Dr. Sabrina Segal

California’s same-sex marriage laws may be a resounding boom for both gay tourism and the wedding industry in upcoming months.

Weddings mean beaucoup bucks to retailers, hoteliers, florists, bands, caterers and jewelers. According to the Wedding Report, the average price tag for a wedding is a whopping $28,704.

Which means Gay marriage will be good for the state’s economy. One UC study approximates gains of roughly $683.6 million in coming years and the addition of 2100 new jobs to the rolls.

“More than two decades of gays being out of the closet has proven that gay friendly destinations attract tourism dollars.”

Some industry planners in CA have already begun planning strategically for the time same-sex marriage is made law in California. But the referendum could get crushed in November, so others, including advertisers, are waiting in the wings.

98% of the members of San-Francisco-based Association for Wedding Professionals International say that they will actively reach out to gay couples.

“With luck, the parties will get as big, if not bigger, than heterosexual weddings, which would be great for local economies.”

Macy’s has already begin running full page ads for its wedding registry.

“First comes love. Then comes marriage. And now it’s a milestone every couple in California can celebrate. Let Macy’s Wedding Gift & Registry help you start your new life together.”

Are gay weddings here to stay, or are they a passing fad? What other products or businesses do you think can thrive in and around gay communities?



Photo Credit: Dr. Sabrina Segal