If you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community, infusing your celebration with queer pride can add a special touch to your big day. From subtle decor to bold statements, there are plenty of ways to incorporate your identity into your wedding. As an LGBTQIA+ small wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve seen how these personal touches can make a wedding truly memorable.

If you’re planning your wedding and want to infuse your celebration with a little (or a lot) of queer pride, this guide gives you some ideas to help you get started!

Do You Have to Incorporate Pride Elements?

Before we get started, let’s get one thing straight (or not). Incorporating pride elements into your wedding is completely optional and depends on what feels right for you as a couple. Your wedding should reflect your personality, values, and love story, so if pride elements don’t resonate with you, that’s perfectly okay. Your wedding should be a celebration of your love and commitment in whatever way you choose to express it. Whether you decide to incorporate subtle pride colors or go in a different direction, the most important thing is that your wedding feels authentic and meaningful to you both.

It’s also important to note that while many themes may incorporate rainbow colors, there are many different ways you can bring pride into your wedding that don’t involve the classic rainbow, like using specific colors from your own identity flag or saying something meaningful (and queer) in your thank you speeches or vows.

1. Rainbow Wedding Cake

A rainbow or pride-themed wedding cake is a fun little way to incorporate queerness into your wedding. For a subtle touch, consider having a classic white exterior with vibrant or soft pastel rainbow layers hidden inside—it’s like a little surprise! If you want to go bigger, go for a full-on rainbow cake with colorful icing and decorations on the outside. Whether you choose a simple option or a bolder display, a rainbow wedding cake is a sweet and meaningful way to celebrate your love and pride on your special day.

2. Rainbow Wedding Shoes

Pride-colored wedding shoes can add a splash of uniqueness to your special day. For a more low-key look, try adding pops of color on your soles or insoles that reveal themselves as you walk. Or, go for shoes with rainbow patterns or vibrant laces on the exterior.

3. Pride Accessories

You can paint your nails in vibrant pride hues or add a pop of color with rainbow hairpins or hair streaks. Cuff links, socks, and jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, or earrings can also feature pride colors for a subtle yet meaningful touch. Even details like belts, ties, or pocket squares can be customized to reflect your identity. 

4.  Rainbow Wedding Flowers

You can choose a bouquet that features a full spectrum of rainbow colors, creating a stunning and eye-catching arrangement. You can also select flowers in your chosen pride colors. To take things a step further, try decorating your ceremony and reception spaces with pride-themed floral arrangements, centerpieces, or even a rainbow floral arch. These colorful blooms not only enhance the beauty of your wedding but also symbolize the joy of your love story. You can even use more subtle colors like soft pastels if you don’t love the bright and bold look.

5. Pet Wearing Gay Attire

What’s cuter than including your pet in your wedding? Now, taking that a step further, think about dressing your furry friend in outfits featuring pride colors or playful accessories like rainbow bandanas, collars, or bowties. You can even go for shirts with phrases like “my moms are getting married,” or “happily ever after with my humans.”

6. Honor Historical Figures and Icons

Honoring queer figures and icons at your wedding adds a meaningful tribute to those who paved the way for LGBTQIA+ people today. One creative idea is to name each table after a queer historical figure, accompanied by a photo and brief biography. You could also incorporate a slideshow during the reception, highlighting influential queer individuals and their contributions. You can even consider including quotes from iconic figures in your vows, speeches, or ceremony readings. 

7. Play Music by Queer Artists

Curate a playlist featuring both iconic and lesser-known queer musicians—or whatever fits your vibe! Mix in some classic hits, modern pop, and heartfelt songs to keep the energy high and the dance floor packed (Chapell Roan anyone?). 

8. Include Something Gay in Your Wedding Vows

If you’re comfortable, try including something gay in your wedding vows to add a deeply personal and meaningful touch. Share moments of your own coming-out story or reflect on the journey you’ve taken together as a queer couple. Mentioning the support from chosen family and friends within the community can also be powerful. You can also express how your identities have shaped your relationship and your commitment to one another.

