Running an interior design business can be creatively fulfilling, but managing expenses is crucial for long-term success. By reducing overheads, you can increase profits and improve cash flow, allowing you to invest more in your business and provide exceptional service to your clients. In this article, we'll explore practical strategies to help you streamline your operations and minimise costs while maximising profitability.

Here's what we'll cover:

• Understanding the importance of reduced overheads
• Practical tips to cut costs and increase profits in your interior design business

Let's dive in and discover how to make your interior design business more financially efficient.

Reducing Overheads to Boost Profits

Assessing Your Current Expenses

Before you can effectively reduce overheads, it's essential to understand where your money is going. Take a close look at your expenses and identify areas where you can make cuts or find more cost-effective solutions. This might include:

• Reviewing your monthly bills and subscriptions to identify any unnecessary expenses.
• Negotiating with suppliers for better rates or discounts on materials and services.
• Assessing your staffing needs and considering alternatives such as outsourcing or hiring freelancers for specific projects.

Optimising Your Workspace

Your workspace is a significant contributor to your overhead costs, so it's essential to make sure it's working for you. Consider the following tips to optimise your workspace and reduce expenses:

• Downsizing to a smaller office or co-working space to save on rent and utilities.
• Investing in energy-efficient appliances and lighting to lower electricity bills.
• Implementing remote work policies to reduce the need for office space and commuting costs.

Increasing Efficiency in Your Operations

Streamlining Your Processes

Efficiency is key to reducing costs and maximising profits in your interior design business. Streamlining your processes can help you save time and money while delivering exceptional results to your clients. Here are some ways to improve efficiency:

• Standardising your design processes to eliminate unnecessary steps and reduce project timelines.
• Investing in project management software to keep track of deadlines, budgets, and client communication.
• Outsourcing repetitive tasks such as administrative work or bookkeeping to free up time for more profitable activities.

Embracing Technology

Technology can be a powerful tool for reducing overheads and increasing productivity in your interior design business. Consider incorporating the following tech solutions into your workflow:

• Design software that allows you to create 3D models and visualisations more efficiently.
• Online collaboration tools for sharing files, communicating with clients, and managing projects remotely.
• Accounting software to streamline invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.

Improving Cash Flow and Financial Management

Managing Cash Flow

Effective cash flow management is essential for the success of any business, including interior design firms. By optimising your cash flow, you can ensure that you have enough money to cover expenses, invest in growth opportunities, and weather any financial challenges that may arise. Here are some tips for improving cash flow:

• Establishing clear payment terms with clients and following up promptly on overdue invoices.
• Offering incentives for early payment, such as discounts or rewards.
• Setting aside a portion of your revenue for emergencies or unexpected expenses.

Seeking Funding and Financing

If you're looking to expand your interior design business or invest in new projects, securing funding or financing may be necessary. Explore the following options to support your growth ambitions:

• Applying for business loans or lines of credit from banks or financial institutions.
• Seeking investment from private investors or venture capital firms.
• Crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds for specific projects or initiatives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reducing overheads is essential for increasing profits and improving cash flow in your interior design business. By assessing your current expenses, streamlining your operations, and embracing technology, you can optimise your business processes and achieve greater financial efficiency. Remember to continually monitor your finances, seek opportunities for cost savings, and invest strategically in your business's growth.

Key takeaways:

• Assess your current expenses to identify areas for cost-saving.
• Streamline your operations and embrace technology to increase efficiency.
• Manage cash flow effectively and explore funding options for growth.

The world of interior design thrives on strong client engagement. In today's fast-paced world, traditional methods can feel outdated. If you're not using smart digital collaboration tools, you're missing out.

By using client communication software for interior designers, you can transform interactions, streamline workflows, and foster collaboration. This enhances the design experience, leading to happier clients, higher project satisfaction, and a thriving interior design business.

This article will explore...

• Why client collaboration matters to your interior design business
• The best digital tools to support client collaboration

Why client collaboration matters

Client collaboration in interior design involves a continuous partnership between designer and client. Regular communication and feedback are crucial for successful collaboration. Together, you refine the design to align with their vision, needs, and goals, preventing costly revisions.

Technology continues to revolutionize interior design. Digital collaboration tools and cloud-based software enable real-time collaboration, making communication seamless. Now, you can interact, share 3D designs, and receive feedback within a single platform, ensuring alignment throughout the project.

