The Supreme Court's recent Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) ruling, as well as the decision to overturn Prop 8 in California, are two big steps forward for marriage equality in this country. To celebrate, we're doing a series on same-sex wedding ideas for couples heading down the aisle. This first installment covers more basic topics for same-sex weddings, but the next few posts will include more specific planning ideas. Stay tuned for info on everything from finding the perfect same-sex wedding band sets to infusing the wedding with your own style and personality.

Officiants

There are a lot of options for officiants, but make sure you and your partner find the right one for your union. If you want a religious ceremony, and one or both of you belong to a particular congregation, try asking the minister or the rabbi of that congregation. You can also contact denominations such as Universal Life or Metropolitan Community, which support same-sex marriages. If you and your sweetheart don't want a religious ceremony, contact a judge or justice of the peace.

Wedding Party

If you and your soon-to-be-spouse want your closest friends up there with you as you both declare your love to each other, ask them! The terms "bridesmaids" and "groomsmen" are becoming less and less popular, and the all-encompassing term "wedding party" is becoming more commonly used. Traditionally, the best man and the maid-of-honor are the people who sign as "witnesses" on your legal marriage certificate, but it doesn't matter who signs as a witness as long as that person is over age 18. Surround yourself with the people whom you want to be with you on your special day. 

Attire

This is simple: wear what you want! Your wedding is a celebration of the joining of two lives, and the personality of your wedding attire is an opportunity to show your style as individuals and as a couple. If you're both brides, maybe you both want to wear the traditional white princess dress. If you're both grooms, perhaps you both want to wear a tux. Or not! Maybe you both want to keep it casual or untraditional. Maybe one of you wants to be in formal wear and another wants to wear flip-flops. Bottom line: decide as a couple and wear what feels right. If you're looking for some inspiration, here's a slideshow from theknot.com that shows various same-sex couples and what they wore on their wedding day.

Keep checking for our upcoming posts about same-sex wedding ideas in which we'll be covering topics including decorations, budget, family, food and drink, and so on! 

Before you and the love of your life walk down the aisle, browse our same-sex wedding band sets which you can view here:

Mens Same Sex Wedding Bands
Ladies Same Sex Wedding Bands Sets