6 Things That Make You a Better Planner, But Do Not Require Any Previous Experience

By Tracey Manailescu, Co-founder of WPIC Inc.

In the world of weddings and quite frankly, any business there are people that you want to work with, and some that you just don’t. When you think about the reasons that you enjoyed working with an individual certain things stand out, and it doesn’t always have to do with experience.

Here are six things that make you a better planner and do not require any previous experience.

Be on Time In fact, be there fifteen minutes early for any client or vendor meetings so you are not rushed, and have a moment to set your surroundings to your liking. Grab an extra chair, get tea or coffee for anyone who will be in attendance.

Make an Effort Take pride in yourself and your abilities. Make a mental commitment to focus on solutions not problems. Be passionate about the wedding industry and what you want to achieve. Set out to make meaningful and prosperous relationships and nurture them.

Willingness to Learn Always be open to learning something new, or at least open to doing things a different way. It might just make your life simpler, and be more time/cost effective. #neverstoplearning

Be Prepared There is always going to be something that goes wrong or needs your focus and attention. Be ready for it. Be ready and willing to jump into problem solve at a moments notice. This is your time to shine! Have your “To Do List” is in place, and you have gone over it twice. Emergency kit is stocked and expiry dates have been checked. Have business cards and pen with you. Have a plan in place for client meetings with points to cover. Have plan B & C on backup and ready to go on the wedding day, brief your assistants with the flow of the wedding day, know the names of the key players you will be working with (moms/dads/wedding party/vendors). Make sure that you are aware of all allergies/food restrictions and those in need of high chairs/booster seats and go over it with the venue staff.

Strong Work Ethic Be professional. Do not gossip, slander or belittle anyone. Show confidence, and be willing and able to do the things no one else wants to do. It will always be remembered and appreciated.

An article on Prezi says these are there top 10 skills that they look for: Attendance, Character, Teamwork, Appearance, Attitude, Productivity, Organizational Skills, Communication Skills, Cooperation, and Respect.

Go Above and Beyond Staying that extra ten or fifteen minutes to help a wedding pro or your couple can make a huge difference when things are going awry. It’s your job to problem solve and execute the solution. Find ways to save money, find out-of-the-norm solutions, hunt down hard to find items, make the couples life easier by taking over a wedding task (typing up the seating chart, purchasing items for bathroom baskets, running to the store for a forgotten item, etc.)

All of these things are going to be helpful and will make you better at what you do anywhere, anytime.