Love knows no boundaries, and neither should your celebration of Love!  Expressing your unique identities, and the special romance that the two of you share are naturally important aspects you’ll want to include in your ceremony.  An LGBTQ+-themed wedding offers an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate love, diversity, and unity in a visually memorable way. By embracing the colors of the rainbow, symbols, literature or memorable moments pertaining to LGBTQ+ history, couples can create an inclusive and joyful atmosphere that resonates with the spirit of their love story. From colorful decorations and attire to symbolic rituals and delectable treats, a themed wedding opens the door to endless creative possibilities and reflects the beauty of Love in all its colors.

Here are some ideas for fun & thoughtful ways to ‘marry’ your own distinctive style & vision for Your Special Day with LGBTQ+ themes, and how to incorporate them in to your festivities.

Colorful Decor & Design:

From invitations and wedding stationery to floral arrangements, table settings, and even the wedding attire, each element can be adorned with the colors of the rainbow or with LGBTQ+ related elements. Consider a multicolored bouquet, vibrant table linens, or a colorful ombre wedding cake that represents the full spectrum of hues. Add the varied LGBTQ+ flags in to your floral centerpieces, or drape a different flag across each reception table.  Balloons, backlights, ribbons, colored fabrics or fairy lights in rainbow colors can be used to create a magical ambiance, ensuring that every corner of your venue is a visual delight.

Assign reception tables with signage that reflects LGBTQ+ landmarks: ‘The Castro District,’ ‘Brokeback Mountain,’ ‘Ptown,’ ‘Stonewall Inn…’  Imagine the conversation starters!

Ice Sculptures are so beautiful, especially for nighttime receptions!  Ask your sculptor to include interlocked rainbow hearts, an LGBTQ+ flag or multiple symbols as part of the decorative elements within the carving.  An amazing centerpiece!

Multicolored Smoke Blasts - Currently, all the rage... and why not??  Photo opp's while you and your beloved are surrounded by the billowing blasts of vibrant color are AMAZING!  …But if that’s not your style, consider rainbow-hued sparklers instead… or multicolored flower petals for the toss as you make your grand exit!

Quick-Glance Rainbow Ideas:

• Red - Roses, Ruby or Fire Garnet Jewelry, Baskets of Apples, Cherry Garnishes, Red Velvet Cake
• Orange - Monarch Butterfly Release, Orange Macarons, Peach Cobbler, Pumpkin Soup, Mimosas
• Yellow - Sunflowers, Daylilies, Yellow Table Decor & Signage, Corn on the Cob, Lemon Garnishes
• Green - Lime Margaritas, Mint Juleps, Cascading Ivy in Doorways, Key Lime Pie
• Blue - Blue Shoes or Socks, Blue Garter, Delphinium or Blue Hydrangea, Peacock Feathers, Water Displays
• Indigo / Violet - The Indigo Girls Reception Music, Purple Hydrangea, Amethyst Jewelry, Purple Bow Ties/Socks/Accessories, Berry Garnishes, Purple Hair Highlights
  
  

Formal Wear:

Some couples incorporate a rainbow theme using varied colored ties for each of their attendants, or vests, suspenders or dresses.  Some wear rainbow-colored sneakers.  -Makes for an eye-catching palette for Your Day, with all your attendants bedecked in a diverse array, and for lively, one-of-a-kind photographs!

Consider inviting your guests to join in your theme by dressing in rainbow-inspired outfits, or attire inspired by each person’s individuality, allowing everyone to contribute to the vibrant atmosphere and fostering a sense of both unity and freedom of self-expression.

Something Borrowed:

Leaning in to the well-known tradition, it’s easy to find things old, new, borrowed and blue…  Getting creative with the basic concept, consider borrowing an LGBTQ+ related emblem from the past or from the broader community, such as a pink triangle, the lambda, or perhaps a gender inclusive symbol.  These can be worn as jewelry, lapel pins, handcrafted yourself, or added as an adornment piece to tie around your bouquet or as an accent in your boutonniere.

For further information on lesser-known symbols:
https://www.wearepride.com/blogs/news/top-common-lgbtq-symbols

Ceremony Rituals:

Incorporate LGBTQ+-specific rituals in to your ceremony to honor the journey of LGBTQ+ individuals toward broader equality. This could involve lighting a unity candle with rainbow-colored flames, a sand ceremony with spectral hues, or by including a ribbon with LGBTQ+ symbols or flags printed along its length as part of your handfasting ceremony.

