Gay Weddings are Good for Business

This question came from a student in my workshop on civil unions in Chicago:


If all things were equal, then yes, most same-sex couples would prefer to keep their "pink dollars" in the community.

But very seldom are all things equal.  There are price considerations, personality fits, style and much more than go into any purchasing decision.  And ultimately, for most couples, price, personality, style and other considerations trump the sexuality of the business they hire.

Would they prefer to work with a gay owned business?  Sure.  Is it always possible?  No.  Just because a business is gay-owned doesn't mean that everything else is a good fit.  A same-sex couple would rather work with an extremely talented and very open-minded and accepting straight photographer than a gay photographer whose work is subpar, for example.

So, don't despair - just because you're straight doesn't mean you won't get a piece of the gay wedding business.  But if you do pass referrals, it is important to identify a list of gay-owned businesses that have talent, style and personality and would be a great fit for gay clients.