Words matter and have power. I will work to edit my language to be welcoming, not limiting, to all people.

CONVERSATION - I choose to actively speak up for equality and inclusivity to my employees, friends, family and strangers. If I hear a racist, homophobic, transphobic, size shaming, age discriminating or disability-based joke or remark, I will respond and stand up for those being targeted. I will correct misinformation when I hear it, and I will work to start new conversations around issues of social & environmental justice.

LANGUAGE - I will be more thoughtful to use inclusive language and terms in my everyday conversations, on my website, forms, contracts, and on all social media. I will focus on putting people first, not their characteristics, as we are more than our descriptors. I will use gender-neutral language in common phrases and job titles such as fireman/firefighter, policeman/police officer, salesman/salesperson, mailman/mail carrier, businessman/businessperson. I will replace the word bride/bridal with the word couple, when it is not specifically referring to a bride. I will edit my contracts to say client name(s) in place of bride and groom. I will rename my bridal suite to something more inclusive such as private room, getting ready room, green room. I will replace the words crazy, nuts, psycho and insane with worlds such as wild, confusing, unpredictable or impulsive. Words matter and have power, I will work to edit my language to be welcoming to all people and not limiting to some.

PRONOUNS - I will honor and normalize the use of people’s pronouns (She/Her, He/Him, They/Them, Ze/Hir, Ey/Em, Other). I will do this by asking, not assuming.

Our couples rely on us as the standard bearers of our industry. They trust our suggestions, and take them at face value. By implementing the following action steps into our businesses, we can change the was our industry does things:

* I will be proactive and intentional about recommending other vendors who are aligned with my values

* I will do my best to remove the following decor/materials from my business: single-use plastic, balloons, floral foam, etc.

* I will focus on circular decor that can be repurposed, recycled, or reused.

* I will use green energy whenever possible.

* I will prioritize procuring local produce and florals to cut down on carbon emissions from transport.

* I will do my best to compost and dispose of waste properly, including florals and food waste.

* I will make a plan to donate leftover food so nothing goes to waste.

* I will draft guidelines such as these to normalize these conversations with fellow business leaders and change makers in my industry.

I’ll use my available resources, both small and large, to demonstrate my support for marginalized communities & the environment in order to do my part in moving humanity forward and leaving a habitable planet for its future generations.

TIME - I will volunteer my time with organizations that uplift, empower and better the lives of those who have been marginalized by society.

MONEY - When possible, I will make financial contributions to causes and organizations that are aiding the environment & supporting, uplifting and empowering marginalized communities. I will actively do my research and be intentional about what businesses I work with & support in my business and life, refusing to spend money at establishments/organizations who are known to harm the environment, or fund or support ableism, ageism, antisemitism, classism, homophobia, misogyny, queerphobia, racism, sexism, sizeism, transphobia or xenophobia.

VOTES - I will actively learn about political candidates who are championing social & environmental justice in their policies from the local to the federal level. I will use my voting power to show support to the candidates who are working to better the lives of those who have been marginalized by society, and make the world a more just & habitable place for every living creature.

SOCIAL MEDIA - I will work to support, share and promote posts that encourage equality, diversity and inclusion. I will follow and engage with accounts that are different from me to better understand others in order to become a more informed global citizen.

HIRING - I will make every effort to consider BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) + LGBTQIAP (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual) people, people with disabilities, people of all sizes, ages, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions for any open position(s), including internships, in my company. Hiring the best person for the job is the goal, but I will be sure to advertise the position in places where a more diverse group of candidates are likely to see it and apply for it.

I will be thoughtful and intentional in the images I share on my website and all social media channels to include a diverse array of people, including all races, genders, ethnicities, sizes, abilities, sexualities and ages. If I do not have such images, I will work thoughtfully and genuinely to get them via a styled shoot or by volunteering my services at an organization serving marginalized communities. When casting for my styled shoots, I will only utilize real couples who are in love, and not tokenize (make a symbolic effort to be inclusive) my models.

I will attend webinars, workshops, talks and trainings on diversity and inclusion. I am committed to always learning and growing as a community member and global citizen.