MIAMI – Wording a same-sex wedding invitation can be challenging. For centuries, the tradition has been that the family of the bride pays for the wedding, but that is no longer the norm.
Couples are increasingly hosting their own wedding parties. Steven Petrows, of the Gay & Lesbian Manners site, believes the invitation should come directly from the couple.
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In his "Queery" column he suggests this example:
Please join us at Town Hall
As we celebrate the occasion of our marriage
In the company of our children, family and loved ones
Fred Rymer and George Mendes.
Petrows also suggests that couples avoid using e-mail and turn their mailed invitations into memorable keepsakes that reflect the couple's style and history.
10 fun ideas from experts
1. Glass bottles: Multimedia designer Francesco Mugnai likes simple, modern designs. He recommends The Bureau Rabensteiner graphic design studio's message in a bottle idea. These are great for destination weddings. eBottles can help >>
2. Tin boxes: Editors at Better Homes and Gardens picked the "Creative Striped Tin" as one of their favorites. The design also skips the use of the paper envelop and uses a tin box instead. Alibaba has a variety of heart shaped and squared tin boxes. Here is the link >>
3. Record lovers: Buzz feed's Jack Shepherd likes the "crazily intricate actual record player invite." It's a Kelli Anderson project inspired on the "flexi disc," a record made out of a thin vinyl sheet. Pirates Press works on custom manufacturing and contributed to the idea from their San Francisco location. Here is their form request >>
4. Teachers on a budget: For those on a tight budget, Pop Sugar's Emily Co has 72 options that require a color printer. One of her picks is the "Chalkboard II wedding invitation" by designer Michelle Quitos. Here is the link to download .PDF >>
5. Alice in Wonderland: Etsy has dozens of options. Etsy user Pink Cherry Mama hand crafts vitage and rustic style invitations and party favors. The package of 24 customized scroll invitations with glitter and moss lined boxes comes with tags and ribbons. Here is the link >>
6. Wintry theme: Southern Living editors published their favorite 21 designs. Among them is the earthy "Cherry Wood" invitation by Cards of Wood, which uses micro-thin veneer and works with custom designs. Here is the link >>
7. The balloon: French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse's short film "The Red Balloon" inspired An L'Office Optimiste designer to create the "Please Inflate" playful invitation that has been featured on Marthat Stewart's weddings publications. A wholesaler may help. Here is a link if you want to make your own >>
8. Edible invites: Cookies covered in icing and sprinkles can deliver the message. A company named Lady Fortunes packages the 4 inch wide cookies in boxes with a limit of 50 words and options for fonts, colors and more. Here is the link >>
9. Serious gamers: Anli and Laura held their "Lesbian Gamer Geek Wedding" in 2009. Their Portal and Revolutionary Girl Utena inspired theme was featured on Boing Boing and has been setting a trend since. Zazzle offers hundreds of affordable options with the theme. Here is the link >>
10. Rainbow lovers: Some couples are doing group weddings to make political statements. The "Surprise Rainbow Party Invitation" is an affordable party printable that you and your friends can assemble together. Here is the link >>