As event planners, we put a lot of time, energy, and effort into attracting our ideal clients. We spend countless hours developing relationships within our creative community, touring venues, blogging, and working on our social media. When our clients finally hire us, they are relying on our ability to build and lead their vendor team and are entrusting us with one of their most important, memorable, and expensive celebrations. I strive to be a warm, thoughtful, and generous team leader. My goal is for each member of the vendor team to bring their A-game and work together to serve our client’s best interest.
1. Over Communicate
Clear and timely communication is critical to a smooth planning process. I want my teams to know that there are no stupid questions and over-communication is encouraged. I will go the extra mile to ensure my partners feel heard and respected throughout the planning process. My hope is that when I lead with this spirit, everyone will put their best foot forward!
2. Set the Team Up for Success
Once I’ve determined my couple’s desired order of events and day-of flow, I create a foundational timeline to build upon with my creative partners. First, I schedule individual planning and timeline review calls with the catering manager, photographer, videographer, floral designer, and entertainment vendors. I make sure they have an opportunity to request small schedule adjustments that will help them deliver the expected result. I want to know that Photographer Bob needs 30 minutes to shoot the 'first look' compared to Photographer Jen that only needs 15. It's important to be flexible and accommodating when it’s in the best interest of our clients. My ultimate goal is to set all parties up to do their best work.
3. Create Opportunities for Connection
Often times I’ll spend a year or more with my clients. I get to know them, so I can plan and design a highly personalized experience that is a reflection of their unique personalities and priorities. Getting this face time with my couples leading up to their wedding builds excitement and anticipation. I know what they do for fun and if they prefer to "Netflix & Chill" or go on a run to relieve stress. I know their favorite songs and what they order at their local restaurants. In contrast, my vendor partners often have limited interactions with these couples. In my planning calls with vendors, I try to share what I've learned about the couple. This helps create a deeper connection for everyone involved. If my groom recently lost a parent to illness, I want the photographer and DJ to know so they can approach with sensitivity.
4. Connect the Team Digitally
I have started looking for ways to connect my vendor teams to each other (and to the couple) in the months leading up to the wedding. If I can get my hands on an engagement photo, I will post an image on Instagram including a little teaser about the upcoming wedding. I then tag my future vendor partners so they can "Insta-stalk" each other. The week of, I send a team email and cc the whole vendor team so they are connected pre-wedding. I include the latest draft of the timeline, parking instructions, pertinent day-of details, and a copy/paste vendor credit list. I also ask the team to please tag me in the caption and image on social media posts.
5. Credit Your Vendor Team in the Caption and Image
I make an effort to generously credit my vendor teams by tagging them in the caption AND the image! These tags give public credit and acknowledge the hard work of the team, while also creating notifications and virtual connections. If someone makes the effort to tag me as requested, I make sure to like and comment on the photo to give them an engagement bump. It's my way of saying thank you!
Want to see more from Jessica? Check out her website.
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