After the Wedding: Thank Vendors Who Shined

April 19, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, as your daughter’s wedding day unfolds, you will notice which vendors really shine in carrying out their roles. Hopefully they’ll all do a wonderful job, but one or two will probably disappoint. On the other hand, one or two will amaze. And those are the ones that will make your day.

So when a vendor does a top-notch job and goes above and beyond what you expected, why not send him or her a thank you note in the days following the wedding? Why not return the blessing? I guarantee you will make her day with your thoughtful gesture. After all, words of appreciation keep us all encouraged and motivated to do our best, no matter the work we do.

Here’s the note I sent the cake designer who not only crowned our daughter Kristin’s wedding reception with a taste of heaven but surprised us with a beautiful visual touch to all of our tables as well:

Emeline, I just had to drop you a note to thank you for the absolutely wonderful job you did on the cakes for Kristin and Shawn’s wedding. They were beautiful and out-of-this-world delicious! I also so appreciated the fresh flower petals you sprinkled around on the tables—that was such a special unexpected surprise. It added so much to the beauty of the tables. Thanks for going out of your way to do that for us!

God blessed in so many ways to help us have a wonderful wedding celebration, and you were one of those blessings.

Thanks again!
Cheryl Barker

Not only did my note bless this vendor (she sent an email thank you that same day), but it gave her another name she could add with confidence to her list of references. Remember, giving a glowing report when asked about a vendor’s services is another terrific way to keep showing your appreciation in the future.

Even though you may be ready to close the books, MOB, on your wedding responsibilities as soon as you pull away from the reception venue, take a moment to thank those who helped make your baby girl’s big day extra special. It’s your turn to bless them!

*You might also like to read Time-Saving Tip: Insider Info from Vendors and Wedding Savings Tip: Ask for Price Breaks.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out in early May. One lucky subscriber (new or current) will receive a $15 gift card to Barnes & Noble and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photo by Virginia L., Creative Commons License

Filed Under: Above and Beyond, blessing, bride, encouragement, kindness, Mother of the Bride, thanks, wedding Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Savings Tip: Ask for Price Breaks

August 17, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, did you know that savvy MOBs ask for price breaks?

You may be familiar with the verse of scripture that says “. . . ye have not because ye ask not.” (James 4:2 KJV) Yes, this verse is about asking things of God, but I think the principle holds true in other situations as well—wedding planning included. If we don’t ask for price breaks, we may not get them.

Every little bit saved helps when putting on the event of a lifetime so be bold when asking for discounts, MOB. Mention to vendors or shop owners/managers you’re speaking with that you’re trying to keep expenses down and are looking for the best deals you can find. Ask them what kind of discounts or price breaks they offer. If they don’t have any standard discounts, you can suggest one that might be appropriate to the situation.

Here are some examples of price breaks that might be offered or that you might be able to negotiate:

1) A percentage discount if paying in full or paying early.

2) Matching a competitor’s price.

3) Discount if giving a vendor business in two or more areas—renting tuxes from the shop where you buy the bridal gown or bridesmaids dresses, ordering the wedding cakes from the caterer in addition to the food for the reception, ordering bridesmaids dresses from the same shop where you buy the bridal gown, etc.

4) Discount for floor model or last item in stock.

5) Discount if wedding is being held in off-season.

6) Ask what they can do for the price you have in mind. They might give you a better deal to get your business.

7) If an item is not currently on sale, ask when it will go on sale—then grab it as soon as it goes on sale.

Good luck, MOB, as you ask for these and other price breaks. Remember, we have not because we ask not. So go out there and ask away!

*You might also like to read A Simple Wedding Expense Tip, Quick Tip: Getting the Most Bang for Your MOB Buck, and Wedding Savings Tip: Borrow!

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, came out earlier this month. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is FREE and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.) *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photo by 401(K) 2012, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: advice, help, money, Mother of the Bride, preparation, wedding, wisdom Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,