The wedding venue and professional blogger – a great match

As part of my wedding market training day I offer to wedding venues, we talk a lot about modern marketing methods that successful venues adopt, and naturally, working with professional blogs is a key part of that. My last training group were lucky to have a short presentation from Louise Beukes of well-known wedding blog, BLoved Blog, and today on the blog I’m pleased to share the key highlights of that presentation with you. So why work with wedding bloggers and how do you make the relationship work most successfully for all? Do read on…

Why work with bloggers?

• Bloggers have a direct link to brides
• They provide that instant, daily inspiration that millennial brides are looking for
• They can adapt quickly to industry changes and trends
• They have a larger reach than most print publications
• They offer wedding suppliers with a range of advertising and promotional options
• They know their niche and often have personal experience

How to connect with bloggers

• Do your research. Every blog has a different niche so make sure you’re targeting the right ones. It’s not just about numbers
• Match brides style, budget and expectations to your brand
• Be friendly and don’t lay on the sales pitch in your initial contact – and use their name!
• Make your pitch relevant
• Be upfront about what you are expecting and be prepared to allocate budget

How to work with bloggers

• Most bloggers offer a range of paid for advertising, such as banner ads, directory listings and sponsored posts
• They are also looking for exclusive, quality content such as styled shoots and real weddings
• Beautiful imagery is the key!
• Look for active advertising packages which combine a number of these elements for more success

Getting the best results

• It’s a two-way street. Work hard at your blogger relationships and it will pay off with better coverage and more opportunities!

Credits:

First set of images: Healey Barn
Melissa Beattie Photography // Styled by Louise // Venue: Healey Barn // Florist: Forage and Blossom // Dresses: Luella’s Boudoir // Bridal Accessories: Megan Therese Couture // Stationery and Calligraphy: Claire Gould Calligraphy // Silk Ribbons and Table Runner: Kate Cullen Styling // Makeup: Dani MUA // Hair Stylist: Steph O’Neill // Cakes: Master Cakesmith // Model: Emily Barnes from Tyne Tees Models

Second set of images: One Horseguards
Stylist: B.LOVED // Photographer: Hannah Duffy // Bridalwear: Blackburn Bridal // Shoes & Accessories: Emmy Shoes // Jewellery: Monica Vinader // HMUA: Tori Harris // Florist: Boutique Blooms // Tableware: Prezola // Cake: Cakes by Krishanthi // Stationery: Artcadia // Venue: One Horse Guards // Venue coordination: Coco Wedding Venues // Furniture: Options Hire // Model: Louise Cole

Third set of images: One Marylebone
Photographer: Anneli Marinivoch // Design & Styling: Louise Beukes // Floral Design: Moss & Stone // Bridalwear: House of Ollichon // Multi-way Bridesmaid Dresses: twobirds // Orange Bridesmaid Dress: Oliver Bonas // Jewellery & Barware: Oliver Bonas // Tableware: Prezola // Furniture Rentals (table, cutlery): Duchess & Butler // Furniture Rentals (chairs, bar cart): Wedhead // Venue: One Marylebone // Venue Coordination: Coco Wedding Venues // MUA: Ana Ospina at BEAUT // Hair Stylist: Hepburn Collection // Cake, Stationery & Décor: Eagle Eyed Bride // Stationery & Décor DIY’s: Cricut // Printer: Canon // Silk Ribbons: Kate Cullen // Model: Bernice Holmes // Model: Jeanette