5 best collaborative digital platforms for interior designers

With numerous client collaboration platforms available to interior designers, choosing the right one can be challenging. To make your choice easier, here's a quick list of essential online client collaboration tools for every interior design business.

Visualist

If you're seeking a user-friendly and visually appealing client collaboration platform, give Visualist a try!

Visualist offers dedicated client hubs, integrated business management tools, and to-do lists to efficiently track projects by priority. It features an AI assistant for automating tasks such as creating proposals, invoices, and questionnaires. Plus, Visualist enhances the design process with advanced algorithms like object detection, smart collaging, and AI-powered search capabilities.

Everything you need in one integrated space—no more switching tabs.

Typeform

Tired of uninspiring, traditional forms that fail to engage? Typeform revolutionizes client interactions with interactive experiences on par with conversations. Whether it's a captivating signup process, an engaging feedback survey, or a style quiz uncovering your client's preferences—Typeform makes it possible.

Typeform's conditional logic adapts questions based on initial responses, enhancing interior design client engagement, boosting completion rates, and capturing richer data. Plus, easily embed your forms on your website for improved accessibility and organization—say goodbye to lost emails!

Google Drive

Google Drive consolidates all project documents—floor plans, mood boards, material samples' photos, and communication threads—in one accessible hub. Designers can grant access to documents such as design plans or mood boards, enabling clients to leave comments at their convenience.

It automatically tracks changes, allowing both designers and clients to monitor document revisions and revert to previous versions if necessary. Integrated with cloud-based design tools, designers can upload revisions directly to Drive. Clients can provide precise annotations and feedback within the document itself.

Dropbox

Dropbox serves as a central hub for all project files—design plans, mood boards, reference images, and communication threads. Certain Dropbox plans support simultaneous editing, allowing designers and clients to collaborate in real-time on documents such as mood boards or design notes.

Unlike Google Drive, Dropbox prioritizes file storage and sharing at a more affordable price point. This makes it an excellent choice for those managing projects on a tighter budget.

Zoom

Zoom proves invaluable for initial consultations, brainstorming sessions, or design presentations where visual cues and real-time reactions are crucial. Communicating complex designs with just words and images can be challenging.

Face-to-face interaction via Zoom fosters richer conversations between designers and clients compared to written communication alone. It enables designers to share design plans, mood boards, and 3D renderings through screen sharing, facilitating immediate client feedback and questions in real-time.

Streamline your business with the latest digital collaboration tools

If you haven't yet embraced smart digital collaboration tools, you're missing out on significant benefits. Integrating these tools into interior design workflows enhances client collaboration by streamlining communication, offering real-time updates, and promoting transparency. This not only boosts efficiency but also enhances interior design client engagement and leads to cost savings.

Quick list of the top-performing client collaboration platforms:

• Visualist
• Typeform
• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• Zoom

The interior design industry thrives on innovation. Designers constantly seek fresh ideas to create stunning spaces. In today's AI-driven era, there's a rapid evolution of digital tools tailored for interior designers, aimed at enhancing client engagement and simplifying the design process. One such tool is Typeform.

In an industry where first impressions are crucial, Typeform revolutionizes how interior designers interact with clients. It automates operations and fosters stronger client relationships by crafting user-friendly interior design consultation forms that clients genuinely find valuable and enjoyable to complete.

How does Typeform revolutionise the way interior design businesses connect with clients? This article explores...

• How tools like Typeform can be used for interior designers
• The benefits of using templates for your interior design business
• The power of AI-assistant tools in growing your interior design business

Is Typeform a useful tool for your interior design business? Let's find out.

What is Typeform?

Before impressing clients with your design skills, it's crucial to grasp their vision thoroughly, laying a solid groundwork for the project. This is where Typeform proves invaluable.

Typeform offers interior designers an online questionnaire tool that replaces conventional, uninspiring forms with interactive experiences resembling natural conversations. Using conditional logic, it adapts questions based on clients' initial responses, boosting completion rates and providing deeper insights into their preferences and requirements.

Ways to use Typeform as an interior designer

Beyond initial consultations, Typeform also lets you create all types of forms for various purposes. You can create design preference quizzes to understand a client's style in a fun and interactive way. Build feedback surveys to gather valuable insights on your proposals and completed projects. Or set up easy-to-use signup forms to streamline the registration process for events.

