by Danielle Deebank, WPICC of Dreamstyle Weddings
I’m often surprised at the reaction I get when I explain what I actually do to couples, vendors and any industry professional for that matter. There are a lot of planners and coordinators around, and although some of the structure is similar throughout our companies, there are varying levels of service provided, and that’s ok. We all have a choice in how we operate. But it’s no wonder clients tend to be a little confused with our role.
As business owners it’s our responsibility to educate our clients and vendors on what roles we play. There are many different price points and many different levels of service. I have had many experiences where there may be some resistance from other vendors that are used to playing a particular role throughout a wedding day; and have heard many stories of coordinators that stand in a corner just watching the timing for the day. Put the clipboard down every once in a while! Our job is being an advocate for our clients, it’s doing the little tasks that they shouldn’t have to do themselves, it’s making the couple and their families feel less overwhelmed because the details are taking care of. Oh the stories I could tell of the unexpected weird things that I have had to do!!
Educating the client:
Every client has a different need and a different expectation of us. It’s our job to manage those expectations. From the beginning your client should have a clear definition of what you do/don’t do. Often times it’s easier to lay out the “don’t do” items, because once their wedding day hits we naturally just do whatever is needed to make their day perfect.
The most laid back couple may think it’s not a big deal if something doesn’t happen quite as planned, but you add up all the little things and that will quickly change. These couples may be the same one thinking they don’t need a coordinator but when situations arise you can guarantee that they are probably re-thinking that. By educating everyone on what we do it allows potential clients to see value in our services.
When we start asking the right questions and filling in the gaps couples quickly see how we can help.
Educating the vendors:
This can be challenging! Some vendors have never worked with a planner/coordination before; others may have had an unpleasant experience. Regardless, we have to remember that our clients chose to have us play this role. We are the voice of our client on wedding day. It’s our job to ensure timing is kept, details are taken care of and vendors are also meeting our client’s expectations. There should never be resistance between your vendors. We need to create a wedding team, we were all hired with the same goal in mind, to make their wedding day unforgettable.
Educating the industry not only clearly defines our roles but working with the right vendors can expand your network and lead to a successful business. Using this team of industry professionals not only makes your job a little smoother on wedding day but also ensure that you have a team that will work well together and create and am amazing unforgettable stress free day for your clients.
Excellent article! I love that you reinforce that we are the advocates for our clients, because I’m often asked why a client shouldn’t just use the venue coordinator, but this is the point that usually hits home. We are 100% working for the client alone, and are committed to seeing each piece come together to create their vision.
Thank you for writing this!
Love this article! Probably the biggest question I get from everyone, what do I do exactly! Always great when I start chatting with a potential client and they realize that I’ve mentioned something that completely didn’t think of, they are just in awe!