As a wedding planner, the suppliers you partner with play a huge role in the success of your weddings and the satisfaction of your couples. The better the quality of their products and services, the easier it is for you to achieve your clients' vision.
Whether supplying catering, flowers, entertainment or a niche service, it is important to work with wedding vendors who align with your company's ethos and aesthetic and whom you work well with professionally. As a team, you will be able to curate beautiful designs and experiences that will delight your clients. So, how do you find your dream team? This article explores ways for you to expand your network as a wedding professional and establish long-lasting relationships with your dream wedding vendors. All that is left to do is make the first move!
Be active on social media
Social media is home to countless fellow wedding professionals and wedding suppliers—which means countless networking opportunities! Follow these 3 steps to begin building vendor connections on social media...
1. Follow and connect
Your feed should be full of florists, caterers, musicians, photographers, and more. This keeps you updated on their services and business developments and makes reaching out easier when the time comes. It is also a good way to see what is trending in the world of weddings. Remember, social media should be social, so don't be afraid to reach out. Begin building a relationship with wedding vendors by sharing their content, commenting on posts, reacting to stories, and even sliding into their DMs!
2. Update your feed
Networking is a two-way street. Before you reach out to a supplier you'd like to work with, ensure that your profile is looking in good condition. Treat your Instagram grid as your shop front, it should reflect your best work and instantly communicate what your brand is all about.
3. Join Facebook groups
Joining Facebook groups and other online communities for wedding professionals is an easy way to widen your wedding industry connections. Vendors regularly use these groups to promote their services, so there are plenty of collaboration opportunities waiting to be picked up. To find wedding communities on Facebook, search for keywords such as "wedding professionals" or "wedding planner" and you'll be met with a ton of vibrant communities for you to explore. To narrow down your search, try searching for communities specific to your local area, e.g. "wedding suppliers London". You can also search for groups aligned with your particular niche, e.g. "vintage wedding pros". Once part of a community, be sure to actively listen, exchange ideas and share your experiences with the group. Take note of vendors that catch your attention and make a list of valuable contacts for later. Don't think twice about attending any events advertised in the group—these are invaluable opportunities to meet and connect with wedding suppliers.
Attend trade shows
Wedding trade shows invite professionals from all corners of the wedding industry to exhibit their work and socialise with fellow pros. Attending these trade shows as a wedding planner is a great way for you to browse wedding vendors and the different services they offer. Here's how to get involved...
1. Plan your trade show calendar
You can find wedding vendor trade shows all year round. Look out for advertisements in your wedding Facebook groups, on social media, and in wedding industry publications. Make a note of any that match your needs and book your tickets! Try to attend as many wedding trade shows as you can, the more options you have the better. Here's a few of our favourite wedding trade shows to look out for...
The National Wedding Show
Approximately 2,000 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors attend The National Wedding Show every year. See the latest wedding dress trends paraded down a stunning catwalk and collect advice from experts at WEDTALK.
The Suffolk Wedding Show
Enjoy a beautiful spring day out at The Suffolk Wedding Show and connect with an array of wedding suppliers including floristry, stationary, entertainment and caterers.
PMN Wedding Fayres
PMN Wedding Fayres are prestigious events bringing together newly engaged couples and wedding professionals, making it the perfect opportunity to connect with wedding vendors and even find your next clients.
2. Send a heads-up to target connections
If there are specific vendors attending a trade show that you'd like to connect with, drop them a message in advance to let them know you love their work and you're excited to meet them. Briefly explain what you do, what you're looking for, and how much you're looking forward to the event. The supplier in question will most likely remember your name and look forward to meeting you.
Ask for referrals
If in doubt, reach out to your fellow wedding pros and ask which suppliers they recommend. A referral means you can be sure of the vendor's expertise and quality so you can rest assured they will be a reliable partner.
Start a conversation with a wedding planner you know by asking how they are and celebrating any recent achievements they have had. When you are ready to ask for their supplier recommendations, do you so clearly and explain exactly what you are looking for (area, aesthetic, etc.) No need to double text, your industry friend will reply in their own time. Respect their time, and wait a few days or a week before sending a follow-up message. If they choose to keep their supplier a secret, respect their decision and focus on establishing your own relationships. When you receive a referral, always follow up with a thank you message. Let them know that you'll be happy to offer any help in return whenever they're in need.
