Lawrence De Leon for Tanner Fletcher
Tanner Fletcher has been at the forefront of genderless design since their 2020 debut, every collection celebrating people and love in all its beautiful diversity. With a fluid approach to style, the brand blurs the line between masculine and feminine so effortlessly, bringing a fresh (and frankly much needed) perspective to wedding fashion. So, who better to ask for all their top tips to embracing genderless wedding dressing! Exclusively for THE WED, Co-founders and designers Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kasell gives us all the tea, inviting couples to embrace their true selves with open hearts, joy and authenticity.
Forget About the Rules
When it comes to getting married, there are a lot of predetermined rules centered around society and tradition; some make sense but most of them are outdated, focused on heteronormative ideals and are quite unnecessary, especially those concerning what we wear. My advice is to forget about the rules! Just think of them as noise. The LGBTQ+ couples don't have the same historical data when it comes to getting married. Many of us are starting from scratch so just be sure you don't find yourself abiding by invisible rules and expectations that don't fit your lifestyle.
Be Authentic
Instead of being a rule follower, lead with authenticity. Great things happen when you are authentic. Not only does it help you shine your brightest but it allows others around you to feel safe being their authentic selves. Think about how you want to feel and start there. Remember not to be afraid of leaning into your femininity and/or your masculinity no matter how you identify. Many think wearing your dream princess ball gown is only for women. Not true! Many think a tuxedo with coat and tails is only for men. Also not true! Let gender norms go and have fun with it!
Reinvent the Wheel
Since not all spaces are safe for LGBTQ+ celebrants especially when shopping for wardrobe, it can be difficult to find the right place to go for help in this department. Don't settle or get discouraged if someone tells you something isn't possible. Anything is possible! Start with Tanner Fletcher, of course. If for some reason Tanner Fletcher is not accessible to you, get creative and reinvent the wheel. Be brave, reach out to your favorite designers and ask about customization options. Find vintage garments and an amazing tailor! Consider making your own look or parts of the look yourself. The rules can also be thrown out around how you acquire your wedding wardrobe.
Come From a Place of Love
Be sure to add sentimental details to each of your wedding looks. I always think of the "something blue, something borrowed" rhyme. Take it a step further. Wear your grandma's brooch for your rehearsal dinner. Stitch a love letter between your partner and yourself into the lining of your jacket, use material from your mother's wedding dress and work it into yours. This is such a special occasion and it's important to stack yourself with emotional comfort. I also like to think about passing my own wedding garments onto my future loved ones. One day, your wedding wardrobe could be someone else's something borrowed. It may be worked into your children’s outfit of choice. Remember that this is the next step of a beautiful life and to treat it accordingly. Plan to cherish these items for years to come!
Get Inspired by the Past
Now that gender fluidity is more widely accepted, more people are able to embrace the styles of the past. At Tanner Fletcher, we're so inspired by past eras in fashion because many of them seem relevant to today's society but at the same time seem forgotten. It's fun to reference the past in a way that breathes new life into it. For example I love a petticoat over jeans for a secondary wedding event. Any gender can wear this styling today, although it certainly wouldn't have been accepted back when petticoats were in style, especially on a masculine figure. The same goes for slip dresses as ceremony dresses. I could go on all day! Either way, look at vintage wedding pictures and take something away for your big day.
Photography: Lawrence De Leon, Sara Bouwman
