay atmosphere. Word of mouth recommendations are always best.

Limousine Services-Think about how you will arrive at the ceremony and to the reception. Check your local listings for a limousine company or for the cost conscious, solicit a friend with a really nice car to chauffeur you around for the day.