21 LGBTQIA+ vendors for your next big event
Ready to start planning your next important event? One of the keys to success for any event, whether it’s a 500-guest wedding, a 1,000-guest fundraiser, or a 10-guest birthday dinner, is your vendor selection. Picking the right vendors can make or break your event. You should find vendors that are reliable, communicative, willing to work with your theme and budget, and, most of all, jive well with you. After all, you’ll be working with them on something meaningful to you! Vendor selection is also a great way to support local businesses with LGBTQIA+ owners in your community.
Don’t know where to begin? We’ve put together an incredible list of 21 of our favorite businesses in the events industry. These photographers, florists, and other vendors proudly identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Many of the businesses on our list openly advocate for LGBTQIA businesses and lives and prioritize intersectionality in their business and their art. If you’re looking to support an LGBTQIA business for your wedding, shower, birthday party, or shindig, look no further than this incredible list.
Table of Contents
Event, engagement, and wedding photographers
Couples’ session image courtesy Riley Glenn; “Raw Edge” by Paperless Post
Studio XIII Photography – Studio XIII (thirteen) was born from owner Jamie Thrower’s idea that she wanted to use her photography to support her LGBTQ community. Naturally, she honors them by sharing queer love stories with the world. She wanted queer stories to be centered, not tiptoed around, and her event photography reflects her passion for her craft and her subjects.
Location: Portland, OR
On the ‘gram: @studioxiiiphotography
Kelly Balch – Photographer Kelly Balch is an international wedding & editorial storyteller who has made a name for herself with her unique point of view and ability to capture the story behind the smiling faces in her photos.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
On the ‘gram: @kellybalch
Riley Glenn – Riley Glenn captures people at their most authentic, whether it’s an engagement shoot, an elopement, or a wedding weekend.
Location: Austin, TX
On the ‘gram: @rileysheaglenn
Amanda Macchia Photography – Amanda Macchia loves creating works of art from the special moments in your life in ways that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy for years to come. She also has a background in concert photography and has been behind the lens for the likes of Nas and Fiona Apple.
Location: Boston, MA
On the ‘gram: @amandamacchiaphoto
Cake designers and bakers
“Jubilee II – Rose Gold” by Kelly Wearstler for Paperless Post; Cake design by Cāk the Bakery, image courtesy of Cāk the Bakery and Liz Weitz
Vincenzo Salvatore Cakes – Owner and Creative Director Vincenzo Salvatore effortlessly blends art with dessert to create daring designs for luxury events. We can’t get enough of his bold use of florals and color.
Location: Staten Island, NY
On the ‘gram: @vincenzo_salvatore_cakes
Spencer Trygve Cakes – Spencer Trygve is a true artist and strives to make every one of his cakes a completely unique piece of art. He finds inspiration in natural textures, interior design, fine art, and avant-garde fashion. For us, the drama’s in the height of his masterpieces, rivaling the cloud-grazing skyscrapers in his hometown.
Location: Chicago, IL
On the ‘gram: @spencertrygvecakes
Cāk the Bakery – This Denver-based bakery prioritizes modern design and inclusive business practices. With them you’ll find the latest trends in cake design, from geode-inspired cakes to sophisticated donut walls.
Location: Denver, CO
On the ‘gram: @cakthebakery
Butter & Scotch – The owners and staff of Butter and Scotch are blazing the trail for what it means to own a business and be an advocate and activist. If you’re planning a birthday party, look no further. Their rainbow-sprinkle birthday cake was named the “Absolute Best Birthday Cake in NYC” by New York Magazine.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
On the ‘gram: @drunkbakers
Florists and installation artists
Putnam & Putnam floral display; “Messidor” by Putnam & Putnam for Paperless Post
Putnam & Putnam – Preeminent floral designer Michael Putnam and husband Darroch Putnam offer flowers specially tailored for every occasion: editorial, weddings, fashion presentations and more. Pair your floral design with Putnam & Putnam invitations, available exclusively at Paperless Post.
Location: New York, NY
On the ‘gram: @putnamflowers
Michael B. Anthony – Each of Michael Bach’s floral creations is uniquely crafted and combines a variety of seasonal flowers, colors, and textures to create a romantic and exquisite ambiance. His secret weapon? Greenery, especially his favorite, eucalyptus. Being a Detroiter, he also prides himself on giving back to his community.
Location: Detroit, MI
On the ‘gram: @michael.banthony
Green Petal Designs – Owner Janelle creates beautiful, natural, and inspired flowers for weddings and special events. We can’t get enough of her dreamy pastel designs straight out of a fairytale.
Location: San Francisco, CA
On the ‘gram: @greenpetaldesigns
flowerchild – Flowerchild’s design aesthetic is centered around flowers in their most simplistic form and as they would appear in nature. Their light and whimsical approach offers a refreshing garden-style design. This Black and Queer owned business serves all communities alike and goes the extra mile to make everyone’s wedding unique and memorable.
Location: Chicago, IL
On the ‘gram: @flowerchild_chicago
Event and wedding planners
“Queen Anne” by Rifle Paper Co for Paperless Post; Event design by Matthew Robbins Design, image courtesy Matthew Robbins Design.
