Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Articles & Commentary - Financial Power of Gay Weddings

Title: The Financial Power of Gay Weddings – Q & A

Author: Marianne Puechl

Q. Why should people consider gay unions financially profitable?

A. Gay weddings may not be legal just yet, but commitment
ceremonies occur regularly throughout the United States.
According to statistics from Girlfriends magazine 31% of couples
do intend to settle down into a committed relationship. Lesbians
and gays who choose to formalize their relationship spend an
average of $15,000 on a wedding.

Q. What sorts of goods and services will gay couples purchase
for their weddings?

A. Gay and lesbian partners who register with Rainbow Wedding
Network, the first wedding gift registry specifically for the
gay and lesbian community, purchase the same goods and services
as heterosexual couples. Overall their commitment ceremonies
very closely resemble heterosexual weddings and include, for
example: invitations, jewelry (often custom), florists, wedding
coordinators and planners, photographers, limousine services,
reception halls, and wedding cakes. When it comes to
entertainment, couples may opt for musicians, disc jockeys or
something a little more unique; yet it is true that gay and
lesbian couples want all of the same amenities and services.
They spend a comparable amount of money to straight people and,
like any proud couple, want their union to be a remembered
‘event.’

Q. What attracts gay couples to a business when they look for
goods and services for their weddings?

A. Most gay and lesbian couples want to work with businesses
that will truly participate with them in the joy of the moment
respectfully. This includes the process as well as the ceremony;
for instance assisting with picking out just the right
engagement ring with the professionalism and enthusiasm that
such an occasion warrants. Gays and lesbians often look for
businesses advertised in gay publications or that openly support
the gay community. If a business owner wishes to work in gay
weddings, it is important to establish an advertising presence
in local gay publications, to participate in gay-oriented events
or to provide services at charities affiliated with the gay
community. At the very least, displaying a rainbow flag on a
website, marketing materials, or the actual place of business is
an easy indication of a gay-friendly attitude and mentality.

Q. Are there other special needs or concerns for gay and
lesbians who are being married?

A. Gay couples look for a comfort zone when utilizing the
services of a vendor. They also may want to employ some
creativity in their approach. For example, a lesbian woman may
want to purchase a wedding gown or she may prefer a tuxedo. At
RainbowWeddingNetwork, advertisers are screened, and conversed
with personally before signing on. Advertising contracts
stipulate that discrimination based on sexual orientation will
not be tolerated. If a representative of a company does
discriminate against a gay couple, the Network immediately has
the right to discontinue advertising.

Q. How lucrative is the gay honeymooning market?

A. Many people in the gay community like to pamper themselves,
show off, and enjoy life. The spending trend which began with
the ceremony continues with the honeymoon. Travel statistics
show the American gay and lesbian community represents $47.3
million, or about 10% of the travel industry. Eighty-nine
percent hold a valid passport, and 54% budget $3,000 + on a
vacation. Not only does the community travel, it travels well
and purchases a variety of services while vacationing, to
broaden their holiday experience. Q. What considerations do gay
honeymooners have when they select travel services and
destinations?

A. Often gay and lesbian honeymooners will do business with a
travel agent or travel services that work with openly gay
couples, simply to insure that they can travel comfortably; not
only enjoy themselves but moreover feel recognized as a couple
having the full honeymoon experience.

Q. Is there other special advice to businesses that want to work
with gay and lesbian couples?

A. It is most important to remember that gay weddings are not
much different from heterosexual unions. These are two people in
love who want to pay for respectful service. Treat gay unions as
any other, and make certain there is good communication.
Dialogue with your gay clients, as you would with any others.
This leads to common ground, and the ability to provide the most
ideal services for the particular couple with whom you are doing
business!

About the author:
Marianne Puechl is co-owner of www.RainbowWeddingNetwork.com,
the first exclusive gay and lesbian wedding registry on-line.
The site includes a directory of over 4,000 screened,
gay-friendly businesses nationwide and in Canada. RWN was
launched in 2000, and the first GLBT Wedding Expo will occur in
Boston, Massachusetts on May 2, 2004.