The role of a wedding planner is arguably one of the most–if not the most–important roles in the wedding world. From beginning to end, you’re the one helping couples plan the wedding of their dreams. Between ensuring that all vendors are on the same page to making sure that the wedding party is exactly where it needs to be, you wear many different hats throughout the months leading up to the big day.
However, because the wedding industry as a whole has become highly saturated, it can feel challenging to stand out amongst your competition. That’s why we’re diving into the art of standing out as a wedding planner and what you need to do to bring your business to the next level.
How to Stand Out as a Wedding Planner
Master Personalization
One of the secrets to success in wedding planning is the art of personalization. Every couple is unique, and tailoring your services to their individual preferences and personalities is vital. Take the time to understand their vision, tastes, and cultural backgrounds.
Whether it’s incorporating a special theme, selecting unique decor elements, or curating a personalized ceremony, the more you can tailor your services, the more memorable and exceptional the event will be. And the happier your clients are, the more likely they are to recommend you to friends and family.
Work With Waldo
Waldo Weddings was designed to maximize memories for newlyweds. From printable signage with QR codes to live slideshows to AI photo tagging and delivery for guests, partnering with us is the perfect way to take your planning packages to the next level.
Who wouldn’t want to receive photos from their guests in real-time that they can either display during the wedding or keep for years after the big day? We also offer video guestbooks for those who want something a little more sentimental than a book full of signatures. While these touches may seem small, they’re ones your clients will surely appreciate.
Build a Strong Online Presence
With social media acting as one of the top sources for couples planning weddings, a well-kept-up online presence is non-negotiable for any wedding vendor, including wedding planners.
Though it can seem like a time-consuming, frustrating marketing tool, social media acts as a bite-sized portfolio that potential clients can scroll through quickly and easily. Along with your recent work, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work, and client testimonials, and engage with your audience.
It doesn’t just stop at social media. Take the time to create a professional and visually appealing website that showcases your portfolio, services, and testimonials. Make it as user-friendly as possible, allowing your audience to find your pricing and recent work easily.
We also recommend blogging as frequently as possible to help boost your SEO potential. Whether you’re sharing a recent wedding or writing a piece about specific wedding aspects (i.e., the best wedding venues in your city), do keyword research beforehand to help you choose keywords with a high search volume but a lower keyword difficulty. This can help ensure that you show up on the first page of Google.
Network
Collaboration is a powerful tool in the wedding planning industry. Build a network of vendors, venues, and other professionals in the wedding sphere. Partnering with trusted partners not only expands your service offerings but also opens the door to cross-promotion. You can build these relationships in countless ways, including reaching out to them via DM, putting together a styled shoot together, attending workshops, and joining photographer-specific Facebook groups.
Continue Your Education and Expand Your Skills
There is no such thing as too much education, just as there is no way of being perfect at your job. There’s always room to grow. Continuously expanding your skill set and education is one of the best ways to stay at the forefront of industry trends.
As we just mentioned, attend workshops, conferences, and training programs to stay updated on the latest in wedding planning. Take online marketing and event planning courses to brush up on information you may have lost over time or simply never knew.
Of course, one of the best ways to improve your job is to do it. While you will continue to grow with every wedding you plan, if you’re looking to try something new or you’re scared of doing something outside of your normal comfort zone, styled shoots are an easy way to try new things without the fear of disappointing your clients. They’re also a great way to further your relationships with other vendors and build up a portfolio (especially if you’re newer to the field).
Communicate
Communication is the foundation of successful wedding planning. Ensure that you not only listen attentively to your client’s desires but also communicate clearly and effectively. Timely and transparent communication builds trust and confidence, making the entire planning process smoother and more enjoyable for the couple.
They are putting their special day in your hands, so proving you are reliable from the jump is crucial. We know that life gets busy, and responding to emails is daunting, but replying promptly from the beginning shows them how serious you are about your job and them as individuals.
Final Thoughts
Standing out as a wedding planner requires a mix of creativity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of your client’s needs. By applying all of these tips, you can set yourself apart from everyone else. Remember, each wedding is a unique love story, and your ability to make it extraordinary will be the key to your success.