Choose readings or poems that celebrate love in all its forms, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. This can be done during the ceremony as readings by your officiant or by guests, or incorporated in to the couple’s vows.  The idea can also be added in to the reception as part of speeches or toasts. Including literature from LGBTQ+ authors or incorporating their stories can add depth, inspiration and authenticity to your celebration.

Some couples include the jumping of the broom as an exclamatory ending moment after they are pronounced officially married:  this African tradition historically has been used to symbolize a respectful nod to one's enslaved ancestors, who were unable to have a legally sanctioned union.  The tradition also symbolizes a new beginning and a 'sweeping away' of the past:  obvious fits for the LGBTQ+ community as well.

Getting Interactive with Your Guests:

Consider an interactive ice-breaker game for your family & friends!  Here's an easy one: On the back of each guest's seating card, write one half of a famous duo (such as "Ellen / Portia... Mitchell / Cameron... Poison Ivy / Harley Quinn..." Or, if you don't have seating cards, just add a colorful, eye-catching basket or vase at your entry table - in it dump the collection of cards with the half-names of famous duos.  -If you have a feeling that many of your guests might not recognize the selected duos, provide color coding as a secondary clue for matching.  Post a quick note with directions for all to see: "Pick a Name! During the evening, please take a moment to find your "Other Half", and introduce yourself! Tell them where you're from, and how you know the Happy Couple. Please take a selfie together and post it using our Wedding Hashtag! We appreciate you taking time to bring all our Guests together in friendship and fun!" -By the end of the party, you'll have a room full of chatting friends, not strangers... and your Wedding Photo Album will be full of outrageously silly selfies!

Tempting Tastebuds:

Extend the theme of the rainbow to your wedding menu and refreshments. Vibrant fruit platters, colorful cocktails, and multi-hued macarons or frosted cupcakes are just a few ideas to infuse the rainbow theme into your culinary offerings. A cascading rainbow candy bar can serve as a show-stopping centerpiece as well as a delightful way to offer a take-away candy bag for your guests’ favors.  Multi-layered signature beverages are also a fun addition, and many couples opt for champagne or wine from a vineyard known to be LGBTQ+ owned or actively supportive of the community.

Consider a variety of colorful mixed cocktails such as The HoneyMoon (Cointreau and tequila) garnished with pink rose petals, or a refreshing Raspberry Limoncello Prosecco garnished with a mint leaf and a handful of red ripe berries, or an Aperol Spritz flaming with orange color and garnished with a fruit wheel.  Non-alcholic layered lemonades or fruit punches are also always an option:  The liquid rainbow!

Naming beverages, based on historical moments or LGBTQ+ personalities is another fun and easy way to add to your overall theme:  ‘The Pride Martini,’ ‘Ode to Obergefell & Arthur...' Let your imagination run wild and create a feast that tantalizes both the taste buds and the eyes.

Multiple selections of gelato,  frozen ice pops, or a colorful smoothie station are a wonderful way to include another dessert option, especially if you're planning a summertime celebration or if you have many children in attendance, or those with GF considerations.

Supporting Others & Giving Back:

Consider making a donation to an LGBTQ+ organization as a wedding favor in your guests' honor. This gesture not only supports a cause close to your heart but also raises awareness and encourages others to contribute to LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy.  Many couples request contributions from guests in lieu of wedding gifts, providing the names of two or three organizations for guests to choose from.

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Incorporating LGBTQ+ themes into your wedding is a meaningful way to celebrate love, embrace diversity, and honor our community's journey toward greater Equality. By doing so, you create a memorable event that reflects your identity, inspires others, and contributes to the progress of the rights of our greater LGBTQ+ family. Whether it's through decor, conversation starters, rituals, or supporting LGBTQ+ causes, there are numerous creative ways to include meaningful themes in to your wedding. Remember, Love is Love, transcending beyond all boundaries, and Your Special Day should be a reflection of that beautiful truth.

Wedding florals play a significant role in setting the tone, enhancing the ambiance, and adding beauty to a wedding ceremony and reception. Different types of flowers and floral arrangements can convey various meanings and evoke different emotions, and provide varied elements to enhance your decor.  Take time to explore the limitless diversity of florals and floral designs, as you plan ahead for your own Special Day!

