let's get this party started

OVERCOME YOUR FEAR

I think that the title is self explanatory.  It is a little unnerving to meet a client for the first time and discuss one of their most important days of their lives with them. 

We don't get too many "very" important days as it is so I definitely don't want to be a bad memory or poor experience for any client.  It takes a lot of confidence in yourself to be able to approach a bride-to-be, often her mother, as well as the groom-to-be to go over details.  That confidence does not come overnight.  It will come though.  Keep having successful moments, and happy clients, it will happen. 

LOOK THE PART
What does a "wedding planner" look like?  Any size, race, shape, gender can be a successful wedding planner.  Hair neat, nails clipped and manicured.  Be what you would expect.  If you arrive sloppy and unorganized, it may be your last meeting with that potential client. 

DON'T BE LATE
Give yourself at least 15-30 minutes to regroup your thoughts & ideas before meeting your client.  Rushing is no good, running late sends an awful message.  I try to get a parking space, take a few deep breaths, and read up on my notes before a client meet up.

KNOW YOUR CLIENT
Familiarize yourself with who you are about to meet (her color scheme, wedding style, number of guests, her vendor info, venue, names of her family members and fiance's name,  etc.) I am guilty of not easily remembering the groom's name (sorry guys).  Usually, it is the bride who reaches out to contact us, and often she is the only one present at the initial consultation, so I easily remember her name.  Try to make a mental note of both the groom and the bride's names if possible.

KEEP NOTES
The infamous clipboard is not just for looks.  Being prepared will help dissipate fear.  During meet ups leading up to the wedding day, you can always refer to your notes in front of the client if necessary, but try to keep eye contact and smile.  Most brides appreciate that you jotted the important things down to show that you are focused on doing a great job!

art credit:  clipartpanda.com

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