This wittily written, well-organized, and creatively laid-out guide offers historical background and practical suggestions cover

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Product Description

The freshest, most unexpected addition to every wedding reference section--a wonderfully witty, sophisticated guide to same-sex weddings. This first book of its kind is packed with real-life stories and a wealth of practical answers couples won't find from Emily Post. 40 photos.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #627170 in Books
• Published on: 1999-02-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

From Library Journal
Although same-sex marriages are not yet legal anywhere in the United States, more and more lesbians and gay men are seeking the right to validate their unions. This wittily written, well-organized, and creatively laid-out guide offers historical background and practical suggestions covering all aspects of the event, from what to call it to wording the invitations, buying rings, and booking the honeymoon suite. Acknowledging the inherently political statement of the act as well as personal degrees of coming out, the authors provide sensitive counsel by encouraging the couple to present a positive (not defensive) attitude to the heterocentric world, keeping their own priorities foremost and making sure the entire process remains fun. Based on their own and others' experiences, they offer many imaginative ideas for a wide variety of successful ceremonies. A resource directory, suggested references, and index (not seen) contribute to the usefulness of this timely guide.
James E. Van Buskirk, San Francisco P.L.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Proponents of legalizing gay and lesbian marriages increasingly target municipal, state, and federal lawmakers. John Boswell's Same Sex Unions in Pre-modern Europe , documenting such marriages in antiquity, has climbed onto local best-seller lists. Ayers and Brown take a why-wait attitude and rework traditional wedding-planning etiquette to fit the reality of the increasing number of gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies taking place almost daily, admittedly without the legal recognition accorded male-female unions. Their book's three sections deal with the decision-making process, wedding logistics, and actual step-by-step planning, for which they provide checklists to carry a couple through the big event. Along with such practical matters as the rules for wedding gifts and what a photographer provides, Ayers and Brown deal with such fine points for gays and lesbians as considering what to call him or her (bride? groom? hmmmÿ20.ÿ20.ÿ20.), gender-bending wedding fashions, alternative invitations, and whether and how to change one's name. Timely, informative, and entertaining. Marie Kuda

From the Publisher
The complete, authoritative, and wonderfully witty wedding planner that will lead gay or lesbian couples through the logistics of wedding ceremonies and celebrations.

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Customer Reviews

I am so grateful for this book!
My partner and I didn't even know where to start. Actually, we weren't even sure we wanted to have a commitment ceremony. Until we read this book and not only got so much information and support, but inspiration as well. We took so many suggestions from the book and had the most beautiful ceremony of all time (if I do say so myself!) A million thanks to these wonderful authors.

An excellent and entertaining resource
I really did not know what to expect when I bought this from Amazon, but I knew that my partner and I needed some help in planning our commitment ceremony and I didn't want to read the standard bridal magazines or wedding planners (they didn't exactly look like a great resource for two guys). This book was the perfect solution -- it covers all the issues and questions that a gay couple faces when planning a wedding from making the announcement to taking the honeymoon. Want to know what stores are gay-friendly with their registry services? Or where to go for a same-sex couple cake topper? Or suggestions for your vows? This book has it all. Beyond exceptional content, it is also well-written, well-designed, and is full of interesting and entertaining bits of trivia about gay marriage. The back of the book includes a thorough index of other off-line and on-line resources to help as well. A great resource.

So great my straight friends were jealous
This is a great book for anyone planning a committment ceremony -- gay, lesbian, bi, or straight. It contains great pratical information, which it delivers with an great, irreverent sense of humor. Lots of stories from other couples' searches for the perfect outfits, caterer, etc. This book helped my partner and I write our own ceremony and put on what several guests told us was the "most beautiful wedding I've ever been to."