Is this your vision? Image by theblondephotographer.com.
Do you hesitate to call a wedding planner (even though you know you need one) because you just don’t know where to start? What questions should you ask? What are you likely to hear from her/him? Well, I can’t tell you what every planner does, but here is how it usually goes when I answer the phone.
When you call a planner, whether you need planning services or coordinating, the first information I want to know is your name and when your wedding is. Or, if you don’t have a date, that is also very useful information. Why do I want your name? Because I want to get to know you and your needs, and that seems like an essential first step. Why the date? Because if I am not available, then I don’t want to waste your time. Feel free to ask me if I am available on your date.
If you’re shopping around, you probably also want to know about prices and services. If you tell me what you need, I can tell you if it is a service I offer and, if so, at what price. If not (or if I am already booked), I might be able to refer you to other people I trust.
After I have that basic information, I’m likely to ask you a few questions about what you need, so I can get a fuller picture of your plans. This is also a good time for you to ask questions of me.
After you’ve had this phone call (which sometimes happens by e-mail), what happens next? If I think we can work well together, I am likely to suggest an in-person meeting. I always offer a complimentary 30-minute meeting so that we can get to know each other. We are going to be working closely together, so we need to know a little bit about each other. I think sitting down over coffee is the best way to find out. Or, if you live out of town, we can always settle for a long, detailed phone conversation. That works, too.
That meeting is a good time to lay out your plans in detail and find out how I will address the problems you foresee. You can ask about my background and experience, and how I approach various situations. Find out if the way I see your wedding is the same as the way you see it. Make sure I have the skills you think are important in a wedding planner. See if you think you will enjoy working with me.
If you are ready to move forward, that is the point at which I can send you a contract and a firm price for the work you need accomplished. And then you will have booked your planner or coordinator. Easy!
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