PRIDE MONTH LESSONS AND REMINDERS FOR WEDDING BUSINESSES

At Alt Wedding Fair, we pride ourselves in striving towards inclusivity and accessiblity within the wedding industry. We recognize that nobody is perfect, but the wedding industry really needs some work. 

Are you looking to make your wedding business more LGBTQ+ friendly? We have got some helpful tips on how to make your wedding business inclusive.

Photo by Matt Lunn Photography

Use this pride month to continue educating yourself on how best to support, platform and fight for the LGBTQ+ community. In an industry based on love, as businesses we must ensure that all weddings are given the same care, respect and recognition!

LGBTQ+ weddings aren’t a “bucket list” wedding to work on and they aren’t something to be shared in June only. Don’t be tokenistic with your allyship, be genuine. Here’s just a handful of ways to ensure your business is LGBTQ+ friendly, 365 days a year!

We have put together a bunch of tips and resources for you to take into consideration when building on your inclusivity within your business.

Makeup by Rosie Roberts Beauty / Photo by Lou Rob Photo

BRING THE SUPPORT + EMPOWERMENT 365 DAYS A YEAR - NOT JUST IN JUNE!

The energy you bring for pride month should be the same energy you bring every day of the year for the LGBTQ+ community. Making a post once a year like a box ticking exercise doesn't cut it. Strive to platform, celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community year round.

USE GENDER NEUTRAL LANGUAGE AS DEFAULT

When addressing folks, use gender neutral language. This could be on your social posts, enquiry/data collection forms, or when naming services. Not every wedding has a bride and groom, it can have just brides, just grooms, or neither! Use terms such as: nearly wed, to be wed/wed to be’s, i do crew, wedding party etc! Throw “calling all brides” into the bin where it belongs!

Photo by Marilyn Denise Photography

AVOID TERMS + PHRASES SUCH AS 'LOVE IS LOVE' AND 'SAME-SEX WEDDINGS'

The "love Is love" slogan is criticized within the LGBT community, as it’s viewed as reductive. It makes queer experiences only appear "valid" if they come from love. “Same sex weddings” erases trans and non-binary folks! a better phrase would be lgbtq+ weddings!

SHOW UP, USE YOUR VOICE, FIGHT AGAINST INJUSTICE

Pride is a protect first and foremost. The UK currently is reporting a rise in hate crime, and taking huge steps backwards with anti LGBTQ+ laws being passed. Use your voice. speak out against injustice. Silence is compliance as the LGBTQ+ folks rights are taken away, show up to protests, platform LGBTQ+ individuals, write to your mp’s, march in pride! Your voice matters more than you realise.

Photo by Alt Wedding Co

USE PRONOUNS EVERYWHERE!

Pop your pronouns on your social media, on your website, on your zoom call name, on your email footer (anywhere you introduce yourself!) and ask your nearly weds their pronouns in conversation or in data collection points. This normalises the use of pronouns (we all have them!) and shows that your business is a safe space for LGBTQ+ couples due to your visible pronoun use avoid the term “preferred pronouns”, as this suggests that the use of the provided pronouns is optional, as they’re a preference to be used, and not what must always be used.

SHOWCASE LGBTQ+ LOVE

Representation matters! AND LGBTQ+ love is BLOODY BEAUTIFUL! If you’re a part of an LGBTQ+ love story, share it! Showcase that wedding! Organise styled shoots with LGBTQ+ models, work and collaborate with LGBTQ+ businesses. Platform LGBTQ+ love!

Photo by Electric Blue Photo + Film

CONTINUE EDUCATING YOURSELF

Every day is a school day, and you can never be perfect. Educating yourself, and staying in the loop with current matters to be able to best support your LGBTQ+ loved ones and clients. We recommend checking out Rebel Love Directory’s education sessions, or attend Love For All LGBTQ+ photoshoots and education days (to name a few!)

HANDLE ERRORS WITH GRACE

Following on from this, you may have made mistakes in the past that don’t align with how you act now. No one is perfect, and acknowledging those faults is a strong step towards growth. Any mistakes you make moving forwards, apologise, correct yourself, learn and move on! Don’t make it awkward by excessively apologising and making a scene, and don’t keep making the same mistakes (such as misgendering someone!)

Photo by Esme Whiteside Photography / Suit by Carl Stuart Tailors / Makeup by Rosie Roberts Beauty / Venue - York Venues - Hospitium / Dress - Legend Bridal

BOYCOTT JK ROWLING

Yes, we all grew up with that magical world that brought us so much joy. But jk rowling is now using the money she is getting directly from HP to finance an organisation dedicated to removing trans rights. To show your allyship and make a difference - don’t spend a penny on licensed HP products. Don’t stream the films. Don’t promote or share any HP related items.

Just remember, nobody is perfect but trying your best is all that you can do. Strive to be as inclusive as you can be, don't be afraid to learn and always support the LGBTQ+ wedding industry. Pride isn't just about rainbow flags appearing for a month.

If all of this aligns with your views, we've got the couples for you. Our Alt Wedding Directory is the perfect place to put you in touch with your ideal clients. You can apply to the directory here.