client etiquette 101

Me:  "I hope the client loves this beautiful set up as much as I do!  I worked so hard to make sure it was to their liking."
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THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DOWNRIGHT UGLY: 
Please let your event planner know that you like what she is doing for you, that you are happy with all the hard work that has been put in.  If this includes decor, share your thoughts.  DO NOT WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE EVENT to complain that this wasn't right, and that wasn't right.  On the day of set up, if you see something that you didn't expect or don't like, mention it before your event begins, or at least before its over.  It may be corrected.  I would rather get the opportunity to make it right ahead of the event and hopefully gain your trust and satisfaction (and hopefully a good review) than have you say afterward "She did not bring the exact items that I thought she was bringing"..or.."it should have been this way and not that way".

THE SILENT TREATMENT
Not saying anything can speak volumes.  Like most people, I too tend to think the worst at times, as I am my own worst critic.  But, I believe that being hard on myself kind of keeps me on my toes, because that means that by the time you see the finished product, I have made sure it is my best work.  So, when I don't get the reaction I was hoping for (like the one you see on TV room remodel reveals), its the worst.  All I could think was..."the room was fabulous, specifically what she asked for, down to the detail."

A LOT OF WORK goes into planning and creating a beautiful event. 

MY BEST CLIENTS:

1. are happy with how everything turned out (if this is all that happens and none of the following, I'm ok with that, but #7 does sure help a lot)
2. recognize the hard work that was done
3. refer me to friends and family
4. trust that I've got this. 
   
5. are repeat customers
6. if you received excellent service, tips are appreciated (see picture...Heee-Heee)
   
7. leave a kind review on Thumbtack, Yelp, Wedding Wire, The Knot, etc.
8. notice and appreciate the "freebies" that were added (many times I don't charge for extra time and/or extra items.  Please don't ask me to provide freebies (yes, I have been asked before to which I kindly responded).  But, if I do surprise you with an "above and beyond" item, service, or moment, hopefully it is appreciated.
   

Please remember that we are people too.  I mean really?  Who doesn't like to hear "job well done", "thank you"  etc.

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