Wedding Planning: How to Answer Wedding Consultation Questions
As a new wedding planner, consultations can be nerve-racking experiences. You want to make sure that the couple has all the information they need, while also showcasing your expertise and professionalism. However, there are some common questions that most couples will ask during their consultation, and knowing how to answer them will help you to confidently and accurately relay important information.
What is your experience?
This is a question that every couple will ask, and it’s important to have a clear and concise answer. Highlight any previous weddings you may have planned or any training/certifications you have earned in the field. You can also showcase your portfolio or testimonials from previous clients, to highlight your skills and abilities.
How much will the wedding cost?
This is often the most dreaded question, but it’s one that couples will ask. It’s important to be upfront and honest about the cost, while also taking into consideration their budget. Provide an estimate that includes everything from venue and catering to floral arrangements and decorations. You can also provide options for different packages, to give them an idea of what they can expect at different price points.
How involved will I be in the planning process?
Some couples want to be involved in every aspect of the planning process, while others want to be more hands-off. It’s important to gauge how involved the couple wants to be, and mold your approach to their individual preferences. Provide options for regular check-ins and updates, while also considering how much input they want to have on decision-making.
What are your services, and what do they include?
The couples who approach you for a wedding consultation will usually be aware of the services that you offer- which is why they seek you out. However, since every wedding planner offers unique services or packages, it is crucial to explain precisely what you offer and what each of them includes. It could be helpful to prepare a standard package that covers basic needs such as vendor management, venue selection, décor, and design, and, if you offer additional services such as on-the-day coordination, outline them as well. To get a head start and to ensure that your own operations are running smoothly, consider purchasing our Initial Wedding Consultation Planner Kit, which contains helpful checklists, worksheets, and tips to help you kickstart consultations.
What sets you apart from other wedding planners?
This is your chance to differentiate yourself from other planners and showcase your unique offerings. Highlight any special niches that you specialize in (e.g. destination weddings, elopements, cultural ceremonies), as well as any added value that you provide (e.g. personalized attention, in-house floral design, custom vendor referrals). Make it clear why a couple should choose you over another planner.
How do you work with the couple to bring their vision to life?
The couple comes to you to make their vision a reality, and you have to demonstrate how you can make that happen. Be prepared to outline the collaborative process that you follow to bring a client’s vision to life. Explain how you encourage couples to share their ideas and how you work closely with them to personalize and customize their wedding day.
What is the maximum number of clients/weddings that you work on simultaneously?
Most couples will want you to commit your full attention to their wedding planning process, so it’s important to be transparent about the number of clients/projects you’re working on simultaneously. Providing them with an accurate answer instead of just saying “I can handle it” builds a sense of trust and confidence. By being honest, you are assuring them that they will get the attention they deserve.
Do you work with specific vendors or venues?
A couple may ask if you have a preferred vendor list or if you work exclusively with specific venues. While working with specific vendors or venues isn’t a bad thing, the most important factor is your ability to work with the vendor of their choice. Be sure to emphasize that you have no exclusive partnerships, and you can work with anyone the couple wants. This fosters a sense of trust and assures them that you are putting their interests first.
Can you work within our budget?
This is one of the most common questions that couples ask wedding planners during the consultation. Be honest about the budgets that you can work with, and if feasible, provide an example of a prior wedding or event that met the couple’s budget, while still fulfilling their vision.
Wedding Consultation Questions Last Words
Congratulations on taking the steps to mastering wedding consultations! With an arsenal of tools and knowledge at your disposal, you can showcase your business in a way that will set you apart from others. Ensure your potential clients leave with a positive outlook on what’s in store for them when they book with you. Outline key takeaways such as cost comparisons, service offerings and planning guidelines during consultations to make an unforgettable impression. A great way to make sure all this information is organized is by downloading our Initial Wedding Consultation Planner Kit. This digital download includes simple worksheets that will help you map out everything so you are always several steps ahead throughout the process. Take control of what couples learn about your business and secure more bookings today!
