It’s been almost a year since we kicked off this project. Life (so much life) and other big work and big projects filled our brains, but on the first day of spring, it felt like the right moment to share the report from last year’s survey. We’ve spent countless hours listening, compiling, and thinking about what inclusion in wedding media really looks like. Today, we’re finally sharing it, and we hope it sparks ideas, conversations, and maybe even a little change.

What does inclusion in wedding media really look like? In 2024, we asked the people at the heart of the industry to provide insights. This is what they said.

Last year, in the middle of Polka Dot Wedding’s ongoing mission to build a more inclusive publication, I took a step back. Not to pause the work; but to think even deeper about how we measure its value. We’ve never wanted to create in a bubble. I believe that media – including wedding publications – should reflect the audience that engages with it. For couples dreaming, planning, and looking for aspirational content about planning celebrations that feel “just like them” – if they can’t see themselves in the stories we tell – then something’s missing.

That’s why we launched the State of Wedding Media survey. We sought to better understand who is being seen across the industry, and who isn’t. For all our efforts towards inclusion, we knew we couldn’t assume we were getting it right. We had to ask. This report is our way of listening – and calling upon other publications to do the same.

Our hope is that it helps all of us – publishers, vendors, advertisers and creatives – keep moving in a direction that’s more inclusive, more intentional, and more honest. Because positive progress only happens if we ask the hard questions first.

The Role Of Wedding Media

If one thing was clear from our survey responses, it’s that wedding media carries real weight. For many couples, this is where the event planning journey begins. It’s a space they turn to, not only for ideas but, often for validation of their choices. Visibility doesn’t just help couples plan. It helps them to stretch their imaginations as to what’s possible.

“Couples look to media for ideas, inspiration and at times, validation,” wrote one respondent. “That’s a huge responsibility, and media channels need to be more respectful and responsible for the part they play.”

Others put it plainly, “Wedding media should be a true representation of our population and couples who get married as a bare minimum.” Another said, “You cannot be what you cannot see.” That message appeared again and again – a frustration not only with exclusion, but with the consequences of that exclusion. If the people featured all look the same, act the same, and fit the same mould, what message does that send to everyone else?

Some respondents saw wedding media not just as a reflection of the broader wedding industry, but as its driver. “Media need to take responsibility for the huge influence they have,” said one participant. “They should be trend setters and lead by example.” Another urged, “Start representing differences so that it becomes the norm.”

This isn’t just about providing diverse imagery; it’s about was about recognition. About shifting a landscape that still centres standard-sized, white, cisgender, heterosexual couples. “There should be no mean girl attitude around who can get married where or wear what,” said one person. “Everyone can be married. Everyone.”

Others pointed to the pressure of perfection, asking for wedding media to “mix more of the real into the staged.” This desire isn’t to reject celebration or beauty; it’s about expanding the definition of what that means. As one respondent put it, “Just show everyday people. Not totally made up and ‘perfect’.”

This feedback wasn’t simply critical. It was hopeful. Respondents wanted the media to lead, not follow. To normalise differences. To create spaces where couples from all backgrounds can feel like their stories belong. “It’s paramount,” said one person, “you’re who couples look to for currency.”

And that’s the point. Visibility in wedding media doesn’t just shape aesthetics. It shapes a sense of belonging.

Who Gets Seen In Wedding Media?

To understand perceptions surrounding representation, we asked a series of related questions. How well is diversity in relationships represented? Which identities are most often left out? How often do people actually see themselves reflected?

The answers revealed a pattern of exclusion that remains frustratingly predictable.

When asked to rank how well different types of couples are represented, one result stood out: cisgender, white, heterosexual couples were seen as well or very well represented. Every other identity group trailed behind.

LGBTQIA+ couples, interracial couples, and those from different cultural or religious backgrounds were rated as moderately represented.

At the other end of the spectrum, couples with disabilities, those with a significant age gap, and neurodivergent couples were almost universally marked as poorly or very poorly represented.

We also asked which aspects of diversity people felt were most underrepresented. Six identities consistently rose to the top: plus-size people, disabled people, non-binary or trans individuals, older couples, neurodivergent people, and BIPOC couples. In open responses, people also cited cultural and religious diversity, financial class, and varied family structures.

When we asked how often people felt they saw these groups, the answers confirmed their absence. Most said they rarely or never saw non-binary individuals, neurodivergent couples, or disabled people in wedding content. More than 75% said they seldom saw plus-size couples or those over 50. While LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC couples were slightly more visible, many noted that representation remained surface-level and highly curated.

One respondent wrote, “You cannot be what you cannot see.” Another added, “Wedding media should be a true representation of our population and couples who get married as a bare minimum.”

A plus-size bride shared, “My partner and I are both plus-size, and I’ve had to dig so deep to find even a handful of real weddings that reflect our body types.” Another added simply, “There’s almost no representation of brides like me in wedding media.”

