The importance of supporting inclusive suppliers in the wedding industry.
Exploring inclusivity in the wedding industry, with Flashbulb: A photo and video team with a commitment to love, no matter how it's packaged.
Recently, we made the careful decision to join forces with a new wedding directory, hoping to reach couples in the planning stage for their big day. As a photo video duo made up of two women that are a part of the LGBTQ+ & neurodivergent communities, our moral compasses are always set to inclusivity and these directories firmly align with our values.
We said, “I do” to the Rebel Love directory, and are ethically non-monogamous with them in promoting diverse vendors that support couples in tailoring their wedding day to suit their personal love story.
Everyone deserves to feel safe, accepted, included and happy. A warm glow should apply to wedding planning as well as the big day itself.
In general, we have found that advertising can be a ruthless game. We are often found gritting our teeth when it’s apparent that a lot of companies, of all sizes and from across the world, jump on any trend with a grip on the market, without considering whether the values of their company, their employment policies and their political leanings actually fit with what they claim to support to make additional sales. Pride has become VERY popular in the corporate world, with the term “rainbow washing” now in common parlance during pride month. Jess and I brace for the superficial and tokenistic use of LGBTQ+ symbols and the frustration it triggers. We believe that unfounded claims suggesting a company is providing support for minorities isn’t cool, and you will never see it here.
So, for couples that are looking for wedding suppliers that provide a safe, inclusive, non-judgmental space, don’t rely on some fancy marketing that revolves around dates and not values, don’t think you’re supporting inclusivity just because you’ve seen a hashtag on one day out of 365, use Rebel Love Directory, who vet the credentials of businesses before promoting them.
For us, Pride is not just a month, or a parade; it's a lifelong commitment to celebrating and supporting every love story; queer ones being beautiful in both their boldness and their fragility, inspiring because they dare to exist in a world that sometimes tries to erase them. Pride is a protest, this can't be forgotten considering the Office for National Statistics admits that "hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation are up by 112% in the last five years".
We consciously chose to join thie directory, to write this blog, and to speak up, because inclusivity matters to us. The creation of the Rebel Love Directory is both timely and super exciting. It wasn't created to capitalise on a trend or as a marketing ploy; instead it shines a spotlight on the safe spaces companies like ours create.
We (Amy & Jess) are not your average wedding photographer and videographer team, having lived experience of being female, neurodivergent and queer, absolutely influences the way we view love and do business. The best bit of our job is knowing it’s in our power to make every couple, from any walk of life, feel comfortable, seen and celebrated in their unique story; We don't want anyone to have to omit parts of themselves for the comfort of others and nor do we want that for ourselves. We have made a commitment to breaking down barriers and embracing the diversity of love, sharing photos and videos that have the whole spectrum of love contained within it.
Wedding suppliers from diverse backgrounds bring with them a wealth of unique perspectives and creative ideas, their experiences and identities intersect with their approach to their work and influence everything from floral arrangements and photography styles, to catering and event planning; resulting in a wedding that truly reflects the couple’s individuality and values.
Choosing your wedding vendors by consulting these directories is a way for couples to champion diversity and inclusivity on one of the most important days of their lives. Choosing to do this, regardless of whether you have the lived experience of a minority, sends a powerful message that you celebrate the nuances ushered into view by differences, and that you want to challenge the traditional norms within the wedding industry.
When you can be anything, be kind, be an ally, be inclusive, and ALWAYS be the couple that has too much confetti … Just make sure it’s biodegradable!
Written by Flashbulb’s Amy Reed, with help from blog writer Kelly Keegan at Candid Kelly.