NON-BINARY WEDDING TERMS Jessica Williams
The times, they are a-changin’ and we at DETAILS want to change with them! Those who don’t identify with binary gender descriptions are finally feeling free enough to come forward with preferred pronouns and expressions of their identity and we couldn’t be more thrilled!
During the planning stages, if you’re going to have a party with your closest friends, rather than buck/doe or bachelor/bachelorette, the non-binary term is Bachelorx (pronounced ”bachelor-ex”). The x is a non-gendered substitution for ette/or.
Since the wedding industry is traditionally...well, based in tradition things can take a bit longer to change, but change they do! We’re here to help bring the language into 2021 with some non-binary terms for your wedding party!
Over the years there have been many more instances of wedding parties having a Man of Honour or a Best Woman as brides and grooms have friends of the opposite sex, but those terms are also gendered and don’t include non-binary people. Person of Honour or Best Person are all encompassing.
First off, let’s start with the couple. Pre-wedding, they can simply be called Nearlyweds. This avoids the bride/ groom-to-be terminology. The term can also spill into the wedding specific family-gatherings and showers. A Nearlywed Shower is a great way to celebrate your loved ones while respecting their identity. Post wedding, Newlyweds is a great catchall term. It has been used for years but is becoming more common as an alternative to husband/wife which may not apply to the couple.
And finally, what to call the wedded couple if they don’t feel that Mrs/Mr fit? Mx (pronounced “mix”) is a term that allows formality without labeling. Weddings are a celebration of love and love comes in all forms. We’re delighted that couples and loved ones now have terminology which helps them feel their most authentic on their special day.
For the couple referring to each other, Spouse is accurate and gender-neutral.
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DETAILS MAGAZINE | BUMBLEANDVINE.CA
FALL 2021
