The logistics of planning a gay wedding are a little different from setting it up for a heterosexual couple because there is a lot of difference in the etiquette that dictates how they work. While there are virtually centuries of experiences for heterosexual couples to choose from, gay couples have to make stuff up as they go along – and that is necessarily not a bad thing. It gives them the freedom to do whatever they want without being seen to be breaking any rules. In the end, all the effort will certainly pay off. But before the planning starts, take a look at these simple wedding planning tips to make the day one to look back at with pride.

Forget Traditions

Forget about traditions when planning for a Same-Sex Wedding. For instance, there is no reason to forgo a party with your best friends just because you are both bachelors or bachelorettes. So go ahead and plan a custom celebration that you can both attend; be it a weekend at a Vegas trip or a trip to a local vineyard. Alternatively, you can plan two different showers where each partner will have the say on who should attend and what activities should take place.

Related: Gay Wedding Etiquette: The Proper Behaviour When Attending Gay Weddings

You are Way Better at Creativity

There are no rules to creativity because it is limitless in itself. How you set up your wedding in general down to the very least detail is all up to you. For example, you can be creative in how you walk down the aisle and the number of your entourage. You can choose to have it one by one or together. You could also set up the venue to walk down two separate aisles simultaneously. As for bridal parties, you could choose to have an odd number of groomsmen and bridesmaids to keep the entire party completely gender-free.

Early Outfit Planning

Your outfits are an important part of the wedding and the earlier you start thinking about them, the better. While this may sound simple if you are two men looking to wear matching tuxedos, it may be harder if you are a bride who doesn’t like the idea of wearing a gown. You can solve this by investing in an outfit custom made for the occasion but starting your search a few months ahead of time will increase your chances of finding decent deals and styles you will be proud of.

Leverage on Social Media

Do you find it hard to visualize what your vows, invitations or other aspects of the wedding should be like? This is the reason why social media platforms such as Pinterest were built for. There are some full board websites dedicated to gay marriage inspiration, including hundreds of real wedding photos and galleries featuring unique ideas.

Be original

Who says that you have to have a maid of honor in tow if you are a woman or that only the groom gets to nominate best men? Gender should not be an important consideration when choosing the attendants you want to have at the altar next to you. You could mix them up and end up with groomsmaids, bridesmen, a best woman, a man of honor, etc., to give the part a gang feel. You could even dispense with all these and keep all the attention on you and your partner.

Look for LGBTQ Friendly Vendors & Venues

It is important to let everyone concerned know that you are seeking to have a same-sex wedding when searching for the perfect venue. Disclosing this information right away will help you avoid the hassle of dealing with people who may not be for the idea of same-sex relationships. Start by approaching those vendors you are naturally interested in, but if you are starting from a blank slate, do a little research on the ideal LGBTQ-friendly vendors close by. It is important to find the right professionals to ensure that you are in the right hands come the day of the ceremony.

A Wedding Planner is Worth the Cash

A wedding planner may not be in your budget, especially if you intend to have a small ceremony with few guests. However hiring a coordinator can help save valuable time by helping you choose venues inclusive of gay weddings, and can vet wedding vendors on your behalf so you won’t have to waste time doing potentially disappointing work.

Have the Right People

It is important to invite those people who feel comfortable attending your wedding. Prioritize individuals who are important to you. Many people feel pressured to include distant friends and relatives on the guest list, but it is perfectly understandable to leave them out if you wish to keep the wedding a small affair. Remember, the more guests, the more expensive the occasion.