‘Tis the season for trimming the tree, fruit cakes, and giving to others. When you are shopping for all of the important individuals in your life, it’s important to not forget those who have given you business and who provide support to you in each event. These people are the clients who have put their trust in you to plan their wedding day and the vendors who, without them, you would be in need of one thousand arms to make a wedding possible.

Now, I am not suggesting you rush out and buy everyone a sweater and the latest iPad. A small token of your gratitude to these people can come in many forms. One idea for clients may be to send a holiday greeting card, include a personal note and if possible, a photo of the three of you if you have one. You can also include a small gift card to their favorite bakery or coffee shop. Clients want to know they were more than just a check to you and that you did get to know them and remember them on a personal level.

Where would we be without our vendors? How do you show a baker, florist, or DJ your continued gratitude for providing the best service to your clients? This is not hard. I once baked a batch of cookies for the local baker who I use for my clients. I put the cookies in a holiday tin and included a small note that said, “It’s my turn to bake for you. Thank you for making every event sweet!” I delivered it to her home and when she had opened it, she hugged me and thanked me for taking the time to do something so meaningful for her. It’s those moments that make giving to others and the holidays so special.

Keep in mind that it is the businesses who go the extra mile who excel in their field and earn the outstanding reputations. By making the effort to provide a kind gesture for these people you are showing them the kind of person and business you are. This will solidify for them their confidence in you and encourage them to tell others about your business.

In our event planning business, our job is to put smiles on people’s faces and why not do that with a small act of kindness this holiday season?

One of my favorite sites for holiday cards and meaningful gifts is Moo.com. And, of course, Amazon is always a good resource for client gift ideas.

This is a guest post from Christine Bochniak. Christine resides in Galena, IL where she works as an Author Account Manager for Kendall Hunt Publishing. She also works as a wedding coordinator part-time for her own business Rise Events Planning.