Practical uses of Typeform in interior design:

• Client data collection. Simplify the intake process with interactive Typeform questionnaires. Create visually appealing forms to gather crucial project details like space function, preferred styles, and budget constraints. Utilize conditional logic to customize questions based on initial responses, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience for clients.

• Feedback management.  Enhance client satisfaction with Typeform's feedback surveys throughout the project lifecycle. Tailor questions to gather insights on specific design aspects and functionality. Integrate Typeform seamlessly with a variety of apps to analyze survey data, identify trends, and refine your design approach accordingly.
• Lead generation. Boost client engagement by embedding Typeform client questionnaires for interior designers on your website. This user-friendly approach simplifies the client outreach process, encouraging more inquiries and effectively organizing client information for streamlined follow-ups.
• Event promotion and registration. Drive participation in design workshops and client events with attractive Typeform registration forms. The intuitive interface facilitates effortless sign-ups, enhancing event visibility and ensuring higher attendance rates.

Final verdict: Is Typeform worth it?

If you're seeking a reason to invest in Typeform, this is it!

Typeform is an innovative AI tool for interior designers, simplifying client interactions with user-friendly forms. It replaces traditional forms with engaging, conversational experiences, enabling designers to gather detailed client preferences and streamline processes. From initial data collection to lead generation and event registrations, Typeform boosts client engagement and automates business operations for interior design professionals.

Another client enquiry, wedding bells are ringing—oh wait, or are they alarm bells!

All professionals in the wedding industry know that fake enquiries and attempted scams are rife—even industry leading platforms such as The Knot have been accused of sending out fake enquiries to their users in order to boost revenue and user retention.

In order to keep your wedding planning business secure, you'll need to keep a look out of fake client enquiries that waste your time and resources. Let's work together to stop wedding scammers and promote safe wedding planning for all.

In this article, you'll learn how to protect your wedding planning business (and your time!) by exploring...

• The signs of a fake client enquiry
• How to validate a wedding enquiry
• How to cope with scams and fake enquiries
• Examples of real vs. fake wedding client enquiries

What are fake wedding client enquiries?

A fake wedding enquiry (also known as a scam) is a deceitful request for wedding planning services, typically made with the intent to mislead or manipulate the recipient. Such enquiries involve fake names and details about the wedding, and always sound too good to be true.

Most wedding planners receive at least one fake enquiry throughout their career. But unfortunately false enquiries for some, it's a daily occurrence—a random email drifts into your inbox offering you a huge wedding project. Except, it's the same email over and over again under a different name. Scam alert!

People send fake enquiries for various reasons. Some individuals seek to gather information for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or fraud. Others may be conducting research for personal gain, competitive analysis, or simply for entertainment. In some cases, fake enquiries may be part of a larger scam or scheme aimed at exploiting wedding vendors or planners.

Despite the rampancy of wedding enquiry scams, a lot of planners still fall for them. Especially, new wedding planners who are hungry for new leads. The potential consequences of falling for a fake enquiry are profound. It's frustrating. Not only can it waste valuable time and resources, but also cause privacy breaches and financial losses.

7 signs of a fake wedding enquiry

On the bright side, fake enquiries always have distinguishable characteristics and often follow a pattern. Protect your wedding planning business by keeping an eye out of the following signs of a fake wedding enquiry:

• Same email, different sender. If you receive the exact same email under different names or wedding details, it's a major red flag. Scammers often work on a copy-paste system so fake enquiries usually follow a certain template.
• Everything is rushed. If the enquiry seems overly urgent or rushed, proceed with caution. Genuine wedding planning enquiries typically involve careful consideration and planning, while scammers will try to book the most expensive service as soon as possible with no questions asked.
• Poor grammar and spelling. Fake enquiries often contain noticeable errors in grammar and spelling. Be wary of messages that seem hastily written or lack coherence.
• Mismatched email address. Pay attention to discrepancies between the sender's name and the email address used. For instance, if the sender claims to be named Sarah but the email address is something unrelated like "businessname123@gmail.com," it's most likely a scam.
• Requests for personal information. Be cautious if the enquiry requests unnecessary personal information, such as your bank account details or social security number. Legitimate enquiries should focus on wedding details, not personal data.
• Refuses to discuss via voice or video calls. Fake enquiries may avoid direct communication through voice or video calls. If the sender insists on communicating solely via email or text, it could be an attempt to hide their identity.
• No budget limit or "overpayment" issues. Be wary of enquiries that don't specify a budget or raise concerns about overpaying for services. Scammers may use these tactics to manipulate vendors into accepting fake cheques.

