8 Ways to Properly Thank Your Wedding Vendors

With everything you need to do in the days after your wedding, you may think that a quick email thanking your vendors for their hard work is more than enough. While that’s a nice gesture, if your vendor went above-and-beyond to make your day extra special, you should consider taking the time to write a note the old-fashioned way: by hand! This extra little effort shows lasting appreciation for the work your vendors did on your special day. When writing the note, be specific in telling them exactly what they did that you loved — the details make your words feel more heartfelt and sincere.  

It’s no secret that money talks, so why not say thanks with a few extra bills? This is probably the most common way to show your appreciation, but with all the time and effort your vendors put into making the details of your big day come together perfectly, some additional cash is always appreciated. And if one of your vendors really blew you away with their work ethic and thoughtfulness, give them a little more than you were originally planning.

After all of the emails, calls, brainstorming sessions, and times that they saved the day with a genius idea, you should spend some time writing out thoughtful testimonials for each of your vendors. 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 will help future couples find your vendors and inspire them to at least look into hiring them for their own nuptials. Plus, some vendors like to share these nice messages from their clients on their blogs and social media accounts to help build their reputation.

With all the vendors out there, the best way for someone to build their business is by word-of-mouth recommendations. 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’s less risky than going into an initial meeting blind), and your favorite vendors will appreciate the new business.

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 vetted 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 them the attention they deserve!

Your vendors worked hard to help you pull off the wedding of your dreams, so spread the word to all future to-be-weds! Submit your professional photos to a wedding blog (like Loverly!) and make sure all of your vendors, from the Etsy designer who made your cake topper 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.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so make sure to send your vendors a snapshot of their work on display at your wedding! Talk to your photographers before your wedding day and let them know that you’d like a few stylized shots of everything from your invitation suite 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 ‘do. Sending them a professional photo of their work will let them see how they contributed to your wedding festivities (they may never see the big picture otherwise), and will help them build their portfolio. They’ll be so thankful that they can show off their great work to future clients.

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 (and appreciative of) your loyalty! How did you thank your vendors, Loverlies? Let us know!