Networking Tips for Wedding Planners: Building Connections with Venues and Vendors
Networking is an essential skill for wedding planners. It’s not just about collecting business cards, but about building meaningful, lasting relationships with key players in the wedding industry. Connecting with venues and vendors can make all the difference in providing the best service for your clients. Here are some valuable networking tips to help wedding planners forge strong partnerships with venues and vendors.
Be Present at Industry Events
Attending industry events, such as bridal shows, conferences, and local networking meetings, is one of the best ways to meet new vendors and venues. These events are designed for wedding professionals to interact and build their networks. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet venue owners, caterers, florists, photographers, and other wedding vendors. Make it a point to introduce yourself and your business, and learn more about what they offer.
Tip: Don’t just hand out your business card—engage in conversations. Ask thoughtful questions about their services and business practices to show interest in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Member Tip: ABC hosts in-person events all over the country. If there aren’t any in your area, then get online, turn on your camera, and say hello. You can also reach out about hosting your own in-person events in your area!
Collaborate on Styled Shoots
Styled shoots are a fantastic way to build relationships with vendors and venues while also creating great content for your portfolio. Reach out to venues and other vendors and suggest collaborating on a styled shoot. Not only will this give you a chance to work with new suppliers, but it will also help you form connections with those in the industry who share similar aesthetics and values.
Tip: When reaching out for a styled shoot, be clear about your expectations and the mutual benefits for everyone involved. Create an inspiring concept that will attract the best talent in your area.
Member Tip: Once you’ve done your styled shoot, send it to us! We’d love to publish it either in Wedding Planner Magazine or on our blog!
Leverage Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn can be powerful tools for networking. Many wedding vendors and venues maintain active social media profiles, and it's a great way to get an inside look at their work and personality. Follow them, like their posts, and engage in meaningful conversations in the comments or through direct messages.
Tip: Share content from venues and vendors you’ve worked with on your own social media accounts. Tag them in posts to show appreciation for their work. This is a simple and effective way to build goodwill and strengthen your relationship.
Member Tip: Be sure to tag @ABCAssoc If we know what you are doing, we can help promote!
Offer Value Before Asking for It
Networking isn’t just about what you can get, but also what you can give. When reaching out to venues and vendors, think about ways you can offer value before you ask for anything in return. Whether it's promoting their services on your blog, recommending them to a client, or providing useful industry insights, offering value will show that you are a team player.
Tip: Try offering a "win-win" scenario. For instance, offer to send business their way in exchange for being a preferred vendor. Vendors and venues are more likely to build relationships with planners who are supportive and proactive.
Member Tip: You have an entire network behind you. Show vendors and venues what you have within the Association; the benefits you have access to could also benefit them. Like Wedding Planner magazine to showcase great events! Local members in your area to host great educational meetings and much more!
Be Professional and Respectful
When you make a connection with a venue or vendor, always maintain professionalism. Whether you’re exchanging emails, making phone calls, or meeting in person, keep the tone respectful and courteous. Consistent follow-up, meeting deadlines, and delivering what you promise will help you build a reputation as a dependable wedding planner who can be trusted to work with top-tier vendors and venues.
Tip: If you commit, stick to it. Reliability and integrity go a long way in building strong professional relationships.
Member Tip: Always remember that Standard of Excellence, if you know you need to up your game, then get it done, show them what our members are made of!
Join Wedding Planner Associations
Being part of a local or national wedding planner association can open doors to networking opportunities. These groups often host events, webinars, and conferences that are perfect for meeting new vendors and venues. They also offer a sense of community, where planners can exchange ideas and experiences with one another.
Tip: Take advantage of online directories and member networks to find new vendors and venues that align with your style and needs.
Member Tip: You’ve already done this, now it's time to let people know why having an organization supporting you in your career is important.
Seek Out Mentorship and Peer Support
Networking isn’t always about finding new business partners. It's also about learning from others who have been in the industry longer. Reach out to experienced wedding planners who can offer mentorship and advice on how to build your network effectively. They may have valuable connections with vendors and venues that could benefit your business.
Tip: Attend workshops and training sessions offered by more experienced wedding planners and learn from their expertise on working with vendors and venues.
Organize Vendor Meetups
As a wedding planner, you can take the initiative and organize vendor meetups in your area. Whether it's a casual coffee gathering or a more formal event, bringing vendors together allows everyone to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate on future events. You’ll be seen as a leader in the industry and will benefit from having a stronger, more connected network.
Tip: Consider organizing events for wedding vendors that are not always in direct competition, like florists and photographers, to build a more collaborative environment.
Member Tip: Contact your state manager, or if no state manager, contact Jennifer Ball or our VP of Membership to set up a local networking Group!
Build Relationships, Not Transactions
The most successful networks are those based on trust and genuine relationships. It’s important to remember that networking is not about collecting as many vendors and venues as possible—it’s about building long-lasting, meaningful relationships. When you take the time to understand your partners' needs, strengths, and values, you create a stronger, more dependable network.
Member Tip: Keep in touch regularly with your vendors and venues. Even if you don’t need their services for a while, a simple message or check-in can help maintain the connection and keep you on their radar.
Networking with vendors and venues is crucial for wedding planners looking to grow their businesses and provide top-notch services to their clients. By being proactive, offering value, and building professional relationships, wedding planners can create a strong network that will serve as a foundation for their success. Remember, it’s not just about who you know, but how you nurture those connections over time.
