Category Archive

industry insiders

The Offbeat Wed community includes hundreds of inclusive wedding industry pros who are all working to change the cynical, exploitative nature of the mainstream Wedding Industrial Complex. We invite our awesome offbeat vendor friends to share their industry insider tips with us and our readers — together we can change the wedding industry to be more inclusive, more offbeat, and more awesome! (If you’re an offbeat vendor, let’s get you in here!)

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Weddings as Wealth Redistribution: How Your Budget Can Empower Marginalized Communities

Your wedding budget isn’t just an expense… it’s power. Instead of pouring money into corporations and status quo vendors, what if your big day could be an act of wealth redistribution? By intentionally hiring BIPOC, queer, and disabled-owned businesses, you can turn your wedding into an investment in equity. Let’s talk about it.

2025 weddings decoded: trends, truths, and spicy secrets

Some of our favorite industry insiders dish about what they’re seeing in weddings this year. A peek? In 2025, folks are ditching outdated norms for a fresher, more intentional vibe. Couples are skipping the lavish affairs for smaller, meaningful celebrations, while ceremonies now embrace personal flair and equality. Sustainability is non-negotiable, and cost concerns fuel creativity. And we’re all SUPER over “rainbow-washing.”

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Offbeat Wed in The Guardian: Gen Z says weddings should be cheaper. Here’s how to make that happen

The Guardian asked Suki to write an article about the rise of low-key weddings amongst Gen Z. This new trend is emerging as the average wedding cost in the U.S. balloons between 30-40k. With a growing search for “simple weddings” and “nontraditional ceremonies,” that means Suki got to talk about her two favorite things: nontraditional wedding ceremonies and saving money! Don’t miss the examples from real weddings that nailed the low-key wedding assignment.

JC Lemon Photography seen in the New York Times as seen on Offbeat Wed. scaled e1692223263891

Offbeat Wed in the New York Times: How to Find Wedding Vendors That Celebrate Inclusion

I was interviewed recently for a story in the New York Times about how to find inclusive wedding vendors who align with your values. I hate that the 2023 Supreme Court ruling made this issue something that we need to talk about, but I’m honored to get to speak up on behalf of those of us in the wedding industry willing to take a strong stance around inclusivity.