One step forward and one step deeper Written by: Max from MaxwellArt Photogrpahy
Intro
As Simone Gori has already said in her blog post «Tie the knot under a rainbow» it is finally official for same-sex couples to get married in Switzerland starting from 1st of July 2022. Switzerland is one of the safer destinations when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.
In the spirit of this important milestone, we’d like to share the 3 top tips on how to support this step further and also go a little deeper into your overall wedding planning. So many of us who are queer, or have queer family & friends will very much appreciate these tips. Because having a wedding that is inclusive of your loved ones is a great way to let them know that you are thinking about them and that you respect them.
Let’s deep dive into these tips:
Use Inclusive Language Try to use gender neutral terms or just go with their full names. Instead of Mr. & Mrs. use their full names. Using their full name is actually also a very nice way of acknowledging them as who they are. That way you know you will not mistake anyone for what they’re not - and it’s really going into much trouble or more work for you.
Instead of having a maid of honor; how about a «Person of honor»?
Ditch & Mix Gender Traditions This is something that a lot of people nowadays do anyway. Wherever you are for traditions, against traditions, want to mix things up or invent your very own set of “rules”: ditch and mix to your liking. Include every single human at your wedding to participate in your “bouquet toss” or ditch it all together. Don’t feel pressured by thinking outside of the box if you think you wouldn’t feel comfortable with going along with a specific gender tradition.
Ditching Gender Traditions can also be taken into considerigation when sending outfit inspiration to your guests. Encourage your loved ones to wear what they feel most
comfortable in. Suits on women are by the way such an understated outfit!
Find the right vendors There are inclusive vendors out there - and they’re making themselves visible to the queer community. It is very crucial to them that everyone feels integrated and welcome. Good ways to look for these wedding vendors? Next to asking your personal surroundings (such as friends and family), there are a few associations that can help you. The Swiss Queer Wedding Association has made it their mission to get all of these inclusive wedding vendors together for you. Do not hesitate to get in contact with them in order for them to direct you towards your ideal wedding vendors.
Being inclusive has nothing to do with doing something that is considered being «on trend» or «in». This is simply allowing everyone to feel seen, heard and invited. These are YOUR people – they deserve to feel like that as well.
Not sure what to do? Ask your friends and family that do belong to the queer community. They most likely have a good understanding of how people feel and you can brainstorm together and work out some inclusive - and fun - ideas.
Wishing you a lot of fun while planning your - inclusive - love celebration!
Credits
More details about this styled shooting and the involved vendors