Roses: Roses are classic and timeless flowers often used in weddings, symbolizing love, romance, and beauty. Different colors of roses can also have specific meanings. For example, red roses represent passionate love, while white roses symbolize purity and innocence, pink roses symbolize admiration and gratitude..  And of course you can easily request a bouquet of roses in all colors of the rainbow - perfect if your wedding includes a Pride theme!

Peonies: Peonies are popular for their large, lush blooms and represent prosperity, happiness, and a happy marriage. They are often used in bouquets and centerpieces, particularly in spring weddings, and symbolize a luxurious, ambitious and prosperous life together. Blooming in a variety of colors:  pink, red, orange, yellow or white... adding peonies to your reception decor will also bring a sweet, natural fragrance to your festivities.

Lilies: Lilies are elegant and sophisticated flowers that symbolize purity, devotion and majesty. White lilies are associated with purity and virtue, pink lilies convey admiration and prosperity, while white are associated with virtue, and also represent the purity of the couple's love for each other.

Tulips: Tulips are graceful flowers that come in a wide array of colors, each carrying its own symbolism. Generally, tulips represent perfect love and are associated with springtime and new beginnings. Throughout history, this flower has also represented power and wealth, and at one time the bulbs became the most sought-after commodity in the Netherlands. Today, many floral designers make use of the height of tulips to create offset designs and eye-catching settings with these unique and well-loved blooms. The range of their color variations runs the spectrum, and these versatile flowers pair well with both modern and classic wedding themes.

Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a recurring favorite, popular in rustic, outdoor and seasonal weddings. They symbolize happiness, joy and positivity, as well as loyalty and longevity. Their large blooms greet with an almost friendly cheerfulness, adding an immediate sense of familliarity. Sunflowers also tend to evoke a feeling of the organic, adding a strong connection to Nature.

Calla lilies: Calla lilies are sleek and elegant flowers, with a distinctive trumpet shape, that symbolize magnificent beauty, sophistication, purity as well as rebirth. They are commonly used in contemporary and minimalist wedding arrangements.

Peacock feathers: Although not a floral element, peacock feathers are often used in wedding arrangements to add a unique touch. They symbolize elegance, prosperity, and good luck.

Baby's Breath: Baby's Breath, with its delicate white flowers, is commonly used as a filler in bouquets and floral arrangements. It represents innocence and everlasting love. Also commonly used in boutonnieres.

Orchids: Orchids are exotic and luxurious flowers that symbolize love, beauty, and strength. They are often used in tropical, Asian or modern-themed weddings and can add an air of elegance and sophistication to any arrangement.

Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant, long-stemmed flower that symbolizes devotion, serenity and tranquility. It is often used in rustic or bohemian weddings and can create a calming atmosphere. Its distinctive light purple color paired with its subdued green leaves provides a favorite base for building many color palettes. The unique textured look of lavender adds to its functionality and versatility with decor elements and creative designs.

Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas are voluminous flowers that come in a lush variety of colors: blue, violet, white, pink, green. The round, snowball-like blooms are sometimes multi-colored and certainly multi-hued. Hydrangeas symbolize gratitude, grace, heartfelt emotions and sometimes abundance as well. They can create a soft and romantic ambiance to your celebration.

Daisies: Daisies are simple and cheerful flowers that symbolize loyalty, innocence and new beginnings. They can create a whimsical and youthful vibe in wedding decorations. Like sunflowers, they immediately evoke a sense of familiarity and a rustic connection to Nature.

Other blooms... such as gardenias or jasmine, may also be used in your floral displays for not just their appearance but also their fragrance. Adding a hint of natural aromatics to your celebration is a lovely, simple way to enhance your guests' experience and build another layer of enjoyment to your festivities. Our sense of smell is one that carries memories for us: enhancing the joy of Your Special Day with deliberately chosen scents is a pleasurable way to intensify the intentions you wish to create and remember!

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These are just a few examples of the meanings associated with popular wedding florals... But the choice of flowers ultimately depends on personal preferences, cultural significance, budget, the overall wedding theme and color choices, and the desired ambiance you wish to create for Your Special Day.

