Planning a wedding when you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community can come with a lot of questions, so asked Veronica Brend of Veronica Rose Planning, a queer-owned wedding planning and coordination company, to address common questions and pitfalls — as well as some recommendations to plan your big day.
Who is Veronica Rose Planning?
A longtime veteran of the service industry, Brend completed culinary school and began working in wedding catering. While working one particular wedding and watching as the bridesmaids scooped up mason jars off tables at the end of the event, helping the bride pack up the venue, a vision was born. Specializing in couples with mid-range budgets, Brend knew everyone deserved the service of being catered to, where all guests could enjoy the special day to the last minute.
“I like to think about things couples wouldn’t necessarily think of themselves,” says Brend. “And couples really appreciate the service on their wedding day.”
Today, Veronica Rose Planning is a small but mighty team, coordinating and planning up to three weddings a weekend – 45 total for 2025. At first, it was acquaintances and friends who took a chance on Brend, but now it isn’t unusual for Brend to take on referral weddings. And seeing a bridesmaid become a bride makes the whole service a full-circle moment. And of course, Veronica Rose Planning specializes in same-sex weddings, because she loves all of the intentional touches and attention to detail.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
We asked Brend …
What do couples often struggle with the most when planning a same-sex wedding?
The ceremony. As one of the most heterosexual pieces of a wedding, it can be a challenge to tailor a ceremony for a same-sex marriage. Brend’s best advice? Be true to yourself and do what feels right. Plus, working with your officiant may be the most help. And remember inclusive language can be easily swapped. Try using “partner one” and “partner two” instead of “bride and groom.” Or “friends and family” instead of “ladies and gentlemen.”
How do I choose LGBTQ+ friendly vendors?
Honestly, a quick scroll through Instagram tells a lot. If you don’t see same-sex representation, that’s often not a good sign. But choosing vendors that accept diversity and all love can be a challenge, which is why the Big Gay Wedding Expo was created. Unlike many other wedding expos, this one features vendors who celebrate diversity. And walking the floor, knowing that you’ll strike conversations with others who won’t make assumptions makes all the difference. The Big Gay Wedding Expo is on March 12 at Denizen MKE – and you can RSVP now.
Recommended LGBTQ+ friendly vendors:
Kaley Rae Photography
This Lake Mills-based photographer does many Milwaukee weddings. She celebrates all love and believes everyone’s story deserves to be captured. If you crave attention to detail and a photographer who will capture the beauty of your day – imperfections and all, Brend recommends you check out her work.
Flour Girl & Flame
Women-owned and members of the LGBTQ+ community, Flour Girl & Flame will add a unique flair to any wedding. While they specialize in pizza, they offer a full range of menu items for events big and small. Plus, Brend likes that sustainability is a cornerstone of Flour Girl & Flame, as shown in a partnership with Compost Crusader and intentional use of local ingredients from women growers, LGBTQ+ producers and farmers of color.
414loral
Flowers for everyone is one of 414loral’s core values. Brend recommends this floral shop for purposeful arrangements with thoughtfulness and intentionality behind every design. And not only do they support the LGBTQ+ community, but 414loral is heavily committed to community, supporting nonprofits in the area.
