09 Jul 09 Recession Ideas for the Wedding Planner

Although many families can still afford the services of a wedding planner, some no longer can. They are trying to save money and maybe even give a little more to help them get a better start in hostile economic conditions. However, there are some things you can do to help boost your business and not scare away people who only have a little to spend but need a lot of guidance. Here are some of those ways. See if you can use them as jumping off points to figure out more of your own.

Try Being a Helper

If a potential client is a little put off at your estimate for the wedding, try splitting some of the duties with them to help them keep costs down. For instance, you could say, “Getting the cake delivered on time and in good condition is a hassle, so why don’t I do that and you get the invitations done. That will save you money. Here is the phone number of the printer I use–tell him I sent you.”

You could also build package deals. Start with what you perceive as the hardest job for the family or couple to arrange, and build different sized packages form there. Create the packages by adding the next most difficult job for the bride/family, etc., and keep adding on in order of ease of the task.

Help Cut Costs, Not Corners

If your bride wants a certain cake but has a hard time with the cost, see if you can find a way to reduce the cost. Some examples are asking for a smaller display cake for the bride and groom while supplying sheet cakes with simpler decoration to provide for guests. You can also reduce the amount of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and other refreshments–Uncle Joe does not need ten cups of coffee during a two-hour wedding reception.

No Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages have become a staple of some evening receptions, but perhaps it’s time to turn the tide. Tell the bride that an open bar might invite Cousin Bart to drink a little to much and start trouble, so she could save a lot of money by telling her guests that alcohol will have to be purchased at the venue’s general bar.

These are three small ways of many that a wedding planner can help brides in a poor economy. Before you decide to hang out your business sign, make a list of other creative ways you can help the couples, then instead of calling yourself a wedding planner you could call your business practices being a bride’s best friend. If she’s pinching pennies, she will call someone like you first.

Tags: Alcohol, Alcoholic Beverages, Bart, Bride And Groom, Coffee Tea, Cousin, Economic Conditions, Hard Time, Hassle, Invitations, Package Deals, Receptions, Recession, Refreshments, Sheet Cakes, Soft Drinks, Staple, Uncle Joe, Wedding Planner, Wedding Reception