Wedding interview season has begun, and these past few weeks I’ve been very busy meeting with couples and their families. I’ve done many, many weddings over the years, and I’ve learned a few things about getting the job. Every day this week, I’ll share three tips to help you ace every bridal interview. Here are today’s tips:
1. Getting Interviews
If you’re just starting your business, don’t hesitate to rely on friends and family. Be bold! Offer your services to everyone you know. You need the experience, and you need to walk away from every job with strong photographs of your work and a glowing letter of recommendation.
On the other hand, if you’ve been in business for awhile, you already have great photos and rave reviews. Just make sure your portfolio is full of only the very best images. Determine what your “look” is, and be consistent with your message. Because I adore drama, my look has always been a bit over the top. Some folks have told me they think it’s too much, but I have never apologized for my look. And you shouldn’t either!
2. Talking Money
I know some folks hesitate calling me, because they just assume I’m too expensive. And it is true that my team and I are expensive. However, our designs are original and made from scratch, so they cost more than just renting various elements all the time. When you meet with a potential client make sure they understand why you cost as much as you do. It’s been my experience that most brides have no idea what their dream wedding will actually cost — your best bet is to educate them.
3. Service, Service, Service
We’re in the service business, and our number one priority should be giving our clients an incredible experience. Great service is about being accessible, original, fun and, most importantly, honest. When you make a mistake — and we all do — just tell the truth. Then find a way to fix it.
Dear Readers, have you ever done a job for a family member or friend? Did you charge them? What was your experience? Have you established your “look” yet? What is it? I’m really curious!
PREVIOUS
George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Tina
February 6, 2012
awesome
Alex
February 6, 2012
I’m a designer and I’m wondering, do you charge a bride just for your services, then invoice them the cost of supplies for what you’ve created (obviously after you’ve both talked about it), or do you includ the cost of supplies (that you guestimate) for your designs in your original bid when getting the job? Thank you!
Corrine O'Neill
February 6, 2012
I struggled with my aesthetic originally; as I felt pressure to follow the established trends. Obviously to be successful, one must work within trends; but I didn’t want to be disingenuous to myself.
Finally I am comfortable in my own design skin and my look is modern and bold and in full colour! Luckily, it’s a niche not many are occupying
YOUR NAME
February 6, 2012
I need some advice. I am a future business owner. I will be opening up a Bridal Boutique in the near future. I want to become a Wedding expert and was wondering if I should become a Wedding Planner to become more familiarize with the wedding industry.
Krissy
February 6, 2012
I need some advice. I am a future business owner. I will be opening up a Bridal Boutique in the near future. I want to become a Wedding expert and was wondering if I should become a Wedding Planner to become more familiarize with the wedding industry.
Rebecca Chan
February 6, 2012
Hi Preston,
This is a great series for wedding professionals! I always enjoy reading your tips.
I am a Toronto wedding coordinator, in the business for about 3 years. I have been hired by friends and I do charge full price (and I prefer not to work with family). Friends who book with me know that they are getting a great deal – an experienced wedding coordinator who they already trust. They know that I will take extra good care of them too. Friends know the value of my service and respect what I do, and it is an honour to help them with their wedding day!
As someone more established in the business, friends who expect discounts or freebies tend to not value my work and will ultimately be taking away a day where I could be charging full price with another client. It is tough to tell a friend that I cannot help them in this way and sometimes there are exceptions but hey, it’s business!
I look forward to reading more of your interview tips!
Cheers,
Rebecca Chan
Sileola
February 6, 2012
Thanks for the great tips. My business is barely two years old, I love to get tips from you on how to advance myself. I still do very few events for family, and it is very difficult to charge them at times but they understand I have to. If it is a small birthday event maybe not so much but for a wedding or a large social event they understand I have to. It helps them when they look at it as RAE Affairs the company and not Sileola the individual.
