Pride 365: Meaningful Ways Wedding Vendors Can Be Year-Round Allies
By now, we all know Pride isn’t something you turn on in June and off in July. And if you don’t know that yet, stay with me.
For queer people—especially the trans community—our identities and rights are on the line every day of the year. Allyship isn’t a one-month campaign. It’s a commitment. If you’re a wedding vendor who truly believes in creating inclusive, affirming experiences, your support can’t pause on July 1.
Queer clients want to work with vendors who are visible, thoughtful, and consistent in their values 365. The kind of allyship that doesn’t disappear once Pride Month ends. You don’t have to be perfect to be a great ally. You just have to be present, informed, and willing to go beyond the bare minimum.
Here are some ways to practice Pride 365 and become the kind of vendor queer couples can trust.
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Put Your Values in Writing (and Mean It)
Taglines like “Love is Love” or “All Are Welcome Here” are great, but they don’t tell queer clients much about you. If you genuinely want to build trust, you need to say more.
Create a dedicated Values Page or Ally Pledge on your website. Share what you believe, what you stand against, and what you’re actively doing to support the LGBTQ+ community. This might include:
A clear statement of your values around LGBTQ+ inclusion
Examples of how you support the community year-round
Language about anti-racism, trans inclusion, and accessibility
Specific ways your business actively creates safe, affirming experiences
Bonus points: Ask your vendor partners to sign the ally pledge so your clients know you work with vendors who share your values. The more visible your values are, the more likely queer couples will feel safe reaching out.
Give Back to LGBTQ+ Organizations
Allyship means putting your values into action. One of the most impactful things you can do is support LGBTQ+ organizations, especially smaller, local groups that are often underfunded.
There are countless local and national organizations doing vital work—from youth support to mental health services, housing initiatives, and trans advocacy. Here are just a few ways to give back:
Donate a percentage of your bookings during key months like Pride in June or Trans Awareness Week. (And don’t forget—your donation may be tax-deductible).
Match your clients’ donations to LGBTQ+ orgs as part of your packages
Host a fundraiser or donate services to a queer-led event or benefit
Even $50 to a local LGBTQ+ hotline can make a difference. And it shows your values in action.
Not sure where to start? Reach out—we’d be happy to help you find an organization near you.
Collaborate with Queer Vendors
If your vendor list doesn’t include queer-owned businesses, it’s time to expand. Building relationships with LGBTQ+ creatives isn't just the right thing to do, it also improves your work and your reach.
Don’t know any? Try searching for LGBTQ+ wedding vendors in your area. There are some excellent queer wedding directories out there, like Equally Wed or Love Inc. From there, you can begin building relationships that reflect the inclusive values you want your business to stand for.
Here’s how to take action:
Seek out and hire queer photographers, stationers, florists, makeup artists, officiants, and DJs
Add LGBTQ+ vendors to your preferred lists
Cross-promote their work on your website and social media
Create styled shoots or campaigns that intentionally spotlight LGBTQ+ talent
And don’t just follow queer vendors on Instagram—engage with them, refer them, and support them like you would your closest collaborators.
Attend LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos (Yes, They Exist)
Want to meet queer couples where they are? Attend LGBTQ+ wedding expos. (Psst: we don’t call them “bridal shows.”)
Rainbow Wedding Network is one group that hosts expos all over the country. These events are intentionally designed to center inclusivity and create a safe space for LGBTQ+ couples to meet affirming vendors. Even if you don’t book clients immediately, your presence sends a message: We see you. We want to work with you.
Check local LGBTQ+ community centers, Pride organizers, or wedding vendor collectives to see what events exist in your region. Or better yet, sponsor one.
“You don’t have to be perfect to be a great ally. You just have to be present, informed, and willing to go beyond the bare minimum. ”
Keep Learning (and Unlearning)
Allyship is a journey. There’s always more to understand. Stay informed, stay curious, and stay open.
Follow queer educators and creators on social media
Take LGBTQ+ cultural competency or DEI training focused on wedding vendors
Read books or follow queer creators who share about gender identity, chosen family, and intersectionality
And most importantly: stay open to feedback and be willing to adapt
No one expects perfection. But queer couples can spot the difference between a vendor who means well and a vendor who’s doing the work.
Allyship That Lasts
True allyship isn’t about rainbow logos or performative posts during Pride Month. It’s about the relationships you build, the space you create, and the choices you make every single day.
If you want to be the kind of vendor LGBTQ+ couples trust, it starts with consistency, visibility, and intentional action.
Because Pride isn’t a month. It’s a mindset. And queer folks want vendors who show up all year.
