Start Me Up! - Part 8

As we begin our segment on vendor questions, I thought we would start with questions that a client (bride, groom, parent, etc) or even fellow vendor may ask you, the prospective planner. The below is a thorough list that should help prepare you to field these types of questions. Here's a very important tip, before you head out, before you promote, publicize, advertise, introduce, pitch or network – ask yourself these questions and write down your answers. This will be immensely helpful when you get out there and are approached with questions that may otherwise have caught you off-guard. And no shortcuts please; you will only be hurting yourself.

For example – Question #2 asks “Can you work within my budget?”
When answering this for yourself, do not simply answer “Yes.” Think to yourself, if I were the bride, groom or person paying this complete stranger to plan the most important day of my life, what would I want to hear? A “yes” is technically a good answer and what they would like, but chances are if they were to ask another planner the very same question and that planner took the time to explain further… “Yes, of course. While I cannot promise you miracles, I can promise you that I will work with you and your budget to make sure your money is being spent wisely and where you want to spend it. I tell my clients that it is important they share with me the elements that have the utmost importance. For example, if you are adamant about having Beluga caviar at your cocktail hour, but are not concerned with having the photographer capture your “getting ready” images before the ceremony, then that is extremely vital for me to know. The more we communicate and work together, the more I can negotiate and be sure you will stay within your budget, while still having the beautiful and seamless day you desire.

Just an example, but the point being – take the extra minute and prepare yourself with the below. You will thank yourself later and it could very well make the difference on whether or not you book a client.

1. How many weddings have you planned?

2. Can you work within my budget?

3. What is your fee? Is it a flat fee, a percentage of the wedding, an hourly rate, etc.?

4. What is included in your fee -- all phone calls, meetings, e-mails, etc.?

5. Do you get a kickback from vendors?

6. Do you understand my vision?

7. Will you make a checklist of all the items I need to accomplish?

8. Will you create a timeline for the wedding day?

9. Do you have an assistant who will work with you at my wedding?

10. Can you recommend vendors who fit my budget and style?

11. What will you take care of -- finding vendors? Invitations? Favors?

12. Can you get me discounts with vendors?

13. Will you review vendor contracts with me?

14. Can you help me with etiquette issues that may arise?

15. Have you planned a wedding at my location before?

16. Are you planning other weddings on the same day or weekend as mine?

17. Can you help me plan the rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch or shower? Is there an additional cost for these parties?

18. Will you coordinate with all the vendors the day of the wedding -- handling all deliveries and overseeing the set-up?

19. Is planning weddings your full-time job?

20. Who will take over for you if for any reason you can't be at my wedding?

21. Can I see pictures from weddings you have planned?

22. What will you wear to my wedding?

23. How accessible are you? How often do you expect to meet with me?

24. Will you help me find my wedding dress and attire for the other members of the bridal party?

25. Have you worked with any of the vendors I've already hired?

26. Can you run my rehearsal if my officiant can't be there?

27. Do you provide a wedding day emergency kit?

28. If I give you payment envelopes, can you pay each of my vendors?

29. How much is the deposit I'll need to leave?

30. When is the balance due?

xx,
Belle

Comments

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