Demonstrating Integration and Leadership Expertise in Wedding Planning

Hello there! In this blog, I’m going to share some great information and strategies to help you enhance or build your core skill set around integration and leadership in wedding planning.

First, we'll delve into how to craft effective wedding policies that really protect your business. I'll be sharing some stories that you might find very interesting. We will review the basic components of the wedding contract, and finally, we’ll discuss how planners can organize the different stages in the wedding planning process and work successfully with vendors. So let’s get started!

Setting Boundaries: Importance of Policies and Procedures

When you dreamed of owning a wedding planning business, you likely didn’t plan on also becoming someone’s personal assistant. If that’s how you currently feel, then it’s time to put some boundaries in place. Your wedding planner policies and procedures serve that purpose. They spell out how your company is to run and what clients can expect from you.

For example, while your contract may not specifically state, "we communicate via email Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and will not respond to any text messages until ten days before the wedding," your policies and procedures can. Having your policies and procedures in place will help you stay in control at all times.

It’s important to understand that these documents dictate how you operate your business. Policies are written to protect you as a company, and it's up to your clients to negotiate any terms they are uncomfortable with.

Foundation for Success

Policies and procedures form the foundation for building a successful wedding business.

“It really is your foundation for building a successful wedding business.”—Expert Wedding Planner

Crafting Effective Wedding Policies

At a minimum, there are six essential policies that you should include in your documentation:

1. Cancellation Fees and Notice Process
This policy should outline the terms and conditions if the couple decides to cancel their wedding. Are there fees based on how far in advance they cancel? How should they notify you—in writing within 24 hours of the cancellation, for example?

2. Management of Disputes or Disagreements
Include a process for addressing disputes or disagreements, whether it's about a payment, service delivery, or any other issue.

3. Service Fees and Vendor Payments
Clearly outline when service fees are due. For instance, many vendors require at least 90% of the total fee to be collected before beginning work. Also, clarify whether you will be making payments directly to vendors on behalf of your couple and include the payment terms.

4. Invoice Terms
State how your services are invoiced and when they are payable. For example, in my business, invoices are expected to be paid at the time of receipt.

5. Acts of God or Other Pandemic Events
Define your cancellation policy in the event of natural disasters or pandemics. Do you offer a refund, or do you allow for the wedding to be postponed?

6. Service Guarantee
Include a guarantee that assures clients of the quality of your work. If they are dissatisfied, there should be a clear process for resolving the issue, possibly referencing your dispute policy.

Ready to Learn more? Consider enrolling to the Wedding Planning for Business Success & Expertise course.

We provide the “ultimate wedding play-book” towards launching, operating as a successful wedding planner. Taught by “award-winning” wedding and event business leaders, this course provides an excellent understanding of key wedding elements and skills required for the "modern" wedding professional while building a successful wedding or social events business. Certified Wedding Professional of Excellence (CWPE) certification and certificate are awarded at completion of the course.