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I’m so excited about this mini series! If you missed part one, CLICK HERE to read the first steps to planning your own styled shoot! Done with that? Awesome! Let’s keep going!

STEP TWO: REACH OUT
After you’ve got your vision, your inspiration board and your lists–next up is the leg work of actually reaching out to vendors. You have your list of people you hope to work with, but I want to add a quick side note here. Some vendors might have maxed out on their number of styled shoots they want to be involved in for the year or just might not be interested—and that’s okay! Don’t get discouraged! It’s easy to get a no and then stop planning all together! But you’ll hear me over here cheering you on to continue! I promise you’ll find someone who’s interested! You just have to search a little longer!

When you reach out through email, here are a few things I’d advise to include:
1) SPECIFIC DATES
People will want to know exactly when the shoot will be so they can give you a definite yes or no. Be aware of the dates you’re choosing, remembering when busy season starts up & weddings begin overwhelming wedding vendors. Try planning when the slower season is still in effect (for most people January-March).
2) WHAT YOU HOPE THEY’LL PROVIDE
It’s considerate to include what you’re expect of them (I mean, wouldn’t you want the same?) Write out the various pieces you hope they’ll be able to provide–and remember! We’re in the creative field! So give them creative freedom to express themselves and be sure to verbalize it in words!
3) EXPRESSED VISION
Using the adjectives you brainstormed for your inspiration board, give them a clear picture of the vision you’re hoping for! The more clear you express it, the more they’ll be able to know if they want to be a part of it!
4) INSPIRATION BOARD
Be sure to attach the vision board to your email! Visuals are everything!
5) YOUR EXCITEMENT
This seems like a silly thing to include in this list, but I promise it’s not! When others see how excited you are for this shoot, it’ll catch! Express how you can’t wait for it and how much you hope they’ll be able to be a part (with an out for them in case they aren’t able to!)

If you need a bit more help, here is a sample email:

Do this for each of your vendors! At this point, you are well underway! Next week we’ll work out gathering supplies & prep for the actual day!
P.S Here’s a list of the talented vendors I worked! Their work will be featured throughout the series!
Baker: Blue Thistle Cakes
Rentals: Ultra Pom
Florist: Heart & Soul Floral
Designer: Beth Laird