A wedding is a monumental milestone in a couple's journey, and every detail contributes to making it a cherished memory. Behind the scenes, a network of dedicated wedding suppliers work tirelessly to transform dreams into reality. From photographers to florists, caterers to planners, each supplier plays a crucial role in bringing the couple's vision to life. However, what exactly do couples expect from their wedding suppliers?
I know, you all know this right, you all know what you need to do to secure a booking, to build a couples trust, to ensure their dreams become a reality?
Sadly, and all too often, I witness suppliers losing track of these elements… Becoming too busy being busy that they forget why they do what they do and who they are there to serve. Having systems and processes in place to nurture, respond and wrap your arms around your couples can mean the difference between a successful career in the industry and a business that thrives for only so long before their reputation takes over, and not in a good way.
Having worked for 20 years in the industry I have come across couples who have been so stressed out with suppliers, who they have either already booked or who they are considering booking, because of their lack of communication and / or organisation. It can make such a vast difference to a couples experience if their suppliers have them feeling relaxed, confident, secure and that they can put their trust into them.
Believe me, I’ve met some truly incredible suppliers who have all of these aspects in place, and who couples trust with their lives (I know, very dramatic), but also suppliers who are wonderful at what they do, but fall short in how they look after their couples.
So, let's dive into this topic and uncover the essential aspects that suppliers should understand and fulfil.
1. Professionalism and Expertise
One of the primary expectations couples have from their wedding suppliers is professionalism and expertise. Couples entrust their special day to you, and they anticipate receiving guidance, support, and expert advice. Suppliers are expected to be well-versed in the wedding industry, offering insights on the latest trends, creative ideas, and best practices, not just in their chosen service but across the board. Couples look for suppliers who can contribute valuable suggestions while respecting their unique preferences and who can recommend other suppliers and professionals.
2. Clear Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful wedding. Couples need open and transparent communication from their suppliers. This includes promptly answering emails, addressing concerns, and being receptive to changes or adjustments. Clear communication helps build trust and reduces stress for both parties involved. In the digital age, couples expect responses immediately to any query, and they will either chase you until they get it (if they have already booked you), or likely not bother chasing if they haven’t booked you.
I actually have a friend planning her wedding at the moment, a fully DIY affair, and she had this to say:
“As someone who has been supplier shopping over the past few months, I've personally felt a lot more inclined to book suppliers who have responded to enquiries promptly, even if the initial reply is just a quick message to say they're at an event so will get back to me within a certain timeframe. That first interaction is key to building that initial trust and, ultimately, confidence that they will deliver on the day. First impressions really do count!”
But how do you achieve this without failing on your own boundaries and your own personal space?
That’s something for another blog… so watch this space!
3. Attention to Detail
Couples envisage their wedding day as a reflection of their love story and personalities. Therefore, they expect their suppliers to pay meticulous attention to every detail. Whether it's the arrangement of flowers, the layout of the venue, or the presentation of the food, suppliers are expected to capture the essence of the couple's vision.
4. Creativity and Flexibility
While couples often come with a vision in mind, they appreciate suppliers who can think outside the box and add creative touches to enhance the overall experience. Flexibility is also highly valued; last-minute changes or unexpected challenges can arise, and couples expect suppliers to adapt seamlessly while maintaining the quality of their services. I know, it’s not always possible, and it can be frustrating making last minute changes, but it often makes such a difference to that final testimonial and the lasting impression that couples have of you and your business.
5. Reliability and Timeliness
Wedding planning involves a complex web of interconnected tasks. Suppliers are a crucial part of this puzzle, and couples rely on them to fulfil their commitments on time. From delivering the wedding cake to setting up the decor, being reliable and punctual is super important.
6. Personalisation
No two weddings are the same, and couples desire a personalized experience that reflects their own lives and their own story. Suppliers who take the time to understand the couple's background, preferences, and cultural aspects can create a more meaningful and memorable event.
7. Stress Reduction
Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and couples appreciate suppliers who can alleviate their stress. Suppliers who proactively take charge of their responsibilities, solve problems independently, and ensure a seamless flow of events contribute significantly to a smoother and more enjoyable experience for the couple and their guests.
8. Quality Products and Services
Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime event, and couples expect high-quality products and services that match their investment. From exquisite floral arrangements to delectable cuisine, suppliers are expected to deliver exceptional quality that lives up to the couple's expectations.
When I worked at a luxury hotel in Whitby, my General Manager used to always use the term ‘never over promise and under deliver, always under promise and over deliver’… And it has always stuck with me. If you can’t do something don’t make out that you can! It will only turn around and bit you on the backside at a later date!
Conclusion
As wedding suppliers, understanding and meeting the expectations of couples is paramount to creating a magical and unforgettable day. From professionalism and expertise to personalisation and stress reduction, each expectation plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless and beautiful wedding experience. By focusing on these key aspects, you can not only meet but exceed the expectations of the couples you serve, leaving them with cherished memories that last a lifetime.
My tips
Why not create yourself a check list and ask someone to do an honest review of your business processes to make sure you are ticking each of these points. Often it’s difficult for you to take a step back and look at what your business is doing, right and wrong, to enable you to make successful changes.
Someone like myself can delve deep into your business processes and make suggestions for improvements. We can do it whilst working with you on the long term, or as a one off to help you get your processes just right.
I love helping wedding professionals get their processes spot on, with added sparkle too, so if you would like a free chat to see how I can help, why not drop me a message.
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