When you’re a newcomer to planning weddings for others, you’re bound to have questions.  This episode is the first part of a live broadcast dedicated to answering questions sent in by WeddingsForaLiving listeners.

LISTEN TO EPISODE #394
Here are the questions (and answers) discussed in this episode:
Should I complain to wedding vendors on my client’s behalf?
What’s the best way for a new professional wedding planner to find clients?
Should I charge more for planning an extended or long-distance wedding?
What’s the best way to set-up a wedding planner agency?
What if I become labeled as the ‘day-of’ or ‘month-of’ wedding planner?
How should I market my wedding planner services to my family and friends?

What Should I do if my Clients are Unhappy with a Wedding Vendor’s Service or Product?
This question comes from Kathy about her role as a day-of or month-of wedding coordinator (thank you, Kathy!).
When hired as a day-of wedding coordinator, your primary function is to make sure that the wedding your clients have invested so much time and money planning goes off without a hitch.  One area that is not your domain, however, is the hand-picking and hiring of professional wedding vendors. Your clients do that.
By the time you – the day-of wedding coordinator – come on board, your clients will/should have already confirmed, executed contracts with and booked their wedding vendors.
Keeping this in mind, Kathy, in her role as a day-of wedding coordinator asked what her position should be if her clients are unhappy with the service or product that a vendor provides on the actual wedding day?  Should she say something to the vendor, or not?
What’s the Best Way for a New Wedding Planner to find Clients?
Joe asked for help with finding clients.  “Thank you Joe!”
Begin with your family and friends and let them know that you’ve transitioned from being a dabbler or hobbyist to being a professional wedding planner who charges for your services.
Business cards are an inexpensive yet memorable way to spread the word about your wedding business.
A professional website that reflects the style and budget of the weddings you aspire to plan is a must and lets the world you know you mean business!
Develop a shortlist of professional wedding vendors and venues in your area and build relationships with them.  They deal with engaged couples all day long and will likely send potential clients your way.
Should I charge more for an extended or long-distance wedding?
Ashley typically is the last person to leave her clients’ wedding, but, wondered what she should charge if the wedding goes on past midnight or is located several hours away from her office.  “Thanks for writing, Ashley!”
You should have a baseline price for your wedding planner services that includes a certain number of hours.  Charge extra for any additional planning time.
If you’re asked to travel beyond a certain radius from your office, you should also charge extra for travel and accommodation costs. Don’t forget your incidentals.
Don’t price these types of services – extended time or travel – on the spot.  These are custom or bespoke wedding planning services.  Take time to calculate all of your associated expenses and then get back to your potential clients within 24-48 hours with your fee.
What’s the best way to set-up a wedding planner agency?
Sabrina asked for help with setting up her wedding company similar to the way a law firm operates. “Love this idea, Sabrina!”

Assuming you know what planning a wedding entails,