The weddings and events industry thrives on communication, collaboration and trust.
From couples planning their dream day to suppliers working together to create unforgettable experiences, the key to success lies in clear and respectful communication.
Yet, there’s an all too common problem that disrupts this flow: ghosting in the wedding industry.
Whether it’s potential clients ignoring quotes, suppliers vanishing mid chat or even fellow vendors leaving you in the dark, ghosting is a growing issue in the industry.
It’s frustrating, unprofessional and entirely avoidable.
Let’s explore the impact of ghosting in weddings and events and how a simple response can make all the difference.
When Couples Ghost Vendors
Wedding and event suppliers often go above and beyond to provide personalised quotes, recommendations and ideas.
For many vendors, every inquiry sparks hope, it could mean securing a booking, bringing a vision to life and building a great relationship. But all too often, that excitement turns into frustration when couples ghost their vendors.
Imagine this scenario: A couple reaches out for pricing or a proposal. You spend time crafting the perfect response, tailored to their needs. You hit “send” and then… nothing.
Here’s why couples should rethink ghosting:
It’s Disrespectful of Time and Effort: Vendors invest a significant amount of time and energy into proposals and consultations. Ignoring their follow ups dismisses this effort entirely.
A Quick Response Is Enough: Vendors don’t expect every enquiry to lead to a booking, but a simple “Thanks, but we’ve chosen someone else” is courteous and takes less than a minute to write.
It Can Impact Future Opportunities: Ghosting burns bridges. If you ever need to circle back to a vendor you’ve ignored, don’t expect the same level of enthusiasm or service.
When Vendors Ghost Couples
Couples aren’t the only ones guilty of ghosting. Vendors, too, sometimes fall silent after initial consultations or halfway through discussions. Whether it’s failing to send a promised quote or not following up on a meeting, vendor ghosting creates stress and uncertainty for clients who are already navigating the pressures of planning a wedding or event.
For vendors, this behaviour can be particularly damaging:
It Undermines Trust: Planning a wedding or event is deeply personal, and couples rely on their vendors to deliver. Silence raises red flags about reliability and professionalism.
It Can Tarnish Your Reputation: Word-of-mouth is everything in the weddings and events industry. If a couple feels abandoned, you risk losing not just their booking but also future referrals.
It’s Avoidable: If you’re too busy or no longer interested in taking on a client, a quick message explaining the situation maintains your reputation and goodwill.
When Vendors Ghost Each Other
The weddings and events industry is a team effort. From florists and photographers to caterers and DJs, vendors rely on each other to bring a couple’s vision to life. But what happens when one vendor ghosts another?
Vendor to vendor ghosting is more common than many realise and it can create serious problems:
Disruptions in Workflow: If a venue coordinator is waiting for a florist’s timeline or a caterer is expecting a rental company’s delivery details, ghosting halts progress and creates unnecessary stress.
Damaged Partnerships: Vendors depend on strong relationships to deliver seamless events. Ghosting undermines trust and can harm long term partnerships.
Reputation Risks: Just like with clients, vendors talk. If you’re known for ignoring fellow professionals, you risk damaging your reputation in a tightly connected industry.
Why Ghosting Happens and Why It Shouldn’t
Ghosting often stems from discomfort or avoidance. People worry about delivering bad news, think they’re too busy or assume the other party will “get the hint.” But in the weddings and events industry, where emotions are high and deadlines matter, ghosting does more harm than good.
Why It’s Important to Communicate:
Respect for Effort: Whether you’re a couple or a vendor, acknowledging someone’s time and work shows professionalism and courtesy.
Clarity Saves Time: A quick response, even if it’s a “no,” prevents unnecessary follow ups and keeps everyone on the same page.
Relationships Matter: The weddings and events industry thrives on collaboration. Maintaining open communication strengthens trust and builds lasting connections.
How to Break the Ghosting Cycle
The solution is simple: Respond. Whether you’re a couple or a vendor, taking a moment to communicate, even if it’s not the answer someone wants to hear, goes a long way.
For Couples Declining Vendors:
“Thank you for the proposal. We’ve chosen to go with another vendor, but we appreciate your time.”
“Unfortunately, this is outside of our budget, but we’ll keep you in mind for future needs.”
For Vendors Responding to Couples:
“Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, we’re fully booked for your date, but I’d recommend [another vendor] who may be available.”
“I’m sorry for the delay. I’ll have your proposal to you by [specific date].”
For Vendors Communicating with Each Other:
“Thanks for your enquiry. Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate this request, but let’s stay in touch for future collaborations.”
“We’re experiencing a delay on our end but will follow up with you by [specific date].”
Ghosting has no place in the weddings and events industry, or anywhere, for that matter.
Whether you’re a couple planning your special day, a vendor working with clients or a professional collaborating with other suppliers, communication is key.
Taking just a moment to reply, no matter how busy you are, shows respect for the other person’s time and effort.
It strengthens relationships, builds trust and keeps the industry running smoothly.
In an industry built on creating joy and unforgettable moments, let’s prioritise kindness and professionalism in every interaction.
A simple email can make all the difference.
Commentaires