Gay Weddings are Good for Business

Research, data, advice and tips on the business of same-sex weddings from Bernadette Coveney Smith, the nation's leading gay wedding expert. In 2004, Bernadette opened 14 Stories, the first company in the U.S. to specialize in planning same-sex weddings.

14 Stories in the Huffington Post

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

A few weeks ago, the Huffington Post invited me to be a new blogger on their site, which now has a weddings section.  I eagerly jumped at the opportunity and my first post appeared today!  I wrote about "what's the difference between a straight and a gay wedding?" because I'm literally asked that question all the time.  

Check out my thoughts on their site (and please leave a comment at the bottom of the post).





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Music at Gay Weddings

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Yesterday I was interviewed on the National Public Radio Station, WNYC, on the show "Soundcheck" to talk about music at gay weddings.  Last week they had a show about music at weddings and a listener wrote to complain that same-sex weddings were left out of the discussion.  They called me up and I filled them in about music at gay weddings.

You can listen to the entire clip here.

The bottom line is that there is a difference in what many same-sex couples request, as compared to opposite-sex couples.  The first example that comes to mind is that many same-sex couples request pop music during their ceremony processional and recessional, as opposed to the traditional classical pieces.  I give some examples during the show.

Enjoy!





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Gay Weddings in the Media

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Friday, February 04, 2011
I've just added a new page to the Gay Wedding Institute site:  Gay Weddings in the Media.  

We track occurrences of real gay weddings showing up in mainstream (i.e. non-LGBT focused) wedding magazines and blogs.  You can see the current listing of where real gay weddings have been featured.  

Did I miss any major publications or blogs?
 



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Phyllis Cheung commented on 04-Feb-2011 07:20 PM
I would love to feature gay weddings on Bridal Fascinations but we simply do not get any submissions - Our Inspiration Engine iPhone App is the only app that shows up when you search for "Gay wedding vendors" in the iTunes store even though now there are well over a hundred wedding apps available to brides.

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Martha's Fearlessness

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Tuesday, December 22, 2009
John F. Kennedy Jr. once said, "There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction."  

I admire this quote from the man who started the Peace Corps, was the first Catholic president, was the youngest ever President and also had a Pulitzer Prize.  But what does this have to do with gay weddings?

Well, gay weddings are becoming more common now that they're in nearly five states and we've had some notable celebrities have a gay marriage.  They are certainly not yet mainstream, but that fantastic publication, Martha Stewart Weddings was bold enough to feature a real gay wedding in their current (anniversary) issue.

Handsome guys, eh?  I love this.  It's a big deal - but it's not.  The real wedding is presented as any other real wedding.  Gender is not mentioned.  The word "gay" is nowhere to be found.  It's Jeremy and Andrew's wedding.  I'm so happy for them - and really proud of Darcy and the Martha Stewart for being bold enough to do this.  Truly, it's a risk.  They could and probably will lose subscribers.  

The debut edition of Get Married magazine was the first mainstream wedding mag to feature a real gay wedding (that I'm aware of).  And the issue of La Bella Bride sitting on my desk also has a real gay wedding.

But this is Martha!  Martha!  She's brilliant enough to know that comfortable inaction ultimately brings greater risk.

Have you seen any other mainstream wedding magazines featuring real gay weddings? 





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Jessy commented on 11-Jan-2010 02:38 PM
Hi Bernadette,

I just wanted to mention that the local versions of Brides magazine features my wedding to my partner in an article called "When the Experts Wed". I think that it is wonderful that they did this! This mag came out in Jan (Brides New York, though Brides Chicago was Dec), pre Martha issue.

The article wasn't a big TA DA- HERE IS A GAY WEDDING, but included my wedding along with the other experts and their straight weddings. I give a BIG hurrah to them! YAY BRIDES MAG! Their article was a quiet and giant step. You can see the article on my blog, hhttp://fleursnyc.wordpress.com/2010/01/04/brides-magazine-ask-the-experts/

Am loving your postings and blog, keep it coming! jessy in New York

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Washington Post Mention

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Monday, December 21, 2009
I was so pleased yesterday to see the Washington Post's article about how wedding industry vendors are preparing to reach the gay and lesbian wedding market.  I was interviewed by the Post last week for this story.  You can read the article here.

My additional thoughts:
  • DC officials have projected a $22 million increase in the economy in three years, due to gay weddings - but the prestigious Williams Institute estimates the amount at $52 million.  I'm not sure where the DC figure comes from but would love to learn more.
  • GayWeddings.com and OutVite.com are great resources for both couples and vendors.  GayWeddings.com is a great place to advertise and planners should familiarize themselves with the invitation line available there and at OutVite.com.
  • I'm familiar with the Kimpton properties in Boston and some other cities and they are fabulous.  Gay couples like them because they have a great inclusive diversity policy.  They are also pet-friendly and have a wine hour every evening.  They are a great option in the contemporary luxury hotel category because of their inclusiveness and boutique feel.  
  • You can read more about the dangerous Defense of Marriage Act here.





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