The Importance of Vendor Referrals and Teamwork in the Wedding Industry
While there are many industries out there in which you can succeed by working in silos, the wedding industry typically isn't one of them.
Whether you're just starting out as a new vendor, or you've been around the block or two and have several clients in your portfolio already, it's important that you know just how important teamwork is to growing a successful wedding business.
Expanding Your Community
When you begin to work with others in the wedding industry on a regular basis, your connections will grow. But what does this ultimately mean for you?
Every wedding or event can be seen as an opportunity -- a chance to grow your personal friendships, your professional connections, and (if done well) your local community. When that happens, you are more likely to be seen as a great team player and someone other vendors want to work with regularly.
Vendor Referrals
As you begin to build strong relationships with others in the wedding industry, you may find that others will be more likely to refer work to you in the long-run. Some may even decide to spotlight your business on their blog or social media handles, or consider adding you to a preferred vendor list for their clients!
It's also important that you begin to "give" and not always expect to receive referrals. Some great examples could be:
When you receive an inquiry that doesn't quite fit your ideal clientele, but may fit someone else's that you know in the area
You're already booked for a day, but you want to help the couple who inquired find another top vendor to work with
You have either relocated or receive an inquiry for an area you don't offer services for
In these instances, you may want to provide a handful of other vendors that the couple can reach out to. When you do that, the couples inquiring will most likely see you as a helpful resource and other vendors will be more likely to refer to you when they are in the same scenarios.
The Wedding Day
Probably one of the best parts about becoming more familiar with others in the wedding industry is that the event itself will be more likely to happen smoothly.
When multiple vendors know each other well and can work together in ways that streamline the wedding day and keep the couple from getting stressed, everyone wins! And the newlyweds may also spread the word about how great the entire team was, which can further help grow your business over time.
Entering the Industry
For those of you just starting out, one of the best things you can do to grow your business quickly is to partner with others who share the same values and ideal clients. Even if you aren't entirely sure what your niche is, defining what styles of weddings you love working with can be key to gaining your first few clients simply by connecting with others who work in those arenas.
Love high-end events with lots of details? Dreaming of clients who are laid back and are drawn to a more boho style? Seek out connections with other wedding vendors who typically work with these types of clients!
Florals The Potted Pansy
Photography Nicole Aston Photography
Gown Maggie Sottero Designs and The Perfect Dress Bridal
Ribbon Honey Silks Co
Bride Madeline Skousen
Groom Logan Platt