Signs That It’s Time to Break Up with Your Client + How to Do So Politely
One of the first things you learn as a wedding pro is the client intake process. If you receive inquiries that don’t align with your values or fall within your scope of expertise, it’s typically easy to decline and filter your choices early on. However, what if you have a client sign on the dotted line and begin working with them, only to find out later that they aren’t a fit?
Unfortunately, things like this happen to the best of us. Despite communicating boundaries and agreeing on services, client expectations can shift, and tensions can run high. Let’s dive into how to spot a client breakup on the horizon and how you can handle the situation with grace.
Red flags that it may be time to part ways
Working with a couple that isn’t a good fit may not always be black-and-white. Oftentimes, you can get a sense of any disconnect before a working relationship starts, but it may be more complicated than that.
“I generally know that it’s time to break up with a client when they start to make assumptions about our process that go beyond the scope of what we’ve talked about and agreed upon,” says Jordan Roepke of Jordan Roepke Photography. “If a couple starts expressing preferences that don’t align with our values as a company, or with what we’ve discussed previously regarding their needs and wants for their wedding day, or with the style of work that we’ve put forth in our portfolio, the first thing we do is try to educate and recommit to the processes that we have in place. If that’s not respected by the client, it may just be time to move on.”
Pay attention to how a client treats your boundaries as well, notes Colton Simmons of Colton Simmons Photography. “Clients need to understand that there is a clear line when it comes to boundaries working together. If they have your cell phone number, that isn’t a free pass to text you at all hours and expect you to communicate in that manner. If you’ve set clear lines in the sand and they are constantly stepping over them, this can only lead to more problems than they are worth.”
Nora Sheils of Rock Paper Coin and Bridal Bliss adds: “If clients are disrespectful or treat you or your team poorly, that is a huge red flag and not someone you want to work with. Gracefully bow out of the situation.”
Appropriate ways to “break up” with your client
If you’re just not seeing eye-to-eye and you’ve already re-established your expectations with your client, rest assured that you don’t have to see this through to the finish line.
Leah Weinberg of Oduberg Law, LLP states that it’s crucial to defer to your contract before reaching out. “If you decide to break up with a client, the first thing you have to do is see what your contract allows you to do. If your contract addresses the exact situation happening, then follow whatever the procedure is in your contract. But if your contract is silent, then things get a little more tricky because now you are technically the one wanting to breach the contract by terminating.”
When it comes time for the tough conversation, Jen Sulak of Weirdo Weddings recommends: “Always go the professional route in your communications! Whichever form of communication works for your team and yourself, detail the reasons for yourself personally, but don't feel the need to list them off with your client. You won't want to over-communicate a negative list of items necessarily, but do consider being honest and open about a few things that are simply not working for the project.”
“Our contract also outlines how these instances are handled,” adds Juls Sharpley of Juls Sharpley Events. “Of course, we feel the best thing to do in a non-hostile environment is have an honest and open conversation, but ultimately, everything must be in writing, both for record-keeping and per our contract!”
According to Mandy Hess of MJM Designs, it’s ideal that you nip it in the bud sooner rather than later. “If you do need to break up with your client, the best way is to do it immediately; don't drag it out. Call or email the client, letting them know that you both aren't a fit for each other, and offer a few names of other businesses that may be a better fit for them.”
Making the decision to go in a different direction once you’ve already onboarded a client and begun work on their event isn’t easy. That said, putting your business and your mental health first is important; just make sure you treat the situation with respect and fairness.
