Hitting Up Wedding Venues Near Me? Here's What You Need to Know First
Knowing how to network with wedding venues can be a game-changer for your business.
I can attest to this from personal experience. Once I got on a venue’s preferred vendor list, my income totally changed. The other added benefit—I found that I no longer had to work as hard to get leads. In fact, these leads ended up being my ideal client 90% of the time. This made things so much easier and allowed me to focus on other aspects of my business. That’s why networking with your local venues is a step you must take as a new planner. It’s vital to your business success. When you network with a venue, you get exposure to their clients, which can lead to a lot of new business. And when you’re on a venue’s preferred vendor list, they’ll send you leads that are already interested in your services, which saves you time and energy. So if you’re not networking with your local venues, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to grow your business.
Of course, getting on a venue’s preferred venue list isn’t easy. It’s a process. A process that starts with networking. Are you a new wedding planner who is looking to network with local wedding venues? If so, you are in luck! In this blog post, we will outline some tips for networking with wedding venues near you. Keep reading to learn more!
How to find wedding venues to network with
When it comes to finding the ideal wedding venue, it’s important to do your research and make sure that a venue is the right fit for both your wedding planner brand and the type of clientele you wish to serve. The venue should reflect the overall tone and atmosphere of your ideal wedding. For example, if your clients are looking for a rustic chic vibe, then a barn or farmhouse would be the perfect setting. Conversely, if they’re going for a more glamorous look, then an upscale hotel or resort would be ideal. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take a look at each venue in person to get a feel for the space and see if it meets your needs.
How to ask for a meeting
When emailing a venue for the first time, it’s important to focus on what you can give, rather than what you can get. They know you are new to the industry, so you don’t have to go overboard with selling them on why you’re so great. Instead, focus on how you can take care of them and their needs. For example, you could mention that you’re willing to help with setting up or taking down decorations, or that you’re available to answer any questions they may have. By showing that you’re excited to help out and want to make their job easier, you’ll be more likely to stand out from the competition.
How to prepare for your first meeting
You finally have the chance to meet with the venue of your dreams. In order to make the best impression, it is important to be prepared for the meeting. Start by printing out a few business cards so that you can leave them with the venue staff. Next, find an outfit that is professional and appropriate for the meeting. Finally, practice your elevator pitch until you can deliver it flawlessly. With these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to impressing the venue and getting the booking that you want. Good luck!
Come Prepared
When visiting a venue for the first time, be sure to ask lots of questions and take plenty of notes. This way, you’ll have all the information you need when researching venues for future clients. By asking questions and taking notes during your tour, you can avoid having to bother the venue staff with unnecessary questions later on. Plus, you’ll be able to provide your clients with a detailed report about each venue, making it easier for them to make a decision. By being prepared, you can avoid having to do extra research later on. And don’t forget to download the Insider’s Guide to Venue Partnerships – it has all the questions you need to ask your potential venues.
How to say goodbye
When meeting with a potential venue, it’s important to leave something behind so they can reference you later. A brochure or pricing sheet is a great way to do this. I personally prefer the brochure because it’s more aesthetically pleasing and can be more branded. However, both options will give the venue the information they need to get in touch with you later. So be sure to leave something behind at your next meeting!
Remember to follow up
This follow-up is essential for a few reasons. First, it shows the venue that you’re interested in working with them. Second, it gives you a chance to get clarification on any questions you had about the venue during your meeting. And third, it helps to build a relationship with the venue manager, which can come in handy down the line.
Network with wedding venues last words
As a wedding planner, one of the best things you can do to build a relationship with a venue is to spread the word about them. Tagging them in posts and tagging their location in photos is a great way to increase their exposure. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to establishing strong relationships with wedding venues near you in no time! And don’t forget, if you’re looking for more advice or want help finding the perfect venue partnership, be sure to pick up a copy of our latest guide, The Insider’s Guide to Venue Partnerships. In it, we dive deep into all things related to partnering with venues—from first impression tips to marketing strategies. So whether you’re just starting your planning process or are well into it and feeling stuck, this guide is for you. Happy networking!
