Opening Hearts and Doors: Tips and Ideas for Becoming an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Wedding Venue
In 2022, our Sales Manager and wedding venue expert, Carys Duckworth, curated a popular article on enhancing inclusivity and warmth in wedding marketing. The overwhelming response to her insightful piece has inspired us to delve deeper into this crucial subject, all while commemorating the spirit of Pride Month. Building upon Carys’ expertise, we aim to provide even more valuable insights and practical advice to help wedding venues create truly welcoming and inclusive spaces for all couples. Interested to find out how to become an LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding venue? Keep reading!
In recent years, the wedding industry has witnessed a significant shift towards inclusivity and diversity, acknowledging and celebrating the love of all couples, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a venue owner or staff member, it is important to embrace this movement and create an LGBTQ+ inclusive space that warmly welcomes and respects all couples.
“As wedding professionals, it’s our responsibility to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all couples. Love knows no boundaries, and by embracing diversity, we not only celebrate love in its purest form but also enrich the wedding experience for everyone involved,” says Carys.
In this article, we will explore the significance of inclusivity in the wedding industry, provide practical tips for making your venue more welcoming, highlight real-life examples of inclusive venues, and emphasise the positive impact of inclusivity on the overall wedding experience. Let’s explore how to become and LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding venue together.
The Importance of Inclusivity and Diversity in the Wedding Industry
Inclusivity and diversity are not mere buzzwords; they are fundamental values that should be at the core of every wedding venue. By embracing inclusivity, venues not only honour the experiences and identities of LGBTQ+ couples but also open doors to a wider clientele.
Inclusive spaces foster a sense of belonging, allowing couples to fully express their love without fear of judgement or discrimination. Moreover, LGBTQ+ inclusivity sends a powerful message of acceptance and equality, aligning with the values of love and celebration that lie at the heart of weddings.
Practical Tips for Creating an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Wedding Venue
Educate Yourself and Your Staff: Provide comprehensive training to your staff members to ensure they are knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ terminology, identities, and issues. This will empower them to engage sensitively with LGBTQ+ couples and address any questions or concerns that may arise.
Inclusive Language and Marketing: Use gender-neutral language in your promotional materials, including website content, brochures, and social media posts. Avoid assumptions about the gender or orientation of couples and use inclusive terms such as “spouse” or “partner.”
Create Gender-Neutral Spaces: Designate gender-neutral restrooms or ensure your existing facilities are inclusive and comfortable for individuals of all gender identities. This small but impactful step demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity.
Train Your Vendors: Collaborate with LGBTQ+ inclusive vendors, such as photographers, caterers, and florists, and provide them with resources to further their knowledge of LGBTQ+ weddings. By building a network of supportive vendors, you create a seamless and inclusive experience for couples.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Policies: Implement policies that explicitly state your commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Make it clear that your venue celebrates love in all its forms and that it is a safe space for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Update Contract Language: Review your wedding contracts and ensure they use inclusive language that accommodates all couples, regardless of gender. Replace gendered terms like “bride” and “groom” with gender-neutral terms like “couple” or “partners.”
Flexible Wedding Packages: Offer customisable wedding packages that cater to a variety of needs and preferences. Allow couples to choose from diverse options, including gender-neutral wedding attire, décor, and seating arrangements.
Engage with LGBTQ+ Community Organisations: Establish partnerships with LGBTQ+ community organisations, attend LGBTQ+ wedding expos or events, and actively seek feedback from LGBTQ+ couples to improve your services.
LGBTQ+ Vendor Referrals: Create a list of LGBTQ+-friendly vendors in your area and provide it to couples during the wedding planning process. This can include LGBTQ+-owned businesses or vendors who have a proven track record of inclusivity.
Stay Informed on LGBTQ+ Wedding Trends: Stay up-to-date with current LGBTQ+ wedding trends, customs, and traditions. This will enable you to better understand and cater to the specific desires and needs of LGBTQ+ couples, making their wedding experience even more special.
Seek Feedback and Continuously Improve: Actively seek feedback from LGBTQ+ couples who have celebrated their weddings at your venue. Listen to their experiences, suggestions, and concerns, and use that feedback to continually improve and refine your inclusive practices.
Real-Life Examples of LGBTQ+ Inclusive Wedding Venues
To inspire your journey towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity, here are six examples of venues that have successfully created welcoming spaces:
Castlemartyr Resort, Cork, Ireland
Castlemartyr Resort is an exquisite 5-star hotel renowned as one of the country’s premier luxury wedding destinations. They take great pride in being approved by the HSE to host civil wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships, offering a beautiful setting for couples to exchange their vows. At Castlemartyr Resort, they wholeheartedly embrace and celebrate the decision to legalise humanist wedding and same-sex partnership ceremonies in Ireland. They believe in the fundamental principle of equality and are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to all couples, ensuring their special day is truly unforgettable.
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New Place Hotel, Hampshire, UK
Located in Hampshire, New Place Hotel is a remarkable wedding venue that offers exclusive use of its exquisite Manor House. With its captivating beauty and rich historical grandeur, the Manor House stands as a testament to time. They firmly believe in the power of love without boundaries, and take immense pride in being an inclusive and welcoming venue for all couples. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, their dedicated team is committed to ensuring that every detail is meticulously handled, leaving you free to focus on the most important aspect of your day – your love and commitment to each other.
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Riddle’s Court presents a truly enchanting and intimate setting, perfect for your wedding ceremony or any special occasion. This exceptional venue embraces uniqueness and is open to all couples, celebrating love in all its forms. With a deep commitment to inclusivity, their dedicated team joins hands with you and your loved ones to transform your dreams into a beautiful reality. They are passionate about crafting unforgettable moments that honour your love and reflect your individuality.
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Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, Ireland
As one of Cork’s premier wedding venues, Rochestown Park Hotel has been dedicated to hosting memorable weddings for over 30 years. Their experienced team takes pride in curating unique and special wedding days for every couple. Whether you envision an intimate civil ceremony or a grand celebration, Rochestown Park is well-equipped to assist you in preparing for your special day. Trust Rochestown Park Hotel to create an unforgettable wedding experience that reflects your love and style.
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Langton House Hotel, Kilkenny, Ireland
Nestled in the heart of Kilkenny, Langton House Hotel is a true gem that leaves no detail overlooked. When it comes to your special day, this venue offers an array of stunning options that will leave you awe-inspired. With its impeccable facilities and undeniable charm, Langton House Hotel promises an unforgettable experience for your wedding, ensuring that all couples feel warmly welcomed and cherished throughout their journey.
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Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate, UK
Beyond its captivating beauty, Rudding Park Hotel, an award-winning venue, holds a deep commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Their passion shines through in their unwavering dedication to creating an environment where every couple feels welcomed, valued, and celebrated. With their genuine embrace of all love stories, Rudding Park ensures that each wedding is a truly extraordinary and inclusive experience.
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To talk to our team about how WedPro by WeddingDates can help take your wedding business to the next level please book a demo here. If you wish to provide feedback on the 2023 Wedding Industry Report you can send an email to admin@weddingdates.ie or fill in the contact form.
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