PROFESSIONAL OR PREFERRED, WHAT DOES IT MEAN REALLY?

Lately in this area there has been a lot of throwing around the words – professional and preferred. So I decided to tackle this topic because of the confusion it is causing among clients and vendors. I would mention the location I am referring to, but that would be unprofessional of me.


A short definition of a professional would be a person that acts professionally. It does not mean who charges the most, where they are located, or the dollars that their clients spend on their event is the better professional.

In considering who and what I see as a professional in this field would be someone who knows their field, has many years of experience, certified if applicable, adheres to a code of ethics, honest, trust worthy, truthful, respectful of the client and of other vendors, and dependable. I am sure I have missed some other areas, but these are important.

It is so discouraging when vendors belittle another vendor, that is not a professional way to act, especially when the vendors are not even in their field of expertise.

Professionalism + experience + training + manners should equal a great vendor!

Clients also like to see reviews that vendors have available; they care about what other clients have experienced with a vendor.

As we all strive to be professionals in our field, remember that there are none of us who are perfect! Each day, each client adds to our growth as a wedding professional. We each have our unique way of doing our job! Working on our own skills, techniques and approach is how we need to individually work on presenting ourselves as professionals in our field. Never put yourself on a pedestal as “the best” because you will surely be knocked down!

When posting to social media sources, always read what you have written and proof BEFORE you hit that send button. Do not always depend on spell check either, it makes mistakes too! That would be a professional thing to do! Sending out items with misspelled words and sentences that do not make sense looks bad! Take that extra step! Work towards a more professional appearance in your writing too! I am not perfect in this area either, but I do try and correct my mistakes!

How often do you see the words “preferred vendor”? What does that mean exactly? Who are they “preferred” by? Does everyone feel that way? Those are questions that often come up when speaking with clients. They see that a venue ONLY allows their preferred vendors and the client wants to know why?

It is often because a vendor has been asked to be put on a venue’s “preferred vendor list” and that is fine. But when venues go as far as restricting who a client can use as their vendors that is a big turn off for clients. Most of the time the restricted preferred vendor list are vendors that are very expensive for the client.

I have found that clients often like to select vendors who fit their needs, personality and budget. Vendors that are more expensive do not necessarily mean they are better, or the best. Clients should be allowed to select their vendors as they see fit, not necessarily from the venue’s exclusive vendor list.

So when we look at the “preferred” and “professional” terms that are being tossed about, we should be looking at how professional a vendor presents their services, before we label them “preferred”. Clients should be the ones determining whether a vendor is preferred, not others.

A big turn off for many clients is when the vendor places themselves on some type of pedestal and uses words like “I am the best” or “I do a much better job than------“. These statements are really unprofessional. Showing a client that you can do the best job is always the way to present yourself. Offer them the chance to read reviews by your former clients!

While I am sure that we all think of ourselves as the best in our field, the way to gain that title and respect is to prove yourself! Not by applying the title to you or others just because –

I often think of what Rodney King said “can’t we all just get along?”