Your ‘Coffee Table’ What kind of first impression are you making with LGBTQ couples?
GayWeddings & WeddingWire Survey:
Same‐Sex Couples Who Wed in 2012
Referencing only a “Bride” Using only pictures of a bride & groom Having language presuming bride & groom in your contracts, etc
Marketing materials use neutral language Bride & groom references abound Listings on LGBTQ wedding sites, but experience / comfort is unclear
Authentic Eye Photography
Using inclusive & specific language Examples of same‐sex weddings in portfolio Reference books available in studio Kristin Chalmers Photography
Positive reviews and references by LGBTQ couples
Vetted reference list available
Kristina Hill Photography
Inclusive contracts
Everyone is Asking • What are the right terms to use? • Is it LGBT or LGBTQ? • Same‐sex couples say they think of their weddings as ‘weddings’ not ‘gay weddings.’ Isn’t it off‐putting to use that term to describe it?
THE TALK LGBT
LGBTQ
Weddings To The People
Same‐Sex
Lesbian Transgender Gay Bisexual Genderqueer Queer
Everyone is Asking • If I can’t say “bride” or “bride & groom” or “bridal party,” what am I supposed to say? • We host a bridal expo every year. Can I call it that? • On forms, we have always asked for contact information for "Bride" and "Groom". What is the best way to indicate "Spouse 1" & "Spouse 2" without sounding awkward or overly PC?
Establishing Trust How do your actions and words convey credibility and expertise?
From Gay‐Friendly to Gay Wedding Competent • Understand who the LGBTQ community is • Understand what LGBTQ couples need • Understand how our experiences & legal options shape our choices
www.gayweddings.com/same‐sex‐marriage‐map
Everyone is Asking • How can we attract same sex couples in states that prohibit gay marriage? • I’m in PA; how would we go about pulling business from states like OH, WV, and VA? • I have a LGBTQ couple next year who are already married but are now planning the wedding. Is there a specific way I should handle an already wed same‐sex couple?
Being Effective …Now what?
THE WALK • Update your websites, marketing materials, conversations, presentations, blogs, etc. • Update your bookshelves, portfolios, contracts, etc. • Get & share reviews
Jimmy Ho Photography
• Update your ad campaigns, listings
THE WALK • Educate yourself further • Check your referral list • Let other local pros know of your service to LGBTQ couples • Develop meaningful package offerings for same‐sex couples
Jimmy Ho Photography
• Embrace our relationships, not a perception of our pocketbooks
Text ‘WEDWECAN’ and YOUR EMAIL to 69979 to receive access to these hot tips!
Additional Qs & The New Art of Capturing Love Book signing, informal conversations, additional questions and…
Equality Talks Capturing Love: The Face of Modern Weddings & Emerging Traditions Thursday, June 19 7‐9 pm Human Rights Campaign www.hrc.org/capturinglove