(AND STAY FEELING LIKE AN AWESOME HUMAN)
Wedding planning is supposed to be fun right? It’s having manilla folders full of notes and inspiration, setting up a Pinterest board that clearly defines “the vibe”, and imagining your perfect, perfect day where nothing is going to go wrong.
But, to get to the “perfect” point, you are going to have to break a few hearts along the way. Not your own, but a few wedding businesses that you have asked to quote or met with, you have decided were not for you.
Sure, you could ghost these businesses, and plenty of people do, but the only way that leaves you with a clear conscience, and doesn’t leave wedding vendors hanging, is to write the dreaded “we’re not booking you” email.
To make it super easy there are a couple of (insert your detail) email templates at the end of this article, but here are some quick tips:
If you know almost immediately that you are not going to use a vendor, tell them almost immediately.
We won’t cry, promise, but you have saved us time, energy, and money in chasing you up. We’ll appreciate your honesty more than we will be offended to not get the booking.
Don’t write an essay or get overly emotional about it.
You might feel a little bad about it, but most people in the wedding industry have really thick skins (and if not, we’ve had to develop them quickly.) As long as you’re not insulting us personally, we promise not to take it personally when we get your email.
Don’t blame what they charge.
Every wedding vendor charges differently for what they do, and it’s based on lots of factors. Business costs, the level of service, and also their talents. Making a point of saying “You charge too much” implies that their skills are not valued. Instead, if the price is a consideration, acknowledge it in your email.
“We have carefully considered our budget, and unfortunately, are unable to stretch it to accept your quote. ”
If you really hate the idea of saying “no”; employ a professional.
For wedding planners, this is their jam. They bring together vendors that offer the services you are after, veto the ones who fall outside your budget and present you with a select few options that (hopefully) meet your needs. Then, these kings and queens of organisation share the good news with the businesses booked and politely inform others who missed out. You are, personally, kept at a distance from having to do the “thanks, but no thanks, chat.”
Three Ways To Email “Thanks, but no thanks.”
The short, short version.
Hey (business name), thanks for your time. However, we have decided to keep looking.
We wish you all the very best,
(NAME) & (NAME) | Wedding Date & Location
The short BUT SWEET version.
Hey (business name/ person),
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet/quote for our wedding on (date) at (location).
We really liked how you/your business (insert something that you like). However, after considering all our options, we’ve decided to go with another (service/business).
We will certainly keep you in mind for any friends/ family who are getting married in the future.
Thank you again,
(NAME) & (NAME)
The LONG, LOVELY, LENGTHY VERSION
Hi (business name/ person)
Name and I were so grateful for your time and the energy you put into your quote for our wedding at (LOCATION) on the (DATE MONTH YEAR.)
We really liked (insert a paragraph about their services/offers.)
However, after careful consideration, we have decided to use another provider/ continue our search/ look for alternate options.
We are really looking for a (describe the service you are after) and, although we loved what you have to offer, we didn’t feel it fit our wedding budget/ styling/ concept.
We want you to know that you were in the top two businesses we considered, and we will not hesitate to recommend you to any friends and family planning a wedding in the future.
We will be watching your Instagram/Facebook/Tik Tok and see all the amazing things you get up to in the future.
All the very best,
(NAME) & (NAME)