9. Let Your Wedding Party Wear What they Want

While some wedding traditions may put people into boxes when it comes to outfits, you can incorporate pride into your own wedding by intentionally stating to your wedding party and guests that they can wear whatever makes them comfortable. They don’t need to wear a dress or suit if that’s not their vibe!

10. Rainbow or Pride Wedding Invitations

This can really look like anything you wish. From rainbow stripes and watercolor washes to rainbow foil detailing, including pride symbols and colors can be a fun way to announce your wedding. You can also be intentional about using LGBTQ+-inclusive language in your invitation wording to make all your guests feel welcomed and embraced.

11. Pride Flags

A classic but a goodie—pride flags are timeless symbols of the queer community. Incorporating flags into your wedding decor can add a meaningful touch. You can choose the rainbow flag or include flags that represent specific identities. These flags can be incorporated into your ceremony backdrop, table centerpieces, or even handed out to your guests.

12. Pride Photos and Photo Booth

As the couple getting married, you can add pride elements to your photo shoots, if that’s your style—whether its pride flags, gay signs, or any other symbolism meaningful to you. For your guests, set up a pride-themed photo booth at your reception, complete with props like rainbow hats, glasses, and signs with something very obviously queer, like “we U-Hauled.” These photos not only provide memorable keepsakes but also create a lighthearted atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

13. Color Streamers

There was a time when colorful smoke bombs were popular, but I don’t recommend these because they are toxic, stain clothes, are incredibly harmful to the environment, and pose major fire risks. Instead, consider things like pride-colored streamers, confetti (indoors only, so you can clean it up), or rainbow-color balloons or flower petals.

14. Rainbow Dessert and Snacks

We’ve already touched on rainbow wedding cakes, so let’s expand that train of thought into the world of desserts. For example, you can serve rainbow popcorn, which can be made by coloring popcorn kernels with food dye before popping them. Rainbow cupcakes are another fun option, with each one featuring layers of colorful cake inside or frosting on top. The options are truly endless here—fruit tarts, fruit trays, candy assortments, you name it!

15. Queer-Themed Cocktails

Consider naming signature cocktails after queer icons (Renee Rapp-inspired drink, anyone?) or using ingredients that represent the colors of the pride flag. You could also serve classic cocktails with a twist, such as a rainbow sangria or a queer-themed martini. Overall, these cocktails can add a memorable touch to your celebration.

16. Funny Queer Signs/Phrases

Try adding playfulness through the wording and signage at your celebration. For example, call your wedding schedule “the gay agenda.” If you have a menu, you can also get creative with the names of the items. You can even place decorative signs around the venue or incorporate queer puns in any handouts or information booklets.

17. Pride Outfits for the Wedding Party or Guests

If you want the pride theme to stand out even more, you can consider encouraging your wedding party to wear pride-inspired attire, such as rainbow ties or socks. Guests can also participate by incorporating colors into their outfits. You can even provide guests with rainbow ribbons or pins as they arrive.

18. Donating to a Queer Charity

Asking guests to donate to a queer charity instead of giving traditional gifts is a meaningful way to celebrate your love and support the LGBTQIA+ community. Choose a charity that aligns with your values and the causes you care about, such as LGBTQIA+ youth programs, advocacy organizations, or health initiatives. Include information about the charity in your wedding invitations or create a dedicated donation page for people to donate online. 

19. Queer Wedding Favors

Your wedding favors are an opportunity to share your appreciation with your guests. Consider giving out rainbow or LGBTQ+-themed favors like rainbow-colored candies, small pride flags, or even personalized items like rainbow keychains or magnets.

20. Hire a Drag Queen or Other Queer Performer

Last but not least, my personal favorite. Hiring a drag queen or other queer performer for your celebration is a great way to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture. It’s also a great way to keep the vibes and energy levels going throughout the night.

Final Thoughts

Whether through rainbow-themed decor, queer-inspired cocktails, or hiring a drag queen, there are countless ways to infuse your special day with love, joy, and a little bit of pride. These ideas are just a starting point. Be as creative as you want to be and do whatever feels most comfortable for you!

If you’re looking for a photographer who understands the importance of capturing these moments authentically and beautifully, reach out to me—I can’t wait to meet you and hear all your ideas!