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Crystal Ballroom St. Augustine

Planning a Same Sex Wedding


Same Sex Wedding
Courtesy of Patken Photographer

Congratulations! You are engaged and planning one of the most magical days of your life. This day deserves perfection. And we are sharing tips for planning the perfect same sex wedding.


Create a Theme


You and your partner will likely have different ideas about your wedding day. It is important to share those ideas with each other and find compromise to make it an unforgettable day with equal magic for both of you. Your theme can be related to the way you met, a special travel destination or anything your heart imagines. You might even choose a romantic Christmas wedding with oversized Christmas trees and décor. Design matching ornaments for the grooms or the brides, and take the opportunity to make hanging them on the tree a photo session for your album.

Same Sex Wedding
Courtesy of Patken Photographer

Choosing the Venue


There are probably a hundred wedding venues close to fantasy, but only one will be able to deliver the magic from your imagination. You have daydreamed about this day and probably have an idea about how every moment should be. You may have envisioned the stringed quartet, a luxurious ceremony space with crystal chandeliers and an abundance of flowers on every perfectly decorated table. Wedding venues provide enchanting spaces, but make sure the location is meaningful to you and your partner. While most venues have limited services and designs or just the empty space, it is important to find a venue with an in-house design team and décor options to give your dream possibilities. Professional wedding designers can provide a level of service beyond a wedding venue to actually create the space and stage your wedding day.


The Shape of Same Sex Weddings


Same sex weddings can sometimes take a different shape. The wedding party and procession might be a little different. The ceremony will be unique to your relationship. Traditionally, the wedding party consists of the maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, ushers, parents of the bride and parents of the groom. Children are not always included in weddings, but when they are, it is common to have flower girls, page boys and a ring bearer. Your wedding does not have to follow any predesigned blueprints. You can have bridesmaids or groomsmen on both sides. It is important to define your wedding party early with supportive friends and family. You need to know in the beginning who is willing and able to take on the special roles in the wedding party.


It is Okay to Do Things Differently


Same sex weddings do not have a one size fits all. Couples choose different themes, color palettes and rituals to make the moments unique. The procession does not have to follow the traditional wedding march down a center aisle with the father giving you away. A popular variation creates two aisles which allows the couple to walk alone and meet at the wedding arch. The couple could also escort each other down the center aisle. Seating arrangements do not divide the room for the bride or the groom. A common arrangement is to have guests pick a seat and not the side of the room. Another way couples are making their ceremony unique is with rituals like a unity candle or sand ceremony. You might write your own wedding vows and have special readings. Be creative when you coordinate your wedding attire, the procession of the wedding party and all the unique ways you choose to celebrate.

Same Sex Wedding
Courtesy of Patken Photographer

Wedding Attire


Your wedding attire is an opportunity to infuse your personality and theme into your wedding day. Your attire should be coordinated with each other to match. Discuss your attire with your partner and make sure you have a shared vision. You should also coordinate your accessories and flowers.


Wedding Invitations


Your wedding invitations should be uniquely designed to match your theme and colors. Choosing the design of your wedding invitations and print can take time. Make sure you design and order your invitations about five to six months prior to your wedding. You should send out invitations about two months prior to your wedding day with a RSVP deadline of three weeks prior to the event. Include any pertinent information regarding dress code and whether children are welcome.


Rings for Same Sex Weddings


Same sex weddings do not have any rules about whether both partners can wear an engagement ring, one ring or three. Wedding rings are about personal preference. There is some part of tradition that compels us to match; however, wedding rings are an expression of individuality, just as much as they are a symbol of marriage. Regardless of how different or how similar our rings might be, they will always remain symbolic of the union. There is more uniqueness to an individual than their fashion. We each have a unique skin tone and shape of the hand. While one partner prefers white gold, the other might desire the tough tungsten carbide. The thickness of the band should match the size of the finger. The most important consideration to take to heart when choosing your wedding rings is that it must be something you can commit to wearing everyday for the rest of your life. Pick out your wedding rings together and make it a special part of planning.

Same Sex Weddings
Courtesy of Patken Photographer

Unique Ideas for Same Sex Weddings


Matching pillows with unique embroidery for the grooms or the brides can create a romantic and meaningful arrangement on seating or on the bed of the honeymoon suite. Matching hangers with names can be a sweet and meaningful way to hang the wedding attire, and creates a special keepsake. Signature cocktails designed by and named after the couple can make the cocktail hour interesting, fun and memorable.

Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine

Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine


This is a moment to celebrate your love with all those you love. Bring imagination to Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine, and create your dream day with master designers, exclusive décor and extraordinary services. Walk the red carpet to a venue designed just for you. Contact an event advisor to begin planning your wedding day.

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We invite you to discover the
Crystal Ballroom difference found in the unparalleled elegance and uniqueness written into the design of each of our venues. The themes are as limitless as your imagination.

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