10 Things Your Clients WISH You Knew (and How to Ask Them)
As a wedding professional, you’re not just orchestrating a celebration; you’re bringing visions to life and ensuring every moment reflects your clients' love story. Yet, when you’re in the groove of planning, it's easy to overlook the silent desires and unspoken expectations your clients harbor.
Below, we delve into the minds of your clients, sharing the 10 things they secretly wish you knew but might hesitate to voice. Because the ability to anticipate and address these wishes is the hallmark of a wedding professional who goes beyond coordination to create an unforgettable, personalized celebration.
So, whether you're a seasoned wedding planner, talented florist, or skilled photographer, join us as we share more about making your client’s dreams a reality!
Personalization and Customization
In today’s world of weddings, clients want more than just a ceremony; they want a celebration that reflects their unique relationship. The first unspoken wish on their list? Personalization and customization.
Most couples look for an experience that’s distinctly theirs, where every detail is a testament to their journey. As a wedding professional, unlocking the secrets of their preferences is key. From the style of their invitations to the choice of their flowers, each decision is an opportunity to weave their narrative into the fabric of their special day.
But how do you figure all of this out? By continuously asking your clients about their vision and offering ideas that are special to them as your relationship grows. Ask different questions, and don’t be afraid to share any advice you have!
Clear Communication
Clear communication is the lifeline of any successful wedding, and understanding clients' unspoken desires often revolves around their second wish: effective and transparent communication. Timeliness and clarity become the bedrock upon which trust is built.
Clients want updates that are prompt and comprehensive, leaving no room for uncertainty. As a wedding professional, it's not just about having the information but also conveying it in a way that resonates with your clients.
This means opting for the communication method they prefer, whether it’s Zoom, phone calls, or text messages. You can better understand their wishes and what they need from you by meeting them where they're at.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Flexibility and adaptability underscore the importance of gracefully navigating the unpredictable journey of wedding planning. Quickly adapting to last-minute requests is a hallmark of a skilled wedding professional.
What does this mean for you? You and your team need to roll with the punches. Let your clients know they can make changes if their heart isn’t set on something (at least until a reasonable date). When you remain flexible, you position yourself as a reliable partner who can transform the unexpected into an opportunity to create an even more magical wedding experience.
Budget Transparency
Navigating the delicate topic of budgets is an essential skill for any wedding professional, and it marks the third unspoken wish on our clients' list.
Many couples want an open dialogue that addresses their budget concerns before they dig deep into wedding planning. So, to meet this need, you’ll want to sit down with your clients before they sign on any dotted lines and walk through their budget. Chances are, you have tips to share regarding how they can save money and which areas they’ll need to dedicate more funds to.
Create an environment of trust so your clients know they can come to you with heavier questions. Bonus: Offer flexible options or payment plans to ensure your clients have a better chance of sticking to their budget.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Collaboration and teamwork form the fifth unspoken wish on our clients' list, emphasizing the importance of building strong partnerships within the wedding industry. Couples often appreciate when their vendors come with recommendations and connections—as it leads to less work on their part.
Remember the importance of networking and building relationships with those in the wedding industry. Let your clients know you have recommendations for each aspect of their big day, so if they’re feeling stuck, they know they can rely on your expertise. You’ll go beyond knowledge and curate a team that elevates each event.
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is one of the biggest aspects to consider when planning an unforgettable celebration. Understanding the art of capturing client-specific details is crucial, as it transforms a wedding from a generic event to a personalized moment.
The key to executing these details is getting to know each of your clients on a more personal level. What matters most to them? How can you incorporate small details that will have a significant impact? Gather ideas as you work together and weave them in as their special day approaches.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness is an unspoken wish on many clients’ lists and is something we often see in reviews and testimonials for wedding professionals. Whether they say it or not, your clients want you to be there when they need you.
No, this doesn’t mean being online 24/7. But it does mean responding within 24 hours and having someone on deck to help if you can’t be around. Let your clients know when they can expect to hear from you, and set those boundaries early on.
This is where determining which communication method your clients prefer also comes in. If you call them, but they prefer a text, they might feel as though you’re less responsive. Remember to meet them where they’re at so nothing slips through the cracks.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence takes center stage as the eighth unspoken wish on our clients' list, as today’s couples want a wedding professional who not only orchestrates logistics but also empathizes with their emotions. Yes, checking the boxes is essential, but the best pros go above and beyond to understand their clients’ needs.
This means checking in and asking each couple how they’re doing, if there’s anything else you can do to help, and so on. Checking in on their mental health every few weeks will set you apart as a professional. By doing so, you position yourself as someone they can trust and confide in—something all couples could use as they plan their big day!
Tech-Savviness
Though not all wedding professionals are tech-savvy, this attribute is one that clients have preferred more over time. From virtual consultations to online collaboration platforms, the role of technology in modern wedding planning is pivotal.
If you’re stuck sending things through the mail or only meeting in person, your clients will tire of the extra time they spend working with you. It’s great to do things face to face, but technology is there to streamline your processes and make things easier for your couples.
Get a feel for how busy your clients’ schedules are and use technology accordingly. If they never seem available, sending automated messages might be the way to go. But if they’re all-in on wedding planning, a more hands-on approach is a smart strategy. Simply take the time to think about how you can make things more convenient and efficient for everyone involved.
Post-Event Follow-Up
Post-event follow-up is the final unspoken wish on our clients' list, as many couples look for wedding professionals who don’t ghost them after they say, “I do.” Post-event communication positions you as someone who goes above and beyond and is an excellent way to gather valuable feedback.
Schedule a post-event check-in where you can touch base with your clients and understand what you could do to improve. Set a reminder to wish them a happy anniversary and send out a survey where they can leave you a testimonial. Mastering the art of post-event follow-up positions you as a professional who values feedback and cherishes client relationships.
When it comes to wedding planning, understanding and addressing the unspoken wishes of our clients is not just a skill but a commitment to transforming dreams into reality. As we explore these ten essential desires, it becomes clear that the key to success lies not only in execution but also in the art of connection. By asking the right questions, actively listening, and adapting our approach, we can bring any of our client's visions to life!
