Let’s be real, your clients aren’t just hiring you for your service. They’re hiring you for the experience. And one of the most powerful, high-touch ways to enhance that experience? Gifting.
Whether you’re a Wedding Planner, Photographer, Calligrapher, or Stationer, a well-timed, thoughtful gift can turn a good client experience into a memorable one.
I joined Candice Coppola on The Power in Purpose podcast to share my expert insights on elevating client experiences through strategic gifting. It was a great conversation! Here’s what we discussed.
Yes, Clients Expect Gifts (Even If They Don’t Say It)
Let’s call it what it is, wedding clients in the premium, luxury and ultra luxury category are spending thousands of dollars. With social media full of unboxing videos and behind-the-scenes planning reels, the bar has been raised. Couples are seeing other clients receiving gifts from vendors… and yes, that creates an expectation.
And when done right? It’s not just about checking a box, it’s about creating an emotional moment with your client that says: You matter. I see you. I appreciate you.
It’s Not Just a Gift, It’s an Experience
At Lavender + Pine, we curate gifts that touch all the senses. Think calming scents, luxurious textures, handwritten notes, and elevated packaging. From branded tissue paper to a spritz of lavender oil, it’s designed to feel intentional, high-touch, and stand-out.
It’s not about sending “stuff.” It’s about creating connection with your client, reducing buyer’s remorse, and making people feel good about working with you which is something that’s priceless in moments of stress or uncertainty during wedding planning.
Gift Sequencing: More Than a Welcome Gift
A growing trend that's really come to the surface this last year is gift sequencing which is the idea of mapping gifting moments throughout the client journey:
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Welcome Gift: 1–2 weeks post-booking to affirm the client’s decision.
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Middle-of-the-Road Gift: Sent during a lull in planning or high-stress moment.
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Post-Wedding Gift: this is more personal because at this point you really know your clients. Think first married Christmas, anniversary, or new home purchase.
Each one is a chance to reinforce trust, bring joy, and stay top of mind long after the event ends.
Budgeting Without Breaking the Bank
Cost is a common topic of conversation and rightfully so. After all, client gifting IS an investment. I recommend allocating 2–5% of your project budget to gifting. The sweet spot is $100–$250 but even $50-$75 gifts can go far if done with thought and intention. How much you spend is ultimately up to you!
Key tip: Don’t absorb the cost, bake it into your pricing. Just like you charge for your time or travel, this is part of the experience. And if you feel some type of way about it think about it like this: when buying tickets to a workshop or event, there are usually packages or levels with high to low price points. Different levels garner different access and enhanced experiences that's baked into the total cost of your ticket. It's the same concept.
Gifts That Feel Luxe (But Don’t Cost a Fortune)
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A single artisan candle with beautiful matches
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A serving board with tea towels (hello, lasting impact!)
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Gourmet caramels and chocolates with subtle, stylish packaging
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Branded elements like custom tape or tissue paper
Remember: fewer, better items > lots of filler. Quality over quantity wins every time.
Vendor Gifting = Relationship Gold
Sending thoughtful gifts to fellow wedding pros, especially those who refer you is a great referral strategy. Just like PR packages from big brands, these surprise-and-delight moments spark relationships and drive referrals. They may not be immediate due to the nature of our industry, but they do keep you in the memory bank when there is a need.
Tip: Send them off-season or around the New Year for maximum impact. Sending during busy season may get lost in the noise.
Let Someone Else Handle It
Overwhelmed? Lavender + Pine handles it all: curation, assembly, handwritten notes, shipping, tracking, inventory… even year-end reporting for you and your Accountant.
It’s like having a fairy godmother for your gifting strategy.
Ready to Upgrade Your Gifting Game?
Start with one gift touchpoint or dive into a full-service gifting experience. Either way, strategic gifting is an investment in loyalty, trust, and client experience.
Listen to Episode 161 of the Power in Purpose podcast for your gift from us here: Power in Purpose Podcast Episode 161
