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Planning your LGBTQ+ wedding reception? Whether you're going for glam, camp, cozy, or full-out dance party, your reception should reflect you. These 10 unique ideas will make your celebration unforgettable—for you and your guests!
1. Custom “Love Is Love” Cocktails
Design signature drinks inspired by your relationship—think "His & His," "Hers & Hers," “They-tini” or something more personal such as "Laurie's Mediterranean Spritzer" & "Chelsea's Kahlua Bliss...' And guests always love seeing the last name you've chosen - whether it's modified, hyphenated, two separate names... Cluing them in with a signature drink is a great way to share the news! -Think 'Cheers from The Smith-Beckers!'
Add flair to your cocktails with rainbow colored glassware, edible glitter, rainbow rimming sugar, multi-colored straws or tiny accent Pride flags.
2. Drag Queen (or King!) Emcee
Bring the party to life with a fabulous host. A drag performer can emcee, perform, and even officiate your ceremony for a bold, unforgettable experience. Plus it's a fun way to support talented members of your local community!
3. Pronoun Pins & Stations
Normalize pronoun sharing with stylish pins available for guests upon arrival. Bonus points for a decorative table explaining the importance of inclusive language!
4. LGBTQ+ First Dance or Musical Playlist
Celebrate queer artists during your first dance or entire reception playlist—think Hayley Kiyoko, Sam Smith, Brandi Carlile, Lil Nas X, or Troye Sivan. Go classic with the Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge, Wham!, Queen or advocates such as Cyndi Lauper or Dolly Parton.
5. Rainbow Dessert Bars
Mini cupcakes, macarons, doughnuts, or a candy bar—all in rainbow hues or sprinkled with rainbow hearts. It’s sweet, Instagrammable, and totally on theme.
6. Queer History Photo Wall
Honor LGBTQ+ trailblazers and your personal journey with a display wall featuring love letters, engagement photos, and queer icons who paved the way.
7. Alternative Guest Book Ideas
Try a typewriter station, audio recordings, or a vintage phone booth where guests can leave you a voicemail to be saved forever.
8. Silent Disco After-Party
Keep the party going for night owls. A silent disco lets guests groove without waking up the hotel. Bonus: multiple channels so everyone gets their vibe.
9. Unity Ceremony with a Twist
Instead of candles or sand, consider planting a tree, blending cocktails, or mixing colors on a canvas for a fun, symbolic moment.
10. Surprise Flash Mob
Choreograph a dance with your wedding party (or invite your guests in advance) for a fun, high-energy surprise that will light up the dance floor.
Final Thought: Make It Yours
The best LGBTQ+ wedding receptions celebrate authenticity, love, and joy. Whatever ideas you choose, let your personalities shine—because love is love, and your celebration should be uniquely you.
📍Planning your big day? Don’t miss your chance to meet LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding professionals at a
Rainbow Wedding Network Expo near you!