Together, the responses told a clear story: wedding media still reflects a narrow view of who weddings are for. And for many, that means their stories are left out.

When You Don’t See Yourself

We asked two connected questions: Have you ever felt excluded or alienated by wedding media? And how does lack of representation affect couples planning their weddings?

The answers were often deeply personal. Many said they felt pushed to the margins, either because of who they were or the type of wedding they wanted to have.

“There seems to be this ‘perfectionism’ about weddings,” said one respondent. “I don’t see myself or my values reflected in that.”

Age was a recurring theme. “I find it extremely ageist,” said one person. “Yes – I am not in my 20s and I don’t fit into the aesthetic that’s always pushed,” added another. Others pointed to culture, religion, disability, body size and style. A celebrant shared, “I’m 4’10, overweight, and have visible disabilities. You rarely see people like me represented anywhere in the industry.”

Even those who hadn’t personally felt excluded still saw the problem. “Not specifically, but I feel for the above identities. They deserve to be seen.”

This exclusion didn’t just shape how people felt – it shaped how they planned. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they had struggled to find wedding inspiration that reflected their identity.

A hijabi bride shared, “There’s almost no representation of brides like me in wedding media.”

Others said they didn’t know where to begin. “We don’t see ourselves in wedding media, so it’s hard to know where to start. It makes the planning process overwhelming.” One added, “Every time I looked for wedding inspiration, it felt like it wasn’t meant for people like us.”

The Stereotypes That Need To Go

We asked what stereotypes or assumptions wedding media should challenge. The answers were emphatic and consistent.

Many pointed to the dominance of a single aesthetic: thin, white, straight, cisgender, able-bodied couples with large budgets. “White cis and hetero couples that are skinny and good-looking seem to be the norm,” one person said. Another shared, “You don’t have to be young or white or blonde. You don’t need a lot of money or to be obsessed with being Insta-worthy to have a beautiful wedding.”

There was frustration with the idea of the “perfect” bride. “That you have to be a skinny, white bride to be beautiful,” one person wrote. Others called out the pressure to lose weight, to look flawless, or to meet unrealistic beauty standards. Instead, they asked to see real people, real bodies, and a broader expression of beauty.

It wasn’t just about appearances. Respondents also pushed back on assumptions about what weddings must be. “It doesn’t need to cost a fortune,” said one. “Some of the best weddings are in the backyard with friends and family.” Another said, “The energy and priorities should be on people and relationships, not being pretty all day.”

Relationship assumptions came up, too. One vendor recalled, “My partner was called my dad at a venue tour. Just stop making assumptions.” Another said, “I went to a foster home. Not everyone can have toasts or the walk down the aisle. It’s not that simple.”

In short: people want wedding media to broaden its lens. To move beyond fantasy and into something real.

The Impact of Inclusion on Vendor Trust

We asked how comfortable people felt reaching out to wedding vendors they’d seen in the media. Most said they felt okay doing so, but many added caveats.

That hesitation often came down to trust. Respondents said they looked for signs of inclusion before making contact. Some checked Instagram or websites for signs a vendor had worked with queer couples, disabled people, or folks in larger bodies. Others felt judged in the past.

“We’ve been misgendered more than once. It makes you cautious,” said one.

These small signs of representation matter. They shape whether a couple feels welcome or walks away before even saying hello.

When We Get It Right

While much of the survey focused on what’s missing, we also asked about positive experiences – moments when people felt seen, welcomed, or simply included without fanfare. And while most said there’s still a long way to go, some respondents were able to point to the changes they’ve noticed.

Several shared examples of seeing real weddings published where representation felt natural and sincere: couples in larger bodies, older couples, queer partners, disabled brides and grooms, and blended families – shown not as exceptions, but as part of the fabric of wedding culture. What stood out was the tone. These weren’t performative posts or relegated to themed “special” issues. They were celebrations of real love, told with care.

Others highlighted vendors whose online presence quietly modelled what inclusion can look like. One respondent noted, “Larger size models and gender diverse reps.” Another said, “We have had weddings with disabled bride and groom and couples of all shapes and sizes.” These weren’t always heavily captioned or hashtagged. That’s what made them powerful. They were visible without being singled out.

There was also appreciation for businesses and media outlets that have made small but consistent shifts – in language, casting, styling, or the range of people they show. While LGBTQIA+ inclusion was the most commonly recognised, several respondents noted that it no longer felt like a novelty, but a baseline. One put it this way: “It’s better than it was five years ago. We just need more of it.”

The strongest examples had something in common: they didn’t treat diversity as a headline. It wasn’t the theme. It was simply present, quietly reshaping what normal looks like.

What Wedding Media Can Do Better

We asked what wedding media should do to better promote diversity and inclusion. The responses were full of clear, practical ideas.

