If you have ever wondered what wedding vendors really appreciate after the big day, yes, tips are wonderful. Gifts are sweet. A handwritten note can absolutely make someone’s week. But if you ask most wedding pros what matters most in the long run, the answer is simple: a detailed, honest review.
A great review does two things at once. It helps the vendor you hired keep their business thriving, and it helps future couples find the right people for their wedding. It’s one of the easiest ways to say “thank you” while also paying it forward.
Why reviews matter more than you think
Most wedding vendors are small businesses. Many are local. Many are owner-operated. Reviews are a huge part of how they book future weddings, especially for photographers, planners, DJs, hair and makeup artists, caterers, and florists. When a couple takes five minutes to share a real experience, it can directly lead to new inquiries and bookings.
Reviews also build trust. Couples planning weddings are making a lot of decisions quickly, and most of them do not have time to interview every vendor in the city. Reviews help them feel confident, and they help them narrow their options to professionals who show up, communicate well, and do great work.
A review keeps giving
Tips are meaningful, and they’re often deserved. Gifts are also thoughtful. But a strong review has a longer life. It can show up on online and in vendor directories for months and even years. It becomes social proof that helps a vendor stand out in a crowded market.
If you really loved someone on your wedding team, leaving an amazing review is one of the best ways to make sure they keep getting hired by couples who will appreciate them, too.
What makes a review actually helpful
The best reviews are not just “They were great!” (although we love that energy.) The most helpful reviews include specifics that allow another couple to picture the situation.
Here are a few prompts that make your review stronger:
What did they do that made your experience easier?
How was communication leading up to the wedding?
Were they on time and prepared?
Did they handle a challenge smoothly?
What was the result, and how did it make you feel?
Would you hire them again, and why?
Two or three detailed sentences can really make your review stand out.
Where should you leave reviews?
If you’re not sure where to post, these are the most common and most valuable places:
Google (huge for search results and local bookings)
The Knot and WeddingWire (big for wedding-specific searches)
Yelp (especially for venues, beauty, and catering)
Zola (if you used it for planning or vendor search)
Facebook (helpful for local referrals and shares)
If a vendor sends you a direct review link, use it. That’s the easiest way to make sure your review lands where they need it most.
Timing matters
The best time to write reviews is within the first few weeks after the wedding, when details are fresh. If you are heading into your honeymoon or you just need a break, that’s fine. Put a reminder on your calendar for two to three weeks after the wedding and knock them out in one sitting. You will be surprised how quickly it goes once you start.
WHAT If something was not perfect?
I always advocate for transparency first. Before you write a review, talk to your vendor directly and share your feedback. They may be able to provide additional context, clear up a misunderstanding, or even make things right in a way you did not expect. At the very least, you’re giving them a fair chance to hear you and respond before your experience becomes public.
After that conversation, you can still leave an honest review, just keep it factual and balanced. Focus on what happened, how it was handled, and what the outcome was. If the vendor owned the issue and worked hard to fix it, say that. How a vendor responds matters just as much as the problem itself, and future couples genuinely want to know whether someone is accountable, responsive, and professional under pressure.
If the issue was significant and the response was not great, you can still share that respectfully. Avoid personal attacks and stick to clear details that would help another couple make an informed decision.
A simple template
If you want an easy starting point, here’s a quick structure:
“We hired [Vendor Name] for our wedding on [date] in [city]. From the beginning, they were [organized, responsive, professional]. They helped us with [specific service], and on the wedding day, they [specific example]. The final result was [how it looked/felt]. We would absolutely recommend them to other couples, especially if you want [what type of couple this vendor is perfect for].”
Final thought
Wedding vendors remember who takes the time to write a thoughtful review. It’s not just about business. It feels personal. It’s a couple saying, “We noticed every detail, and we’re grateful for what you created.”
So yes, tip your vendors if you can and if it’s appropriate. Send a gift or thank you note if that’s your style. If you want to give the one gift that keeps giving long after the wedding is over, leave a thoughtful review that helps them stand out and keeps their business thriving.