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- Written by: Marianne Puechl
- Category: Tips
This Valentine's Day... maybe more than any other in quite some time... we all need to take a few extra moments to CELEBRATE LOVE. It's been an intense few years (not to mention weeks!), and every act of kindness these days makes a difference. Remember, as that simple date in mid-February reminds us, finding ways to express civility, optimism and love are oftentimes the easiest and most powerful way we can enact change in our world.
As for your primary relationship... Taking the cue from Cupid to express your love, re-connect and nourish your bond is such a gift! Here are some timeless ideas to ponder this February...
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“I will pour more into my love than I expect to get out of it...” Finding tender ways to enhance day-to-day interactions with your partner will multiply and ultimately reflect back to you, almost magically. Begin making it a habit to ask yourself every morning what you can do that day to make life a little sweeter for your special someone.
“I will remember to let go...” Remember, in grade school, when you and your friends would argue there would be just an hour or perhaps a day gone by and the anger was completely forgotten? Allow yourself to recapture that childhood talent. Let any grudges or frustrations you have concerning your relationship or your partner’s eccentricities simply slip away. -The release will truly make you healthier.
“My partner has a different style than I do…” Every individual is wired with different ways to tap into strong emotions. Find out what most captures your lover’s attention: Does he need to hear, verbally, that you’re committed for life? Does she need to be showered with little gifts every so often? Does he need physical closeness when you express your love? Does she need you to share time discussing her goals or plans, so that she is reassured of your devotion and genuine interest? Also be sure that you communicate your own needs when it comes to displaying intimacy: your relationship deserves your honesty and clarity!
“My partnership is dynamic…” Try not to regret the fact that those first sparks of newly-found love are no longer at the heart of your relationship. Over time, the bond you create will mature and deepen – it’s only natural. But that doesn’t mean your love is any less passionate! In fact, the wonders of a long-term commitment are highlighted with facets such as Understanding, Shared Vision, Interconnection and oftentimes Heartfelt Awe as you witness one another grow through the years.
“Every day is a new beginning…” An optimistic outlook always does wonders! Remember that any given moment is a chance for a fresh start, on both a small and large scale. As human beings, we have the potential to enact personal change within an instant; keeping this in mind as much as possible will serve to lighten your relationship. That, in turn, will accent the romance and the joy you share together!
“Remember Valentine’s…” The idea of a love note may seem silly, especially after you’ve been married for several years. But sometimes it is those simple little displays of affection that really touch our hearts most of all. Allow the familiar traditions to inspire you: a box of chocolates, rose petals in the bedroom, a recited poem over dinner, a love song and secret dance in the darkness.
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It will never change: creating a fulfilling and lasting relationship is solely your own responsibility. It is also one of your great joys… and in the eyes of friends and family it may be one of your great gifts to the world. Love inspires. Passion transforms. Allow your partnership to thrive, wholeheartedly. Nourish the connection you share with your partner and it, in turn, will utterly nourish you.
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- Written by: Luke Macall
- Category: Tips
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also be one of the most stressful experiences in your life. From choosing the perfect vendors to managing guest lists and staying within budget, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, there are effective ways to manage stress, stay grounded and even cultivate the fun inherent in the planning process. Here are 10 Quick Tips to help you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime journey and maintain your peace of mind.
1. Start Early and Stay Organized
One of the biggest stressors in wedding planning is feeling rushed. Start planning as early as possible to give yourself plenty of time to make decisions. Use tools like spreadsheets, apps, or planners to keep track of your budget, guest lists, vendor notes, brainstorming ideas and timelines.
A well-organized plan can be your best ally! Break down the planning process into individual tasks, then set those into a clear timeline that can help you stay on top of things without feeling overwhelmed. Break the planning process into manageable chunks, tackling one priority at a time.
2. Set Realistic Expectations
It’s natural to want Your Wedding Day to be perfect, but perfection is subjective and often unattainable. Remember, no event is without hiccups! Focus on what truly matters -the love and commitment you share with your partner- and celebrating the miracle of that love with your friends and loved ones. Accepting that some things may not go as planned can alleviate unnecessary pressure.
3. The Uncertainty of LGBTQ+ Marriage Rights
With today's political climate, it makes sense you may be stressed about the uncertain future concerning LGBTQ+ marriage rights. The best way to ease your mind is to inform yourselves! -Resist taking in too much of the negative headlines, but find news sources that are trustworthy and check in with those sources routinely. If possible, reach out to LGBTQ+ community center/s and equality organizations: local groups are the most knowlegdeable about your particular area and what legislation might be in the works. Whether you've married or not, consider sitting down with a lawyer who is experienced with LGBTQ+ issues, to make sure your powers of attorney and other vital documents are in order, and as full-proof as possible. If you have concerns over immigration issues, adoption, or other important matters, again, be sure to seek trustworthy legal advice. ...And don't limit your communication with a lawyer to just once: at this crossroads in our country's history, remaining informed is our own responsibility! Build routines of gathering information so that you can realistically protect your own rights, and those of your loved ones.