I sometimes throw in minimal discounts for friends and family, but nothing major because I am running a business and I find that what people don’t pay for sometimes they don’t value. Friends who book me for weddings or who refer me know the value of what they are getting so they are always willing to secure my services.
Thanks again for the tips
JD
February 7, 2012
I have planned events for Family & Friends and I DO charge them because at the end of the day I AM A BUSINESS. I make this very clear during our complimentary interview & I inform them that if they are not comfortable with paying for my services, then my company RED CARPET EVENT PLANNING is not the company for them. Once I get into work mode, they see how SERIOUS & DEVOTED I am to my work, they love it & support me all the way, and the money issue is no more.
I can’t say that I have established “my look” this far, but when I do create an event is says “elegance”.
Eventfully Yours
JD
Kisha Mitchell
February 7, 2012
It is hard to charge my friends & family but I have too. I love your tips! Keep them coming.
Evie
February 7, 2012
Dear Preston,
you write a lot about selecting clients, and educating them on the actual cost of things. Recently, as a bridesmaid to a friend, I threw a wonderful bridal shower. I did everything she asked for, it took countless hours to put together, and everyone thought it was a party to remember. I was proud to have hosted a party that everyone enjoyed, and looked great. The only problem was (is) that my friend was very difficult to work with. She did not contribute at all, in terms of time or money. When it came to discussing finances, at the beginning of planning she said to tell her mother what I needed. I did have a conversation with her mother, and she did contribute, but she said that it was my responsibility to organise everything, and split the cost with the other bridesmaids – it was nothing to do with her. Amazingly, they really did nothing, and were even late to the party.
It’s not so much the finances that upsets me, but that I crossed the threshold of friend to a (not) hired party planner. I think I left myself wide open for this; I should have known better. You say no to a potential client, but how do you say no to a friend?
lina Dakkak
February 7, 2012
You are my inspiration in everything i do, you can t imagine how much i admire your work, your attitude, and your ethics.
There are so many things that are common, every time you start a subject , i know what is your opinion about it , and it is always like mine.
I wonder, would i ever be able to meet you, it would be a dream come true
you are my hero
Navjot Kaur
February 7, 2012
I have done events for family without money. I am very hesitant when it comes to discussing the pricing but I do and many a time end up doing at low price just to get the client.
Only thing I have been able to achieve is the Design statement. I really want the clients to understand that giving them Unique is not only my expectation from myself as a designer but also a statement of my business. This really makes my clients feel at ease and they are more open to share. Most of the time, brides have no idea as what it cost to dream like that. I am always ready with options so that their dream can be executed in real. This process is always challenging yet rewarding.
Nishaka
February 7, 2012
This is excellent information! Last year I finalized accepted my “look” or style. I realized that I can not be anything else other than what is in me. I can be inspired by people, places, and things and that’s okay. The reality is that I will attract those who are attracted to my style.
Yes, I agree, as a Planner is important that I educate each Bride on the services that provide and help them understand the price.
The last tip is right on! My Brides appreciate that I am accessible, personable, and resourceful. Honestly is critical. Our clients respect us more when we are honest with them.
Great Blog!
dianat
February 8, 2012
First, Thank you sooo much for sharing your life experiences. This makes me think that I am not the problem and yes I know what Im doing but there are people that do not apreciate…grrr
Doing work for family and friends it was nice at the begining… I really felt bad to charge them even for cost of products…yeah i got a few pictures but now they are still expecting the same. Thank God, I got a bit smarter…do the smaller parties with their products or try to stay away. I have done some bridal and babyshowers recently for family and I will still do that, but not so much for friends. I come to find out “the friends” really want discounts and freebies…
Love you posts always! Thank you for taking the time to share!!!!
YOUR NAME
February 10, 2012
si he hecho trabajos para amigos, la mayoria de las veces no les cobro , diseñe la boda de uno de mis mejores amigos y cobre porque se que puede pagarlo, Voy para NY este año podria ir a tu negocio y trabajar gratis como florista solo por aprender?