Happy Pride Month!

How is it already June?! We have had a busy couple of months here at The Derby Conference Centre, and as always let us all come together and say a huge congratulations to, the new Mr & Mrs Sullivan who celebrated their wedding with us in April, and our May weddings, the new Mr & Mrs Allen and Mr & Mrs Roots, who celebrated their wedding days in our beautiful wedding space.

Did you know June is international pride month? Did you also know that in England same-sex weddings was illegal up until 2014 – that is only 8 years ago! While big improvements have been made, there are still lots to be done – especially when it comes to the wedding industry!

Despite marriage equality, the wedding industry is notorious for still using phrases like “bride and groom”, “bridal suite”, “bridal party”, “groomsmen” and a lot of other old phrases which turns LGBTQ couples away.

Getting married should be a happy occasion filled with love. Personally, I believe it is important we recognise that it is not a gay wedding but simply a wedding; a celebration of two peoples love for each other.

In March we spoke about how to reduce stress during wedding planning, and while LGBTQ couples face the same stress triggers as straight couples, they also have the added stress of feeling like they can be themselves with all their suppliers.

This month will see lots of colourful parades, demonstrations, and fights for LGBTQ+ rights – we are here to say we support you; we love you and we hope to see you celebrate your wedding with us!

When you book a wedding with us, here’s what you need to know.

Travel Proud Accredited

In 2021 we were travel proud accredited. An accreditation which helps LGBTQ+ people travel with confidence knowing that you will be going to a venue that welcomes you as you! We are committed to offering inclusive hospitality for our LGBTQ+ guests. Everyone is welcome and free to be themselves at the DCC, no matter who they are or who they love.

Bespoke packages

We pride ourselves on offering flexibility when it comes to your wedding day. We create bespoke packages that resonate with you, your partner and all your wishes for your special day.

We know a lot of same-sex couples prefer to leave the old traditions behind and create their own new traditions – whatever your wishes are, we are here to make all your dreams come true.

Suppliers

Our all-inclusive packages means we work with several suppliers to create your day, and we are confident that our current suppliers are LGBTQ friendly. We are always on the lookout for new suppliers, and it is important to us that the businesses we work with on behalf of our couples, support inclusivity and welcome all our couples wishes whatever they may be.

What is next?

Within the Derby Conference Centre’s wedding team, we are fully aware that we still have a lot of work to do, to make all our couples feel welcome. So, during the month of June, we will be taking a hard look at our wedding brochures and website to ensure we are known to be a gay friendly wedding venue.

I have said it before, and I will say it again – we LOVE love! And we love to see our couples tie the knot surrounded by family and friends. We welcome anyone looking to get married and celebrate their love.

Enquire for your wedding here.