Your wedding should be a reflection of who you are as a couple and for LGBTQ+ couples across Ohio, Pride Month is the perfect time to spotlight authenticity, love, and joyful self-expression. Whether you are planning your wedding in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo, or a charming rural town in between, we’ve rounded up colorful, meaningful Pride-inspired wedding ideas to help you plan a day that feels uniquely you.
From invitations to attire, ceremonies to cocktails, these tips go beyond the rainbow offering inspiration for creating a celebration filled with purpose, personality, and of course, pride.
The Invitations: Set the Tone Early
Start with inclusive and colorful wedding invitations that reflect your relationship and identity. When choosing how to title your invitations, use inclusive language like “Together with their families,” “Partners in love,” or “The wedding of [Name] and [Name].” As you decide on the artwork of your invitation, choose something that reflects your story. Whether you choose to go for bold rainbow accents or simple watercolor washes, your invitations give your guests a great feel for you as a couple. If you want a truly personalized touch, consider working with Ohio-based stationers or artists who specialize in LGBTQ+ wedding stationary.
Attire That Honors You
Gone are the days of strict dress codes and gendered traditions. Your wedding attire should celebrate your identity that feels right for you and your partner. Whether that means a tux and gown, two suits, two dresses, or a jumpsuit and sneakers, the key is authenticity. Some couples add rainbow elements like socks, shoes, jewelry, or jacket linings as a subtle nod to Pride. For a fully affirming experience, seek out inclusive bridal and formalwear boutiques in cities like Cleveland, Dayton, or Toledo that understand the needs of LGBTQ+ clients. Your wedding party can also get in on the fun with coordinated looks in color gradients or tones that reflect the Pride flag or other identity flags.
Ceremonies with Symbolism
The ceremony is at the heart of your wedding day and there are many ways to make it meaningful. Writing your own vows is a powerful way to share your journey and express your identity as a couple. Adding a reading or a poem by an LGBTQ+ author or activist, such as Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, or Andrea Gibson, adds emotional depth. Unity rituals can be customized with rainbow sand blending, candle lighting, or wrapping a Pride flag. Don’t be afraid to let your officiant share a brief statement about the significance of your celebration. All across the state of Ohio, there are many LGBTQ+ affirming officiants who can help you craft a deeply personal and inclusive ceremony.
Reception Décor that Pops
Your reception decor can be a vibrant celebration of love whether you go full rainbow or opt for a more understated approach. Think rainbow floral centerpieces, multi color table settings, or venue up-lighting that reflects pride-themed hues. Some couples include quotes about love and equality on signage, or display a relationship timeline that highlights meaningful milestones. Photobooths are a great way to bring fun with props, affirming signs, and pride-themed backdrops. Signature drink menus offer another creative outlet, with colorful cocktails or frozen mocktails. There are many mobile bar vendors in Ohio that can help you bring that vision to life.
Entertainment that Represents
Ohio is full of talented LGBTQ+ DJs, bands, and drag performers who can bring both personality and inclusivity into your reception. Hiring a drag queen as an MC or performer can elevate your cocktail hour or dinner entertainment. You can also curate a music playlist that includes LGBTQ+ artists like Frank Ocean, Janelle Monae, Sam Smith, or Hayley Kiyoko. Including a meaningful first dance song that reflects your relationship adds a personal touch.
Cakes & Treats with a Purpose
Desserts are a sweet way to incorporate pride without sacrificing style. Many couples opt for wedding cakes with rainbow interiors or subtle decorations like sugar flag toppers. A dessert table with offerings from multiple LGBTQ+-owned Ohio bakeries adds variety and heart to your celebration. You can also label treats with love-centric phrases or playful LGBTQ+ references for an added layer of fun. Showcasing sweet shops from across Ohio can create a statewide flavor profile your guests will remember.
Capture the Love
Photography plays a big role in how your wedding day is remembered, so choose a photographer who understands your vision. LGBTQ+ photographers or those with experience capturing queer weddings often know how to spotlight meaningful moments while honoring your identities. Don’t forget to request detailed shots of small pride touches like socks, signage, and emotional guest reactions. You will find great photographers all across Ohio!
Showing Pride Without the Rainbow
Not every couple wants rainbow-themed decor and that is perfectly okay. Pride is ultimately about authenticity, not a specific color scheme. If you want to keep things more subtle, choose a wedding palette that reflects your story, such as the shades of a specific identity flag or colors tied to a personal memory. Incorporate literature, song lyrics, or quotes by LGBTQ+ authors into your signage or ceremony. Supporting LGBTQ+ vendors in your planning process is another deeply meaningful way to reflect your values. You can also design unique rituals, name your signature drinks after queer icons, or wear subtle accessories that reflect your identity. The important thing is to stay true to yourselves.
Celebrate with Community
Pride is about more than just rainbows, it’s about visibility, community, and the ongoing journey for equality. You can make your wedding part of a larger movement by including a donation to an Ohio-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit in lieu of favors. After the big day, making a social media post tagging all of the LGBTQ+ affirming vendors that you used will help guide others who are in their wedding planning journey.
Love Loud, Love Proud, Love Ohio
At Devoted Ohio, we believe love is love and we are proud to support all couples on their journey to “I do.” Whether your wedding is full of rainbow glam or filled with quiet meaningful symbolism, your love story deserves to be seen, celebrated and supported. Whether you are planning a wedding in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo, or anywhere else across the state of Ohio, explore our growing directory of wedding vendors and let your celebration be a true reflection of who you are.
Happy Pride and happy planning!
