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If you’re having trouble coordinating your styling for an LGBTQ wedding, you’re not alone!
The so-called ‘rules’ for wedding looks have loosened up, especially for same-sex weddings. And, while that gives you a lot of freedom to wear whatever makes you feel amazing, it can also leave you wondering where to start.
Do you want to match or wear completely different outfits? What about your hair and makeup?
And what’s the best way to walk the line between being wedding-appropriate and expressing your personal styles?
Read on for some top tips and plenty of beautiful wedding styling inspiration from the Make Me Bridal Hair and Makeup Pros Near You!
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Make Me Bridal Pro: Chrys Chapman
Our Top Tips for LGBTQ Wedding Styling in 2026
Styling an LGBTQ wedding takes a lot of preparation and offers up a lot of questions not normally considered in straight ceremonies.
Want to know how to choose the best lesbian wedding hairstyle for you? Or maybe you need help styling hair and make-up for gay couples?
At Make Me Bridal, we try our best to take the stress out of your big day, so we have created this list of tips for your LGBTQ wedding.
Let's get to it...
Start With Your Wedding Style
Whether your weddings in a ballroom or a field somewhere, start with the overall vibe your going for.
Its not just about colours or a theme. Think about the general feel. Whats your venue actually like, is it a fancy hotel or someones back garden. What time of year is it? What are your guests wearing?
Knowing this stuff straight away cuts down your options which honestly makes things easier.
If its a summer garden party vibe and everyones in linen shirts, showing up in a full three piece suit is going to look odd. Same if your venues a posh country house and you rock up in ripped jeans.
The season matters more than people think too. Heavy velvet in July looks weird. Bare shoulders in February means your freezing in all the photos.
Once you know the basics your not staring at every possible outfit combination in existence. Your looking at outfits that actually make sense for what your doing.
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It's a Match!... Outfits that is
One option is matching outfits completely, though you see this more with two grooms than two brides.
Its harder to find one dress that works for two different body types and styles. Pantsuits or jumpsuits can work if thats what you want but beyond the actual outfit theres other ways to match.
You could wear the same accessory like matching flower crowns or veils or the same shoes. That gives you the coordinated look without being identical.
Hair and makeups another way to match more subtly. Twin hairstyles or the same makeup look, like both wearing a red lip or bright eyeshadow. It photographs really well when you've got that visual connection without being too matchy matchy.
If you hire the same makeup artist for both of you it keeps everything consistent. And if you dont want to see each other before the ceremony they can do you separately, you'll still end up with looks that work together.
The matching thing works better when its one element rather than everything. Like same hair different dresses. Or same colour palette different cuts. Going fully identical can look a bit costume-y unless thats specifically what your going for.
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Cooly Coordinated LGBTQ Wedding Suits
Another popular option is to have complementary but not identical outfits or styles.
This allows you to create a cohesive visual without being too similar. For example, two brides could wear different dresses or outfits in the same colour or with the same features like a v-neckline, lace sleeves, or a bow. Or you could choose the same style (like bohemian or Art Deco inspired).
For your LGBTQ hairstyles, one of you could rock soft waves while the other sports a messy updo. Or you could both incorporate braids in different styles.
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LGBTQ Hair & Makeup 'FREEstyling'
None of this is to say that your outfits have to coordinate or match at all!
In fact, you can each choose any outfit as well as hair and makeup style that you love. If you have very different everyday styles, this is a good way to go, as neither of you wants to feel ‘not yourself’ on such an important day.
So you might wear completely different gowns, one of you a dress and one a tux or suit, or dresses of different lengths. It’s completely up to you. You could either use different hair and makeup artists specialising in different styles, or work with the same pro, but give them different briefs.
Be sure to both get a hair and makeup trial to nail those looks before the big day.
Make Me Bridal Pro: Hair and make up artist
When it comes right down to it, the most important thing is that this is YOUR wedding day. As long as both of you feel comfortable and beautiful, it will show in every photograph!
Relax, remember why you are getting married, and enjoy!
And if you need anymore wedding day advice or tips, make sure to check our Blog for regular bridal articles!
