Catalyst Wedding Co.
Vendor Statement of Values

At Catalyst Wedding Co., we believe the wedding industry has the power to create change, affirm identity, and celebrate love in all its forms.

As a member of the Catalyst community, you are not just advertising on a directory; you are becoming part of a movement committed to building a more inclusive, equitable, and affirming wedding industry. Our platform exists to center queer couples, champion progressive values, and support vendors who believe that weddings should reflect authenticity over tradition, individuality over expectation, and community over competition.

By joining Catalyst Wedding Co., I agree to uphold the following values in my business, my client experience, and my participation in this community:

1. I commit to affirming and celebrating queer love.

I understand that Catalyst is a queer-centered platform, and I actively welcome, affirm, and celebrate LGBTQ+ couples and communities.

This means:

  • I use inclusive language in my marketing and communication

  • I avoid assumptions around gender, identity, or relationship structure

  • I will accommodate specific needs for queer clients (e.g., gender-neutral bathrooms)

  • creating an environment where queer couples feel safe, respected, and supported.

2. I commit to anti-racism and active equity work.

Catalyst believes that inclusion without anti-racism is incomplete. I understand that racism, both systemic and interpersonal, continues to shape the wedding industry and the experiences of couples and vendors alike. As a Catalyst vendor, I commit to actively identifying and dismantling bias in my business practices, language, hiring, partnerships, and client experience.

I will take steps to examine my own privilege and blind spots, listening to and learning from historically marginalized communities, creating safer and more equitable spaces for BIPOC clients and vendors, and understanding that anti-racism is ongoing work. I acknowledge that silence maintains systems; action changes them.

3. I commit to operating through a feminist and justice-driven lens.

I believe weddings should challenge outdated norms. I will actively work to dismantle harmful industry standards rooted in sexism, racism, ableism, fatphobia, transphobia, and other forms of exclusion. I understand that inclusivity requires continual learning, humility, and intentional action.

4. I commit to ongoing education and accountability.

Being an inclusive vendor is not a one-time declaration but is an ongoing responsibility.

I commit to:

  • continuing my education around equity, accessibility, and inclusive business practices

  • receiving feedback with openness

  • being accountable when mistakes are made

  • and making meaningful changes when growth is needed.

Progress matters more than perfection. We all agree to hold each other accountable through community and conversation. 

5. I commit to serving all clients with dignity and respect.

Every couple deserves to feel valued, heard, and celebrated. I will approach every client relationship with professionalism, compassion, and respect, honoring each couple’s identity, culture, values, and lived experience. No client should ever feel like they need to shrink themselves to fit into my process.

6. I commit to approaching conflict with curiosity, humility, and care.

Community requires accountability and care.  When conflict arises, I commit to engaging with curiosity rather than confrontation. I will seek to understand before reacting, listen before defending, and prioritize repair over blame.

This means:

  • assuming good intent while remaining accountable for the impact my actions have

  • staying open to difficult conversations

  • addressing concerns directly and respectfully

  • recognizing that discomfort can be part of growth

Catalyst is building a community, but we are all imperfect, and that requires all of us to practice empathy and emotional responsibility.

7. I commit to collaboration over competition.

Catalyst is rooted in community. I believe there is enough room for all of us to succeed, and I will engage with fellow vendors in ways that are respectful, collaborative, and supportive. I will contribute positively to this community and help cultivate a culture of generosity, mentorship, and shared growth.

8. I commit to ethical business practices.

I will operate my business with honesty, transparency, and integrity.

This includes:

  • honoring contracts and commitments,

  • communicating clearly and professionally,

  • treating clients, peers, and partners fairly,

9. I commit to supporting Catalyst’s mission beyond visibility.

Joining Catalyst is not simply a marketing opportunity. It is a partnership in building a better industry. I understand that by being part of this platform, I am helping support a broader mission: educating vendors, advocating for queer couples, creating community, and giving back through initiatives like The Big Queer Wedding. I am proud to be part of that work. By joining Catalyst Wedding Co., I affirm that I align with these values and will actively work to uphold them in my business and within this community.

I understand that Catalyst reserves the right to remove vendors whose conduct, business practices, or public actions do not align with these principles. Together, we create change and can be the catalyst for a stronger industry.