Myths About Same-Sex Weddings (And the Data That Dispel Them)

Most same-sex wedding myths seem to fall under stereotypes that assume certain ceremony styles and priorities, wedding budgets, familial relationships, and business interactions.

Stereotype #1: Gay weddings vs. “Real weddings.” Gay couples prefer traditional gender roles and ceremonies that mimic heterosexual services. Also, most couples are content with a civil union ceremony that is “just like a wedding.”

            Actually, gay wedding ceremonies are not confined by old gender-based customs. Gay couples may wear two dresses, two suits, or one of each. Similarly, when it comes to first dances or a parental walk down the aisle, most same-sex couples just prefer to create their own traditions.

            As far as the idea that a civil union is as exciting for couples as a wedding ceremony, nothing could be further from the truth. The amount of money spent on a same-sex wedding is triple what most couples spent on civil unions or domestic partnership observances.

Stereotype #2: Gay weddings rival those of A-list celebrities. Exorbitant spending is the rule, usually by older, rich gay men.

            Truthfully, though same-sex couples are excited to host a wedding, they are not spending anywhere close to the imagined dollars gay couples are rumored to spend. Most unions have a guest list of less than 100 people and few have luxury budgets. Furthermore, lesbians outspend gay men by 15% and engaged couples out-spend older relationships.

Stereotype #3: Gay weddings amplify parental discomfort. Parents of same-sex kids generally don’t support their children.

            Thankfully, times are changing. Same-sex relationships are generally more accepted. Today, increasing numbers of engaged couples have the love, emotional support, and financial backing of their moms and dads.

Stereotype #4: Gay weddings exclude heterosexual business and are considered equally by the wedding industry. Gay couples only hire gay wedding professionals and feel accepted by wedding facilitators.

            Frankly, sexual orientation is not and indicator of quality service. Gay couples are generally equal-opportunity wedding vendor employers. That being said, they often experience some rejection or discrimination from wedding service providers and see very few same-sex relationships reflected in the portfolios and marketing of those in the wedding industry.

Read the full article here: same-sex-weddingsl

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