LGBTQ+ marriages are more visible today than they were before the Obergefell decision in 2015, but that doesn’t mean that all wedding vendors are inclusive. It can be demeaning to fall in love with a particular vendor only to discover that they aren’t supportive of same-sex marriage. Avoid confusion and disappointment by putting on your detective hat to vet the wedding vendors to ensure they’re LGBTQ+ friendly before you send an inquiry.

Evaluate The Language

Traditionally, the wedding community has been heteronormative. Many vendors still address brides, who are usually the ones planning the wedding. Look carefully for gender-neutral terminology, especially in the forms you have to fill out and in the about me section. Vendors who are inclusive will avoid out-of-date vocabulary. This is a pretty good indication that you’re working with someone who won’t discriminate.

Browse Their Picture Galleries

You’ve probably already looked through the vendor’s portfolio to see if you liked their vibe and aesthetics. Now go back through and look for diversity. If wedding vendors are truly friendly towards the LGBTQ+ community, you will see evidence of it in the pictures they share. If there’s a lack of same-sex couples in their work, you are either going to need to ask or look elsewhere.

Stalk Social Media and Reviews

Browse the vendor’s social media sites. Look for signs that they have done same-sex weddings, such as, cake toppers that have two brides or two grooms or go back to the 2015 timeline and look for a post in June when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex couples. Also search for reviews from same-sex couples.

Look For Certifications and Badges

Vendors who partner with other organizations and publications often get badges or certifications that showcase their work. The Gay Wedding Institute is just one organization that certifies equality-minded businesses. Vendors who are inclusive will want to let potential clients know that, so these things should be prominently featured. If you don’t see these, that’s not necessarily a red flag. It is a good way to identify inclusive vendors quickly.

Look For Specific Statements on The Website

Wedding vendors who are inclusive understand that same-sex couples want to identify their stance on inclusivity. Look for comments on the website that show support for the LGBTQ+ community. Check the “about us” page for their pronouns or self-identification statements. Check on their social media to see what other groups they are active in and what events they support and promote. One red flag is that they support conservative religious organizations or events.

Ask Your Friends

If you have friends who have gotten married in the past few years, ask them for recommendations. They may have dealt with vendors who weren’t inclusive that they can steer you away from. They may also know vendors who are inclusive and welcoming. You should feel comfortable with your wedding vendors. Your vendors shouldn’t discriminate against your guests, either. 

Remembering Inclusivity For Guests

Inclusivity isn’t only for same-sex couples. Every wedding couple should be thinking about venues that offer gender-neutral bathrooms and wedding photographers who will take pictures of everyone at the reception, not just couples they approve of. Every inclusive action you take ripples through the community to make inclusivity the norm.  

You May Just Have To Ask the Vendor

If all else fails and you can’t decide whether a vendor is inclusive from these investigations, you may have to make the inquiry. Or you can pass the vendor by and let their business miss out on your business. It’s unfortunate that the wedding industry isn’t inclusive and that you do have to be aware of inclusivity when finding vendors. Until the wedding industry welcomes everyone, it’s up to you to be aware of what your vendors support.