Looking for some rainbow wedding and elopement ideas? Read on! 

The rainbow flag has been an iconic symbol in the queer community since the 1970’s, and it continues to evolve over time into both new versions of the rainbow flag, as well as pride flags specific to various LGBTQIA+ groups (lesbian flag, trans flag, nonbinary flag, etc.). 

Regardless of which flag aligns with your identity, read below for iconic ways to incorporate these flags into your pride into your rainbow wedding or elopement day. 

Note: Below I’m going to use rainbow/colorful as catch-all terms to include all flags – not just the original pride flag! 

1. Rainbow Wedding Invites/Save the Dates/Announcements 

If you choose to have guests, let them know the vibe from the very beginning with a rainbow-themed invitation suite. You could take this a step further and make your wedding/elopement website fit the theme as well.

Note: If you are eloping and choose not to invite any guests, elopement announcements are also a wonderful option for some rainbow stationery! Colorful digital invites or e-cards are great eco-friendly options! 

2. Rainbow Wedding Clothing and Accessories 

Accessories are keyyy to showing off your personal style on your wedding day! That makes accessories the perfect place to incorporate some color on your big day. 

Here are a few accessories where I think a pop of color fit just perfectly: 

1. Tie or bowtie 

2. Pocket square 

3. Socks

4. Cufflinks 

5. Jewelry (ring, necklace, bracelet, earrings)

6. Rainbow shoes (pattern or soles) 

7. Suit 

8. Bouquet

9. Dress accents (or the whole dress!!)

10. Colorful veil 

11. Colorful undies

12. Pronoun pins 

3. Rainbow Wedding Food and Drinks

And I don’t just mean a well balanced plate of fruits and veggies for color! 

When I think of colorful food on a wedding day, my mind automatically goes to the cake! There are so many options – rainbow/marble inside of the cake, rainbow accents in the icing, or if that isn’t really your style, maybe an LGBTQ affirming cake topper! 

And beyond the food – the drinks! Your favorite colorful cocktails can represent your pride on your big day. If you have more of a simple taste in drinks but still want to honor pride, then a great alternative to colorful cocktails is to stop and order drinks from an establishment that is openly LGBTQ-affirming.

Need help finding queer affirming vendors? Well, vetting local vendors is part of my job as your Tennessee elopement photographer! Learn more about the elopement experience here. 

4. Rainbow Wedding Decor 

Don’t you just love walking into a room or set-up bursting with color? Here are a few ways to incorporate rainbows into your decor! 

1. Colorful balloons

2. Colorful confetti 

3. Colorful smoke bombs 

4. Colorful ceremony backdrop 

5. Colorful photo booth opportunities 

6. Colorful flowers 

Okay, so this isn’t specifically rainbow, but it can be super powerful for a queer wedding to incorporate signing from Obergefell v. Hodges (the landmark decision from the Supreme Court that ruled that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right). 

5. Rainbow Pride Flag 

Just absolutely classic. The ULTIMATE way to incorporate color into your rainbow wedding/elopement! Whether you’re wrapped up in your flag with your love, are waving the flag around as you say “I do,” or if you simply have your flag hanging proudly during your ceremony, a pride flag always has your back. 

Non-rainbow Ways to Incorporate Pride into Your Wedding or Elopement

While rainbows are a beautiful and iconic symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, there are many other meaningful ways to incorporate pride into your wedding or elopement. 

One essential approach is to choose LGBTQ+ affirming vendors. From the florist to the caterer, working with vendors who understand and celebrate your identity can make your day feel even more special and supportive. 

Selecting an LGBTQ+ affirming venue or ceremony location can ensure a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for you and your guests. 

An LGBTQ+ affirming officiant can bring a deeper level of understanding and respect to your ceremony, helping to craft vows and rituals that resonate with your unique love story. 

Lastly, hiring an LGBTQ+ affirming photographer ensures that your moments are captured with sensitivity and appreciation for your journey, providing you with cherished memories that reflect your true selves. 

By incorporating these elements, you can create a wedding or elopement that not only celebrates your love but also honors your identity in every detail.

Your wedding or elopement is a celebration of your unique love story, and incorporating pride into your special day can make it even more meaningful. Whether you choose vibrant rainbows or subtle affirming touches, the important thing is to create a day that truly reflects who you are. From selecting LGBTQ+ affirming vendors and venues to adding colorful, personal touches, there are countless ways to infuse your celebration with pride and joy.

Ready to start planning your unforgettable rainbow wedding or elopement? Contact me today to learn more about how I can help you design a day that is uniquely yours. Let’s create a celebration that honors your love and showcases your pride in every beautiful detail. Reach out today to learn more about my elopement experience and how I can help you create the intimate, colorful celebration of your dreams. 

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