Why my wedding venue never gets ghosted!
It's time we have an honest conversation about a term that's become far too common in our industry: "ghosting."
We've all heard it at industry events, seen it in Facebook groups, and maybe even used it ourselves when describing couples who enquire about our venues but never book or respond to follow-ups.
But here's the uncomfortable truth: your inquiries aren't ghosting you. They're simply making informed decisions about their wedding venue, and it's time we reframe our understanding of this process.
The Reality Behind "Ghosting"
When a couple reaches out to your venue, they're not making a casual enquiry. They're in the early stages of planning one of the most important days of their lives. This means they're likely contacting multiple venues, gathering information, and taking time to make a decision that could impact their budget, guest experience, and overall wedding vision.
What we often label as "ghosting" is actually one of two very normal scenarios:
Scenario 1: They're Not Ready to Decide
Many couples are in the information-gathering phase.
They might be:
Still determining their budget
Waiting to finalise their guest count
Coordinating schedules with key family members
Simply overwhelmed by the number of decisions ahead of them
This isn't ghosting—it's due diligence.
Scenario 2: Your Venue Isn't the Right Fit
Sometimes couples realise your venue doesn't align with their needs or vision.
This might be because:
Your pricing exceeds their budget
The style doesn't match their aesthetic
The location isn't convenient for their guests
You don't offer accommodations they need
The capacity doesn't suit their guest count
Your available dates don't work with their timeline
This isn't ghosting—it's incompatibility.
Why the "Ghosting" Mentality is Harmful
Using the term "ghosting" implies that couples are being rude or inconsiderate when they don't respond to follow-ups.
This mindset creates several problems:
It Misplaces Responsibility: Instead of examining whether our communication, pricing, or services might need adjustment, we blame the couple for their lack of response.
It Creates Negative Feelings: When we feel "ghosted," we're more likely to become frustrated or bitter, which can affect how we interact with future enquiries.
It Ignores the Couple's Perspective: Wedding planning is stressful and overwhelming. Couples are juggling dozens of vendors, family opinions, and major decisions. Not responding immediately doesn't make them inconsiderate.
It Assumes Obligation: The term suggests that couples owe us a response, but the reality is they don't owe us anything beyond basic courtesy during initial conversations.
A Better Approach
Instead of feeling "ghosted," consider these healthier perspectives:
Understand the Timeline: Wedding planning often takes months or even years. A couple who doesn't respond today might reach out again in six months when they're ready to make decisions.
Respect the Process: Couples are comparing multiple options. If they don't choose you, it doesn't mean they're being rude—they're being thorough.
Improve Your Communication: Rather than assuming silence means disinterest, evaluate whether your follow-up messages are helpful, appropriately timed, and not overly pushy.
Focus on Qualified Leads: Develop better qualification processes during initial conversations to ensure you're spending time with couples who are genuinely interested in what you offer.
Moving Forward
The wedding industry is built on relationships, understanding, and creating magical experiences for couples.
When we label normal decision-making behavior as "ghosting," we're not serving our clients or ourselves well.
Instead, let's approach each enquiry with empathy, provide excellent service to those who are ready to move forward, and gracefully accept when couples choose different paths. After all, there are plenty of couples out there who will be thrilled with what your venue offers—focus your energy on finding and serving them.
The next time a couple doesn't respond to your follow-up, resist the urge to label it as ghosting.
Instead, consider it a natural part of the wedding planning process, and trust that the right couples will find their way to you when the timing is right.
Remember: not every enquiry will become a booking, and that's perfectly okay.
It's just business, not personal.
