Do These 5 Things to Make Sure You Have an Inclusive Wedding Business

Do These 5 Things to Make Sure You Have an Inclusive Wedding Business.

Have you ever considered how important the language you use in your wedding business is?

If you take a close look at your wedding coordination business, are you doing your best to cater to everyone?

Language has the power to create connection and build relationships. Still, it also has the power to put up barriers & generate disconnection.

Using inclusive language in your businesses is the most effective way to build connection and create a sense of belonging with all clients. It allows all audiences to be heard, seen, and recognized.

So, what does inclusive language mean, and how can you apply it to your wedding business?

Inclusive language avoids expressions or words that discriminate or exclude particular groups of people.

It's important to scan your website, contracts, questionnaires, and templates and keep your messaging inclusive throughout. These small changes can make all the difference in your potential, and current clients feel seen, heard, and included.

Here are our top tips for inclusivity within your wedding business:

1. Don't assume gender roles in any wedding.

In your contracts, questionnaires, and templates, be careful not to assume gender roles. For example, don't assume the wedding party is all bridesmaids on one side and all groomsmen on the other. Instead, simply ask clients to list their wedding parties on each side.

2. Use gender-inclusive pronouns in your wedding contracts and questionnaires.

Instead of assuming "his" or "her," simply shift to "they," "their," or "them." If you prefer, you can ask for pronouns on your questionnaires.

3. Use "couple" instead of “bride and groom”.

Nothing is more uncomfy for you when a couple that does not include a bride and a groom is greeted with that phrase in your contracts, questionnaires, and paperwork. Opting for "couple" instead of "bride and groom" solves this.

4. Ask ALL couples how they would like to be addressed post-wedding.

We're living in 2022 party people. This means that we can't assume anything about married names. We've had many newlyweds opt to keep their original last names rather than take just one. We've had many MD clients (for these, you'll want to be sure to address any thank-you notes or mail post-wedding with "Dr."). We've had couples adopt a brand new last name together, combining their original last names. We've seen it all, and you don't want to be in the awkward situation of sending a Holiday card or a Thank You card addressed incorrectly to your own clients. Asking simply "How do you wish to be addressed post-wedding" and give an example, and you'll be good to go.

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5. Never assume traditional roles for the wedding ceremony processional.

Especially in the case of queer couples, ask who will walk down the aisle first and if anyone will be escorting them. Ask for a list of the bridal party in order of when they will enter and ask where they prefer everyone to enter from (down the aisle, through the side door, etc.) Then, ask who will be walking down the aisle last and if they will be escorted by anyone. You want to be sensitive to clients who may have had a parent pass away or do not have a family member that can walk them down the aisle.

And that, my friends, is how you ensure you are inclusive and welcoming to every engaged couple who inquires about your services.

want more free wedding business tips? take a look at these blog posts.