The Ultimate Guide to Finding LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Wedding Vendors
- yvonnenoyesstevens
- Dec 24, 2024
- 4 min read
It’s amazing to think that just a decade ago, the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal nationwide. While this was a huge step forward, planning a same-sex wedding can still feel overwhelming - especially when looking for people like photographers, venues, and officiants who will enthusiastically support your wedding.
In this post, we'll talk about why it's important to find vendors who not only accept you - but also cheer you on. We'll also give you tips on what to look for and questions to ask to make sure your wedding is inclusive and focused on celebrating your love.
What are LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Vendors, and Why Do They Matter?
Your wedding day should be a celebration of your love story, focused on inclusivity and joy. When you choose LGBTQIA+ inclusive vendors, you're selecting professionals who go beyond the basic expectation of tolerance.
These vendors are committed to actively celebrating and embracing diversity, ensuring that your special day is filled with respect, comfort, and a truly joyful experience for you and all your guests.
How to Find LGBTQIA+ Friendly Wedding Vendors
#1 Decode the Fine Print
When you're looking for a wedding vendor, pay attention to the words they use. Do they say "bride and groom"? Or do they use more inclusive terms like "partners" or "couple"? Do they ask for your pronouns? These little things can tell you a lot about how much a vendor cares about being inclusive.
#2 Tap into Your Community
Your LGBTQIA+ community is a great resource. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. If you need more help, check out the following:
Look For Verified Networks: Organizations like the Rainbow Wedding Network only add vendors to their list after checking to make sure they're LGBTQIA+ friendly.
Join Online Forums: Reddit and other online forums can give you real-life experiences and recommendations from other people. While these aren't as official as a network, they're a good starting point!
#3 Look for vendors with a Personal Touch
Personal interaction is the best way to gauge a vendor's true intentions. A phone call or in-person meeting can help you:
Get a sense of their vibe and approach.
Ask the tough questions to directly inquire about their experience working with LGBTQIA+ couples.
Feel out if it is a fit and find the right vendors for you.
Now that you know what to look for when vetting your vendors, you might be wondering what questions you can ask them. A great starting point question is “What about LGBTQIA+ weddings is closest to your heart?” For industry-specific questions, keep reading!
Questions to Ask Potential LGBTQIA+ Wedding Vendors
When planning your LGBTQIA+ wedding, it's important to find vendors who not only understand your vision but also actively celebrate diversity. Here are some key questions to ask potential caterers, photographers, wedding officiants, and venues:
Questions for Caterers
Staff Inclusivity and Training: How do you ensure that your staff is trained to be inclusive and respectful of all guests?
Dietary Accommodations: How experienced are you in catering to diverse dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-free options? Can you accommodate specific cultural or religious dietary requirements?
Questions for Photographers
Representation: Have you photographed LGBTQIA+ weddings before? If so, can you share examples of your work?
Sensitivity: How do you approach capturing intimate moments? Note: if you or your partner are nervous about being photographed, make sure to ask how they will help you feel confident in front of the lens.
Inclusivity: How will you ensure that all of our guests feel comfortable and represented in the photos?
Questions for Wedding Officiants
Personal Beliefs: What are your thoughts on performing ceremonies for same-sex couples and LGBTQIA+ individuals? Why do you offer LGBTQIA+ wedding services?
Inclusive Language: How do you incorporate inclusive language into your ceremonies (such as using gender-neutral terms) and acknowledge diverse family structures?
Customization: How will you tailor the ceremony to reflect our unique love story and values?
Questions for Florists
Inclusivity in Design: How do you approach floral design for couples with diverse gender expressions? (For example, can you describe how you'd design bouquets and boutonnieres for a non-binary couple or a couple where both partners prefer more masculine aesthetics?)
Questions for Venues
Accommodations: Can the venue accommodate guests with disabilities? What about guests with small children? *Note: these will be specific to the type of wedding you will have and who is on your guest list.
Privacy: How will you ensure the privacy of our wedding and/or more intimate moments, such as a first look?
By asking these questions, you can gain valuable insights into a vendor's commitment to inclusivity and their ability to create a truly memorable and joyful LGBTQIA+ wedding experience!
Bonus Tip: Images Aren't Everything
Just because a vendor's portfolio doesn't show many LGBTQIA+ weddings, doesn't mean they're not inclusive. They might be new to the business or haven't had the chance to work with many LGBTQIA+ couples yet. That's why it's always best to have a conversation with them.
Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding?
As a wedding officiant, I like to work with couples to create a ceremony that reflects their values and celebrates their love story. I do this by supporting them with vow writing, selecting meaningful rituals and readings, and even pre-marital counseling.
My goal is to make sure you feel seen and supported as you celebrate your love surrounded by family and friends. This all starts with a consultation where we can chat about your vision for your ceremony and I can answer any questions you may have.
You can book your free, 30-minute consultation through my services page or by filling out a contact request!
I look forward to helping you create a ceremony that is as unique and beautiful as your love story!
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