Wedding planning is a stressful, often-chaotic undertaking for all couples — regardless of sexual orientation — but this weekend, same-sex couples can pick up valuable tips to make the lead-up to their big day as smooth as possible.
The sixth annual Gay and Lesbian Wedding Expo will run from 12:30-3:30 p.m. March 3 at Homewood Suites by Hilton, 110 Pheasant Run in Newtown.
The event is organized by Rainbow Wedding Network, which stages about 30 such expos nationwide each year.
The expo will feature more than 25 vendors — DJs, photographers and videographers, wedding planners, travel services, fertility clinics and many others that all want to attract LGBT clientele.
“We’re a one-stop show,” said Rainbow Wedding Network co-founder Cindy Sproul. “You can come in and find everything you need for your wedding.”
Sproul said most bridal or wedding fairs often aren’t inclusive of same-sex couples.
“A lot of the couples we’ve seen say they have been to these other fairs and have gotten questions like, ‘Are you sisters? Which of you is planning a wedding?’ In our show, you come in and our exhibitors say things like, ‘Congratulations! When’s your date? What can we do to help you?’ There’s a level of acceptance but also our vendors are really excited for them as a couple.”
The event will also feature the opportunity for education, with presentations by out attorney Angela Giampolo and Equality Pennsylvania president Adrian Shanker.
Sproul noted attendance at Rainbow Wedding Network expos is often higher in states like Pennsylvania that offer no relationship recognition for same-sex couples.
“Where marriage equality is not yet legal, couples are still a little nervous about picking up the Yellow Pages and calling a photographer or DJ. So they often come to us to make sure they find gay-friendly professionals.”
Sproul expects about 300 guests at this weekend’s fair.
She said the response from attendees in past years has been inspiring.
“Couples have left in tears because they’re so excited to meet so many people who are so happy for them,” she said. “Sometimes same-sex couples don’t always get that acknowledgment from their families, but they walk into this show and everybody’s congratulating them. It’s amazing to see all that support.”
The event is free but a $5 donation is suggested.
For more information or to pre-register, visit www.samelovesamerights.com.