4. Delegating Wedding Tasks
Whether you're eloping, planning a small gathering, or going all-out with an extravagant grand affair, keep in mind that you do not have to do everything yourself. You don't even have to remember all the details yourself! ...Delegate tasks to your partner, family members, attendants and friends. Hiring a wedding planner can also help take the weight off your shoulders, as they’re experienced in managing all the details and in making suggestions that may not have occured to you.
There are organizations such as Free Mom Hugs or PFLAG that often have volunteers willing to help LGBTQ+ couples with wedding plans. From walking you down the aisle, to offering emotional support, and sometimes to providing officiate and other services, check in with groups like this in your area: you may be surprised at the help that awaits you!
5. Schedule Breaks & Commit to Self-Care Routines
Planning a wedding can feel all-consuming, so it’s important to take regular breaks. Prioritize time for other activities you enjoy and social connections too, whether it’s a bimonthly hike, helping out at the animal shelter, game night with friends, heading to the local bar with your bestie, a little retail therapy, or a spa getaway with your fiancee. And remember, routine date nights are a must! These moments of relaxation can recharge your energy and your perspective.
In the hustle of planning your Special Day, and preparing for that new chapter of committed life together, don’t forget to take care of yourself! Try to maintain those important self-care regimens: daily exercise, meditation, time alone with your pets or favorite tv shows, regular visits to the hair stylist or chiropractor. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated can also help you manage stress more effectively. Continuing to cement healthy habits now sets you up for continuing them after the wedding... which ultimately will nourish your own sense of self-worth and happiness!
6. Set a Budget and Stick to It & Keep Communicating
Financial concerns are a common source of stress during wedding planning. Create a realistic budget and stick to it! Discuss financial boundaries with your partner early on, and prioritize expenses based on what’s most important to you.
Miscommunication can lead to unnecessary stress. Be open with your partner about expectations, budgets, and priorities. Regularly check in with each other to ensure you’re on the same page. The same goes for communicating with vendors, attendants and family members.
7. Find a Wedding Tribe
This can be hard to read, but not everyone in your family or circle of friends wants to talk about your wedding 24/7. Honor that! Find the friends who are all into it, or if you don't have any, then consider building some connections online with another LGBTQ+ couple or two who are also in the planning stages. Having wedding buddies, who don't mind the constant nuptial updates, chatter and play-by-play commentary, may just prove invaluable to maintaining your own peace of mind, and the peace of mind of others in your world!
8. Get Crafty with Wedding Keepsakes
Indulge in some time online to search for DIY wedding favors, keepsakes and decor... Then plan a few afternoons or evenings with your partner, friend/s or attendants for crafting, sipping a cocktail, chatting, laughing together. Those intimate moments with the ones you love all add up to make the planning process an unforgettable chapter in your life!
9. Stay Mindful of Social Media Comparisons
Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it’s great for inspiration, convenience and making incredible contacts, it can also create unrealistic expectations. Remember that every wedding is unique, and what matters most is commemorating your love story in a way that’s authentic to you. Enjoy online connections, tips and inspo, but if/when it feels like too much, remember it's okay to step back and stay true to what's most important: Your own ideas, your own priorities, your own vision for that one-of-a-kind celebration of you & your beloved!
10. Focus on the Big Picture
When things get stressful, take a step back and remind yourself why you’re doing this. The wedding is just one day, but it marks the beginning of a lifetime with your partner. -A lifelong adventure of exploration, co-creation, growth, mutual support & triumphs and much more. Absolutely Your Special Day will be timeless and unforgettable, but the many reasons behind that day are truly the heart of the matter.
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- Written by: Kendra Lewis
- Category: Tips
Back when our team launched RainbowWeddingNetwork.com in September 2000, every New Year -in a long succession- brought the prospect of unpredictability and volatility with regard to LGBTQ+ marriage rights. That settled somewhat in 2015, with the passage of Obergefell vs Hodges, but here at the outset of 2025, things seem back to the times of high uncertainty. What's in store for our weddings and committed lives together this year?? Color palettes, cake flavors and gemstone symbolism seem to take a backseat... Yet it's important to remember that these things too, are important. We have to empower ourselves by claiming our own celebrations, and that includes not just a vision for a future of peace and equality, but also a sense of FUN, of indulging in considering current trends, and of cultivating inspiration.