People want to see real stories. Not once a year during a themed issue (i.e. around Pride Month) but consistently, across all types of content. “Feature a wedding each week that showcases an intersectionally diverse couple,” said one respondent. “Don’t wait for special weeks to showcase these weddings. It should be standard.”

They want representation that reflects a broader spectrum of identity and experience. Older couples. Interabled couples. People marrying later in life or for the second time. Cultural and religious diversity. Queer and trans love stories. Neurodivergent planning journeys. All of it.

One person said, “Show everyday people. Not totally made up and perfect.” Another added, “Do stories on a couple with Down syndrome, or a woman over 50 remarrying after loss. Stories people can connect with.”

Language matters too. Respondents called for more gender-neutral language, a shift away from terms like “bridal party” and “bride tribe,” and greater acknowledgement that not everyone fits into those labels.

Styled shoots came up repeatedly. “Broaden who gets featured in styled shoots,” said one respondent. “Use different body types, different cultures, different abilities.”

And above all, people want sincerity. “Don’t make a big deal out of it,” said one person. “It can come across as performative. Just treat everyone equally.”

What Couples Need From Wedding Media

When asked what would help readers plan a wedding that reflects their identity; couples were clear. They want inspiration, yes – but more importantly, they want affirmation.

They asked for vendor directories that are genuinely inclusive. Planning content that reflects diverse lived experiences. Regional coverage that doesn’t centre only on big cities. And social content that shows more than one version of beauty, love or family.

Some were specific: a hub for inclusive weddings. Resources for people with ADHD. Guides that display what inclusion actually looks like, not just what it’s supposed to feel like.

One person said it simply: “An accurate representation of the world we live in would be a great start.”

What Vendors Told Us

When we turned the focus to vendors, the honesty continued. These are the people behind the scenes, and they had a lot to say about what helps – and what holds them back.

Some felt invisible. “The highest profile media only show a very specific type of vendor,” said one. “It’s almost like a trend popularity contest.”

Others mentioned ageism. “Younger couples and vendors look at older celebrants and look away,” one shared.

Many vendors talked about the effort it takes to shift habits. “It took me a long time to change my brain into coming up with gender-neutral terms as the first port of call,” said one. Another added, “Over the past seven years, I’ve changed my language, both written and spoken.”

Others are still learning. “I want my business to be welcoming to all couples,” said one vendor. “But it’s hard to know where to start when there’s little industry-wide guidance.”

Some mentioned deeper needs, like understanding how to work respectfully with deaf, blind or neurodivergent couples. Or figuring out how to reflect current inclusive values when your portfolio is built from older weddings that no longer reflect those values.

What Vendors Need

So, what would help?

Vendors asked for real, practical tools. “It would help to have guides that outline how different cultures, religions and sexualities celebrate weddings,” one said. Another added, “I want to be inclusive, but I also want to be respectful. I don’t want to get it wrong.”

They want examples, checklists, templates – not abstract ideas, but tangible resources. But concrete ideas they can use. Some suggested cheat sheets for language swaps, or a running list of do’s and don’ts for communication. Others hoped for communities where they could ask questions safely.

“Having a network of inclusive vendors and a platform to share diverse content would be a game changer,” said one. Another added, “It’s great to have a community that will respectfully help when you need specific wording or guidance.”

The message was consistent: the will is there. What vendors need is support.

Where Do We Go From Here?

This report isn’t a conclusion. It’s a checkpoint, a moment to take stock of where we are and where we need to go next.

The message from our respondents was clear: wedding media holds power. It shapes who feels seen, who feels welcome, and who gets to imagine their love story celebrated.

There is progress. But there is still work to do.

We need to centre the stories that are too often left out. That means giving space to weddings involving older couples, LGBTQIA+ relationships, disabled and neurodivergent people, people in larger bodies, people of colour, and couples from a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds. These weddings are happening. They need to be visible.

We also need to think more critically about who gets to tell these stories. Inclusion isn’t just about who is in front of the camera. It’s also about who is shaping the vision behind the scenes. When we work with a broader mix of creatives and let their perspectives lead, the industry grows.

Representation is not a box to tick. It is about expanding the definition of what a wedding can be. Moving beyond a narrow aesthetic and embracing the richness of real love, in all its forms, budgets, bodies and traditions.

This isn’t just theory. It means investing in better tools: inclusive language guides, directories that help couples find values-aligned vendors, and platforms that elevate underrepresented voices. These are the foundations for change.

We’re not finished. But we’re committed. We will keep asking hard questions. We will keep making space. And we will keep learning from the people whose voices have too often been left out.

If you work in wedding media, ask yourself: who are you centring? Who is missing? And what will you do differently next week, next month, next year?

Inclusion is not a media trend. It is our collective responsibility. And it starts with the stories we choose to tell.

We’ll keep doing the work. We hope you will too.

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