The best wedding moments often happen when no one feels like a guest—they feel like they belong. That’s what inclusive pros make possible. In this edition, we asked 14 standout wedding professionals from across the country to share advice that helps couples plan with clarity, comfort, and community in mind. Their tips go beyond trends and focus on what makes a celebration truly connective.
See Past the Surface
“When touring venues, don’t just fall in love with the view. Ask about real scenarios—What happens in the rain? How do they handle diverse ceremonies? Have they hosted your kind of wedding before?” shares Kate Stevens of The Lake House Inn in Perkasie, PA. “It’s easy to get swept up in aesthetics. Look for depth—flexibility, overnight options, and a team that listens.”
Comfort Creates Connection
“Make accessibility part of your walk-through,” urges Greg Carlyle of the Millennium Event Center in Winston-Salem, NC. “Check for things like ramp access, clear signage, climate control, and restroom location. A venue should offer more than beauty—it should offer ease, for everyone attending.”
Make Music Personal, Not Just Popular
“Ask your DJ how they tailor moments, not just playlists,” says Aly Raddatz of Elevated Events in Algonquin, IL. “It’s not about what’s trending—it’s about what reflects you. From walk-ins to dance floor closers, the music should echo your story, your energy, and your values.”
Let Nature Lead
“In outdoor venues, timing and layout matter,” explains Katy Storry of At The Shire Tipis Weddings & Events in the Sam Houston National Forest, TX. “Use the light, terrain, and natural soundscape to your advantage. Nature is part of the ambiance, so plan your ceremony around it, not despite it.”
Make Your Ceremony Feel Like You
“Don’t settle for a generic script,” says Rev. Dr. Walter Hrycaj of Wah Joy, serving Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis, and beyond. “Ask your officiant how they’ll get to know you. A thoughtful ceremony comes from shared values and open dialogue, not a form letter.”
Design for Experience, Not Just Aesthetic
“It’s about how a space moves, not just how it looks in photos,” notes Kathy Gibson of Occasions at Laguna Village in Laguna Beach, CA. “Ask how guests flow from cocktail hour to reception. Do elders have shade? Can kids see the ceremony? Small adjustments lead to inclusive joy.”
Planning Is Personal—So Should Your Planner Be
“Ask your planner how they guide couples through complex dynamics or cultural traditions,” says Lisa Ivler of Lisa Ivler Events in Caldwell, NJ. “It’s about creating space for every story, not fitting into a template. Personal comfort lays the groundwork for genuine celebration.”
Sound Touches Everyone
“AV isn’t just tech—it’s emotional infrastructure,” says Matt Kays of Mountain Event Services, serving Fort Collins, Northern Colorado, and Southern Wyoming. “If your sound fails or guests can’t hear, the moment falls flat. Ask where mics and speakers will be—don’t assume.”
Give Guests Room to Breathe
“When your venue includes overnight stays, it adds calm to the whole weekend,” shares Becky Beeson of Experience Oakhaven near Greensboro, NC. “Guests can settle in, connect, and celebrate without stress. It turns a single day into a shared experience.”
Seamless Service, Deeper Meaning
“Ask how the planning, catering, and floral teams collaborate,” says Jeff Miller of Jeffrey A. Miller Hospitality Group, serving venues across PA, NJ, and DE. “When those pieces are aligned, it’s not just smoother—it’s more meaningful. Each element can amplify the other when designed together.”
Traditions Deserve Thought, Not Assumptions
“Ask your venue what they’ve learned from past multicultural weddings,” says Ian Dinnall of Sea Cliff Manor in Sea Cliff, NY. “A well-informed team will know how to respect tradition while accommodating logistics—and that makes a real difference in how your day feels.”
Language Matters—On and Off the Mic
“From bilingual MCs to culturally fluent music transitions, the delivery has to resonate,” explains Walter McClellan of Toast Entertainment, serving Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, South Texas, New Orleans, and Long Island, NY. “Ask your entertainment team how they’ll ensure every guest feels included.”
Flexibility Is the Best Amenity
“All-inclusive doesn’t mean inflexible,” says Cathie Ransom of Los Willows Wedding Estate in Fallbrook, CA. “Ask your venue if they allow tweaks—whether it’s moving a boat arrival to sunset or adding cultural rituals. The right team will say yes and help you make it yours.”
Every Bite Can Say ‘Welcome’
“Great food isn’t just about taste—it’s about care,” shares Peter Mitsaelides of Brooklake Events in Florham Park, NJ. “Ask how they manage dietary needs or cultural menus. A plate that respects your guests’ needs sends a powerful message of inclusion.”
Celebrating Belonging at Every Step
When you plan with purpose, your wedding becomes more than an event—it becomes a reflection of care, creativity, and community. These vendors aren’t just behind the scenes—they’re by your side, helping you design a day where everyone feels at home. That’s how unforgettable celebrations begin.
About the Author:
Brian Lawrence is a leading wedding industry consultant specializing in marketing, SEO, and website design. He champions inclusivity and accessibility, producing the 2025 Inclusive Wedding Summit and helping businesses better serve all couples.