Read on for a mix of Quick Wedding Planning Tips from couples, wedding pros, and our team here at RainbowWeddingNetwork. Enjoy considering all your options and the possibilities of creating Your Own Special Day, just as you want it to be!
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Remember that at the end of the day... if you’re married to the person you love, your wedding was a success. Minor details (and sometimes seemingly major ones!) might go wrong, but don’t let that distract you from what’s most important.
Layering Meaningfulness: Be sure to choose rituals and traditions that resonate strongly for each of you. Take time to craft your vows, either together or separately, with the help of your officiant or your bestie, and add in at least some personalization - even if it's simply a favorite quote or lyrics from a song. On the Big Day, consider carrying a small token in your pocket or tie it to your bouquet: your wedding rings and photographs will be with you forever, but another small keepsake that you can carry or later set somewhere special in your home is an added way to bring that feeling of Your Wedding Day back to life. Offer a small keepsake to your wedding guests that is similar: a small heart-shaped stone, for instance, that they too can carry the energy of your celebration with them into the future. -It's wonderful, and highly symbolic, to know that others are holding the vision of your union into the days ahead. You may find it comforting to lean on that from time to time.
Make sure you have a schedule for the day - a detailed timeline - and that anyone who is helping knows exactly where they need to be! Even if to you if seems silly to need to explain it, this way you have all your ducks in a row and no one can say you didn't tell them what to do or where to be! Share it with vendors, your wedding party, and family/friends who will be in formal photos. It's not "bridezilla" to want things a certain way, it's Your Day!
Sit down with your fiancee and talk about the top 3 weddings you've been to, read about or even seen in a movie, and what you liked most about them. Think about the rituals of the ceremony itself, the way the readings or the vows were included... think about the reception: the decor, the vibe, the level of interactivity for guests... Then prioritize your budget by what you recall as the most fun, meaningful and memorable.
Try and make some friends with other couples who are also getting married that you can talk with excessively about your wedding, bc only other people getting married care as much - your friends and family may not be as excited and want to talk about it as much as you do... and keeping the momentum alive is important: Find even a small tribe that you can chat it up with, to make the most of this fun and once-in-a-lifetime experience!!
Including Technology: Digital save-the-dates and invites are totally acceptable these days, and great budget savers. And even if you're eloping, consider using technology to capture the milestone: casual videos may become priceless later, and are a great way to share your special moment! Having a more formal celebration? Remember that VR and live-streaming are amazing options for your out-of-towners!
Be sure to envision the kind of ambience you want to create with your wedding: is it cozy and feelings of warmth and gathering together? Is it a hyped-up dance party? Is it a spotlighted focus on you and your partner? Is it a sentimental interconnection of family & friends? What adjectives describe your wedding: playful, spiritual, sentimental, bright, rustic, colorful, heartfelt, lively? Use these brainstorming ideas to build the priorities of what is not negotiable in your overall wedding plan.
Set your budget together and stick by it. You will be tempted by a lot (glowing foam sticks, fancy black envelopes, additional favors) but try and stick with your budget. Consider purchasing gently used items, there are TONS for sale online. Some decor items are even in really good condition at the local thrift stores!
Sustainability remains a top priority for many LGBTQ+ couples. From sourcing local and seasonal flowers to using eco-friendly decor and catering, couples are embracing green practices. Smaller, intimate weddings or “microweddings” continue to be popular, reducing the environmental footprint.
Prioritize the most important parts of the event (photographer, venue, food, dancing, number of guests, etc, whatever you value most) and spend your money on booking those areas first! Everything else is just details and can be done on a budget with some creativity and time - for example, budget most for photographer and venue/food, but DIY the florals, including having your wedding party people make their own bouquets after the rehearsal dinner!
Stay organized and keep taking small steps forward. Wedding planning is A LOT and can be very overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to take breaks.
Unique Entertainment Choices? Yes, please!! Couples today are thinking outside the box when it comes to entertainment. Drag performers, queer artists, and interactive installations are making weddings more vibrant and memorable. Karaoke sessions, live bands, dance instruction and even unique options such as magicians, interactive keepsake stations, emceed couples' bingo games and other ideas also continue to gain traction: whatever suits the couple's interests and helps to bring guests together! See RWN's recent article for further interactive ideas!
https://www.rainbowweddingnetwork.com/wedding-tips/unique-interactive-reception-ideas
Celebrating Chosen Families - Finding ways to include and honor our families of choice is vital to our community! From participation as attendants, with readings, mentions in toasts, or creating a special thank-you table with messages and photos, to announce just how important your loved ones are: all great ways to bring together and interconnect your special people. After all, LGBTQ+ weddings inherently highlight the importance of authenticity, inclusivity, and love. Make the most of this theme!
