What is the Little Black Book?
Our Little Black Book is a thoughtfully curated listing of only top quality vendors. Because our style-savvy, sophisticated readers deserve a chic resource they can trust, our book is created with them in mind. Our Little Black Book is intended to offer our readers a worry-free browsing experience while our Very Important Vendors enjoy a showcase in keeping with our firm commitment to quality vs. quantity. More than simply enjoying elite advertising space, our members are a handpicked community of artistic experts. In an industry saturated with long lists of anybody & everybody, our book is the most thoughtfully edited resource on the planet: a refreshingly couture idea.
How do you choose the vendors for your Little Black Book?
The process to become a Little Black Book member is actually quite extensive.
First, we prefer recommendations by an SMP reader, a recent bride or an industry professional. We don't simply look for a referral but rather for a passionate reason as to why a particular vendor deserves to be in the book. Perhaps the designer worked with a reader's best friend when she was getting married, perhaps they have already designed the world's most beautiful invitations for a particular bride and groom, perhaps an event planner we know shares with us the one photographer she will work with. Whatever the connection, it must be strong and based on a real knowledge of the vendor's work. We also consider applications from interested vendors. Click here to begin your application.
Second, we dive head first into the vendor's business. Their portfolio, their experience, their time in the industry. We look at press that they've received, consult with their industry neighbors, get to know who they are and why they are good at what they do. Our Little Black Book Coordinators spend time conducting phone interviews with potential vendors, screening their personalities while getting to know them, singling out those we believe are truly devoted to their craft. For highly competitive industries, like photography and cinematography, we also take into account geographical location.
And finally, after feeling completely confident that a particular vendor is fabulous, we invite them to be a part of our book! It's an invitation-only book that truly prides itself on its commitment to quality above all else.
Do the vendors pay to be listed?
Yes. If a vendor is accepted into our book, they will pay a membership fee to be listed in the Little Black Book. We have intentionally set our prices low, so that small and large businesses alike, can easily be a part of our Book. The money that is generated in no way affects the vendors who are chosen to list. If we aren't happy with the quality of vendors for a particular category, we will happily leave that spot empty until we find someone that meets our standards. The Little Black Book is a hugely unique advertising vehicle that brings the best artists and designers into the hands of style savvy brides.
How do I become a member of the Little Black Book?
We've outlined the full Little Black Book process right here. We'd love to hear from you!
Why are there only a few vendors per category, when there are so many more great vendors in any given city?
There are so many sites out there that list all of the vendors in a particular city which is often really overwhelming! We wanted to give you our favorites... not based on size, or advertising dollars...but based on experience, reputation and quality. Not everyone listed is the most well-known in the industry. We want to show you that alongside the most brilliant, well-known companies are often equally as talented, one-man shows. The one thing that they do have in common is experience - that, along with peer recommendation, is why they are part of the LBB.
What if I don't agree with your choices and/or have had a negative experience with one of the vendors listed?
We expect the most from our members! We absolutely want to know if you have had a less than satisfactory experience with any of the vendors listed or if you have worked with someone in SMP's Little Black Book who doesn't meet our high standards. Please email us at lbb.stylemepretty.com. We totally appreciate your feedback. Please do keep in mind that we have done our very best to screen all advertisers on the SMPretty site. However, Style Me Pretty can not be held responsible for any negative experiences or conduct of LBB members in accordance with our Terms of Service.
What if I have a positive experience with one of your vendors and want to shout it from the rooftops?
We LOVE that! Please send us any and all positive experiences you have, as our vendors and our readers want to know. Because we have taken such care in selecting the vendors that participate in our Little Black Book, we aren't surprised at all when we hear that one of them kicked some serious booty. But we love it nonetheless and want to hear ALL about it!
Have another question? Feel free to email our team directly, lbb{at}stylemepretty{dot}com, and we will get back to you asap!