Wedding planners are often caught in the crossfire as their clients go through stress and worry about their big event. Plus, family members and friends can get unnecessarily involved – meddle, even! It is a nightmare, for sure. Once you are in the mindest that you are the boss of the wedding planning process, you can sleep much better at night and also work fewer hours for more money. Here’s how.
Set boundaries in your contract.
Key clauses for wedding planners to put in their contract are:
- Only the client (aka wedding couple) is to be involved in the planning. No parents, friends, or other family can give you final approval for any decision.
- The client must not expect a response outside of your office hours, which must be designated in the contract. Clients must not expect a response over weekends, either – you are planning events or catching up no personal matters.
- If you provide FULL planning services, clients must not contact or communicate with vendors without prior approval, to avoid crossed wires and mixed messages.
Take control from the start.
From the moment you meet with a potential client, be firm, calm, and confident and use examples of how you expect clients to behave. Of course, convey this with a soft touch, but make it clear you expect clear and respectful communication, and that you do not work double or triple to do the same work over and over again. This occurs when clients can’t make a decision or change their minds multiple times. By controlling their decision. making process, you also save money, because you don’t perform the same work over and over again.
Put it in writing!
Cover yourself with written record anytime you see fit. Whenever a client wants to do something you advise against, make them agree in an email that they take full responsibility. For example, say that you recommend that a bride arrive at the venue no less than one hour before the ceremony begins. Yet, she insists on a half hour (yikes!)! Make sure she agrees in writing that she takes responsibility for any consequences. If her late arrival throws off the schedule, it’s on her. You cannot guarantee an on-time ceremony start because she is going against best and standard practice.
With these tips, wedding planners will be able to set a sense of authority and command over their clients’ wedding, ensuring a smooth experience for both parties – and peace of mind for the planner!