As wedding vendors, we pour our hearts and souls into making your special day everything you've ever dreamed of. When you take the time to leave a thoughtful review, it means the world to us and our small business.
Reviews are not just kind words; they are catalysts for growth and industry recognition.
They also provide invaluable feedback for future couples planning their big day. So how can you write the best reviews that will stand out and help others in their search for wedding vendors? Here are some tips to guide you:
Share What You Would Have Wanted to Know
Think back to when you were searching for vendors. What information would have resonated with you? Share insights, from your perspective, that you think would be helpful for other couples. For example:
"For those of you who think you can do it on your own - I'm sure you can. But don't. YOU NEED BERLYN ."
"Especially for queer and trans couples looking for a 100% affirming planner who will make sure your entire vendor team is affirming as well, I highly recommend Berlyn."
Acknowledge Value for Money
One of the biggest challenges we face is convincing couples that our services are worth the price. Mention if you felt you received good value for your investment. Was the service worth the price you paid? In hindsight, would you have paid more? For example:
"It's easy to have sticker shock when you receive that first floral proposal. But, when I tell you Kirstin at Bear Roots DELIVERED?! The wedding day was so lush and beautiful - worth every penny."
Describe the Services
Mention exactly what services the vendor provided. This helps future couples understand what to expect. Consider these points:
Expectations: What were your initial expectations?
Meeting or Exceeding Expectations: Did the vendor meet of exceed those expectations?
Specifics: Share specific examples of how the vendor went above and beyond. However, avoid being too specific if it sets a precedent the vendor may not be able to maintain. For example, "Tessa (Starling Studio) delivered my gallery with unprecedented speed" instead of detailing an exceptional favor.
"We hired her for her wedding management services since we really needed help with pulling everything together and just wanted to enjoy our day.
Talk About the Planning Process
Describe the planning process. Highlight aspects such as communication, punctuality, professionalism, humor, and any tools or support the vendor provided. Did the vendor keep you informed and reassured throughout?
" We had a fantastic experience working with Loren (Luminary Productions), as it was clear from the beginning and throughout our several meetings in the months leading up to the wedding how much he prioritized the flow and feel of the evening as much as the actual music being played. That was very much delivered on our wedding day."
Keep it Personal
Sharing a bit about your personal experience makes your review relatable. What made your experience unique? Did anything surprise you about working with the vendor? How did they handle any challenges?
If there were any specific team members who made a difference? Mention them by name.
"I knew that I would pose a unique challenge to Prema since I didn't have a clear "vision" in my head in terms of designs...Throughout the entire process Morgan met us exactly where we were, and never pushed anything on us or made us feel like she was "up-selling" us (as other vendors had)."
Share the Impact on Your Day
Describe the quality of the final product or service and how the vendor contributed to the overall experience of your wedding day. Did they help reduce stress? Create memorable moments? Make time stand still? If your guests commented positively on something specific, include that in your review.
"We STILL have people talking about how awesome our DJ was and how much fun they had on the dance floor. Vince (Josh Staley Productions) was so professional and personable.
Include Photos
If possible, include photos that showcase the vendor's work. Whether it's a stunning flower arrangement, a perfectly plated dish, or a packed dance floor, visuals can speak volumes.
Balance Positives with Constructive Feedback
If there were any issues, focus less on the problem and more on how it was resolved. Be fair and honest, but respectful. For example:
"When one of my bridesmaids wasn't satisfied with her hair, the Lead Stylist promptly stepped in, completely restyled it, and still ensured we finished on time!"
QUICK TIPS
Multiple Platforms
Future couples find us in different places, so consider posting your review on multiple platforms (e.g., Google, The Knot, Facebook, etc.) Make sure to tweak your feedback slightly for each one to avoid burying your review due to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) issues.
The best reviews are "quotable," so think about it through that lens.
Non-Cash Tips
Just to clarify: A good review doesn't take the place of gratuity. If you have the means, you should absolutely tip your vendors monetarily. But, if you truly don't have the cash to shell out on tips or gifts, reviews go a long way with the team who worked so hard on your wedding day.
Just to clarify: A good review doesn't take the place of gratuity.
Reviews are a great way to show appreciation and offer something the vendor can use to book future clients. Even better? Refer your vendors to your friends!
Your reviews are more than just feedback; they are stories that help other couples make informed decisions. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and for supporting small businesses like ours!
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