When same-sex couples choose to have a wedding or attend an event like prom, the decision to wear matching outfits can often raise questions or spark conversations. Is it a fashion faux pas, or a clever way to show unity?
Personal Experiences with Matching Outfits
My husband and I have never shared a deep interest in fashion. Over the past eighteen years, we have fervently avoided the need to coordinate our outfits by picking whatever is on top of the pile in our dresser. Our wedding at a backyard barbecue was as simple as shorts and sandals. On a couple of rare occasions, we did happen to dress identically, but again, it was purely by accident. This casual approach to clothing has left us barely aware of our fashion choices, making it far from our primary concern.
Other Couples and Their Choices
Of course, different couples may take a different approach. For instance, at the wedding ceremony where my brother had a bar mitzvah, we both decided to wear matching shirts and ties. Similarly, at my daughter's bat mitzvah, we took the matching route once more. However, apart from these specific events and our black suits and ties worn to our children's bnei mitzvahs, we have no matching clothing in our wardrobe.
It's important to remember that the decision to wear matching outfits is a personal choice. You can’t generalize; every couple approaches it differently. Some rented black tuxedos for their wedding and chose to match to add a touch of elegance. In another instance, I photographed a gay wedding where the grooms wore different suits but a matching color tie, adding a unique touch to their outfits.
Moreover, at another wedding, one groom was a transgender individual and the other a transvestite, and they both chose to wear formal white wedding gowns. Their unique style will always make them memorable and beautiful, proving that variety in choices can be a striking and artistic form of self-expression.
Matching for Prom and Weddings
Prom is a bit more forgiving in terms of matching outfits; it is relatively common for partners to coordinate at least one piece, such as bow ties or sashes. However, weddings typically involve more personal events, and coordinating matching outfits at such intimate gatherings might appear a bit too adorable or even cheesy for some. You are a couple, not twins, and while there's no harm in matching, it's entirely optional.
For our wedding, my wife and I chose to both wear wedding gowns and even featured a matching unicorn horn at the ceremony, symbolizing our unique and special unity.
Couples should feel free to make the choice that is right for them. Whether they opt for full matching outfits, a single coordinating element, or complete individuality, the most important thing is that they feel comfortable and happy on the special day.