How to Get on a Venue's Preferred Vendor List
How Wedding Pros Can Get Onto a Wedding Venue’s Preferred Vendor List
Getting onto a wedding venue’s preferred vendor list can be a game-changer for wedding professionals. It means more referrals, trusted relationships, and steady business growth. Here’s how to make sure your business stands out and secures a spot on that coveted list.
Follow these steps, or there's a good chance your request will end up in the "trash" folder. How do I know? So glad you asked!
I’m Amber, a wedding venue owner!
90 out of 110 weddings per year hire one if not ALL their vendors from my list 🤯.
Can you imagine being on a venue's Preferred List?
Leads ROLLING IN without hustling, posting on socials, or spending on paid ads?
Seriously, being on a venue's list is a gold mine! 💰
But your request to be added to a venue's preferred list will most likely end up in their trash folder. Follow these steps to get added to more lists:
Maybe that's why I can’t begin to count how many times a stranger has asked to be on my venue’s preferred list. Like it’s a small favor. ❌ Spoiler: It’s not.
Yes, they’re trying to build their wedding business, and I have immense respect for that. But a cold email from a stranger WON’T be where I look for services to refer to my most precious relationships—my couples, who are trusting me to make perfect recommendations.
After all, recommending a wedding vendor means I am endorsing them and taking responsibility for their performance. Still feel like a small favor?
This is genuinely a partnership, and partnerships are a two-way relationship.
You can’t ask for them to refer you clients unless it’s mutually beneficial for the venue as well:
✅ Great service
✅ Easy to work with
✅ Mutual referrals
✅ Sharing in any way possible
Here’s how to build the relationship that will ensure you’re either INVITED to the list or you’re sure to get a “yes” when you ask.
1: Understand the Venue’s Vision and Value
Before approaching any venue, research is key. Every venue has its unique style and clientele. Some venues might focus on luxury, while others lean towards rustic charm. Which one aligns with your dream clients?
•Visit their website and social media profiles.
•Pay attention to the types of weddings they feature.
•Align your services with their brand image.
When your brand mirrors the venue’s style, it’s easier to build a connection.
You’d be surprised I have to say this, but:steer clear of venues you don’t look forward to working at!
2: Deliver Exceptional Service Consistently
Venues recommend vendors they trust. That trust is built on consistent, high-quality service.
•Show up on time for every event.
•Communicate clearly and professionally.
•Go above and beyond to ensure smooth execution.
A flawless performance not only satisfies couples but leaves a lasting impression on the venue staff. Emphasis on CONSISTENT, btw.
Let me tell you a little story:
A while back, I worked with a photographer at Wedding #1. She later sent me a gallery link, and I was floored! She was one of the only photographers who ever shared photos, and they were stunning—not just of the couple but also the venue and details. A wedding venue owner’s DREAM! I immediately invited her to the list.
Wedding #2 with the same photographer? Not so dreamy. She showed up with an attitude towards my staff AND the bride’s family. She didn’t cooperate with the coordinator either. Ouch. But, I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt and removed her from the list just in case it was a bad day.
Wedding #3 confirmed it: same attitude, same issues. Rude to staff, not a team player. What… have… I… done? My recommendation. My fault.
Here’s the thing: once she was on my list, it took months to realize there was a problem, and even longer to get through all the weddings booked.
Does this put into perspective why being on a venue’s preferred list is such a HUGE commitment?
3: Network and Build Relationships with Venue Staff
Personal relationships are powerful. Venues are more likely to recommend vendors they know and like.
•Attend venue open houses and networking events.
•Introduce yourself to the venue manager and coordinators.
•Follow up with a thank-you note or small gesture after events.
Building rapport turns professional interactions into long-term partnerships. Truthfully, just being friends isn’t enough, but it’s a good start!
4: Showcase Your Work at the Venue
If you’ve worked at the venue before, showcase that experience.
•Share professional photos and tag the venue on social media.
•Submit weddings for publication and mention the venue in credits.
•Offer to collaborate on styled shoots at the venue.
•Volunteer to help out with an open house—show up early, bring treats.
This exposure helps both your brand and the venue’s visibility, making it a win-win.
5: Ask for Feedback and Act on It
Constructive feedback is invaluable. It shows you care about delivering the best experience.
•After working at a venue, ask the staff for their thoughts on your performance.
•Take note of any suggestions and make improvements.
•Let the venue know you’ve acted on their feedback.
This proactive approach demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to excellence.
There may come a day when the venue has to clear the air with you about a client complaint, and they need to know you’re open to feedback without passing blame.
6: Offer Value to the Venue
Think about how you can make the venue’s job easier. How can you show support and make them EXCITED to recommend you?
•Provide quick setup and cleanup to keep timelines smooth.
•Recommend other reliable vendors to help streamline their processes.
•Share positive reviews and testimonials that mention the venue.
•Tag the venue in ISO posts online.
•Share photo galleries, behind-the-scenes videos, or ensure the venue staff get a plate or piece of cake.
Remember—nobody cares about “the help.” Venue staff are often forgotten while they hustle to keep things orderly, so the little things go a LONG WAY to show you see it as a relationship, too!
The more value you bring, the more indispensable you become.
7: Maintain Professionalism in All Interactions
Meet the basic requirements to be invited. Run your business like a true professional: from carrying insurance, paying taxes, to prompt communication. Professionalism is non-negotiable.
•Respond promptly to inquiries and messages.
•Keep communication clear, concise, and respectful.
•Dress appropriately for site visits and events.
Your reputation extends beyond your work—how you interact matters just as much.
Lack of professional behavior, attire, or insurance is an immediate ❌ NO from real-deal wedding vendors.
8: Be Patient and Persistent
Getting onto a preferred vendor list doesn’t happen overnight.
•Continue providing excellent service at every opportunity.
•Stay in touch with venues without being pushy.
•Show genuine interest in building a partnership, not just landing referrals.
Consistency over time will position you as a trusted, go-to vendor. Setting this standard of excellence will set you apart to guests, family, and other vendors alike.
By following these strategies, wedding pros can build strong relationships with venues and secure a spot on their preferred vendor lists. Focus on delivering exceptional value, nurturing connections, and staying professional at every touchpoint. Even if you don’t make their list, keep delivering top-notch service and support! You will have grown, and there WILL be a venue that appreciates it!
Getting on a Vendor List is ONE great way to take your business to the next level!
As a wedding business Coach, I help overworked and underpaid wedding business owners take their businesses to the NEXT LEVEL with my Profitable Wedding Pro System.
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