For more ways to connect with other couples and LGBTQ+ wedding pros, please visit our Tips & Articles page:
https://www.rainbowweddingnetwork.com/tips-planning
And consider joining RWN's lively FB group! Ideas & support abound! (Many of the above insights came from group members!)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LGBTQWeddings
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- Written by: Marianne Puechl
- Category: Tips
Q&A with Michael Vescio – Director of Sales / Discover DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau
Here at RWN, we love to celebrate the advocates and allies who support the tenets of equality! Our voices are stronger when we stand together!
Congratulations to our friends from Discover DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau, on their recent award from the OUT Georgia Business Alliance. Their organization, Discover DeKalb, must be so proud to have received the prestigious Corporate Ally of the Year Award!
As the intro on their website states:
"Welcome to DeKalb, Georgia! In DeKalb everyone is welcome, so bring your authentic self — whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, craft-beer enthusiast, history buff, on the hunt for your next favorite meal, or looking for family-friendly attractions — DeKalb has something for everyone in the car (including the dog)."
Many of our readers may not realize just how much Convention & Visitors Bureaus, Tourist Organizations and even Neighborhood Groups do to support their LGBTQ+ citizens. These organizations provide residents and out-of-towners with valuable info about local events, businesses and attractions. Their staff knows firsthand the details about local cuisine, new start-ups, neighborhood identities, current happenings and much more, so they can offer helpful insights to both locals and tourists. Discounts and many other resources can be found through Convention & Visitors Bureaus; sometimes even hands-on services such as basic wedding planning guidance and trip itinerary assistance!
Hi Mike! Congratulations again, and THANKS to you and Discover DeKalb for all you do in supporting the local LGBTQ+ community there in the suburbs of Atlanta! Can you tell us some of the services Discover DeKalb offers?
MV: Please say “I Do” in DeKalb - yes, we offer free wedding services!
Itinerary /Packaging Services
FREE On-Site Parking at our 70 Hotels
Competitive Hotel Bids – in the Cities We Represent
Chamblee, Tucker, Stonecrest, Stone Mountain and DeKalb County
Restaurants/Attractions and Transportation Discounts
FAM Opportunities – Visit Our Area – See What We Have To Offer
Can you share with us some of the ways that Discover DeKalb specifically supports the LGBTQ+ community?
MV: Yearly Sponsorship with the Out GA Business Alliance
Sponsor regular monthly events – 4th Friday’s with the LGBTQ+ Chamber
Provide quarterly educational meetings to our Stakeholders, Board of Directors and Partners in the LGBTQ+ market
We participate yearly in RainbowWeddingNetwork's Atlanta LGBTQ+ Wedding Expo
Run print ads in the Out On Film Program
Run ad yearly in Pridely
An ad with GA Voice yearly in the Gay Destination Atlanta Guide
Also participate yearly with Black Gay Pride, Atlanta Pride and AIDS Atlanta
We developed an LGBTQ+ Destination Guide that won an award with the Southeast Tourism Society – Best Niche Marketing Award / This piece is displayed at the 9 GA state visitor centers – they have over 13 million visitors yearly
We have a staff member dedicated to this market – DeKalb is very diverse – we welcome everyone!
What are some of the highlights of DeKalb County GA that would most appeal to LGBTQ+ tourists or those considering a relocation to the area?
MV: Lips – Drag Dining - Doraville
Close to Piedmont Park – host of Atlanta Pride Festival
Mary’s – Karaoke Bar
Charis Books
As we all look ahead to a new Presidential administration, there is some uncertainty with regard to equal access and fair treatment for members of the LGBTQ+ community. How can Convention & Visitors Bureaus, Tourist Organizations and even Neighborhood Groups find ways to support their LGBTQ+ citizens?
MV: We just need to continue to support these events thru Sponsorships. Don’t just talk the talk – we must walk the walk. It is more important now than ever.
Are there broader ways that Discover DeKalb helps individuals get involved with what you're organization is doing, or helps individuals interconnect above and beyond your own specific services?
MV: Nothing any broader – just be involved locally, participate and speak up.
Why do you feel that it's important for organizations like yours to actively support, specifically, the LGBTQ+ niche?
MV: It is crucial for all Tourism agencies to support all markets – thru their money and involvement.
