Rethinking “Bridal”: Why We’re Opening Our Arms (and Directory) to More Inclusive Hair, Make-Up and Wedding Wear Suppliers

At Rebel Love Collective, we exist to challenge the status quo - to create space for every love story, every body, and every identity. That means always reflecting, listening, and evolving alongside the LGBTQ+ community we serve.

Over the last year, we’ve faced a tough question:Why are we struggling to fill our Directory and Wedding Fair with Hair, Make-Up Artists and Wedding Wear suppliers?

It wasn’t a lack of interest.It was our own strict vetting.

Until now, we’ve turned away many of these suppliers because of the use of “bride” or “bridal” in their business name or website copy - even if every other part of their brand was inclusive.

And while our intentions were rooted in wanting to create a gender-inclusive, safe space for all LGBTQ+ to-be-weds, we’ve come to realise something important: We were missing the nuance. And in doing so, we were unintentionally gatekeeping inclusion.

Featured: Rosie Roberts Beauty. Image Credit: Rebel Love Club

Listening to Our Community First

So we did what we always do - we turned to you.

Over the past 12 months, we’ve asked our LGBTQ+ audience how they feel about working with suppliers who use gendered terms like “bride” or “bridal” but are otherwise inclusive in practice. The responses were mixed, thoughtful, and honest.

The strongest takeaway?

“It’s not ideal, but if the supplier is genuinely inclusive, then we would still work with them.”

And we also heard something deeply affirming:

For Trans women, being referred to as a bride - when they identify that way - can actually be a beautiful and validating experience.

So, What’s Changing?

Moving forward, Rebel Love Collective will begin accepting Hair, Make-Up Artists, and Wedding Wear suppliers into the Rebel Love Directory and as Wedding Fair exhibitors even if they use the term “bride” or “bridal” - as long as they meet the following criteria:

✨ They actively identify as an LGBTQ+ ally or inclusive business

✨ They visibly display pronouns on their website and social bios and know how to use them correctly

✨ They use neutral, inclusive language like “wedding hair/make-up” or “wedding wear” alongside gendered terms

✨ They include a clear statement acknowledging their commitment to Trans and Non-Binary inclusion

✨ They showcase LGBTQ+ representation throughout their website, portfolio, and social media

✨ They are open to feedback and guidance, and don’t view inclusivity education as a personal attack, but as a helping hand to grow and improve

This isn’t about lowering the bar - it’s about expanding the table and making space for more people to join the movement towards a truly inclusive wedding industry.

Why It Matters

For too long, the wedding industry has centred around one narrative - white, cis and straight. We're here to break that mould. But we also know that not everyone starts from the same place, and language, branding, and industry expectations take time to unlearn and rework.

We believe that real inclusion doesn’t come from perfection - it comes from commitment, action, and community accountability.

By widening our criteria with care, we’re making it possible to:

• Give LGBTQ+ to-be-weds more choice (without compromising on safety or values)

• Help suppliers grow into better, more inclusive businesses

• Continue pushing the industry forward, together

TL;DR? We’re evolving. 🧡

We’re still vetting. We’re still holding a high standard.But we’re also making room for progress, and for people.

If you’re a supplier who wants to do better and be part of something bigger than yourself, our doors are open. Let’s keep building this radical, inclusive, love-filled world together.

Got questions? DM us. We’re always up for a cuppa and a chat.

Love, always,

The Rebel Love Collective Team