Step #1 - Join The Alliance!

Meet IWA Founder & President

‍Born out of personal experience, The Inclusive Wedding Alliance began as a resource for LGBTQIAS+ couples navigating the wedding planning process. After the landmark victory of Obergfell v. Hodges in 2015, same-sex couples were guaranteed their constitutional right to marry in all 50 of the United States. In response, “My Texas Gay Wedding” was born, and eventually expanded to a national platform, “My Gay Wedding.” Despite the vendor's eagerness to implement inclusive business practices, few educational resources were available within the wedding and many service industries.
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Realizing the need for essential inclusive awareness, "The Ten Steps To Inclusive Practices" was created using feedback from attendees of the first-ever Inclusive Awareness Conference. Despite the incredible speakers, attendees' feedback was conflicted.

Every IWA member receives "The Ten Steps To Inclusive Practices," written and created by Ric Simmons, founder and president.
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"The Ten Steps To Inclusive Practices” is a resource on implementing inclusive business practices and the opportunity to become a Certified Inclusive Wedding Ally, CIWA by The Inclusive Wedding Alliance.

‍A step-by-step program that teaches you how to be more than an affirming ally. The Ten Step program included implementing religious and multicultural ideas and celebrations—inclusive means to include everyone.
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INCLUSIVE, the magazine and wedding index, was launched in February 2023. IWA members are listed for couples to find and inquire.
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Ric served on the NACE Palm Springs Chapter Board as the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Chairperson and the Chairperson of the NACE National Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee from 2024 to 2025.

In 2024, Hugs For Pride was born, a fundraiser benefiting Free Mom Hugs that allows IWA allies and others the opportunity to connect and learn by engaging in this fundraising event. Creating an inclusive environment begins with giving back to the community.
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In 2021, Ric was named Speaker of the Year by the NACE Palm Springs Chapter.
In 2024, Ric and the NACE Palm Springs Chapter were nominated for the Santa Rosa Diversity Award. The NACE Chapter won!

The Ten Steps To Inclusive Practices, - Certified Inclusive Wedding Ally (CIWA)

Step #1 Become An Alliance Ally Today!
‍Learn about the driving forces behind the mission of The Inclusive Wedding Alliance, beginning with the pivotal moment when it all began. Being an ally takes a commitment of time and effort, but the rewards will change your professional life forever. Find out what it takes to be an alliance ally today.
Step #2 Understanding Inclusivity and Diversity
‍Learn the meaning of inclusion and what it should look and feel like—understanding diversity and how its values can influence your thinking and add value to any workplace. 
‍Step #3 The Three ”As” of Inclusivity & Microaggressions
‍Awareness, Authenticity, and Accountability. Learn the three “A” of inclusive awareness, understanding the microaggressions that affect many individuals, and how to avoid them.
‍Step #4 Gender & Gender Wedding Norms
‍When you complete step four, learning about gender won’t be that difficult. Once you understand why wedding norms need to be neutralized, your call to action will be to dismantle them. Learn how to welcome all couples and influence others to practice inclusive business practices by becoming a Certified Inclusive Wedding Ally (CIWA).
‍Step #5 Learn the Language & Z-Slang
‍It’s the alphabet soup of diversity! Learn what each letter stands for so you can better understand the LGBTQIAS+ community and gain confidence in using the terms properly. Like all generations, Gen Z is no exception when it comes to having its own words and lingo. Learn the top Gen Z phrases to open the doors of communication with Gen Zers.
‍‍Step #6 The Importance of Pronouns
Learn why we must use proper gender pronouns. With a deeper understanding, you’ll gain confidence in using someone’s gender pronouns correctly.
‍Step #7 Affirming Marketing
‍Learn how to create a marketing plan to attract LGBTQIAS+ couples and be intentional with your inclusive, affirming marketing actions. Gain the knowledge needed to have a well-rounded marketing plan to attract all couples while developing an effective referral plan.
‍Step #8 Inclusive Language - Paperwork & Contracts
‍Did you forget to check your intake paperwork, social media platforms, website, brochures, and everything else for inclusive language? Learn how to use gender-neutral language correctly by learning the rules and double-checking your inclusive language.
‍Step #9 Inclusive Business is Smart Business
‍Learn what it takes to maximize and increase your profits as an inclusive business. Learn about successful inclusive business practices and how to apply them to your company.
‍‍Step #10 The Alliance: My Pledge!
Learn how to impact others through your inclusive actions in the wedding and event industry. By becoming a Certified Inclusive Wedding Ally (C.I.W.A), you gain knowledge of how to influence others to practice inclusive business practices. This will validate your knowledge and elevate your reputation among your peers and clients as a certified inclusive ally among your peers and clients as a certified inclusive ally.