At Shake & Gather, we believe celebrations are for everyone. As an LGBTQ+-owned business, we know how much it means to walk into a space and feel fully welcome. Here are a few ways to make sure every guest at your event feels that way.
Choose vendors who share your values
For LGBTQ+ couples and hosts, working with affirming vendors matters. You should never have to explain your relationship, your family or your guest list. Ask vendors directly about their experience with LGBTQ+ weddings and events. The right ones will be glad you asked.
Use inclusive language
Small choices make a big difference. Invitations, signage and toasts can use language that reflects every couple and every family. Wedding parties don't need to be divided by gender, and "guests" or "friends" works beautifully in place of gendered greetings.
Make non-drinkers feel included
Inclusion also means thinking about guests who don't drink. A thoughtfully crafted mocktail, served in the same glassware as cocktails, lets everyone raise a glass.
Consider accessibility
Keep the bar at a reachable height, leave clear paths for mobility devices and make sure menus are easy to read. These are starting points rather than a compliance checklist — access needs are specific to your guests and your venue, so tell us what accommodations you need and we'll plan around them.
A line on the invitation — "let us know about access needs, allergies or anything that would help you enjoy the day" — gives you something concrete to plan around, and it's worth passing on before the menu is finalized. Clear ingredient information matters, especially for guests managing allergies; an allergen-free environment can't be guaranteed. Your own preferences as the host matter just as much, so tell us what would make the day feel right for you.
Celebrate with pride
Whether it's a Pride party, a queer wedding, a coming-out celebration or a Northalsted business mixer, your bar can help tell your story. Rainbow garnishes, custom drink names and a playful menu add joy without saying a word.
Hospitality that welcomes everyone
Shake & Gather was built on a simple belief: what matters at the end of the night isn't just what was in the glass, it's who was around the bar. Let's create a celebration where everyone belongs. Contact us at info.shakeandgather@gmail.com or 217-374-9985.
