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.

Rainbows and Pink Triangles

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Thursday, July 08, 2010
I recently spoke to wedding professionals in DC and one of the points I made is that gay couples don't like to be tokenized.  Despite your best intentions, it's annoying for us to hear things like, "I went to college with a lot of gay people."  And if you are a wedding vendor, there is no need to put rainbows on your website. There are better ways to show your inclusivity.

Truthfully, modern gays and lesbians aren't that into rainbows.  They have a lovely meaning and the meaning of the pink triangle is very powerful - but we find both symbols to be cheesy and dated.  Rainbows and pink triangles aren't going to offend gays and lesbians, nor are they politically incorrect.  But they are very "old school."  So while you can put rainbows in your marketing materials, you might find that the modern engaged gay or lesbian couple isn't into it.  

If you choose to use a symbol, a more modern alternative is the HRC symbol, the yellow equals on the blue background.  You may see this on bumper stickers - it's very common and we all know what it means.

Do you use rainbows, pink triangles or other symbols to signify your support of LGBT individuals?
 


Comment (5) | Subscribe to this Blog | Contact Us | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink | Copyright 2010 14 Stories


Bookmark and Share
Comments
April commented on 11-Dec-2009 12:42 PM
Fantastic information.
Miriam commented on 11-Dec-2009 02:10 PM
Gay couples don't like to be tokenized. Amen, amen, amen.

Jen Williams commented on 08-Jul-2010 05:54 PM
I agree about the rainbows being dated, plus it just seems tacky. Why do they need to be 'identified' at all? They're just like any other couple.
Bernadette Coveney commented on 08-Jul-2010 09:45 PM
Jen, they are like any other couple except they're a minority. You may be wonderfully open-minded but I hear horror stories of others who are not. This means that many same-sex couples have a fear of who to trust and have to come out each time they meet a wedding vendor.
Jen Williams commented on 09-Jul-2010 12:23 AM
That makes me so sad :(
Post a Comment




Captcha Image

Gay Wedding Glossary: Rainbows and Pink Triangles

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Monday, September 17, 2007
Gay Wedding Glossary

Rainbows and Pink Triangles:  Rainbows and pink triangles have important meaning in LGBT history.  The rainbow is a symbol of liberation and freedom and is widely recognized as a gay symbol.  Pink triangles are also a widely recognized gay symbol that has it origins during the Holocaust.  

Both symbols, while widely recognized by LGBT individuals, are now seen as dated and cheesy.  When putting together your marketing materials for same-sex couples, it is recommended that you do not use those symbols to show your support.  

Comment (0) | Subscribe to this Blog | Contact Us | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink | Copyright 2010 14 Stories


Bookmark and Share
Comments
Post has no comments.
Post a Comment




Captcha Image

Gay Wedding Glossary: Rainbows and Pink Triangles

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Monday, September 17, 2007
Gay Wedding Glossary

Rainbows and Pink Triangles:  Rainbows and pink triangles have important meaning in LGBT history.  The rainbow is a symbol of liberation and freedom and is widely recognized as a gay symbol.  Pink triangles are also a widely recognized gay symbol that has it origins during the Holocaust.  

Both symbols, while widely recognized by LGBT individuals, are now seen as dated and cheesy.  When putting together your marketing materials for same-sex couples, it is recommended that you do not use those symbols to show your support.  Although those symbols are not offensive, they are also not appealing to the modern LGBT couple.  

Comment (2) | Subscribe to this Blog | Contact Us | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink | Copyright 2010 14 Stories


Bookmark and Share
Comments
Victoria commented on 18-Jul-2011 02:41 PM
Hi Bernadette, your information is so helpful. I have an in-house design team working on creating new marketing materials for my business, such as a new logo, letterhead, website design for the new LGBT arm of my business. Can you tell me if there are
more modern symbols, colors, etc. that do appeal to LGBT individuals? Thank you so much for your help.
V smith commented on 18-Jul-2011 02:50 PM
Victoria- I'm glad this is helpful for you. If you are looking for a more modern symbol, your best bet is the HRC logo, the equals sign. That's universally known by LGBT individuals. But if your imagery and language is inclusive, you will do well. Thanks!
Post a Comment




Captcha Image

Gay Wedding Glossary: Foundation Covenant

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Saturday, September 08, 2007
Gay Wedding Glossary

Foundation Covenant:  This is a sacred text modeled off of the Jewish ketubah and the Quaker wedding certificate.  This document is typically signed by the couple during their wedding ceremony and is then signed by guests during the reception.  It can be a substitute for a guest book and is one way the guests validate and affirm the marriage.  The Foundation Covenant is typically framed as artwork after the wedding.

Foundation Covenants have become a gay wedding tradition.  They are often custom made but are also produced by artist Daniel Sroka of ModernKetubah.com.


Comment (0) | Subscribe to this Blog | Contact Us | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink | Copyright 2010 14 Stories


Bookmark and Share
Comments
Post has no comments.
Post a Comment




Captcha Image

1