Forget tips... but what about a thank you?

[DavidPartington]

I'm not sure what direction you were hoping for.  Can you explain?

If I choose to do more, it's because I connected with the couple and made a conscious decision to give more than what they are paying for. If I don't get thanked for that, I feel I gave them a freebie.

Reality check here : if you didn't get paid more money then you did give them a freebie, thanks or no thanks.   If some one promised to thank me endlessly I'd still want paying for shooting their wedding.  Thanks doesn't pay the bills, does send your daughter to college etc.

If you aren't happy with your situation, change it.  Set up your own company and see how little thanks you get from the employees who think they are paid too little while your customers think you are charging too much, all while you are having to cover costs that most employees have no concept of.

So, getting back to your opening post, exactly what were you hoping we'd come up with to make you happier?

[zvit]

Set up your own company and see how little thanks you get from the employees who think they are paid too little while your customers think you are charging too much, all while you are having to cover costs that most employees have no concept of.

That's one of the things I was hoping to hear. A good perspective on the situation.

I guess I wasn't hoping to get "happiness" from this thread, but just needed to vent to people that are in the same business as I am. Everyone was very kind posting their thoughts. Thanks.

[HankCastello]

and another perspective - sometimes artistic people have a bit too much of sensitivity, emotions, etc. and though their work may be fantastic, they may not be great at dealing with people, especially from a business perspective.  Perhaps partner with someone more of a business type, change your business model and let the other person handle the interactions with customers.

[zvit]

I don't handle clients ay all. The place I work at does 3 - 4 weddings a day and have over 50 workers. But you are right... I am more sensitive than other people, especially my boss and I think I'd have a harder time dealing with people.

[leona01]

Zvit, there are two issues here, and I'll approach them one at a time.

One, you are obviously overworked and underpaid. However, the only person who can solve that problem is you. Maybe it's time to hang out your own shingle and solicit work directly.

Two, many of us, myself included, have a far greater need for positive feedback, strokes, than others. We tend to gravitate to service type work where we have a greater opportunity for that kind of feedback.  That said, the wedding isn't about you, and almost all the attention is appropriately placed in the bride and groom, and whether they have the kind of day they wanted.  If your employer is handling communications with the client, and you don't ever see the thank yous, maybe you should ask them to let you get a little closer to the clients so you can get that psychic need met.

Good luck!