Client Collaboration: How to Nail Your Couple's Vision Every Time
Every wedding pro’s biggest fear is going through countless hours of onboarding a couple, putting together the puzzle of their dream aesthetic, and pulling back the curtain on a showstopping design…only to get an underwhelming reaction and realize that you just barely missed the mark.
This begs the question: how can you ensure that nothing falls through the cracks during the collaboration process and nail your couple’s vision every time?
Photography: Jodee Debes Photography
Set expectations ASAP
First things first, both parties must be clear on their expectations. If your client doesn’t come to the table with a list of priorities and must-haves, it’s your job to draw them out. Remember that few couples have previously planned a large-scale event with this type of budget, so they may not know what to expect.
Similarly, it’s your duty as the professional to temper expectations and set the baseline. Let’s face it — many engaged couples are heavily influenced by the grandeur of TikTok and Pinterest, both of which can be amazing tools to help guide them. However, the disconnect often lies in the budget; if they’re misinformed about what’s possible in terms of logistics and dollar signs, it’s important to set the record straight immediately.
Customization is a must
Weddings are so much more than just pretty events. In fact, you could hit every to-do on a couple’s list, but if it’s missing personalization and that ‘wow’ factor, it can feel a bit off. Consider incorporating this as part of your initial meeting — ask them what their favorite hobbies are, what their pets are like, or where they had their first date. The couple may not know how these details should be executed, but the reality is that they are so much more than their desired aesthetic.
Some great examples of this are custom cocktails (a fan-favorite), incorporating their favorite florals, or putting together an interactive seating chart that shows off their personalities.
Tech is your friend
Don’t forget about tech! While it’s necessary to stay organized behind the scenes, tech can be a major vehicle for collaboration and showcasing inspiration. Evernote is particularly perfect for allowing clients to share photos, moodboards, or Pinterest pins with the entire team, as well as Dropbox and Google Drive.
With navigating busy schedules, Acuity and Zoom are perfect for streamlining appointments throughout the course of wedding planning, especially if you have a wealth of other clients to juggle. A missed appointment can really hurt your relationship with a couple, and providing them with a way to get on your calendar shows that you’re available without being too available.
Beyond being a design mastermind, collaborating with your couple requires special finesse to achieve the perfect end goal each time. Don’t be afraid to guide them in the right direction!
