Civil partnerships have redefined our views of marriage and family. They have also redefined the whole style of weddings. Imagine your wedding. What do you want to wear? How do you find the perfect outfit when one size doesn’t fit all, and how will it fit in with your vision of your big day?
Tradition says that every little girl grows up dreaming about her wedding day. Perhaps there is some truth in that, but what if that little girl is a tomboy or a lesbian? When we grow up, how do we turn our dreams into reality?
Image from A Rustic, Handmade Wedding in a Dairy Barn
Dress or Suit?
The advent of civil partnerships can pose a sartorial problem for some women in lesbian relationships; what to wear? Some would feel more comfortable in a suit than a dress… some never even wear a dress. On the other hand you may be a dress wearing, high heel wearing kind of girl, and the idea of shopping for a wedding dress might be exciting to you. Whichever you choose, there is only one way you need to be and that’s yourself. This is not the time to start conforming to a preconceived idea of what a woman should wear.
The question that women used to ask themselves was “What sort of dress should I wear to my wedding?” Now lesbian couples are asking “What should we wear to our gay wedding?” The simple answer is, there isn’t a simple answer! The most important thing to remember though is that it’s a celebration. Experiment as much as you like, try on every dress in the shop, or every suit. Be as feminine or as masculine as you like — the world is your oyster!
Matching Outfits?
Many gay couples, male and female, choose to wear the same outfits for their civil partnerships. This is something that I’m not a fan of. You don’t dress like twins in everyday life, so why do it on your wedding day? Even in the smartest clothes you run the risk of looking like a pair of matching bookends, which is not a good look for the photo album!
The clothes you choose to wear for your civil partnership should reflect your own style and personality. Accessorise, personalise and customise, but don’t think you have to conform.
Guest post by Lester Gethings
Images from…
Brides in Wedding Dresses: Bonnie Jenkins Photography
Brides in Suit and Wedding Dress: Khaki Bedford Photography