And remember to include florals in to your celebration simply because they are actually your favorite blooms... or because these particular blossoms were present at the front doorstep of your first apartment together... or in your favorite grandmother's garden... or because the particular flower represents a quality that you highly value, or wish to infuse in to your marriage. Enjoy exploring the diversity of options, and natural connections that florals implicitly offer!

When it comes to planning an LGBTQ+ engagement party, there are many lively and inclusive options to consider. For some couples, having a joint party is the right fit... And for others, it makes sense to celebrate independently of one another. Here are a few ideas to help get you started!

• • Host a cocktail party: A cocktail party is a great option for a relaxed and casual celebration. You can keep it simple, or add to the festivities as you like:
    
    *Choose a specific theme (Casino... Masquerade Ball... Marvel Comics... Seasonal... Travel... Drag...)
    *Hire a Private Chef, Caterer and/or Beverage Company (Food trucks are also a unique option!)
    *Decorate simply or hire a decor professional (add to your theme with florals, balloons, lighting, etc)
    *Add party games, board games or a couple's trivia game
    *Hire a guitarist for live background music

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  • Plan a group experience: Consider organizing a group outing, such as a wine tasting tour, day at the art museum, a hike in the mountains, spa day, attend a concert, get silly at the bowling alley or roller rink, go camping together, an at-home makeover party, paint & sip celebration, or a trip to a local amusement park or casino. This can be a great way to bond with your friends and create some unforgettable memories.

• • Traditional Bachelor/ette Party Parties: Celebrate together or separately... And PARTY til dawn!
    
    
  • Rent a private facility:  Bar, Restaurant, Small Event Space, Rooftop Garden... If you prefer a more formal celebration, gathering at a private venue provides endless options. The vibe can be a pre-cursor to that of your wedding reception, or completely different!
    
    
  • Have a picnic in the park or backyard BBQ: If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, a picnic or BBQ either in the park or in your own backyard (or a friend's backyard) can be a great way to celebrate your engagement with your tribe. And if you want to stretch your budget even further, ask guests to pack their own picnic and bring a dish to share:  They'll be happy to help you save some cash for the wedding!  And don't forget the lawn games!

• • Include virtually everyone! If some of your loved ones are unable to attend in person, consider holding a virtual celebration via video chat. You can still share your excitement with your friends and family, no matter where they are in the world.
    
    
  • Party Bus: Arrive at your chosen destination in style... and already jazzed up on FUN!  Don't forget, you can customize your Party Bus experience...
    
    *Let guests know it's a Theme Party: plan apparel, games and music based on this central theme
    *Solve a Mystery Game: It doesn't have to be a Murder Mystery... Keep it romantic, such as a "Someone Stole the Wedding Ring" WhoDunnit!
    *Dance-Off Competition! And karaoke!
    *Decorate your Party Bus
    *License plate scavenger hunt
    *Coloring, Board Games, Couple's Trivia or Charades
    
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Remember, the most important thing is to celebrate your love and excitement with the people you care about most. Choose an option that feels authentic and meaningful to you as a couple.... and then RELAX & ENJOY!

Any general planning tips you can suggest, as a seasoned wedding professional?

Don’t sweat every single detail. Focus on what’s most important.


What do you find most exciting about working in the wedding industry?

I love learning couples’ stories; how they met, length of time together, and funny adventures.


What are some specific ideas you have for our readers, from your point of view as a wedding pro?

As a photographer, I’d suggest photos that represent the couple. If they can add props it makes it more personal.


What should a couple look for when hiring your type of business?

When hiring a photographer, look for someone who is flexible, and who will listen to your ideas. Look for someone who welcomes your specific preferences, as far as poses. Candid shots are also nice. Obviously, you want someone with the right gear also.


How can a couple be sure a business is LGBTQ+ friendly?

Ask a lot of questions to feel them out.


Any tips for couples about unique ways to include attendants and family in their Special Day?

Have breakfast together, shop together for dresses, suits, flowers, etc.  Ask someone to pin on flowers for you. Is someone good at hair or makeup? Someone could hand out programs or designate someone to call out names of people who need to be in group photos.


Budgeting tips?

Don’t over spend just to impress someone. Flowers can be done by a crafty friend, and invitations can be printed at home.


Lasting Quote you'd like to mention to any couple who is currently planning their wedding?

The day goes by very quickly. Be sure to take a few moments for just the two of you. Take a short walk outside your venue and just enjoy each other.

