VENDOR PARTNERS
We value our preferred Austin wedding vendor partners. These are the vendors who demonstrate exemplary ethics and advocate for the value of a qualified wedding planner, vendors who fulfill their contracts and often even go beyond, and who know how to make it right when a mistake is made. These are the vendors who are a joy to work with and who we don't hesitate to recommend to our clients and colleagues.
To honor these vendors, we invite them exclusively to our quarterly Vendor Mixers so that our fellow AWPA members can get to know them in a vetted networking environment, void of pay to play.
HOW DO I MAKE THE LIST?
actively market to and operate business in the Austin area
demonstrate the ethics and standards of AWPA
be recommended by at least 2 different AWPA planner members regarding a full event worked together (you are welcome to contact planners you have worked with and request that they place your name on the list)
have no grievances filed by AWPA members within the past two years
if you haven't worked with an AWPA member, we invite you to collaborate on one of our events so we can see you in action, opening doors for working with our clients, the path to joining our list.
do not work in competition with wedding planners (ie, offer in house coordination or planning services)
As a vendor, you will be notified when added to or removed from the AWPA Preferred Vendor List.
For more information, please visit our FAQ page.
WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW ANY AWPA MEMBERS?
If you feel you meet the qualifications of the AWPA Preferred Vendors but are a new business or simply have not had the opportunity to work with any current AWPA members, you are invited to participate in our annual New Vendor Expo, hosted each May. Upon verification that you're new to all current AWPA members, you'll be invited to participate for a fee of $250. In this luncheon, you'll have a table set-up to showcase your services and enjoy lunch with our wedding planners. If interested, please let us know at planners@awpaustin.com.
This event is advertised as a marketing opportunity and is not considered a showcase of our preferred vendors as we do not accept payment for referring vendors to one another.
AWPA VENDOR REPRESENTATIVE
As a means of keeping balance and an outside voice of accountability and perspective, one Austin wedding vendor will be elected as the AWPA Vendor Representative for the year.
Benefits:
Exclusively the only non-planner wedding vendor permitted in AWPA meetings and events, as well as Board of Directors meetings
Listing on AWPA website
Membership in private AWPA Members facebook group
Participation in AWPA vendor mixers, gala, and general membership luncheons
Voting in AWPA elections and gala award nominations
CODE OF ETHICS
As professional, independent wedding vendors, we strive to educate, advance and promote the Austin wedding and event industry and its network of professionals. To that end, we:
Shall strive to cooperate with colleagues, vendors, associates and all persons in the event industry in order to provide the highest quality of service at every level of event planning.
Shall not advertise/market/promote in a false or inaccurate manner.
Shall not generate income in any way that could be deemed not in the best interest of the client. This includes, but is not limited to, making decisions on vendor usage with the expectation of vendor referral fees or commissions.
Shall individually encourage constructive dialogue between colleagues.
Shall not defame any member of the event community, by making false statements and accusations that will potentially injure his or her reputation or personal integrity.
Shall not commit plagiarism or theft of intellectual property. Preferred Vendors are prohibited from copying or closely imitating the language or expressed thoughts of a colleague without direct and prior permission from said colleague. Preferred Vendors are not to present the creations of others as their own.
Preferred Vendors shall uphold professional working standards, including but not limited to abstaining from alcohol while working an event, dressing appropriately at client meetings and weddings, and arriving on time at client meetings and events.
Encourage clients to hire independent planners.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF AN EVENT AS A PREFERRED VENDOR
Walking into a networking event where you don’t know many people can feel a little intimidating—but you don’t have to know everyone to make meaningful connections. The goal isn’t to meet everyone in the room. It’s to find the people who align with your business, your values, and your ideal clients, and begin building genuine relationships.
A few ways to make the most of your time:
Do a little research beforehand.
Take some time to learn about the planners, venues, photographers, florists, and other vendors who will be attending. Look for the people whose work, values, and ideal clients feel aligned with yours. Having a few names in mind can make walking into the room feel much more comfortable.
Know your value.
Go into the event feeling confident in the gifts, experience, and perspective you bring to the wedding industry. You don’t need to have the “perfect” pitch—you simply need to be able to clearly share what you do and why you love doing it.
Introduce yourself with confidence.
Start with your first and last name and a simple explanation of what your business does. Then turn the conversation back to them. A genuine curiosity about someone's life and who they are, helps build strong lasting relationships.
Set one simple goal.
Rather than putting pressure on yourself to meet a certain number of people, set a goal that feels achievable and meaningful. For example: leave the event with one coffee meeting scheduled. One strong connection can be far more valuable than collecting 20 business cards.
Be curious, not salesy.
Networking is about relationships, not transactions. Ask questions. Learn about their business, what they love about working in the wedding industry, and the kinds of couples they serve. Look for ways you might genuinely support one another.
Look for ways to connect the dots.
If you meet someone who would be a great fit for another vendor you know, make an introduction. Being someone who connects others creates goodwill and helps you become a valuable part of the community.
Follow up quickly.
The event is just the beginning. Send a thoughtful follow-up within a day or two while the conversation is still fresh. Mention something specific you talked about rather than sending a generic “Nice to meet you!” message.
Remember: you belong in the room.
You don’t have to be the most established vendor, know the most people, or have the biggest business. You are there because you have something valuable to contribute. Show up with confidence, kindness, and a genuine desire to connect—and let the relationships build from there.
I also put together a kind of more simple checklist....more like insider tips
INSIDER TIP:
Before the event, choose 3 vendors you'd genuinely love to connect with. Follow them on Instagram and know a little about their work before you meet them.
REMEMBER:
You aren't trying to sell everyone in the room. You're looking for people you could see yourself working alongside.
YOUR GOAL:
Meet 3 new people
Have 1 meaningful conversation
Schedule 1 coffee
Follow up within 48 hours
THE GOLDEN RULE:
Relationship first. Referral second.
