Planning a wedding is an emotional journey, and for queer couples it can come with a whole extra layer of considerations. Beyond the spreadsheets and Pinterest boards, there’s a very real need to feel safe, seen, and celebrated by the people helping you plan your day. That’s why finding LGBTQ+ affirming vendors – not just tolerant, but actively inclusive – is so essential.

Here are our tips for finding wedding professionals who don’t just accept you, but champion your love.

1. Look for Explicit Language – Not Just Vibes

If a vendor says they’re open to “all kinds of couples,” that’s… fine. But a true ally won’t make you read between the lines. Look for wedding supliers who use explicitly inclusive language on their website and social media. Terms like “LGBTQ+ inclusive,” “queer-friendly,” “non-binary affirming,” or even “all love is welcome here” are green flags.

Do they show queer couples in their portfolio? Are pronouns included in their contact form or bio? These small things say a lot about their values.

Pro tip: If you can’t tell where a vendor stands, email them and ask directly how they support LGBTQ+ couples. Their response will tell you everything.

2. Start with Queer-Owned Businesses

There’s something powerful about supporting fellow queer creatives on your wedding journey. LGBTQ+-owned businesses understand your experiences firsthand – from navigating awkward family dynamics to choosing genderless wedding language.

Start with queer-owned photographers, celebrants, designers, florists, and more. Not only are you likely to feel more comfortable, but you’re helping build a more equitable wedding industry.

Check directories like:

Equally Wed

Dancing with Her

Love Inc.

Rebel Love Directory

And of course, our very own Rockstar Vendor’s list!

3. Read Between the (Instagram) Lines

Social media can be a goldmine for finding your wedding suppliers but also seeing if what they put out matches what they say. Its all very well and good someone saying “love is love” on their website but a quick scroll through their feed will help you quickly see what kind of clients they’re highlighting. Are their real wedding posts diverse in terms of gender, sexuality, race, body type? Or are they only speaking out during Pride Month… and staying quiet the rest of the year?

Check who they follow, how they respond to comments, and whether they post tokenistic Pride content or truly inclusive work year-round.

4. Ask The Right Questions

When chatting with potential vendors, ask questions that help you gauge their comfort level and experience. For example:

Have you worked with LGBTQ+ couples before?
Do you have inclusive and gender-neutral language in your contracts or materials?
Are you comfortable navigating non-traditional roles (e.g., no bridesmaids, no “giving away”)?
How do you handle venues or collaborators who aren’t LGBTQ+ inclusive?

A good supplier will welcome these questions – and if they get defensive, cagey or make excuses, that’s your cue to walk.

5. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off in a consultation, you’re not imagining it. Whether it’s microaggressions, awkward comments, or just a weird vibe, you deserve vendors who celebrate you wholeheartedly. The right vendors will make you feel excited and safe from the very first message.

6. Community is Key

Lean on queer community spaces. Facebook groups, Reddit threads and local LGBTQ+ events are great places to crowdsource recommendations. You’re not alone, and word-of-mouth from couples who’ve been there can be one of the most powerful tools.

Try searching:

“LGBTQ+ wedding vendors [your city]” on Instagram or TikTok
Subreddits like r/lgbtweddings or r/askgaybros
LGBTQ+ Facebook groups or local queer Discord servers

7. Don’t Settle

Your wedding is a celebration of who you are. You don’t need to compromise on your identity to make someone else comfortable. Every single vendor you book should reflect your values, your love, and your right to be joyfully, unapologetically queer.

The wedding industry still has a long way to go, but change happens when we demand more and support those doing it right. You are not asking too much. You are setting a standard.