The people who get invited to your wedding are an important part of your special day – if not even one of the most important parts of it. Wanting them to feel welcome and comfortable is a given, especially if you have family and friends who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
But there are a few important things you should consider when it comes to planning an inclusive wedding in Switzerland – and also all over the world. If you hope to have a wedding where everyone feels comfortable and affirmed, these tips are for you.
Use Inclusive Language
Using language that doesn’t exclude or misgender people is a great way to make sure that your wedding is inclusive of everyone. When possible, try using gender-neutral terms.
A few examples of how you can be more inclusive with your language:
Rather than saying “Mr” or “Mrs” on your wedding invitations, use your guests’ full names. Instead of saying “maid of honor” or “best man”, refer to them as your “person of honor”. Talk to everyone ahead of time that will properly talk at your wedding (such as your people of honor and your DJ) and ask them to use gender-inclusive language.
Hire Inclusive Wedding Vendors
When planning your wedding, it’s important to consider all aspects of inclusion. Hiring inclusive wedding vendors, like an LGBTQ+ affirming wedding planner, can help reflect the diversity of your guests – and yourselves as well.
1. Start by researching local vendors that offer services specifically for weddings.
Many cities and towns have directories of wedding vendors, or you can search for them online. When looking for vendors, be sure to read their websites and reviews to get a sense of their values and approach to weddings.
2. Ask your friends and family if they know of any inclusive wedding vendors.
Chances are that someone you know has had a wedding with diverse vendors or knows someone who can recommend someone great.
3. Reach out to local LGBTQ+ organizations or disability advocacy groups for recommendations.
These organizations are usually aware of inclusive businesses in your area and can help point you in the right direction. Inclusive and affirming wedding vendors will always encourage you to have a more inclusive wedding and they can often provide many different tips to make the wedding planning process easier.
The Swiss Queer Wedding Association is a great resource to use if you need help finding any LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding vendors in Switzerland. No matter who you choose though, be sure to communicate your expectations and needs upfront.
Let them know if there are specific services you’d like them to provide, like gender-neutral bathrooms or wheelchair access. These things will help ensure that your wedding is truly reflective of your community and loved ones.
Encourage Inclusive Wedding Attire
When it comes to clothing, it can be difficult for some guests to know what to wear, especially if they don’t fit into the traditional roles of male and female. Enforcing rules like “dresses for women” and “suits for men” can discourage people from attending your wedding or dressing in a way that makes them feel 100% like themselves.
Ditch and Mix Gender Traditions
There are many traditional wedding rituals that are based on gender stereotypes. Why not do away with them altogether?
One way to do this is by having mixed genders in your wedding party. A mixed-gender wedding party will allow you to include your nearest and dearest, regardless of their gender, and will help your guests to feel more accepted at your wedding.
Another option is to make the flower bouquet toss for all singles. Traditionally, the flower bouquet toss is a game where single women compete for the chance to catch the bride’s bouquet. However, this game can be exclusionary for guests who are not interested in getting married or are not interested in men. If you want to go with the flower bouquet toss, a better option is to open the game to all singles, regardless of their gender. This way, everyone has an equal chance of catching the bouquet.
Not only will you be mixing up traditional gender roles, but you will also be creating a wedding that reflects more of your guests’ diversity.
Go the extra mile!
If you also want your guests to be considerate and inclusive, take them on the wedding planning journey with you. You don’t have to educate them, tell them how to behave, or what to do.
A wedding is a time to come together with your loved ones and celebrate new beginnings. It should be a joyous, stress-free event for you and all of your guests.
I’m an LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding photographer who will help you honor inclusivity and diversity on your wedding day. Your loved ones will appreciate the effort you put into making them feel welcome and accepted, and they will remember your wedding fondly for years to come.
To learn more about my inclusive wedding packages, fill out my contact form , and let’s chat about your magical day!
LET’S GET THE PARTY STARTED!
Hi there friends, I’m Max.
I’m an International Wedding, People, and Lifestyle Photographer based out of Switzerland and South Africa – available for worldwide travel.
Me and my art are a package of a celebration of life, silly dance moves, and stupid jokes (dark humor included).
My photography is a celebration of life, raw emotions, pure happiness, and love—the focus: on you and all the small and big moments.
Part of me and my services is being a part of my client’s journey and everything leading up to their big celebration. I love to openly share some of that experience and knowledge to help you get to your kick-ass event of celebration!
Learn more about me here !
This is such an epic blog post and so much good information!! I love everything in this post and I don’t think there is enough resources out there on this topic!!
Thank you so much Jai. There will be more resources like that coming soon and I cannot wait to share this with everyone!