We invite all our readers to check out not only Discover DeKalb, but also their own local Convention & Visitors Bureaus, Tourist Organizations and Neighborhood Groups... You may be surprised at just how many resources are available to you, from saving money through discounts, to basic wedding and honeymoon planning services, helpful info about stay-cations, weekend adventuring and much more! As you travel to other cities, check out their Convention & Visitors Bureaus also: many have services dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community!
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Michael Vescio – Director of Sales
Discover DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau
Direct: 770-492-5012
https://discoverdekalb.com/
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- Written by: Marianne Puechl
- Category: Tips
One reason Weddings (and oftentimes the holiday season) fill our hearts is that we tend to focus more on noticing Joy... GOOD NEWS! -It's possible to extend that feeling! There are many uncertainties as we journey toward 2025: Let's find ways to cultivate Love & Peace wherever we may find ourselves.
Gift Yourselves! Share your proposal story for the chance to win a Free Honeymoon, from our friends at Lovebird! -Digital Save-the-Dates, Wedding Websites, Guest Announcements & more! Make an exquisite first impression and manage every touchpoint in one place.
https://www.lovebird.com/?utm_source=rainbow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=rnexpo24
Continue Uplifting Others - Our community is known for its motivation and committment to building connections! Remember to keep adding new ways of outreach, even through the New Year, to fill your own heart with joy and active purposefulness. Volunteer opportunities abound! Your local LGBTQ+ community center, animal rescue organization, assisted living facility, Habitat for Humanity and many others are great starting points: indulge in brainstorming about your own interests or hobbies and then find a volunteer opportunity that best suits. Even if you don't have the time or inclination to participate in-person, remember there are always other ways to get involved: crocheting lap quilts, sending handwritten cards, assisting with fundraising or administrative tasks.
Mentoring, or providing your own talents, are other ideas. Organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth are certainly in need right now. Or, consider offering your services as an officiant or amateur floral designer for another LGBTQ+ couple in the wedding planning stages either for their full ceremony or their elopement.
Social Organizations - The local LGBTQ+ choir, sports team or hiking club are likely welcoming new members! Allowing yourself to express your own talents and passions feeds your sense of happiness. It's important to make this one a priority as much as possible!
Speak Up for Neighborhood Improvements - Finding ways to empower yourself through bettering the local area is a vibrant way not only to find fulfillment, but to make new friends. Is there a park in need of a clean-up day? Would you like to see bike lanes in the city? Reach out to local officials, or join advocacy groups. Even consider running for local office or interning with someone who already holds office - the ripple effects of your efforts are always worthwhile!
Create a FUN Community Event! Divisiveness in our nation doesn't have to be the way forward. Find ways to organize a 5K fun-run or neighborhood potluck or picnic, and base the theme on local history just to help interconnect people and create common ground. Amateur pet show or pet food donation event, or community bake-off, or book club..? Absolutely!
Random Acts of Kindness - We all know how nice it is to find that our order at the drive-thru has been paid in advance by the person ahead of us... Finding opportunities to pay-it-forward and to offer a helping hand are easy ways to sprinkle a little extra goodwill into your days.
Attend Local Workshops and Skill-Building Sessions - Community centers, libraries, and educational institutions often offer free or low-cost workshops on a range of topics. Attending these sessions not only helps you develop new skills but also provides an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals.
Meaningful Online Connections - Of course the internet offers incredible opportunities to find your tribe. It's not always easy to weed through the forums and groups that are not ideal, but be persistent and mindful: Engaging with people online can be so convenient, and a helpful lifeline in times of stress. It can also be a simple way to share Joy! Check out RainbowWeddingNetwork's lively wedding group and meet couples from around the country, and the world! https://www.facebook.com/groups/LGBTQWeddings
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Again, the months ahead hold a lot of unknowns. But by keeping ourselves focused on what's most important: sowing Peace, Trust, Fairness, Happiness, Kindness, Gratitude... we make our world a little less divisive and a little less stressful. By volunteering, attending events, supporting local causes, building relationships, and taking responsibility for your own sense of Optimism, you become part of something bigger than yourself. The sense of connection, purpose, and pride you choose to cultivate can transform your everyday life into one filled with Joy and Empowerment.
- Creative Keepsakes for Your Wedding Reception
- Wedding Apparel - Q&A with Tailored Brands
- Easy Ways to Make Your Wedding Count
- Wedding Tips from Couples Just Like You
- Embrace the Fun and Individuality: Why a Themed Wedding is a Wonderful Choice
- Building a United Financial Future: Strategies for Newlywed Couples to Achieve Success
- Quick Tips - Little Things to Bring Along for The Big Day
- Choosing Your Ideal Reception Venue