Let’s be honest: making friends as an adult isn’t the easiest. When it comes to the wedding industry, it’s a small world. Finding a group of people that you connect with can make a lonely job way less lonesome. And, if you’re lucky, this group of people can help you out when you need it.

Join Local Facebook Groups for Vendors

One of the easiest ways to network with fellow wedding vendors is to join an online forum or Facebook group. When looking for a group, be sure to read the rules and etiquette so that you know how to properly participate. There are several forums out there, so if you’re unhappy with one it doesn’t hurt to try another until you find the right fit.

Facebook groups are a great way to connect with other wedding professionals. You can search for groups by location, type of vendor, or topic. Keep in mind that there are a lot of Facebook groups out there, so be selective about which ones you join.

Attend In-Person Networking Events for Wedding Pros

Another great way to network with fellow wedding vendors are in-person events. There are wedding industry trade shows, or you can attend local vendor meet-ups. You can do a simple Google search for “wedding industry events near me” to find networking opportunities.

When attending an in-person event, be sure to bring plenty of business cards. It’s also a good idea to have a few marketing materials on hand, such as a brochure or flyer with your business information.

Don’t be shy when networking with other wedding professionals. Introduce yourself, and ask questions about their business. Share some information about your own business, too. Building relationships with other wedding professionals can be beneficial, both professionally and personally.

Connect with Wedding Vendors via Instagram

Connecting with other vendors on Instagram is also a good idea. If you love someone’s aesthetic, let them know! You may even be able to work together on a future project. Share likes and comments, or even shoot them a DM. Keep engaging to keep your business top of mind with other vendors.

Keep in Touch with Vendors You Meet

Keep in touch with vendors you meet at weddings. You never know when you may need their services, or vice versa. As a vendor, you may also want to consider starting your own Facebook group as a way to connect with fellow wedding vendors in your area. If you’re a photographer, share photos with local vendors after wedding days.

Host Your Own Meetup for Wedding Vendors

Host a meetup for local vendors to get to know each other. Send out invites to vendors you’d like to get to know better. A short cocktail hour for networking could be a good idea. You could also host a more formal business meeting, with presentations and an agenda. If you want to get fancy, consider catered food or drink. The idea is for vendors to get to know one another better outside of the wedding day.

Join in on Styled Shoots for Wedding Portfolio Building

Working on styled shoots is a great way to network with other wedding professionals. Not only will you get to know them better, but you may also be able to collaborate on future projects. Styled shoots are great because they give you the opportunity to work with other creatives and learn their process. They also provide you with the opportunity to network with potential brides.

And finally: don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you need a referral, or if you’re looking for someone to collaborate with on a project, don’t be afraid to reach out to your network. They may not be able to help you every time, but they’ll appreciate the fact that you asked.

Spend Time Networking with Other Wedding Professionals

No matter how you choose to network with other wedding professionals, the most important thing is to be yourself. Be genuine, and be prepared to give as well as receive. Building relationships takes time, but it’s worth it in the end. Before you get carried away with this networking thing, keep in mind that it’s not about quantity. Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to connections. So while attending a meet-up or online forum may seem like a good idea, the quality of your relationships should always come first.

No matter how you go about it, networking with other wedding vendors is a great way to make friends in an industry that can be very isolating at times. And, who knows, you may even form some valuable business relationships.