When it comes to wedding attire and weddings more broadly, the rules are changing. That’s doubly true for queer couples, many of whom are already used to living outside arbitrary customs.

And thank goodness for that. It’s a moment that should be about your love for one another, not a time to try and refashion yourself into an image that doesn’t feel quite right. As a result, the world of wedding attire is wide open — from traditional suits to colourful ballgowns to everything in between.

So how do you even pick? To help narrow down ideas, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite looks from lesbian and queer folks all over the world.

• All-white bridal looks
• All-dark bridal looks
• Mixed prints
• Pop-of-color suits
• Statement jackets for bridal suits
• Double bridal gowns
• Traditional Hindu attire
• White + metallic
• Traditional black tux
• Tips for finding your wedding look

All-white lesbian bridal looks

Source: Dancing With Her | Photography by Panjee Aleef Wirotsiri

A bride wearing white isn’t exactly shocking, but we love how these brides have created all-white ensembles that complement one another yet reflect their individuality and bring some much classiness.

An all-white (or even mostly white) suit also just looks super clean and reimagines the use of this traditional bridal color.

We especially love seeing brides add little splashes of metallic or other fun twists to make the look truly unique. Just be careful around the red wine!

Source: Dancing With Them | Photography by Velvet Ink Photography

Source: Dancing With Her – they’re dedicated to queer weddings, including tons of breathtaking lesbian wedding outfits and inspiring stories | Photography by Hannah Benwell Photography

Source: Equally Wed | Photography by Shutterfreek

All-dark looks for queer weddings

Source: Theodore Magazine | Photography by Jeremy Blode Photography

If you’re more inclined toward the other end of the colour spectrum, all-black or all-dark wedding attire looks slick and formal — plus your wedding photos are extra striking.

Some couples go with both in a suit, while others have paired amazingly dramatic ballgowns with modern suits for a beautiful twist on traditional looks.

It definitely is one of the queer and lesbian wedding ideas that you’ll get inspired by.

Source: Gay Wedding Blog | Photography by Spencer Dungey

Source: Dancing With Her | Photography by Kylie Knight Photography

Photography by The Bold Americana

Can’t choose one or the other? These brides paired black and white suits for an adorably complementary look.

Source: Dancing With Her | Photography by Michael David Gray

Chic prints (especially mixed ones!)

Source: Dancing With Her | Photography by Skys the Limit Productions

Jodie Comer isn’t the only one who can pull off a printed suit. Going with an all-over print looks luxurious and fun, especially when your other half brings their own non-traditional look.

And don’t worry about mixed prints being “too much” — it’s a wedding! If there’s any time to be a little extra, it’s your wedding day.

Source: Dancing With Her | Photography by Leah Muse Photography

Source: Green Wedding Shoes | Photography by Lorin Kelly Photography

Suits that bring a pop of colour

Source: Green Wedding Shoes | Photography by Leah Moyers Photography

Who says you need to wear neutrals? There’s nothing we love more than a bride in a vibrant suit. Plus, it’s a great way to bring the overall wedding palette to the next level.

Source: Dancing With Her | Photography by Terra Ong Photography

Source: Dancing With Her | Photography by Xilo Photography

Statement jackets for bridal suits

Source: Dancing With Her | Photography by James White

If you aren’t after a full print, you can still inject some additional visual interest with a jacket that makes a statement. Bonus: remove the jacket during the reception for an entirely different look without having to perform a costume change.

Source: Junebug Weddings | Photography by Savanna Sturkie

Doubling up on the classic white gown

Source: Hello May | Photography by Chamorè Creations

One of the best parts of a femme-for-femme wedding? Getting a double dose of swoon-worthy dresses. But we love seeing how each bride’s personality and sense of style still come through their gown, and how they differ from their partner’s.

Source: Theodore Magazine | Photography by Rick Liston

Of course, this particular wedding look can take all shapes and sizes. And, sometimes, it sneakily turns out to be a jumpsuit — which is even better for dancing your heart out at the reception.

Source: Hello May | Photography by Tessa Shannon Photography

Traditional attire for queer Indian brides

Source: Green Wedding Shoes | Photography by Apollo Fotografie

Is there anything more gorgeous than a couple building their ceremony around heritage — especially when it’s this visually stunning? Whether it’s a sari or a sherwani, we’re in love.

Photography by Erica Camille Productions

Photography by Erica Camille Productions

One white dress, one metallic

Source: Dancing With Her | Photography by Georgia Wiggs

If you want further differentiation between two bridal gowns, an all-metallic dress is a beautiful way to add a little extra sparkle to the day.

But what’s better than one metallic gown? Two. Don’t be afraid to double-up on the metallics because you’ll probably just look even cuter if you’re both shimmery.

Photography by Erica Camille Productions

The traditional black tux or suit

Source: Theodore Magazine | Photography by Duuet

This doesn’t just go for suits or dresses: your wedding day is a great opportunity to incorporate the traditions that work for you and get rid of the ones that don’t.

And one of the traditions that might work for you is the classic pairing of a black tux and a white gown. After all, it’s classic for a reason!

If you want to add your own special spin, unique linings can be added to suit jackets, or go for custom cufflinks. As for gowns, embroidery can be added to dress linings and veils, so there are lots of opportunities to add touches that are subtle yet significant.

Source: Theodore Magazine | Photography by Bianca Virtue

Handy tips for finding your wedding-day look

Source: Dancing With Her | Photography by Justin Lee Burr

Not all queer couples have had the right to marry who they love — across the world, many still don’t. And, even where gay marriage is legal, sadly, not all venues or vendors are inclusive. Plus, the large number of straight weddings simply means that many designers or boutiques will be more likely to cater to heteronormativity.

Luckily, there are online directories and platforms dedicated to helping queer couples find inclusive vendors. Most of these are region-specific — wedding vendors tend to be about as local as you can get! However, if you’re looking for suits, gowns or other wedding attire, many of these designers and retailers provide international services, so it’s worth checking them out.

• Equally Wed
• Dancing With Her or Dancing With Them
• The Big Gay Wedding Directory