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Become a Wedding Planner!by Suzann Kale
page 2 of 2 FilesYou need to keep files on every vender in town. In the files you can keep material that doesn't need to be carried around in your notebook, such as menus, newspaper reviews, coupons, reference letters, price quotes, stock availability for vendors like florists, designer clothing stores, and fresh food caterers. 
You also need to keep corresponding files on your computer, with identical file names as your paper files. Much of your information will come to you via cyberspace, and that must be stored and easily accessed when needed. It goes without saying that you need to register your business with the correct authorities for your state, city, or town. You may need to collect sales tax when you bill your clients. You'll find this out when you register. ContractsYou may be charging your clients anywhere from $500 to $2500 depending on where you live and what kind of wedding you'll be planning. Make sure everything is in writing, including who exactly will be financially responsible for the wedding. You're working with people who are in very emotional times of their lives, and you need to keep track of everything. Your contract with your clients is the most important document. But you'll also need - in writing - what is expected of you during the planning and during the wedding itself. You can adjust your price if the bridal couple is needing more or less from you. continued below |
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Keep receipts (filed so you can find them), keep quotes from jobbers, keep photos of the hairstyle and makeup the bride decides on (you don't want any wedding day surprises), keep menus from caterers, keep notes and emails sent to you from the bridal party. Keep everything, so there's no confusion later on. 
Getting ClientsChances are if you've gotten this far in your meet-and-greet plan, and you're an active part of the community (spreading your business cards around like water), you've already attracted clients. The key to getting more clients, even if you start out with only one, is to get a letter of recommendation from a happy member of the bridal party. The best kind of referral is, of course, an unsolicited thank you note from the bride. If you're lucky enough to get that, ask the bride (at a later date when things have settled down) if you can use that as a testimonial in your brochure or for your webpage. If no thank you note is forthcoming, just the fact that you've been paid in full, on time, is a good thing. In addition to earning the money, it also says that your client was happy with your work. And you can always ask a member of the bridal party for a written recommendation. There's nothing like a testimonial on a brochure or website to bring in more business. Finally, ask the bridal party if you can use their name as a recommendation. That way if a new client asks for references, you'll have them handy. So the key to getting clients is: become known in your community, and get references from past clients. Keep your website up to date. You might even have a section of your website devoted to Wedding Questions and Answers, or better yet, write a monthly newsletter. Collecting Your PayIf you've kept all your paperwork in order, and everyone has signed the original contract (which includes when you expect payment after the wedding), there should be no trouble. Keep a calendar "tickler" on when to send bills and when to follow up on late payments. Good luck with your career. Bringing lovers together in marriage is a fun, happy, and positive way to earn a living! back to page 1
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