Marketing Strategy

How to Build Stronger Client Relationships During Engagement Season

By Lora Sickora

Engagement season runs from November to February and is the busiest time of the year for wedding vendors, with more than 40% of engagements occurring during these months. This means couples are also actively searching for their dream team of wedding vendors. 

But here’s the big question: How do you make sure they choose you? The answer is simple: Learn how to build stronger relationships.

Couples don’t just book vendors—they book people they trust. Building stronger client relationships can help you stand out from the competition, increase inquiries and book more ideal clients.

In this article, you’ll learn how to connect with potential clients during engagement season and build stronger relationships to keep them coming back for more. These strategies will help you foster authentic relationships, inspire trust and turn curious leads into booked clients. Let’s dive in!

7 ways to build stronger relationships with couples

Here are some of the best ways to build stronger relationships—the kind you need to get stronger leads and help secure more bookings this engagement season.

1. Prioritize communication and responsiveness

Couples expect fast, clear and open communication. They’re making big decisions during engagement season, and they want to feel supported by their vendors. 

Here’s how you can prioritize your communication:

• Respond quickly. Vendors who reply within 24-48 hours are more likely to book couples.
• Set clear expectations. Let couples know when they’ll hear back from you. Use auto-replies to set clear response times.
• Be transparent. Clearly communicate pricing, availability, and next steps so couples know exactly what to expect.

Pro tip: The faster you respond to inquiries, the more likely you are to convert leads into clients. When couples feel prioritized and cared for, they’re more likely to see you as a dependable partner—and that’s exactly what they’re looking for in a vendor.

2. Create a warm, authentic brand voice on your Storefronts

Couples want to work with vendors who feel genuine, friendly and relatable. Your Storefront bio and copy should reflect your unique personality and approach.

Here are a few tips on how to write a bio for your Storefronts:

• Write a bio that reflects your brand voice. Use warm, approachable language that makes couples feel at ease.
• Highlight your “why.” Share why you love what you do and how you create memorable experiences for couples.
• Avoid generic phrases. Instead of “we’re passionate about weddings,” use specific, heartfelt details that feel authentic to your brand.

Pro tip: Need help crafting a standout bio? Use this guide on how to write a bio that stands out and draws in ideal clients.

3. Use thoughtful follow-ups to build trust

Following up with potential clients shows that you care about them and value their business. It also increases your chances of turning inquiries into bookings.

Follow these tips to build trust with clients:

• Follow up within 48 hours of inquiry. Reiterate your availability and offer to answer any questions.
• Personalize your follow-up. Mention something specific from the couple’s inquiry or wedding plans to show you’re paying attention.
• Use email templates. Save time while still being personal by using pre-written email templates for follow-ups.

Pro tip: Couples report they’re more likely to book vendors who send a personalized follow-up within 48 hours of their inquiry.

4. Build relationships beyond the wedding day

The client relationship doesn’t have to end when the wedding is over. Staying connected with past clients can lead to positive reviews, referrals and even repeat business.

Follow these recommendations to maintain the connection with your clients even after their wedding day:

• Ask for reviews after the wedding. Send an email requesting a review within a few days of the wedding.
• Send thank-you notes. A handwritten thank-you card leaves a lasting impression and shows genuine gratitude.
• Offer referral incentives. Encourage couples to refer you to their friends and family by offering small perks or exclusive offers.

Pro tip: Use our review request templates to make requesting reviews simple and stress-free.

5. Make your Storefronts feel like a relationship starter

Your Storefronts are often the first step in your client relationship. If it feels professional, welcoming and authentic, it’s more likely to convert visits into inquiries.

Here are some steps to get you started:

• Show your personality. Your bio should feel human, relatable and authentic.
• Feature high-quality images. Use beautiful, diverse photos that reflect your style, aesthetic and experience.
• Include clear calls-to-action (CTAs). Use CTAs like “Ask about our availability” or “Schedule a consultation” to encourage couples to take the next step.

Pro tip: Fully complete your Storefronts with fresh photos, client reviews and a compelling bio to increase inquiries.

6. Create a personalized client experience

Couples want to feel seen, heard and valued. When you go the extra mile to create a personalized experience, couples remember it.

To create an experience that feels personal and tailored to your couples, follow these simple guidelines:

• Send a welcome email. As soon as a couple books with you, send a warm welcome email that includes next steps and what they can expect.
• Personalize their experience. If you know the couple loves a certain color, theme or vibe, make it part of your communications.
• Offer custom options. From color choices to personalized designs, offering a personal touch can create a memorable experience.

Pro tip: Personalization is one of the simplest ways to create loyalty and trust. Couples who feel “seen” are more likely to recommend you to their friends.

7. Showcase your expertise and leadership

Couples want to work with vendors they trust to take charge. They don’t want to feel like they have to “manage” you. Show your expertise by leading with confidence.

Here are a few ways to let your couples know you’ve got this:

• Be proactive in your communication. If you see a potential issue, address it before it becomes a problem.
• Share your process. Let couples know what the process looks like, from booking to the wedding day.
• Provide helpful resources. Share planning tips or advice to demonstrate your knowledge.

Pro tip: Show couples that you’re a true partner in their wedding planning process by taking initiative and sharing valuable insights. One way to do this is by providing them how-to and planning guides.

Start building stronger relationships today

Building strong client relationships isn’t just about booking a wedding—it’s about creating trust, loyalty and long-term connections. By focusing on the strategies above, you’ll turn potential leads into clients and strengthen your brand for future bookings.

Photography by: Nikki Daskalakis