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 sort 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 Rainbow Wedding
Network, 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!
Marianne Puechl is co-owner of Rainbow Wedding Network, a gay and lesbian wedding registry on-line. RWN was launched in 2000, and the first GLBT Wedding Expo will occur in Boston, Massachusetts on May 2, 2004.
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