Where Dreams Begin: What to expect at your first consultation meeting
The initial phase of booking event planning, design, and coordination services starts with an initial consultation meeting.
These conversations typically last 30 minutes to 1 hour and can be conducted via telephone, face-to-face meetings, or online sessions.
It is an opportunity for you and the wedding planner to get to know each other and figure out if you are a match made in heaven.
Getting Ready for Your Consultation: Make the Most of It
Before heading to your consultation meeting and to get the full benefit of it, it is best to come prepared.
Figure out your wedding vision by brainstorming some of these questions.
How many guests will you have?
What is your budget range?
What is your ideal venue?
How do you want to feel and make your guests feel?
What season do you want to get married in?
What must-haves do you want at your wedding, and what are your non-negotiables?
What kind of ceremony do you envision?
What kind of food, music, and entertainment do you want to provide?
What decor do you want? Are you big on florals?
What vendors would you love to work with and what services do they offer?
Some wedding planners, including us at Tiega Events, send out a questionnaire to fill in before the meeting.
Also review the wedding planner’s website, their services and pricing. Write down points you need clarification on.
Getting Personal: Let's Talk About You
Before delving into the details of your wedding plans, there's something important the wedding planner needs to explore – you! Your journey, your story, and your unique personalities play an integral role in crafting the perfect wedding.
We want to know where you work, the place you call home, and the magic moments that led you to each other. Sharing how you met and the story behind your engagement helps us understand the essence of your relationship.
This isn't just empty chit-chat; it's a chance for us to truly grasp who you are, both as individuals and as a couple. By diving into your world, we can infuse your wedding with your unique vibes, creating an event that reflects your personalities in every beautiful detail.
Dreaming Together: Let's Make Your Vision a Reality
Now it’s time to play out your wedding dreams and dive into the details - your wedding vision, the budget, the delightful food, the toe-tapping music – everything that's swirling around in your head.
You will lay it all out - the colours, the feels, the vibes you want your wedding to have. You will also talk about the guest experience you're imagining and how you want everyone to feel.
Feel free to bring along any visual aids that help paint the picture – pictures, art, or anything that screams "you." If you have an Instagram or Pinterest, show the saved boards and pictures. The wedding planners are there to bring your vision to life, and the more you share, the better they can craft an event that's uniquely yours.
Our Turn to Shine: Unveiling Our Services
After the wedding planner has learned your story, your style, and your dream wedding, it's their turn to share what they bring to the table.
Your wedding planner will take the spotlight to lay out their services, how they work, and their pricing structure.
They will walk you through their planning process from start to finish. You’ll have a clearer picture of how they bring your wedding to life.
If you have any questions, don’t hold back. Ask anything and everything that's on your mind. At the end of the meeting, you should have a crystal clear idea on what they offer and how they do it.
At this stage, you might not have precise pricing for their services. They just learned about your wedding’s overall vibe.
Time to Wrap It Up: Sealing the Conversation
As you approach the end of the meeting, it's time for a little recap and check-in. This is where the planner makes sure that all your questions have been answered.
Think of it as a moment to tie a neat bow on your conversation.
We want to ensure that both sides are on the same page and that everything discussed feels aligned with your vision.
So take a quick look back, address any final queries, and ensure that you're feeling excited and confident about moving forward. This is your moment to give the planner the green light, and make sure you're completely comfortable before taking the next steps.
What's next?
After your exciting conversation, your wedding planner will get to work crafting a tailor-made proposal. Depending on the complexity of your event, you might receive your proposal after a few days or weeks.
Once you’ve reviewed your proposals and decided who’s your perfect match, it’s time to seal the deal by signing the contract.
After signing your contract and paying the deposit, the wedding planner will get into action mode and start planning your wedding.
The consultation meeting isn't just a conversation – it's the first chapter of turning your dreams into a beautiful reality.
From sharing your personal stories to envisioning your dream wedding, exploring services to asking questions, and discussing what's next, this consultation is the stepping stone to crafting the celebration of a lifetime.
Remember, it's not just about finding a wedding planner; it's about finding a partner who will listen, guide, and collaborate to bring your unique vision to life. The preparation, sharing, and excitement you bring to this meeting will set the tone for an amazing partnership.