May 11, 2011 - Wedding professionals from around the world graduated from the world's first gay wedding certification course last month, presented by the 14 Stories Gay Wedding Institute (GWI).  The students came from 7 U.S. states and 2 countries, representing top hotels and resorts and leading wedding planning firms.  The three week webinar course will be offered again on June 8, 15 and 22. This groundbreaking GWI certification course is open to everyone in the industry – and attendees can participate directly from their office.  This course digs deep into data, trends, traditions, laws, marketing and much more that affects same-sex weddings.  Participants learn how and why gay weddings are different to straight weddings.  They complete practical, useful homework that directly relates to their day to day business.  Graduates receive a badge for their website and a certificate in the mail.

Closed Circle Photography

In 2004, Forbes Magazine reported that legalizing same-sex marriage would boost the wedding market by $16.8 billion per year. With the number of LGBT weddings set to skyrocket over the next decade, there are many ways for companies to generate revenue from this market segment.  It’s critical to understand the lucrative, emerging same-sex wedding market.   No matter your political position - gay weddings are good for business.

Space is limited for the Gay Wedding Institute certification course.  To register or for more information, visit www.GayWeddingInstitute.com.

14 Stories is led by President Bernadette Coveney Smith.  Bernadette is a nationwide gay wedding expert and producer of hundreds of same-sex weddings.  The 14 Stories Gay Wedding Institute is the nation’s first same-sex wedding research institute and think tank. Bernadette is also author of a new book for engaged LGBT couples, Gay Wedding Confidential.  Several hundred wedding professionals from around the country have already heard Bernadette speak at national events such as Engage! and The Special Event Show. 

More information and registration is on the Gay Wedding Institute website.