Jove Meyer – Jove and his team specialize in creating personalized weddings that are a reflection of each couple’s unique style, personality, and relationship. He takes a relaxed approach when guiding the planning and design process, creating a fun and stress-free experience. Additionally, Jove and his team are committed to allyship and collaborate with fellow small businesses that are owned and operated primarily by women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people.
Specialty: Weddings, personal events, professional events, fundraisers
Location: New York, NY
On the ‘gram: @jovemeyer
David Stark Design – David Stark Designs approaches all of their events, from experiential brand experiences to weddings to fundraisers as a collaborative journey, resulting in one-of-a-kind experiences. They love creating events that connect people for a lifetime.
Specialty: Weddings, personal events, professional events, fundraisers
Location: New York, NY
On the ‘gram: @david_stark_design
Events by GS – If you’re looking for wedding planners that truly understand your wedding vision, look no further than Events by GS, who specialize in unique LGBTQ wedding events and destination celebrations. Owner Guerrero-Shibatsuji is passionate about inclusivity, not only as a business owner but also as a woman and Latina.
Specialty: Weddings
Location: San Francisco, CA
On the ‘gram: @eventsbygs
Matthew Robbins Design – Matthew Robbins Design is an event planning firm with a focus on design and production for weddings and special events. They believe good design is essential for producing unique and memorable events. For over 15 years, they have produced events all over the globe ranging from intimate dinner parties to weekend-long celebrations.
Specialty: Weddings, personal events
Location: New York, NY
On the ‘gram: @matthewrobbinsdesign
A Monique Affair – Born out of Chanda Daniels’s simple love for designing and planning beautiful events, A Monique Affair aims to deliver a sophistication that’s custom-made for each client. If you’re looking for a flawlessly executed wedding that’s dedicated to high fashion, look no further.
Specialty: Weddings
Location: Oakland, CA
On the ‘gram: @amoniqueaffair
Event and wedding venues
Wedding at Calamigos Ranch, image courtesy Calamigos Ranch.
Calamigos Ranch – Before Mailbu was known worldwide as a getaway for wellness, relaxation, and events, Grant and Helen Walter Gerson envisioned a beautiful property where people could experience nature and leisure together. That’s when they created Calamigos Ranch, and for over 80 years, they’ve been creating stunning weddings and events.
Location: Malibu, CA
On the ‘gram: @calamigosevents
Zephyr Chicago – Ever wanted to get married in a former Ford factory? Well, you’re in luck at The Zephyr, where urban elegance meets industrial chic in this loft venue on Motor Row.
Location: Chicago, IL
On the ‘gram: @thezephyrchicago
Stonehouse Villa – Stonehouse Villa was created by interior designers that fell in love with Driftwood, TX, and its charming community. The beautiful solid limestone property combined with their unique design aesthetic contribute to a stunning rustic chic experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Location: Driftwood, TX
On the ‘gram: @stonehousevilla
Hall at Fauntleroy – Housed in a picturesque 1900s-era former schoolhouse, consider the Hall at Fauntleroy for your next Seattle-based event. Choose from several sophisticated event spaces or throw your event in their luscious outdoor space.
Location: Seattle, WA
On the ‘gram: @hallatfauntleroy
Custom wedding invitations online
Want your event venue to be the talk of the town, whether it’s a dreamy wedding venue or your local roller rink? Get your guests excited about your upcoming event with beautifully illustrated Save the Dates or custom-made wedding invitations from Paperless Post’s Personal Design Services team. They’ll take a photo of your venue and transform it into a unique and memorable digital card. You can even print a few of the cards as mementos with our print partner Paper Source.
Custom wedding venue illustration by Paperless Post Personal Design Services.
How to support LGBTQIA+-owned businesses
Wedding at Calamigos Ranch, image courtesy Calamigos Ranch and Marvin V Photography.
Small events vendors and businesses in the queer community need your support. Even if you can only hire one or two experts on this list, you can still show your support digitally. Here are a few ways to show your support:
— Make an effort to hire LGBTQIA businesses for all your events. Whether you’re throwing an annual gala or a backyard barbecue, hire LGBTQIA businesses as your vendors. The best way to make a difference for the queer community is by being a dedicated ally.
— Support them year-round. Pride doesn’t end with the month of June or when your next big event wraps up. Order an anniversary cake from a gay wedding cake designer, hire a genderqueer photographer to shoot your Christmas card photos, and more.
— If you’re not planning an event, spread the word. You probably have a friend or two planning a milestone moment like a big birthday party, wedding, or baby shower. Send them this list of LGBTQIA businesses with your favorites earmarked.
— If you can’t support them financially, find them online. You can support your favorite LGBTQIA business by following them on social media, reviewing them on Google or Yelp, and subscribing to their newsletter.
— Support the causes they care about. Many of the small businesses on our list have causes close to their hearts and missions that directly impact the LGBTQIA+ communities. If you don’t know where to start, some of our favorites are The Trevor Project, the ACLU, and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project.
Now, spread the love by supporting Black-owned wedding businesses we love, too.
Ready to kickstart the plans for your next big event? Paperless Post is a versatile option for all the moments that matter. Browse our newest collection of wedding invitations, birthday invitations, and more at paperlesspost.com.
