Pleasantly plump with the feast of Thanksgiving and
Christmas drawing near, sets a wonderful atmosphere of holiday cheer and giving
thanks. If you were just married this year, or are getting married soon, there
is no better way to give Thanks to the people who strive to make your dream day
a reality. Here are a few ways to show your vendors gratitude for making your
wedding day a dream come true.
1. HAND-WRITTEN notes.
Taking the time to write a note the old-fashioned way: by hand shows lasting
appreciation for the work your vendors did on your special day. Be specific by
telling them exactly what they did that you loved — these details show your
words are heartfelt and sincere.
2. Leave them a glowing review. After all the emails, calls, brainstorming sessions, and time each vendor spent making sure your day was a dream come true, you should spend time writing out a thoughtful testimonial for each. The world deserves to know just how awesome your photographer or florist is! Look them up on Yelp and any wedding boards, and submit a rating and a review. Your first-hand experiences are important with the growing online social media and blogs to help build their reputation.
3. Refer them to your friends. Word-of-mouth is still the best way to grow a business. If you were happy with your vendors work, do them the favor of telling everybody you know. This is one of the best ways to show appreciation. Is your BFF or co-worker getting married shortly after your wedding? As they're starting to look around at various vendors, suggest that they reach out to your makeup artist or band. Your friends will love getting the personal recommendation (it saves them time of researching tons of vendors and it's less risky than going into an initial meeting blind), and your favorite vendors will appreciate the new business.
4. Ask your venue to list them as a preferred vendor. Another way to give back to your vendors after all they did for you is to get their name out there. If your venue offers its clients a list of vendors they like to work with, ask if some of your favorites can be included in the future. This is an easy way to get your vendors the attention they deserve!
5. Get your wedding featured on a blog. Submit your professional photos to a wedding blog like Loverly, Wedding Wire, or Borrowed and Blue to make sure all of your vendors, from the hair designer, to the seamstress who made sure your dress fit perfectly, are credited (website and all) in the post. Other engaged couples can see your vendors' work, fall in love with it, and then know exactly how to get in touch with them.
6. Send photos of their work. Pictures are worth a thousand words, so make sure to send your vendors a snapshot of their work at your wedding! Talk to your photographers before your wedding day and let them know that you'd like a few shots of everything from your flowers to your cake. Make sure to pose with your DJ or take a close-up of the subtle details your hairstylist worked into your big day. Sending them a professional photo of their work will let them see how they contributed to your wedding, and will help them build their portfolio. They'll be so thankful that they can show off their great work to future clients.
7. Give them return business. There's no better way to show how grateful you are than by entrusting your vendors with your events after the wedding. Does your hairstylist work at a nearby salon? Start going there for regular trims and touchups. Order roses for Valentine's Day from your florist. Ask your photographer to take your family's annual holiday card photo. Your vendors will be flattered by your loyalty!
