Celebrating Queer Joy: The LGBTQ+ Wedding Planner Redefining the Big Day
Wedding planner Oliver Stanton shares his journey, insights on LGBTQ+ inclusion, and how he helps couples break free from wedding traditions to celebrate love authentically
Living and working in the stunning Gloucestershire countryside, Oliver Stanton brings creativity, authenticity, and a proudly inclusive approach to every wedding he plans. With the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley, Brecon Beacons, and Cotswolds on his doorstep, Oliver’s passion for beautiful locations and meaningful celebrations shines through in every detail.
Redefining the Traditional Wedding for Queer Couples
As a wedding planner and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Oliver is tuned in to the challenges faced by many queer couples as they try and plan a wedding that is true to who they are, and he is passionate about reshaping the traditional wedding format to make it truly inclusive.
Finding His Way in Weddings
Starting out as a music student in Birmingham, Oliver first stepped into weddings as a performer, earning extra cash during his studies.
After graduating, he continued working full-time as a musician, before making the leap into wedding coordination at a venue in Warwickshire. “I worked there for just over a year and a half, and it gave me invaluable experience on how wedding days are run,” he shares.
Last year, Oliver took the exciting step of going freelance, allowing him to progress further as a wedding planner on his own terms.
What Pride Means to Oliver
For Oliver, Pride is all about authenticity and self-expression. “I love it when people are unapologetically themselves, whether that’s loud and proud or very reserved,” he says.
His advice? “Just be you, Queen.”
Navigating Bias & Celebrating Queer Joy
Oliver has noticed that LGBTQIA+ couples are often boxed into simplistic assumptions - like assuming all lesbian couples follow the same dynamics or overlooking bisexual identities. “People will often see bisexuality as something you only are when you’re single, and then when you get into a relationship, suddenly you’re gay or straight. But bisexuality is still a part of who you are,” he explains.
His own identity shapes his attitude toward planning: “Screw everyone else, just do what you want. And I take this very seriously.” That mindset helps his couples celebrate in ways that feel true to them, rather than conforming to outdated traditions.
Small Language Shifts That Make a Big Difference
One of Oliver’s biggest wishes for the wedding industry is better, more inclusive language.
He points out how often terms like “bride and groom” are used as generic defaults, when “couple” would be more inclusive. “When showing non-hetero couples around a venue, you need to ask extra questions to get the full picture,” he explains.
For example, asking, “Are you both planning on doing an aisle walk?” shows awareness and respect.
Adapting and Rewriting Traditions
Oliver loves reimagining traditional setups with his couples. One idea that really stuck with him? Creating a ceremony space with two aisles, so both partners can walk toward each other without seeing one another beforehand.
“I don’t know how this would work logistically,” he muses, “but I think it’s important to do what feels right for your relationship.” The key is being open to concepts that go beyond the original - and often restrictive - traditions weddings are built on.
Advice for Queer Couples Planning a Wedding
Oliver’s advice is simple but empowering: “Traditions are always optional. Feel free to question why we do certain things the way we do - and if that’s not for you, then change or scrap it.”
What’s Bringing Joy Right Now
Reflecting on his career shift, Oliver is filled with pride. “My work brings me so much joy,” he says. “I think about how far I’ve come as a planner in the last eight months and all the things I’ve learnt, and I’m very proud of that journey.”
If you want to find out more about Oliver and his work, you can here.
If you'd like to read more in our Celebrating Queer Joy series, you can browse the links below:
