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Client gifting can be a powerful tool in the wedding industry to enhance your client experience and build lasting relationships that last beyond the wedding day. However, it's important to note that the art of client gifting requires a delicate balance between professionalism and personal touch. The goal is to strike the middle ground between the two. This guide will help you navigate the do's and don'ts of client gifting, understand the difference between a business gift and a personal gift, and identify the ideal times to send your gifts. After 5 years working in the wedding industry, I've learned a thing or to about what works and what doesn't so let's dive in and discover how to make your client gifting strategy work for you and your business.
Client gifting is way more than just a gesture of goodwill; it's a strategic move that can significantly impact your business and relationship with your client. A well-thought-out gift can reinforce and elevate your brand, show appreciation, create a memorable experience, increase referrals and serve as an added marketing extension for your clients (think word of mouth and social sharing). For wedding pros, gifting can help build trust and loyalty, making clients feel valued and special during one of the most important times in their lives. By incorporating thoughtful gifts into your client experience, you not only elevate their journey but also set yourself apart in a competitive market.
When it comes to client gifting, there are several best practices to ensure your gifts are well-received and impactful. First, keep the products practical and high-quality so they reflect the quality of your services. Packaging place a HUGE role here (more so than you think) so make sure the packaging of your gift also reflects your service: refined, tasteful, well put together, etc. A luxurious gift from a wedding vendor can leave 'wow factor' from the moment it's placed at their doorstep. Next, timing is crucial. Think about your client journey and when sending a gift is most ideal: For most vendors, we recommend giving an onboarding gift when clients first sign with you to set a positive tone for your relationship. Lastly, always include a handwritten note to add a personal touch and express your genuine appreciation.
While gifting can be beneficial, there are some pitfalls to avoid. First, avoid sending them specific items that YOU would like to receive. Also avoid champagne or any type of alcohol if you aren't 100% positive that your clients drink. This is a very common item to give in the wedding industry and can come off as incredibly insensitive if your clients are sober. Next, avoid gifts that could be seen as promotional or self-serving. The focus should be on the client's experience, not on advertising your business (you can keep the branding tasteful and on the packaging, not the products). Finally, be mindful of cultural sensitivities and preferences to ensure your gift is appropriate and respectful. Bonus tip: stay away from anything that says "Mr. and Mrs." it's a trend that should have gone away in 2007 but unfortunately still alive.
Understanding the difference between a business gift and a personal gift is crucial in the wedding industry. A business client gift typically aligns with your brand and services, such as a beautifully branded packaging and stationery that you write your note to your client on. These gifts are professional and reinforce your business relationship. On the other hand, a personal gift is more intimate and tailored to the client's individual tastes, such as a personalized photo frame or bespoke accessories like ties, jewelry etc. If you want to send a gift that is more personal to your couples, I recommend sending this post-wedding after you've gotten to know them a lot more. For client gifting specifically, it's really important to strike the right balance between these two types of gifts so that you can enhance your client experience, automate the process and strengthen your connection with your clients.
Timing is everything when it comes to client gifting. The beginning of your relationship is a perfect time for an onboarding gift, setting a positive tone and showing your excitement to work together. You can also gift during milestones in the planning process, such as the completion of a major task, the couple's engagement anniversary or even if there's a lull in your process it may be a good time to send a gift to get the excitement going again! Additionally, a post-wedding gift can serve as a lasting reminder of your exceptional service and leave a positive final impression. By strategically timing your gifts, you can create meaningful touchpoints throughout the client journey. If you're just starting out or not looking to do a gifting sequence then I recommend onboarding!
It's very easy to want to DIY and assume that it's as easy as it looks. Trust me when I say we have more clients that come to us after a failed attempt at DIYing for one reason or another. Whether they bought all the products and couldn't figure out packaging, avoided the post office at all costs or had every intention of doing it all but are too busy to even think about it--please save your time, space and money (yes money) and consider working with a gift company that's aligned with your goals!
Not only are we here to help you but our services are literally designed around those in the wedding industry. Our services were created for Vendors simply wanting to try client gifting to Pros who want to create a full gifting sequence for their entire client journey. Wherever you are at in your business, we are here to support you and elevate your service with gifting.
Client gifting is a powerful tool for wedding pros to enhance the client experience, build lasting relationships, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. By understanding the do's and don'ts of client gifting, recognizing the difference between business and personal gifts, and strategically timing your gifts, you can create meaningful and memorable experiences for your clients and a very efficient workflow that's built to impress. Remember, the key to successful client gifting is thoughtfulness, intention, and genuine appreciation and we are ALWAYS here to help!! Happy Gifting!
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Newport, Rhode Island, Lisa and Kadeem's wedding at Belle Mer was a perfect blend of modern style and whimsical charm. Their celebration, recently featured in Style Me Pretty, showcased a seamless collaboration between the couple, their dedicated wedding planner, Sarah Brehant, and an extraordinary team of vendors we were so grateful to work alongside. From luxury welcome bags filled with the couple’s favorite treats to artisanal s’more kits for guests, every detail was thoughtfully curated to create an unforgettable wedding weekend. Join us as we take a closer look at this magical event and the elements that made it truly special.
Belle Mer, a Longwood Venue, served as the idyllic backdrop for Lisa and Kadeem's wedding. Situated on the water, this Newport wedding venue offers stunning views and a serene ambiance that is perfect for an outdoor wedding. Belle Mer’s modern architecture and expansive lawns provided a versatile space that could be tailored to fit the couple's vision. The venue's elegant simplicity allowed for creative decor elements that added a touch of whimsy, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the wedding.
Working with wedding planner Sarah Brehant was an absolute joy. Sarah's expertise and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the wedding was meticulously planned and executed. Her ability to bring the couple’s vision to life while coordinating with a superstar team of vendors was instrumental in creating a seamless and stress-free experience. Sarah's passion for wedding planning and her commitment to excellence were evident in every element of the celebration.
One of the standout features of Lisa and Kadeem's wedding was the luxury welcome bags and artisanal s’more kits we provided for their guests. The welcome bags, carefully designed and assembled, included the couple’s favorite treats, offering a warm and personal touch. The artisanal s’more kits, intended to be enjoyed by the firepit or taken home, added a whimsical and nostalgic element to the festivities. These thoughtful details not only delighted the guests but also reflected the couple's unique personalities and love for creating memorable experiences.
Lisa and Kadeem’s wedding was brought to life by an incredible team of vendors, each contributing their expertise and creativity to the event. From the stunning floral arrangements to the live music, every vendor played a crucial role in making the day perfect. The collaboration between the vendors and the wedding planner ensured that every detail was cohesive and beautifully executed. The result was a wedding that was not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful for the couple and their guests.
Here is the full list of wedding vendors!
Planning & Design: Sarah Brehant Events | Photography: Krista Jean Photography | Cinematography: Earth & Sun Co | Wedding Dress: Pnina Tornai | Invitations: Tulaloo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Entertainment: Fluxion Entertainment | DJ: Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band | DJ: DJ Fire | Wedding Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Rentals: 617 Weddings | Gifting: Lavender and Pine Gifting | Rentals: Mirror Me CT Photobooth | Rentals: Peak Event Services | Rentals: Signature Sounds | Beauty: Transcendent | DJ: DJ Kenny
Being featured in Style Me Pretty is not only an honor for us as a vendor but a testament to the beauty and success of Lisa and Kadeem's wedding. This recognition highlighted the exceptional work of the vendors and the meticulous planning that went into the event.
The beautiful Newport setting, combined with the attention to detail and the expertise of the vendors, made for a wedding weekend that guests will remember for years to come.
Lisa and Kadeem's wedding at Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island, was a perfect blend of modern style and whimsical charm. The collaboration between the couple, their wedding planner Sarah Brehant, and an exceptional team of vendors resulted in a truly magical celebration. From the luxury welcome bags to the artisanal s’more kits, every detail was thoughtfully curated to create an unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests. Being featured in Style Me Pretty was the icing on the cake, highlighting the beauty and success of this extraordinary wedding. For those dreaming of a Newport wedding, Lisa and Kadeem’s celebration serves as a source of inspiration and a testament to the power of thoughtful planning and collaboration.
Corporate gift-giving is a great way to maintain strong relationships with clients, employees, and business partners. A well thought out gift can leave a lasting impression, spark up conversations, show appreciation and make your business relationships feel a lot less transactional. To ensure that your holiday gifts are a success, timing, along with a few other factors, does play a critical role!
When talking to other gifting pros, many will say that giving gifts around the holidays isn't ideal--that holiday gifts are to expected and you're better off sending a "surprise and delight" another time of year. Although I agree, sending gifts at holiday time is ideal for many businesses so let's embrace the reality of countless companies and offer our guidance here!
In this blog I will talk about a few things to consider when you've added "Holiday Gifting" to your to-do list this season.
1. Know Who You're Gifting
Understanding who you're gifting is essential in determining the when and what. Client and employee gifts will have different delivery schedules and budgets, so be sure to tailor your gift-giving strategy to your specific recipient. For example, you might choose to send holiday gifts to clients in advance since they will be shipped worldwide, allowing ample time for delivery before the holiday rush while you may opt to provide your holiday gift to employees the same day as your holiday party. Your client list may be a lot shorter than your employee list which may allow for an increase in budget as well. If the gift cost is too high or too low, a physical gift may not even be worth it (yes--I said that). If we are talking about intentional gifting and true relationship building, we want to consider everything here!
2. Avoiding the Last-Minute Rush
It's never too early to start planning for holiday gifts! Beginning to inquire well in advance can help you avoid the chaos and stress of last-minute preparations. We have clients reach out as early as June to begin conversations to get the holiday design process started. Delays in gift procurement and assembly can lead to potential logistical issues (that we will overcome, but still who wants that extra added stress). Early planning allows you to secure the best products, personalize items, get on our production calendar and ensure timely delivery.
3. Factor in Shipping and Delivery Times
If your recipients are spread across different locations or countries, shipping and delivery times become crucial so we build in cushion to accommodate any delays. Collecting addresses and validating this information takes time so we account for this during our production phase as well. In peak seasons, it's important to account for any potential delays by starting early to ensure that your corporate gifts reach their destinations on time!
4. Budgeting
Starting early also allows us to source the best products and packaging within your budget paraments without having to settle for alternative products that may be at a higher price point due to inventory being out of stock. By securing gifts well in advance, we also do not fall in the window of having to pay rush fees if we come close to your delivery date!
Gifting requires careful planning, time management and some serious logistical mastery. By creating a gift strategy and avoiding last-minute rushes you can ensure that your gifts make a lasting, feel-good impact with your recipients. Thoughtful and timely corporate gift-giving can strengthen relationships, foster goodwill, and elevate your brand in the eyes of recipients.
Are you ready to work with us? Let us help you create beautiful and intentional corporate gifts that leave a lasting impression long after the holidays gave passed!
If you're ready to get started now click here!
When it comes to representing a clients brand, finding high-quality, reliable branding experts is key. We partner with vendors that specialize in branding and promotional capabilities to provide the best quality, service and product selection for our clients. Our choice to not have these capabilities in house is indeed intentional as we prefer to outsource these needs to vendors who not only have the resources to provide a vast selection of capabilities but also have countless years of professional experience working with the worlds biggest companies! Offering that level of quality and service to our clients is paramount. Our preferred vendors have impeccable standards, an incredible sense of urgency and understand the importance corporate branding.
In this blog post, I am excited to share my top three preferred vendors for branding and promotional products: Stickermule.com, iPromo.com, and 4imprint.com. Each of these vendors has distinct strengths and offerings that make them stand out in the industry. Join me as we explore the unique features and benefits of these vendors and discover why they have secured a spot among my favorites for my clients!
Stickermule.com has earned its reputation as a go-to vendor for high-quality custom stickers, labels, packing tape and more. Their attention to detail, exceptional printing techniques, and dedication to customer satisfaction have impressed me time and time again. Their online ordering process is seamless and user-friendly, allowing you to effortlessly create and customize your branded goods. With a wide range of materials, finishes, and shapes to choose from, Stickermule.com offers endless possibilities to showcase your brand in a visually striking manner. Beyond stickers, they also offer products like magnets, buttons, and packaging tapes (another favorite of ours), making them a one-stop-shop for all your branding needs.
When it comes to promotional products, ipromo.com has consistently delivered outstanding results. Their extensive product catalog spans across various categories, including apparel, bags, drinkware, tech gadgets, and more. What sets ipromo.com apart is their commitment to quality, sense of urgency and attention to detail. Our dedicated Account Manger is an incredible resource, always checking in on us and offering us wonderful product recommendations. They offer a range of customization options, ensuring that your brand message stands out on each product. Their team of experts is readily available to assist with product selection, design, and even offer valuable insights to help you achieve your promotional goals. With ipromo.com, you can confidently elevate your brand visibility and leave a lasting impression on your target audience.
For comprehensive promotional solutions, 4imprint.com is a vendor we use often. Their vast selection of promotional products is tailored to suit diverse business needs and budgets. From classic promotional items like pens, mugs, and keychains to unique and innovative products, 4imprint.com offers something for every need. What impresses me about 4imprint.com is their dedication to customer satisfaction. They provide exceptional customer service, ensuring that your experience from product selection to delivery is seamless and fast. Additionally, their commitment to sustainability is commendable, with a range of eco-friendly products available for businesses looking to align their brand with environmentally conscious values.
In the world of branding and promotion, choosing the right vendors can make a significant difference in the success of our clients marketing efforts. Stickermule.com, iPromo.com, and 4imprint.com have emerged as our top three preferred vendors, each bringing unique strengths and offerings to the table for us and our clients. Whether you're looking for custom stickers and labels, a wide range of promotional products, or comprehensive promotional solutions, these vendors have proven their worth through exceptional quality, attentive customer service, and innovative offerings. With Stickermule.com, ipromo.com, and 4imprint.com, you can confidently take your branding and promotional strategies to new heights and make a lasting impact on your clients, employees, partners and prospects.
Reach out today and let's work together to create a custom gifting strategy!
Introducing Our Latest Gift Launch: Party Favors!
Wedding and party favors are definitely a hot topic in the event industry and to do them or not to do them is the big question! I come from the school of thought that aligns with "you do you" however I will always advise to be intentional when it comes to gifting...even with favors.
My advice on favors is this...
I would agree with most Planners that the "throw away" favors need to stop--they are very wasteful and no one really needs another heart shaped bottle opener, an item with your wedding date on it or a succulent that they won't take care of.
Favors, if you want to have them, should compliment the other details of the event while being a part of the guest experience and the best way to do this is through consumable favors..aka SNACKS!
Food is always a big part of the guest experience and providing a take away favor that can be enjoyed on the ride home, on the bus back to the hotel, or even during pre-ceremony while they wait for things to get started is a thoughtful detail they will love!
Our ready to purchase favor options were sourced from local, women owned business in NY and CT that create delicious treats your guests will certainly appreciate!
Whether you're looking for bridal or baby shower favors, wedding favors or some delicious and unique snacks for your own welcome gift bags for guests - we got you covered! Check out the full list here!
Sugared Almonds in Pillow Boxes
Two Fresh Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies
Packaging to Choose From: 3x3x3 Acrylic Cube or Cellophane Bag.
Flavors to Choose From: White Cheddar, Caramel, Celebration Popcorn, Parmesan Garlic, Sour Cream & Chives.
Have questions or want to chat before you place your order? Contact us today! We can't wait to connect!
Corporate events in the summer are an excellent opportunity to show appreciation to your clients, employees, and partners. We've seen some really unique corporate events from rooftop yoga, summer camp style events, wellness retreats, drive-in movie themed outdoor events and more!
To add even more fun and an additional level of appreciation to the mix, we recommend adding a gifting element for a personal touch and to enhance the overall experience. The type of event will ultimately depend on what kind of gift we recommend: welcome bag, consumable favor, swag box or a fun hybrid gift!
When it comes to the logistical part of gifting, we handle it all from design to delivery. This blog will share our step by step process on what it's like to work with us:
The very first start of our process is a scheduled consultation call where we discuss your project specs, budget, and we ask questions surrounding gift details. This consultation typically takes place via Zoom however, we understand time zones and schedules may not always align so we we can also easily send you our custom gifting form to collect the necessary information and begin the process!
While working in Corporate for 10 years, I attended countless trainings, workshops, 5- star dinners, team building exercises, retreats and more (dare I say...boondoggles lol). I can speak from first hand experience in helping coordinate some of these events and attending some of the most stand-out, luxury activations and experiences.
A simple welcome gift goes a long way. Bottle of water, snacks and some amenities.
The type of event will ultimately depend on the types of gifting we can incorporate but the options are endless! If the thought of gifting overwhelms you, stresses you out or you don't have time, let us walk you through our process and help you execute an awesome gifting experience for your corporate event! Contact us today!
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and it's the perfect opportunity to show the special women in our lives how much we love and appreciate them. While flowers and chocolates are always a nice gesture, why not take it a step further and surprise your mom with a thoughtful and unique gift box?
Gift boxes are the perfect way to convey your sentiments and show your love and appreciation for your mom in a tangible way. From gourmet snacks to self care products, there's a gift box for every mom.
In this blog, we'll explore some of the best gift box options for Mother's Day, with a focus on unique, high-quality products that are sure to delight and impress.
So, let's get started! Here are our top 5 picks for Mother's Day gift boxes:
The "Take a Breather" Gift Box: This gift box is perfect for the mom who deserves a little pampering and a break from all she does in her day to day. It includes items relaxing bath salts, Harney and Sons English Breakfast Tea, Happy Spritz: Breathe Deeply Essential Oil Wipes, and a little sweet snack of 6 pack mini chocolate bars. This gift box is a great way to show your mom that you appreciate all the hard work she does. 
If your mom is in need of some rest and relaxation, a "Relax and Retreat" gift box could be just what she needs. Imagine a beautifully curated box filled with soothing and luxurious items like a lavender shea butter hand cream, aromatic candle of your choice, gourmet small batch sugared almonds, and artisan cocoa shortbread cookies. With this "Relax and Retreat" gift box, your mom can take some much-needed time for herself and enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility. It's the perfect way to show her how much you care and to help her recharge her batteries. 
The "Little Box of Sunshine" Gift Box: For the mom who loves to bake! A gourmet treats gift box that includes your preferred scone mix (lemon, vanilla or blueberry) herbal tea, honeycomb, and gold leaf teaspoon. This gift box is a great way to show your mom how much you care, and to let her indulge in some delicious treats.
The "New Beginnings Home Gift Box" Gift Box: If you're looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift for a baking enthusiast, this gift basket is a fantastic option. We understand that baking is not only a hobby, but it's also a form of art and expression, and we want to help you celebrate your mom's passion with the perfect gift. This gift basket includes: gold measuring cups, choice of preferred scones (vanilla, blueberry or lemon), vanilla bean sugar, dish towel set of two, and an apothecary candle choirce that mom can enjoy while baking! 
The "New Mom + Baby" Gift Box: Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to show new moms some extra love and appreciation. We understand that being a new mom can be challenging, and we want to help you make this special day memorable for them. This is why we are featuring our "New Mom + Baby" Gift Box which includes: Happy Spritz: Essential Oil Wipes, Harper + Ari: Sleep Bath Salts, Yuzu Shower Tablet Steamers, Milk + Honey Olive Oil Soap, and of course Bunnies by the Bay for your new little addition!
📣Although we feel that the women in our life should be recognized every day 📣 Mother's Day is a fun way to celebrate and really highlight our love and appreciation for the amazing women in our lives.
Whether it's your mom, grandmother, stepmom, or mother figure, taking the time to recognize and celebrate their contributions is important so if you're struggling on what to get the woman who has everything, a well-thought-out gift box is a thoughtful and unique way to express your gratitude and affection.
We hope our blog has provided you with some inspiration and guidance in choosing the perfect gift box for your mom this Mother's Day. Remember, it's not about the size or cost of the gift, but the sentiment and thought behind it that truly counts.
Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms out there!
As an event professional, you want to ensure that your clients' gifts are not only beautiful and memorable, but also delivered in a timely and organized manner.
With that said, I'm sure at some point you decided to implement gifting into your workflow by DIYING. You purchased all of the inventory and packaging ready to add this to your client onboarding process but ended up finding yourself overwhelmed at the thought. Not realizing it at the beginning, gifting takes time and you found yourself spread a bit too thin. Now, that inventory is taking up real estate in a corner, closet or shelf...
This is the very reason why we offer fulfillment only services for event professionals!
Our fulfillment services are a great way for you to unload your products off your shelves and onto ours. By outsourcing this task to us, you can focus on other aspects of your business, knowing that your gifts are in good hands. We truly make it a breeze.
Here's how it works:
Consultation: First, we'll schedule a consultation with you to discuss your needs and preferences. This includes the type of gifts you want to give, your products, any budget constraints, and other details
Proposal: We create a fully custom proposal with your one of a kind gift, packaging details and pricing.
Send us your products/merch: once you approve our proposal, you send us all of your products to store on site. Once they arrive, we are ready to start packing and shipping your orders all at once or as needed!
Picture added below of one of our fulfillment gifts to clients.
At Lavender + Pine, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service and high-quality gifts that leave a lasting impression. If you're an event professional looking for a reliable and efficient gift fulfillment partner, we are happy to fill you in on how we can work together.
Want to get started? Click here to book a call to learn more about our services!
As an Event Planner, you know that word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to promote your services, reach new audiences and build a loyal customer base. When a satisfied client refers their friends and family to you, it's a powerful endorsement that can help grow your business. But how can you encourage more referrals?
One strategy is to offer referral gifts which is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for their loyalty.
As far as timing for referral gifting goes, there never a wrong time of year to surprise and delight! Referral gifts can take many forms, but the key is to make them practical and intentional.
Here are a few gift ideas for referral gifts that event planners can use to thank their clients:
Regardless of the gift you choose, be sure to include a message to let them know that you appreciate their business and the time they took out to refer you. You could even create a referral program with a tiered system of rewards, where clients who refer more people receive bigger and better gifts.
Ready try out referral gifting today? You might be surprised at how effective it can be!
If you would like to see more options to send out as gifts for referrals, you can click here! To narrow down your options you can simply include your preferred budget on the left hand side which will allow you to skim through all options available to fulfill your gifting needs!
In honor of Women's History Month, we wanted to keep showcasing some of our favorite go-to women owned businesses we look up to and aspire to be! They share the same ethics, values and mission to use their platforms to support and give back to communities and businesses.
Are you an Event Planner offering welcome gift services for your clients? If so do you outsource this task or keep this in house?
As with any event detail, welcome gifts can be as extravagant or simplistic as your client desires. There is flexibility in pricing, products, packaging and paper details that create a thoughtful experience for hotel guests upon arrival.
They are mostly popular with events where guests are traveling from afar (flying in or 2 hour + commute) and spending at least one night in a hotel, Airbnb, VRBO, Bed & Breakfast or any other venue overnight. Welcome gifts are a very sweet and thoughtful gesture guests will more than appreciate.
With that said, chances are that if your client wants welcome gift bags, most wedding and event planners take this heavy logistical task on themselves and DIY rather than outsource. This is also often done in the few weeks leading up to the event which results in the gifts being assembled during crucial business hours, delegated to a team member that could be working on something more pertinent or bleeding into your down time.
Have you actually calculated the time you put into welcome gifting? From client communication, to ordering/receiving/quality control, to storage to assembly, clean up and delivery. The task itself is considered "easy" but the time taken, really should be compensated on your end and certainly not taking you away from what you do best.
Luckily, our service is the perfect solution to save you time, overwhelm, space and money as we purchase our items in bulk quantities which gives us leverage with packaging costs versus buying at premium pricing on Amazon and other retailer outlets.
As you know, time is money in business so our service also creates space in your timeline to focus on your clients, business needs or simply allows you to take a much needed break.
You or your clients can work with us to create beautiful and thoughtful welcome gifts in two very easy ways!
Both services are designed to make the entire process easy from inquiry to delivery. We become a part of your vendor team and treat every project with the upmost care.
So, whether your looking for company welcome gifts or wedding welcome gifts for hotel guests, we are here to make your life easier! If you want to learn more about our process or have questions, contact us!
