Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I picked up this (and two other gay and lesbian wedding guides) fully expecting it to be biased wedding industry propaganda and not particularly useful for planning my smallish low-budget wedding. But I was pleasantly surprised to find a small book chock full of great information. While the author was clearly used to planning fairly lavish traditional ceremonies, the step-by-step planning process worked just as well for my smaller event. I particularly found the sections on wedding style/vision, incorporating cultural influences, dealing with wedding stress, and reception planning useful.
The earnest, inclusive and reassuring tone was great---very down to earth. It's a good book to read when having a brideszilla moment to remind you to calm down, talk to your partner and remember why you're doing all this in the first place.
My main complaint was the chapter on current LGBT law on marriage, partnerships, legal protections etc. Since this type of information is always changing, it's better to check with a more up to date source (a local LGBT equality organization, a lawyer, the HRC website, or a legal guide). A related concern: nearly all the websites the book mentioned are defunct, under new management, or no longer useful. In addition to the oft-mentioned gayweddings.com (which I think has been bought out), I would also recommend checking out purpleunions.com if you're looking for vendors.
Also, the ceremony planning section was a bit thin on info on secular ceremonies. If you're not having a church wedding, I'd recommend a ceremony planning book like I Do by Sydney Barbara Metrick or Alternative Weddings by Jane Ross-MacDonald for the ceremony. But overall, this is a good book. I checked it out from the library originally, but actually ended up buying it.
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"Get out your gay/lesbian rice and celebrate! Taking you from the wedding announcement to the thank you notes, this is the ultimate guide to same-sex ceremonies."-Michael Musto, Village VoiceYour wedding team is here! Let GayWeddings.com help you and your partner plan a ceremony that suits your taste and budget without losing your mind in the process. The absolute authority for same-sex unions on the web, K.C. David and his devoted staff of experts are at your side from the proposal to the honeymoon.- Marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership: protecting your rights and assets together- Finding gay-friendly venues, caterers, and yes, even clergy- Tips for notifying friends and family, and which newspapers run same-sex announcements- Ideas from folks who have already tied the knotPLUS: A wedding timeline checklist, vow writing exercise, sample menus, budget worksheet and more.
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