Wedding professionals are generous, caring people. You know that. That’s why you choose to go with your wedding planner or photographer or caterer. What you might not know is what happens when you, as the client, ask for those little extras. You know, like when you book a ‘day of’ coordinator then call her months before the wedding with a question or two. Or you ask if the florist can throw in a wrist corsage for your grandmother.
Because your wedding vendors are creative people, they will definitely have answers to your questions. And, in fact, they love dreaming up new ways to help you. So, you’re likely to get what you need. Problem is: it comes at a cost to them. Financially and emotionally.
When you book a vendor, you’re paying for her experience, expertise and their intellectual capital- her brains! When you ‘pick her brains’ for a minute, you’re really asking for additional work outside the scope of your agreement or contract. That’s work that’s not paid for and your vendor loses out.
Ok, I hear you saying, So. It’s only one little thing. We’re friends. True, but let’s do the math. You’re not her only client. What if every client wanted a little extra? Over time, your friend would be giving away quite a bit of her expertise or product and that might eventually lead to her going out of business. Sure, it’s a little request. But it only took a little water over the course of time to make the Grand Canyon.
And, back to the friend thing. Really, who isn’t thrilled to be part of the happiest time in your life. I know that’s one of the things that attracted me to being a bridal coach. It’s magical to know you’ve helped someone have a deeply meaningful, satisfying wedding experience. So, vendors do ‘fall in like’ with their clients, forget it’s a business relationship and maybe become resentful because they’ve over-extended themselves. You can be a good friend by remembering not to step too far over the line.
And, if you’re lucky enough to have a wedding pro that goes over and above for you, please return the favor. Give her a glowing written testimonial. Refer everyone you know to her. Isn’t that what friends are for?
