Can we please start to ditch the ‘bridal’ industry?
Back in the 1950s (or something) we called it the ‘bridal industry’.
In 2021, we’re a little more aware. And unless you’re a wedding dress shop*, if you’re starting a new wedding business you absolutely need to acknowledge that not every wedding has a bride.
*to be fair, I’d like to suggest that this applies to you too, dress shop owners!
Today’s blog post is nothing but a simple plea to new wedding brands: think ever so carefully before you call yourself anything ‘bridal’ or ‘bride’.
Be inclusive. Be welcoming to anyone who doesn’t identify as female. Consider whether your branding will alienate LGBTQ+ couples. (And realise, that from every possible perspective, alienating anyone is WRONG to do.)
Consider as well, that many weddings do have at least one groom. And that the wedding media portrays weddings as primarily a feminine thing.
Weddings are about humans: not just brides, just people in love.
And the words we use every day should reflect that and include everyone.
Thank you for reading this.
I’d love to feature more LGBTQ+ weddings and elopements on these pages. I don’t get nearly enough submissions – so if you’re a newlywed couple, or a photographer or stylist with a wedding you’d love to share, please please do email me to submit.
contactenglishwedding@gmail.com
Header image of Stephen & Colin from our archives – see the full feature here
Image credits:
Planner: Claire Salisbury of Lefkas Weddings
Photographer: Maxeen Kim Photography
Ceremony Venue: Fly Me Lefkada
Accommodation: Villa Avra
Groom Attire House of Fraser
Cake: Patisserie Il Sapore
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