Editors’ Picks: 15 Wedding Essentials from Queer

From makeup products to registry picks, there's something here for every stage of the wedding journey.

Are you a bride-to-be trying to map out the perfect pre-wedding skin care routine? Are you a friend or family member on the hunt for a touching gift for your favorite newly-engaged twosome? Whether you’re a couple getting ready to tie the knot or a loved one attending the festivities, you’ll probably need to make multiple purchases ahead of the celebration, including everything from wardrobe staples to registry items. Instead of heading to big-box stores or ubiquitous online retailers for your pre-wedding needs, why not buy from a queer-owned business? Since June is Pride Month, there's no better time to support the LGBTQ+ community and fight for equality while stocking up on all of your essentials for the big day.

This June, we asked the Brides team to share some of their favorite wedding products from brands founded by LGBTQ+ community members. On this list, you’ll find travel-sized toiletries to throw in your carry-on for honeymoon travel, birthstone bracelets to gift your wedding party, white embellished heels to complete your wedding look, and so much more. Ahead, the best wedding essentials from queer-owned businesses for any phase of the festivities.

Courtesy of Lockwood

"If you're hoping to stock your newlywed home for after you tie the knot, add this chic pillow to your wedding registry. The versatile beige color will coordinate with any style, and the French knots and beautiful embroidery will add a sophisticated flair to your home. Not to mention, the cotton fabric will feel so comfortable to lounge on." — Lilly Blomquist, Assistant Editor

"If there's one thing no one wants on their wedding day, it's a breakout. I found these acne healing stickers in the months leading up to my own wedding, and I'm still a huge fan today. I can put one over a breakout in the evening and wake up to a significantly smaller or entirely diminished pimple the next day—it's like magic!" — Gabriella Rello Duffy, Editorial Director

"Want to get that perfect tan before your wedding day without any sun exposure? Check out Isle of Paradise's amazing self-tanning drops, which can bring color to both your face and body. Fun fact: Founder Jules von Hep had his stunning wedding featured on Brides." — Shelby Wax, Senior Editor

"I think pretty much everyone loves candles, so whether you choose to offer these candles from Boy Smells as bachelorette party favors or give several as a gift set to newly-engaged friends, you simply can't go wrong. The Hinoki Fantome scent is my favorite, but I've yet to smell one that I don't fall in love with." — Ellie Nan Storck, Senior Editor

"From white bridal pieces to colorful formal gowns, Christopher John Rogers is a brand to know if you're a bride or wedding guest with fashion-forward sensibilities. Right now, I'm absolutely obsessed with this silk-faille maxi skirt, which brides can mix and match with a top of their liking." — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Senior Editor

"Whether you want to embrace a bold beauty look or a more natural one on your big day, this eyeshadow palette from Trixie Cosmetics, founded by drag queen Trixie Mattel, has something for everyone. Look to vibrant hues, like bubblegum pink or hunter green, to make a statement or choose a more subtle shade, such as tan or white, for a subdued look. You can also throw these palettes into your wedding party proposal gift baskets." — Lilly Blomquist, Assistant Editor

"Whether you're a bride who doesn't want to cry off her makeup during her vows or a wedding guest who wants to keep their beauty look perfect during an outdoor summer ceremony and reception, a solid setting spray is a must! The ONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray is my go-to product to lock in my look and make sure my makeup doesn't budge! Trust me, you're gonna want to add this to your cart." — Jessica Chassin, Senior Social Media Editor

"Rent the Runway started my obsession with the luxurious SIMKHAI brand. Their bridal collection is filled with romantic and glamorous pieces for the modern bride. One of my favorites is this satin heeled sandal with a draping crystal harness for a unique addition to your wedding wardrobe." — Araziel Jackson, Associate Social Media Editor

"TomboyX has a wide variety of gender- and size-inclusive items, from intimates to activewear. I personally love their swimwear because it's playful yet simple enough to feel comfortable during those long summer beach days." — Mehroz Kapadia, Designer

"Whether you're a guest or getting married, Wildfang has a number of excellent suiting options for all bodies, regardless of gender. I love this tux blazer, which can be dressed up for weddings or dressed down for everyday wear." — Shelby Wax, Senior Editor

"Anyone who travels (ahem, a couple about to embark on a honeymoon, perhaps?) will appreciate a one-size-fits-all travel kit of everyday essentials. I've always loved MALIN+GOETZ products, so I'm all about this travel kit (TSA-friendly, of course) that puts together a few of the brand's best essentials for face, body, and hair. This could be a great bach party favor, too!" — Ellie Nan Storck, Senior Editor

"Establishing a skincare routine is paramount when getting ready to say ‘I do.’ That's why investing in quality products, like these hydrating skin essentials from Alder New York, should be at the top of your to-do list. Each product from the brand's line is also certified vegan by Vegan Action, so you can feel good about wearing them." — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Senior Editor

"Automic Gold, founded by Al Sandimirova, offers a collection of stunning jewelry suited for all genders. In particular, the brand has a line of delicate gold chain bracelets featuring a birthstone that would make the perfect gift for your wedding party. Gifting your crew a bracelet with their respective birthstones is a personal and thoughtful gesture that will go a long way." — Lilly Blomquist, Assistant Editor

"Looking for the perfect scent to wear for every summer wedding event? My partner and I both use Non Gender Specific's Flooid Fragance. Sweet top notes of orange and grapefruit pair with musk and moss base notes, making it an amazing unisex perfume. I love layering it with floral fragrances for a beautiful aroma that lasts all day." — Araziel Jackson, Associate Social Media Editor

"The bride-to-be is probably in desperate need of some rest and relaxation while planning her big day, so this soothing spray from House of Intuition will provide an aromatic escape. Just a spritz of this lavender-infused solution is guaranteed to melt the stress away. This would make the perfect engagement gift for the future bride." — Lilly Blomquist, Assistant Editor