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Jean Ann Photography is based in Wisconsin.

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE STOREFRONT HERE ON RainbowWeddingNetwork.com!

https://www.facebook.com/jeanannphoto

How did you get involved with the wedding industry? When did you first help out with an LGBTQ+ wedding?

I happened to get published in the first RainbowWeddingNetwork.com print magazine and met Cindy Sproul (one of the RWN founders) several times in my career. I did the very first LGBTQ+ marriage in Lambertville NJ back when civil union legislation first passed in our state, which was 2007.

What are some of the current trends you're seeing in your particular business? Anything new for 2022?

Lots of Comfort foods especially with the pandemic lifting. We are seeing things like Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup shooters, Mini Sliders... all the comfort types of foods. Wedding couples today want the foods at their reception to provide an interactive and memorable experience, and these days that means offering their wedding guests a way to feel pampered as well as setting a backdrop for socializing and having authentic conversations.

What are some of the most important things a couple should keep in mind when booking your type of business for their wedding?

When couples choose a venue they should do their homework first by searching through the Rainbow Wedding Network, The Knot and or Wedding Wire by filtering the categories that fits their needs such as: If a beach is their love and reflects their personality then that is where they should turn their focus. There are couples that feel they need to visit 10-15 venues before making a decision on a venue of choice. That simply is not the case.

I always use the analogy about choosing your wedding apparel (there are so many styles, types and colors) ...When you finally put on that very special suit, gown or tux and tears flow -when that reflection in the mirror is exactly the person you want to be- then you know without a doubt that you are done. The feeling needs to be the same with a venue. -When you get the fuzzy feeling about the venue and the wedding staff at that venue, who are excited to assist in the planning process with you, then you know that is your venue of choice.

Also, most venues offer a Wedding Specialist to help with each event. The expectation that a couple should have in regards to a venue's Wedding Specialist is to keep in mind, first and foremost, that their unique wedding marks the start of a new chapter in their lives. This very special milestone should be of the utmost importance, not just to them but for the wedding pros who assist. It requires time, patience and excellent customer service. Also, I suggest couples keep in mind that a Wedding Specialist brings a great deal of professional knowledge to the table. We plan weddings thousands of times, whereas a couple touring a venue is planning it only once. While listening skills are the most important to see and bring to life the details of a couple's vision, Wedding Specialists should also have the capacity to lead the couple in the right direction... and do so with respect, insight and hopefully a smile.

When you first meet a couple, who is considering booking your services for their event, what do you do to help put them at ease? How do you really connect with them?

Find that common thread and be enthusiastic! Know the details of my services so that I can meet the couple where they're at, and explain what we offer thoroughly, so they can make an educated decision about whether our venue is the right fit for their vision.

Specific Tips, as a venue wedding specialist?

Cocktail Hour is key! It sets the tone for an amazing Reception. At our venue, we offer Local Fresh Creative and Flavorful Butler Style hors d'Oeuvres as well as Station Style Presentations of world class cuisine.

What are some general planning ideas you have for our readers?

Food choices and creativity. Personalized details, such as a signature drink that may coordinate with where they met. If they have a puppy and are having an outside ceremony perhaps that puppy is the ring bearer. Talk about your vision with your Wedding Specialist or coordinator, as well as your other wedding vendors - let that person ask questions and pique your excitement about all aspects of Your Special Day... and offer ideas that build on your own, and also work within your budget.

Any budgeting tips you can suggest, as a seasoned wedding professional?

At Celebrations, we run an all inclusive package of Tax, Gratuity, Bartender's Fee, Room Fee, Bridal Suite, Service Fee. The Wedding Couple knows exactly what they are paying for based upon head count by the package price. Very specific and detailed preliminary rate information is key, and I suggest that couples look for this kind of information from any wedding pro they are considering working with.

What is the most important thing couples should remember when planning their wedding?

Make it fun! This is a new chapter in your lives and it's a great way for you to find out how well you can work together, support each other, adapt, problem-solve, brainstorm, communicate... and find ways together to accomplish goals and then delight in the end result! Enjoy each other, and the process of planning this amazing Special Day!

About the Autor:

Catherine Geer / Celebrations Distinctive Wedding Venue
Wedding and Marketing Specialist for over 32 years of planning and executing Weddings!
https://www.celebrationsweddings.com