| As a wedding planner, many brides and wedding | | | | "Dear...," "Hello...," or "Hi...," whatever is appropriate. |
| vendors will contact you first via email after | | | | DON'T misspell names. Double check the spellings |
| visiting your website and blog or seeing you on | | | | of the names of everyone you are addressing in |
| social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. | | | | the message. |
| Or you may get someone's email address in | | | | DO write out full words. "Texting" abbreviations |
| order to contact them to introduce yourself after | | | | are not appropriate in professional email |
| receiving a referral. Although you may be | | | | messages. |
| accustomed to connecting with friends via email, | | | | DON'T forget to run a spell check and correct |
| you may need to write your professional email | | | | errors before sending. |
| messages a little differently. | | | | DO read the email aloud and correct mistakes in |
| Here are the DOs and DON'Ts of making a good | | | | grammar and any information that might appear |
| impression on email: | | | | unclear. |
| DO write something in the "Subject" line when | | | | DON'T make jokes or write anything that could |
| you initiate an email. If you leave it blank, the | | | | be easily misunderstood. |
| recipient may not see a reason to open it. | | | | DO remember the recipient is not there to see |
| DON'T just assume a recipient will know who you | | | | your face or hear the tone in your voice. |
| if this is a referral. Mention the name of the | | | | DON'T push the "Send" button right after writing |
| person who referred you in the "Subject" line so | | | | an angry email. Walk away, return later to read it |
| they will know your email isn't spam. For example, | | | | again and make sure you still want to send it. |
| "Referred by Mary Smith for planning your | | | | Remember that emails can and do get forwarded |
| wedding" | | | | so think first before sending. |
| DO realize that some brides or vendors don't | | | | DO end your email with "Warmest regards", "Best |
| want everyone knowing the details of their work | | | | regards", or another closing. |
| with you. Only "cc:" people when you know it | | | | DON'T just sign your name. Include your company |
| would be ok, especially when it comes to your | | | | name and tagline, if you have one, your website |
| bride. You don't want to disclose private | | | | or blog URL, your phone number and address, and |
| information that she does not want to share. | | | | links to your Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn |
| DON'T hit "Reply All" when you are responding to | | | | accounts. |
| a group email unless you know everyone needs | | | | DO make it a point to answer emails that you |
| to know your reply. | | | | receive in a timely manner. People usually expect |
| DO start your message with a salutation - | | | | to hear back from you within one business day. |