Meet the Planner: Lynsey from Red Deer Weddings & Events
- Steff & Ells
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Creating Safe Spaces and Leaky Eyes in Bedfordshire
Welcome back to the Rebel Love blog! Today, we’re sitting down with Lynsey (she/her), the heart and soul behind Red Deer Weddings & Events. Based in Bedfordshire, Lynsey has built a planning business that isn’t just about spreadsheets and floor plans, it’s about radical inclusivity, putting love stories first, and ensuring that every couple and to-be-wed feels safe enough to be their authentic selves.
We caught up with Lynsey to chat about her journey from her own Civil Partnership to becoming a defender of diverse love stories.
Tell us a bit about Red Deer Events. What do you offer, and what makes your approach unique in the wedding world?
We’re a dedicated inclusive wedding planning service. We take the stress out of the process, guiding couples & to-be-weds from that very first spark of a vision to a flawless wedding day. We offer everything from full and partial planning to on-the-day coordination.
What makes us unique is the level of focus and attention we give to you. We want you to trust us to deliver your vision while we maintain the calm and prepare for every eventuality. We don’t just learn your timeline; we get to know you, your best friends, and your family. Honestly, by the end of the evening, you’ll usually find us on the dance floor getting the party started with you!
Your commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity is so central to what you do. What inspired that focus?
It’s personal. My own experience with my Civil Partnership in 2008, and then converting it into a marriage in 2015, gave me a really deep insight into what a wedding actually means. I’ve always been obsessed with weddings, but more importantly, I’m obsessed with each nearlywed's individual journey.
Professionally, I want to be my to-be-weds' biggest champion. I believe every love story deserves celebration, but I also know the industry can be a minefield. That’s why I only recommend vendors I know and trust, not those who use the word "inclusivity" like a tick box. It’s a core value that guides every decision we make, from the language we use to the suppliers we hire.
How do you practically ensure that experience feels welcoming and affirming for your nearlyweds?
It starts with the basics: we share our own pronouns and invite others to share theirs. We don't make assumptions in any of our correspondence. We also do the "behind the scenes" work - regularly reviewing our policies and refreshing our inclusivity training.
We make sure our website and social media represent diverse love stories, and we are always open to feedback. If there’s a way we can improve, we want to hear it.
Is there a specific moment from a wedding that has really stayed with you?
There is. I worked with a couple who were granted early access to their venue to set up together. We held a ceremony run-through with just a few loved ones sitting in the aisle. It started with laughter, but it shifted so quickly into deeply emotional, joyful tears as they spoke their "pretend" vows.
Even though they were unscripted, those words captured their love perfectly. It was that moment where they suddenly realised, "This is it. We are each other’s forever." It reminded me exactly why inclusive planning matters - it creates the safety for genuine emotion to flourish.
We love the vibe of your marketing! How do you approach representation in your imagery?
We intentionally showcase a spectrum of identities, relationships, and family structures. It’s important to us to tell real stories rather than relying on stereotypes. We also make a point of partnering with diverse vendors for our shoots to ensure the visuals reflect our actual commitment to the community.
What sets you apart as an inclusive supplier, and how do you want to-be-weds to feel when they work with you?
It’s that combination of calm, collaborative planning and a real, lived commitment to inclusion. From the very first "hello," I want nearlyweds to feel safe. I want them to know that I am there for their story and will do everything in my power to ensure they can be themselves and celebrate fully.
You’ve been in the industry a while - what challenges have you faced regarding inclusivity?
Where do I even begin? It’s incredibly frustrating to see well-known suppliers still using gendered phrases like "Calling all my brides." It’s exclusionary. I’ve made it my mission to call it out when I see it and advocate for better language across the board.
If you could give one piece of advice to other suppliers wanting to be more inclusive, what would it be?
Start listening and stop making assumptions. Educate yourself - do the training (Rebel Love can help with that!). And if you make a mistake, apologise, learn, and move on. Don’t over-dwell on it; that often makes the situation ten times worse for the other person(s).
What is your absolute favourite part of the wedding day?
It varies, but usually, it’s the speeches. They give such a beautiful insight into the newlyweds and the relationships they’ve built. Because I spend so much time getting to know their values and stories, it only takes one heartwarming anecdote for my eyes to start "leaking!"
Finally, tell us a fun fact about you that people might not expect!
Aside from being a planner, I’m also a foster carer! And at home, I’m kept busy by two Ragdoll cats and a miniature Dachshund named Bertie.
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