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The Ultimate Guide to Winning The Knot and WeddingWire Awards: Tips From Past Winners

By Lora Sickora

Want to stand out in the wedding industry? Winning The Knot Best of Weddings and WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards^Ⓡ can do just that by helping to boost your credibility, drive bookings and attract more dream clients. These awards aren’t just nice accolades to have on your Storefronts—they’re a signal to couples that you’re a trusted, proven professional who delivers exceptional experiences.

But how do you win these coveted awards? The answer lies in the experiences you create, the reviews you collect and how you showcase your work. 

We spoke with past winners to gather their tried-and-true strategies to help you set yourself up this award season. So, follow these expert tips to position your business for award-winning success in 2025.

Why winning The Knot and WeddingWire awards matters

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your business stand out in your market, winning The Knot Best of Weddings and WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards^Ⓡ are one of the fastest ways to do it. Award-winning vendors have an edge, and couples look for those badges of distinction as a sign that a pro is trustworthy, experienced and easy to work with.

According to past winners, these awards lead to:

• More inquiries from couples searching for top-rated vendors.
• Higher trust and credibility since couples see the awards as proof of quality.
• A competitive edge that helps you stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Seeing those badges on your Storefronts makes couples more likely to reach out. And that extra trust factor often translates to stronger inquiries and higher-quality leads.

5 essential strategies to win The Knot and WeddingWire awards

Now that you know more about why you want to win these awards, discover the top strategies from previous winners, including those who have made it into our Hall of Fame.

1. Deliver exceptional client experiences

Winning awards starts with the experience you provide. Couples will remember how you made them feel every step of the way, from the first email to the final send-off. If you consistently exceed expectations, clients will naturally want to share their joy in reviews.

According to our award winners, here’s how to make it happen:

• Build personal connections. Andrea Van Wambeke of Sweeney Barn emphasizes the value of connection: “While our main product is our venue, what stands out is the value, knowledge and experience provided by our staff.”
• Make the process simple and clear. Jodi Schlichting from EverAfter Travel highlights the importance of clear processes, saying, “Make sure your clients understand the steps involved and feel confident about what’s next throughout the process.”
• Communicate consistently and quickly. Fast responses show couples they’re a priority, which builds trust and increases the chance of a stellar review.

Pro tip: “Build a connection with couples before their wedding day. Make it fun, easy and stress-free, and they’ll be more likely to call you out in their reviews.” — Andrea Van Wambeke, General Manager at Sweeney Barn

2. Ask for glowing reviews (and make it easy)

If you want stellar reviews, you have to ask for them. But timing and convenience are everything. The best time to request a review is within a few days of the wedding when emotions are still fresh.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Congratulate first, then ask. Andrea Van Wambeke suggests congratulating the couple before asking for a review. This small gesture builds goodwill before making the ask.
• Make it simple. Jodi Schlichting recommends including a direct review link in your email.
• Follow up. If you don’t get a response, don’t be afraid to send a second request. Sometimes couples just need a gentle reminder.

Pro tip: “Include a direct link to your review submission page in your follow-up email. This eliminates any barriers and makes it as straightforward as possible for them to leave a review..” — Jodi Schlichting, Destination Wedding Travel Agent at EverAfter Travel

3. Stand out with your unique style and voice

If your brand looks and sounds like every other vendor in your category, you’ll struggle to stand out. Anastasiia Polyakov, co-owner and photographer at So Tender Is Humanity suggests focusing on your uniqueness. “Define what makes you different and lean into it,” she says.

Here’s how to do it:

• Identify your unique edge. Ask yourself: What do couples consistently praise about my business? That’s your superpower.
• Curate your images. Avoid posting every photo you’ve ever taken. Instead, focus on images that attract your dream clients.
• Refresh your Storefronts. Use your bio to explain what makes you different from other vendors in your category and feature photos of your work that align with this messaging.

Pro tip: “If your copy is packed with buzzwords and your photos mimic everyone else, you’re only competing on price—and that’s not where you want to be.” — Anastasiia Polyakov, Co-Owner & Photographer at So Tender Is Humanity

4. Highlight client reviews on your Storefronts

When couples land on your Storefront, one of the first things they look for are your Reviews. Showcasing positive feedback from past clients is one of the most effective ways to win trust.

Here’s how to use reviews to your advantage:

• Pin your best review. Vanessa Ortiz of The Palms Hotel & Spa shares, “Delivering top-tier service will naturally lead to positive reviews.” Make sure to pin your best review to the top of your Storefront so future clients can quickly see the type of service you provide.
• Use testimonials as content. Repurpose positive reviews on your social media, in emails and on your website.
• Feature them in your bio. Work key themes from reviews into your Storefront bio. If clients keep mentioning your “warm, friendly communication,” make that a focal point.

Pro tip: “Whether it’s through your communication, attention to detail or creative input, ensuring your clients feel valued and cared for is key for stellar reviews.” — Vanessa Ortiz, Director of Catering at The Palms Hotel & Spa

5. Curate the experience after the event

Don’t let your client experience end after the wedding. Make the delivery of photos, videos or other final products just as magical. This final moment is a great opportunity to create a lasting impression and inspire a positive review.

Here’s how to make the delivery special:

• Create a memorable delivery experience. Photographers like Anastasiia Polyakov create a gallery viewing experience, encouraging couples to plan a special time to view the photos together.
• Include a personal touch. Send a thank-you gift, a slideshow or a personalized note to surprise and delight your couples.
• Use the moment to ask for feedback. This is a great moment to ask couples for a review while the excitement is still fresh.

Pro tip: “When we deliver wedding photo galleries, we encourage couples to plan a date night and relive the experience together. It makes the delivery moment just as special as the wedding day.” — Anastasiia Polyakov, Co-Owner & Photographer at So Tender Is Humanity

Start winning awards today

Winning The Knot Best of Weddings and WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards^Ⓡ isn’t luck—it’s strategy. And the good news is, you already have everything you need to make it happen by following the steps above.

Remember, every review you collect is a step toward your next award. Start putting these strategies into action today, and when the next round of winners are announced, your name could be on the list.

Don’t wait—start collecting reviews today on your Storefronts on The Knot and WeddingWire to set your business up to win awards this season!

Photography by: Kir2Ben