If it’s true that a picture is worth a thousand words, then a face-to-face table mock-up must be worth a million. These are the days of inspirational design boards, infinite color palettes, and, of course, Pinterest. Sometimes, there’s no easier way to clarify precisely what a couple is wanting than to create it with them. Many couples look at a single image of a single detail without ever truly visualizing how those details will (or won’t) layer together. And that’s where you come in!
Face to Face
Many wedding planners and designers have found enormous value in face-to-face mock-up sessions.
“Oh, that wasn’t the shade of pink you were talking about? You thought there would be less greenery?”
A mock-up helps to ensure everyone is on the same page so there are no surprises on the wedding day. But, it can also serve several other purposes.
Does It Work?
An in-person meeting is the perfect time to revisit the floor plan and sight lines. Sometimes, couples—and even the designers—are envisioning large arrangements spreading tall and wide. It’s important to place these appropriately so wedding guests’ views of the couple, toasts, or a video presentation aren’t compromised. Watching wedding guests move a centerpiece that blocks their view can be a soul-crushing experience for the wedding professional and couple alike.
Pro Tip: If you’ve never created a layout before, don’t be afraid to dive in! Modern day online layout tools like ours make it really easy to create your own professional-looking layouts.
Did you know? When creating Layouts do you have objects you use on a regular basis either from your own inventory and from a rental company you absolutely love? Add it to your Object Templates in your account settings for them to appear at the top of your object library list. Sky’s the limit on what you can add! Find more information here!
Sign Off
With so many options for flowers and décor, it’s good to know in advance that you’re all speaking the same language. Scaling a centerpiece back from a more expensive inspirational photograph loses something in translation. Whether it’s using more greenery or more filler flowers, sometimes, what the couple thought and what the designer can do within the budget don’t match up. Show the couple what changes you’re going to have to make and how that will impact their vision.
Pro Tip: Set realistic expectations for your couples in the Design Studio by showcasing inspiration which will fit their budget and ultimately win their hearts.
Up-Selling
Beyond the clarification and getting everything signed off on, there can be some financial pluses to doing a face-to-face mock-up. Setting a full table offers you the opportunity to showcase some additional, more upscale linen choices. Seeing the florals on the basic house linen might be just the incentive to upgrade.
Additionally, showcasing a variety of charger plates, upgraded chairs, stemware, or even custom menu cards offer the entire team the opportunity to increase revenue. A mock-up session with your couple is your opportunity to dot your i’s, cross your t’s, and maybe add on a few dollar signs too!
Did you know? Put the power in your couples hands and make them feel like a part of the process through Aisle Planner’s interactive quotes. Aisle Planner’s Quotes features give you the ability to quickly and easily send interactive quotes to inquiring clients! In this webinar, we’ll show you how to use this powerful feature to build out a catalog of your products and services as well as use them to build interactive quotes that will help you book clients!
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