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Client gifting can be a powerful tool in the wedding industry to enhance your client experience and build lasting relationships that last beyond the wedding day. However, it's important to note that the art of client gifting requires a delicate balance between professionalism and personal touch. The goal is to strike the middle ground between the two. This guide will help you navigate the do's and don'ts of client gifting, understand the difference between a business gift and a personal gift, and identify the ideal times to send your gifts. After 5 years working in the wedding industry, I've learned a thing or to about what works and what doesn't so let's dive in and discover how to make your client gifting strategy work for you and your business.
Client gifting is way more than just a gesture of goodwill; it's a strategic move that can significantly impact your business and relationship with your client. A well-thought-out gift can reinforce and elevate your brand, show appreciation, create a memorable experience, increase referrals and serve as an added marketing extension for your clients (think word of mouth and social sharing). For wedding pros, gifting can help build trust and loyalty, making clients feel valued and special during one of the most important times in their lives. By incorporating thoughtful gifts into your client experience, you not only elevate their journey but also set yourself apart in a competitive market.
When it comes to client gifting, there are several best practices to ensure your gifts are well-received and impactful. First, keep the products practical and high-quality so they reflect the quality of your services. Packaging place a HUGE role here (more so than you think) so make sure the packaging of your gift also reflects your service: refined, tasteful, well put together, etc. A luxurious gift from a wedding vendor can leave 'wow factor' from the moment it's placed at their doorstep. Next, timing is crucial. Think about your client journey and when sending a gift is most ideal: For most vendors, we recommend giving an onboarding gift when clients first sign with you to set a positive tone for your relationship. Lastly, always include a handwritten note to add a personal touch and express your genuine appreciation.
While gifting can be beneficial, there are some pitfalls to avoid. First, avoid sending them specific items that YOU would like to receive. Also avoid champagne or any type of alcohol if you aren't 100% positive that your clients drink. This is a very common item to give in the wedding industry and can come off as incredibly insensitive if your clients are sober. Next, avoid gifts that could be seen as promotional or self-serving. The focus should be on the client's experience, not on advertising your business (you can keep the branding tasteful and on the packaging, not the products). Finally, be mindful of cultural sensitivities and preferences to ensure your gift is appropriate and respectful. Bonus tip: stay away from anything that says "Mr. and Mrs." it's a trend that should have gone away in 2007 but unfortunately still alive.
Understanding the difference between a business gift and a personal gift is crucial in the wedding industry. A business client gift typically aligns with your brand and services, such as a beautifully branded packaging and stationery that you write your note to your client on. These gifts are professional and reinforce your business relationship. On the other hand, a personal gift is more intimate and tailored to the client's individual tastes, such as a personalized photo frame or bespoke accessories like ties, jewelry etc. If you want to send a gift that is more personal to your couples, I recommend sending this post-wedding after you've gotten to know them a lot more. For client gifting specifically, it's really important to strike the right balance between these two types of gifts so that you can enhance your client experience, automate the process and strengthen your connection with your clients.
Timing is everything when it comes to client gifting. The beginning of your relationship is a perfect time for an onboarding gift, setting a positive tone and showing your excitement to work together. You can also gift during milestones in the planning process, such as the completion of a major task, the couple's engagement anniversary or even if there's a lull in your process it may be a good time to send a gift to get the excitement going again! Additionally, a post-wedding gift can serve as a lasting reminder of your exceptional service and leave a positive final impression. By strategically timing your gifts, you can create meaningful touchpoints throughout the client journey. If you're just starting out or not looking to do a gifting sequence then I recommend onboarding!
It's very easy to want to DIY and assume that it's as easy as it looks. Trust me when I say we have more clients that come to us after a failed attempt at DIYing for one reason or another. Whether they bought all the products and couldn't figure out packaging, avoided the post office at all costs or had every intention of doing it all but are too busy to even think about it--please save your time, space and money (yes money) and consider working with a gift company that's aligned with your goals!
Not only are we here to help you but our services are literally designed around those in the wedding industry. Our services were created for Vendors simply wanting to try client gifting to Pros who want to create a full gifting sequence for their entire client journey. Wherever you are at in your business, we are here to support you and elevate your service with gifting.
Client gifting is a powerful tool for wedding pros to enhance the client experience, build lasting relationships, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. By understanding the do's and don'ts of client gifting, recognizing the difference between business and personal gifts, and strategically timing your gifts, you can create meaningful and memorable experiences for your clients and a very efficient workflow that's built to impress. Remember, the key to successful client gifting is thoughtfulness, intention, and genuine appreciation and we are ALWAYS here to help!! Happy Gifting!
