One of the biggest challenges of planning for your big day is selecting vendors that offer what you need and fit into your budget. Unfortunately, there can be added obstacles for same-sex couples. Though public opinion on LGBT relationships is more positive than it was in the past, there are still many people who hold archaic views on marriage and sexuality. This means you could run into a scenario where a vendor refuses to take part in your wedding due to your orientation. To avoid this, follow these suggestions on selecting LGBT-friendly vendors for your event.

Start the Process Early

Depending on where you live, your options might be somewhat limited when it comes to businesses that are accommodating of same-sex relationships. If you’re working with a small selection of LGBT-friendly vendors, you need to book the services as soon as possible to guarantee you can get what you require. For example, you should book your venue about a year before your wedding date. Other vital vendors like the caterer, DJ, florist, and photographer should be booked roughly 8 to 10 months in advance. The earlier you begin the process, the easier it will be to secure the appropriate services.  

Look for Businesses Owned by LGBT Individuals

A fantastic way to ensure you book professionals who will support your relationship and make your wedding memorable is by hiring members of the LGBT community. Maybe you don’t know any LGBT-owned establishments off the top of your head. Thankfully, there are some great resources available to make your search easier. Online directories like the Rainbow Wedding Network provide extensive lists of LGBT-friendly businesses. These are either owned by people who identify as part of the community or individuals who are incredibly supportive of same-sex relationships. 

Be Discerning During Your Search

Determining whether or not a potential vendor is accepting of the LGBT community can be tricky. Most professionals are not going to blatantly place hateful speech on their websites or social accounts. However, there are a few telltale signs to help you determine whether the vendor is comfortable with same-sex unions. For one, pay attention to the wording the business uses when discussing weddings. If gender-neutral terms like “partner” appear frequently, it usually is a strong indication that the business is a good fit. 

You should also look for any signs that the business is affiliated with LGBT organizations. When you see a website that features the logo for the Human Rights Campaign or other advocacy groups, it means the business is supportive of the community and wants potential clients to know.

Have a Discussion

In some cases, you might need to speak directly to the vendor in order to learn if they support same-sex relationships. However, you will need to trust your gut while having these conversations. A professional might say he or she is supportive out of fear of legal repercussions for denying services. Obviously this won’t make for a good fit for your wedding. If you get the feeling that the vendor is uncomfortable during your conversation, it’s in your best interests to look for someone else. 

Ask Around

Finally, it never hurts to ask around for recommendations for vendors. If you know another same-sex couple who has tied the knot, ask who they hired for their event. Then you can see if the services fit into your budget. You can also ask friends and family members if they know any LGBT-friendly businesses in the area. Turning to your social circle for suggestions can be a great way to find appropriate vendors and discover businesses you didn’t know existed.  

Take Your Time

Picking vendors for your big day can be difficult in and of itself. Unfortunately, same-sex couples can run into extra challenges. Give yourself plenty of time during your search to be sure you’re selecting LGBT-friendly vendors who fully support the idea that love is love.