Why I’ll Only Recommend *These* Wedding Vendors in 2026
Oh, wedding world! just when you think you’ve seen it all, you post a spicy take on Threads and suddenly the internet wants to talk about email etiquette. Yes, my fellow wedding enthusiasts, planning pros, and vendor friends—buckle up because today we’re talking about communication. Or, more specifically, why I will only recommend vendors who know how to use a calendar, an out-of-office responder, and maybe even their own eyeballs before the wedding day. Grab your coffee (or perhaps something stronger), and let’s dive in!
The Threads Post That Lit Up My Notifications
Okay, confession time: I didn’t mean for my Threads post to go viral. Apparently, though, it struck a nerve. Here’s what I said:
“Vendors I will be recommending in 2026:
1. They respond to emails within two business days.
2. If they can’t, they use an out-of-office letting us know when they’ll return.
3. They read the wedding timeline and ask questions *before* the wedding day.”
That’s it! Just three little things. Judging by the reactions I hit on something universal. Some folks messaged me like, “Gabby, YES! Communication post-COVID is rough!” Others seemed genuinely shocked, like, isn’t this just what professionals *do* already?
Why Communication Matters (Even More Than Your Insta-Worthy Portfolio)
Here’s the deal: I get that wedding vendors are busy. We’re all juggling a zillion tasks, and yes, sometimes messages get lost in cyberspace. But when I’m looking at my trusted vendor list for next year, I have to be honest: If your work is gorgeous but I spend days hunting you down for a response, I can’t keep recommending you. It makes my job so much harder, and more importantly, it makes our clients nervous.
Let’s be real. Late-night DM’ing your florist or sending “Just bumping this up!” email number three gets old for everyone. And don’t even get me started on sifting through Facebook messages because “that’s the only place you saw my follow-up.” If you don’t have a system or a plan, that’s how mistakes happen. And at a wedding, one missed email can mean a missing bouquet, a late cake, or—worst nightmare—a panicked couple.
It’s Not About Perfection, It’s About Professionalism
Let’s be super clear: No one is demanding perfection. Things happen! We’re all human, and occasionally, we forget to flick on our out-of-office before hitting the road, or that one important email gets sorted into the spam abyss (the ultimate betrayal, honestly).
But here’s where it crosses the line: If a planner or client has to DM you, text you, and send a carrier pigeon just to get a timeline question answered, something’s not working. Everyone deserves grace, but everyone also deserves a reply.
So if you’re reading this and nodding along because you’ve been on the ghosted end of an email chain, I see you! If you’re on the vendor side and feeling your face flush because this sounds *a smidge* too familiar, this is your sign to update those systems, friend.
My Top Tips for Getting (and Staying) On My Vendor List
Don’t panic, my vendor pals! I’m not out here swinging an axe at my preferred list like a bridezilla with a grudge. I want to recommend you—seriously! So here’s how to make it easy for everyone to keep loving working with you:
1. Respond to Emails in Two Business Days
I know you get a flood of emails, but a simple “Hey, thank you for your message! I’ll get back to you by Friday” works wonders. It keeps anxiety at bay, and the entire wedding planning team sleeps easier at night (speaking from experience).
Can’t get to your inbox? That’s okay. Just...
Use an Out-of-Office
Look, I love a vacation. If you’re away or drowning during wedding season, flip that out-of-office on. Make it specific (“I’m responding to emails on Tuesdays and Thursdays this week!” or “On-site at a wedding until June 12—will respond then!”). This one step is a client-pleasing, planner-calming, reputation-saving magic trick. Use it. If you’re not going to check email, *tell us*!
(Bonus: If you have blackout dates, add them to your email signature, but remember—a signature doesn’t help if you never reply in the first place!)
3. Read (and Question) the Timeline Before Showtime
Please. I beg you. The wedding timeline is not a bedtime story to skim if you can’t sleep the night before the big day. It’s the master plan! Review it. Ask us anything confusing *well before* the wedding (not in the parking lot with 10 minutes till ceremony). This saves us all from scramble mode and keeps couples calm.
4. Get Support Staff or Tech Help as Needed
If your inbox is a dumpster fire and you know you’re not going to catch up, it’s time for help!
- AI Tools: Use auto-responders, chatgpt, zapier, or any other cool app that exists out there
- Virtual/Admin Assistant: Even a few hours a week can keep things moving.
- Reminders: Google Calendar, Siri, sticky note on your forehead—whatever gets the job done.
Personally, I live by Google Calendar. I set myself reminders for every follow-up so nothing slips. You can even use that handy little “Hey Siri/Google” function: “Remind me to email Gabby about the sample bouquet at 10 tomorrow.” Boom! No more scrambling.
5. Don’t Use “Busy” as Your Excuse Every Time
We’re *all* busy. The wedding industry quite literally *runs* on busy energy. But “busy” can’t be your go-to reason every single time an email sits unanswered.
If you’re so slammed you can’t reply to another professional or a client, that’s a sign you need to streamline something. Get help, set better boundaries, and communicate when you’re hitting maximum capacity. Trust us—we’d rather know you’re booked solid than be left in the dark.
Let’s Give Each Other Grace —But Also Get It Together
Let me wrap up with a little honesty and a lot of love: Wedding planning is hard enough already. The best vendors are humans first—friendly, helpful, responsive, and willing to do the little things (like respond to an email!) that make a big difference.
Let’s keep talking openly. Let’s give each other grace when mistakes happen. But also—let’s take the extra two seconds to click “Reply,” flick on that out-of-office, or ask a clarifying question about the timeline. You’ll not only make my job easier as a planner, but you’ll help every couple enjoy a smoother, calmer, more joyful wedding day.
And if all else fails, just remember: If you want to stay on my preferred list in 2026, use a calendar. Communicate with kindness. Maybe even throw in a GIF with your reply (just kidding… mostly).
Now: Who’s ready to tackle that inbox? 🙋♀️
Did this hit home? Have a vendor communication “uh-oh” story? Send me a DM or come join me over on youtube!
