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Lambda Legal is a cool law firm. First of all, it is a non-profit organization that has only one purpose – taking on the “system” to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. It’s been around a long time. And in 1999, it declared a holiday – National Freedom to Marry Day.
Since February is the “month of love,” the date made sense. There was only one problem. America was still living with the DOMA law that said legal marriage was only between a man and a woman. It took a 5-4 Supreme Court Decision to declare that law unconstitutional 16 years later. And Lambda was front and center in the push to get that marriage equality.
So, now that we have this holiday set aside just for the LGBTQ community, how about making some plans.
In order to celebrate their love and this holiday, lots of gay couples plan their marriages for February 12. There is one tradition that has kind of taken hold. During these ceremonies, the couples tie a rope around some close object – a fence post, a tree, etc., to symbolize “tying the knot.”
But suppose you haven’t planned a wedding yet. You may be ready to propose, though. So, use this holiday to do just that.
Who says a wedding or a proposal of marriage has to be traditional and rather boring? Why not take it up a notch and do something creative, fun, and meaningful to both of you? Need a few ideas? Here you go.
Find a location that has meaning to both of you.
This might be a horse stable, a pet sanctuary, a library, a park, a bar, a concert arena, a ballfield, or any place that has become special to both of you. A wedding or a marriage proposal will both work.
How about a hot air balloon ride?
If the season or climate permits, why not? Go up in that balloon and have your wedding or make your proposal. If a proposal, your partner doesn’t even have to know it’s coming.
Use a “public” venue to make that proposal
Here are a few ideas to make your proposal more “public.”
One partner used Christmas tree lights to spell out his proposal on the fence surrounding his home.
Another actually rented a billboard.
Still another rented a pilot and plane to carry a banner over an event he and his partner were attending.
Malls rent out space on their digital banner signs.
Make a banner and hang it from an overpass you will go under.
Go to a karaoke event you frequent and sing your proposal to your partner and the audience
Rent a convertible, put the top down, and go to your favorite drive-in restaurant for either your wedding or your proposal. Invite lots of friends to join in.
Use your creative juices and get suggestions from friends for more options
Go Back to the Place You First Met
You may not know this, but David Burtka, now husband to Neil Patrick Harris, proposed on the street corner where they first met. Where did you first meet your partner? Plan a rendezvous there, and make your proposal. Or, plan your wedding at that spot.
Book a Cruise or a Beachfront Condo
If your finances allow, book a cruise, have the captain marry you, and have as many friends and family members as possible on board to celebrate with you. Or, rent a condo on the beach, invite family and friends, and have a several-day celebration party.
Choose a Foreign Destination
There are plenty of countries in which same-sex marriage is legal. Find one that suits both of you, get online, and plan your wedding through planners in that country. It’s a lot easier than you think. You’ll have an event that will bring a lifetime of memories.
The possibilities are endless. Gather friends, pick their brains, and come up with the perfect place to propose or wed on February 12, whether it’s this year or next. To plan your special event on National Freedom to Marry Day only adds to its meaning. Get going on those plans.
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