I just received an email from someone asking for advice on how to find a good gay wedding planner. Unfortunately she did not include her city information but it did bring up a good topic: How do you find a gay wedding planner in your city. My advice may sound unconventional but it really does work - first seek out local gay friendly or gay owned bed and breakfast/hotels in your area. You would really be surprised at how many cities have them. If you’re not sure where to start try one of my favorite sites - purple roofs.

Next visit their web sites. Does their site mention weddings? You will find that many list wedding services right on their web page. If they perform weddings call them up and ask to speak with their wedding coordinator. If they do not have a wedding coordinator ask to speak to the person that handles weddings. Be honest with them and tell them you are getting married but don’t know where to start. Here’s the key even if you do not plan to have your wedding in their bed and breakfast they can usually steer you to gay friendly vendors. The world of weddings is a strange one in which everyone knows everyone else. Our minister was great at steering us to and AWAY from certain vendors. This does help to cut out the worry of dealing with people who are not into doing gay weddings (boo on them!)

Tip #1
Start an ideas folder. As you begin to explore options, you will find hundreds of ideas that you’ll want to discuss together. Rather than rely on memory to coordinate those tidbits of inspiration (trust me, memory just can’t do the job), invest in a binder that can keep them close at hand for you. Include: note paper for jotting down spur of the moment thoughts

Tip #2
Talk with other couples who have been there and lived to tell about it. Not only will they be uniquely able to understand how excited you are about your celebration, they will be able to provide valuable insight into the whole process. Don’t know any same sex couples who have had a ceremony? Mine your straight married friends for information. Despite the differences between straight and gay wedding ceremonies, planning any event takes a little finesse and these folks have pulled it off! Take advantage of that experience.

PrideBride and the PrideBride Blog are who good resources for U.S. couples wanting to marry in Canada. They are a lesbian owned and operated company offering marriage and ceremony planning for same sex couples. They also have a pretty good reference section for articles and news relating to same sex marriages in Canada.