Hey hot people! Let’s have a chat about something that's been poking at my brain lately – the lack of diverse representation in the wedding industry. Buckle up because I’ve got words for the industry and the other professionals who work in it.

Imagine you're scrolling through Instagram, looking for wedding inspiration that truly speaks to your vibe. You're excited, but as you keep swiping, something seems off. Where are all the love stories that look like yours? Where are the queer couples? Where are the polycules? Where are fat people, people with disabilities, black people or non-religious ceremonies? Why do weddings on all the popular sites and magazines still feel like a cookie-cutter affair, where diversity seems to be optional?

The Importance of Representation:

Representation matters. It's life changing to see people like you on a screen or in a magazine, having a euphoric celebration of their love. It can even be life-saving to see that - especially for young folks, who we all know could use some happy juice right now. When we see love stories that mirror our own, it's like a reassuring nod from the universe that says, "Hey, you belong here."

The Current Landscape: Lack of Diversity in Wedding Media:

Society is evolving, progress races forward with tech advancements and trends that last 2 minutes, but the wedding industry seems to be taking its sweet time catching up. For non-traditional couples, finding a wedding professional - and ESPECIALLY a wedding videographer who gets you might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Challenges Faced by Diverse Lovers:

LGBTQ+ couples, multicultural unions, plus-sized people, and folks with minority identities often find themselves in a pickle. It's not just about the ceremony; it's about the whole planning journey. Non-traditional NearlyWeds might face awkward glances or receive unsolicited questions while they talk to wedding vendors. It’s also entirely possible and entirely legal now for wedding business owners to refuse to serve a couple or love squad because of religious or “value”-based reasons. Which sucks and puts people planning their wedding in a really tough spot.

The Power of Inclusive Wedding Businesses:

Media representation is one of the key ways that oppressors stays in power, but the wedding industry doesn’t need to be a compliant little bitch about it. There are organizations already hard at work to dismantle the monopoly on representation that white, thin, hetero couples have in the wedding world. Organizations like Altared, EquallyWed, Vendors of Color, the Inclusive Wedding Alliance, the Gay Agenda Co., and so many more! It's a revolution waiting to happen. Imagine flipping through wedding pages and seeing lovers of all different sizes, expressions, races and styles of love. Imagine hiring an inclusive wedding videographer who speaks your language and has a cute haircut 💅 Getting married might be way less scary for a lot of people in a world like that.

My Mission as a Wedding Videographer:

This is my mission with my wedding films - to uplift euphoric love stories of all types. It might seem like big talk for a tiny baby production company that films people smooching for a living, but I truly think if I can make my little corner of the world even slightly more comfortable for the next person passing through, then I’ve done something worthwhile. Your love story is not a formula, and you are not a decoration for someone’s instagram grid. Let’s fuck around and find out.

What YOU can do:

It’s ok if you’re not a wedding vendor yourself, there are still ways you can advocate for minority lovers! You can be brave and DM or comment on a wedding magazine page that you see only posting a certain kind of wedding couple. You can be less confrontational by following and engaging with minority owned wedding vendors, or recommending them to your friends who are getting married. You can also donate if you have the financial ability to organizations like EquallyWed, Altared, or Vendors of Color that are on the front lines of making this industry a safer place for all lovers.

Conclusion:

So, my dear, sweet, sexy friends, as I squat for the 50th time to get the perfect shot, I'm catching shots of not just a bombass party, but of a movement. It's time for the wedding industry to step up its game and embrace all love stories. Because when we finally see ourselves in those magical moments, that's when the real magic happens. Let's make sure our love stories are loud, proud, and undeniably, unapologetically us.

If you’re interested in exploring what a wedding film would look like with an inclusive-focused videographer, fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch! Nothing would bring me more joy than to make you and your partner(s) feel comfortable while delivering exceptional wedding memories!

Cheers to rewriting the rules,

Rachel

Representation in the Wedding Industry and Why it’s Missing the Mark.