After a wedding is over I am EXHAUSTED!  It can be very easy to toss the couple’s file on my desk and move on, but I realized I was missing a lot of opportunities to market my business. So, in addition to my planning checklist in each file, I have my post-wedding marketing checklist. Until I have completed all the items, I do not allow myself to file the couples folder.

Here is a list of the things that I do post-wedding:

• Send thank you notes to the other wedding professionals
• Request a testimonial from the couple
• Request the use of photos from the couple and the photographer
• Update my online portfolio with photos from the wedding
• Create and schedule social media posts showcasing this wedding
• Send a special thank you card or gift to the couple
• Add the couple to my mailing list for business holiday cards
• Write and schedule blog posts about the wedding
• Share blog posts with past clients on social media (Couples like to share stuff about their weddings. It is a great way to have your work sent out to many people you would not normally reach.)
• Submit photos and a write-up to any relevant blogs and publications
• Mark my calendar to send a first-anniversary card/gift to the couple in one year

Although it can be tempting to file everything away and move on to the next wedding, take the time to do a few follow-up tasks.  It can help propel your business forward and have a very positive effect on your marketing efforts. The most powerful marketing is a good review or word of mouth referral from a satisfied client. So make sure you are keeping your business at the top of your past clients minds even after their wedding.

Today’s post is a guest post from Amber Peterson. Amber is the owner of Cheers Wedding & Event Planning in western Washington. She has a Masters Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and previously worked as a marketing consultant for wedding industry professionals. Amber is also the co-founder of the Skagit Wedding Society.