How to verify an enquiry

While there is always a risk of receiving fake enquiries, that doesn't mean everything is a scam. In fact, some genuine clients simply like to follow templates in their enquiries to make sure they cover everything. Plus, clients naturally enquire with several planners and vendors to find the ones that best suits their needs.

Four ways to verify a wedding enquiry...

• Do a 'legitimacy check'. Ask your other wedding planner friends or acquaintances if they've received a similar email before. If it's a fake enquiry, then they've most likely contacted other local vendors under a different name.
• Verify business credentials. Confirm they are who they say they are by searching for their socials or professional profile. If it's a real person, you should find at least one profile that verifies their identity.
• Authenticate wedding vendors. Reach out to other vendors or service providers mentioned in the enquiry to cross-reference information and gather feedback. Like this, you can verify if they have booked with these vendors or not.
• Invite them on a voice or video call. Request a voice or video call with the potential client to directly discuss the details and verify their identity. Genuine clients should be willing to engage in real-time conversations to discuss and address any concerns.

Real vs. Fake wedding enquiries

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind, and sifting through genuine enquiries from tire-kickers can be a time-consuming hassle. So here's a quick guide to help you separate the "I do's" from the "don't bothers."

Real client enquiries are personalised

Foremost, a genuine couple will personalise their message. They'll mention details about their wedding date, venue (if chosen), or guest count. They might even express specific questions, compliments on your work, or come clean about knowing nothing about where to start.

Fake enquiries, on the other hand, will often be generic greetings like "Dear Sir/Madam" or even lack a salutation altogether. The body of the email might be a copy-and-paste job sent to multiple vendors, mentioning nothing about your specific services.

A real wedding enquiry should be something like this...

"Hi [name],

I stumbled upon your portfolio on Instagram and was captivated by your stunning floral arrangements! My partner and I are planning a romantic garden wedding with an expected guest size of 50-100 in May 2025. Could you please provide us with more information about your availability and wedding packages?"

Not like this...

"Hello dear,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inquire for your wedding planning services. Please send me details and I hope to get a good package that is best for our needs."

Real enquiries have clear budget limits

Couples with a genuine desire to book you will often mention a budget range or at least indicate their budget as a consideration. This opens a conversation about how your services can fit their needs. They could say...

"We have a budget of $20,000 for our wedding and are hoping to find vendors who can help us create a memorable day within this range. We value quality and creativity and are open to suggestions that align with our budget and vision."

On the other hand, fake enquirers are always rich. They will most likely agree with whatever rates you declare and rush to payment with no questions asked.

Real client enquiries are realistic

Couples who are serious about booking with a wedding planner are never in a rush. Understanding how much needs to get done for a wedding, their wedding dates are usually around six months to a year ahead. They should also be open to a few consultations and might ask for your availability or suggest a timeframe for a call to discuss the details.

A genuine enquiry might say...

"My partner and I are beginning to plan our wedding, which we're hoping to hold next summer. We're taking our time to explore different venues and vendors to ensure we find the perfect fit for our special day. Could you please provide us with more information about your services and availability?"

Conversely, fake enquiries often exhibit a sense of urgency with requests for immediate responses or services. This rushed demeanor may indicate an attempt to pressure vendors into making hasty decisions or overlook potential red flags. In addition, some recent scams have unrealistic requests like a 'surprise wedding.'

A fake wedding enquiry might say...

"Need wedding planner for my wedding next month, 24 May 2024. Please reply ASAP."

How to deal with a fake wedding enquiry

Unfortunately, there's no way for you to prevent spam or fake enquiries. Some platforms like WeddingWire can help by alarming you of potential scams, but it's not always a guarantee.

Firstly and most importantly, what you can do is ignore these enquiries. As soon as you've verified that it's a fake, cut contact with that person altogether. Better yet, mark them as spam and block their emails.

Secondly, never open attachments from enquiries. All wedding details can be typed within the email or discussed directly via call. There shouldn't be a need for you to open attached files.

Thirdly, verify everything. Search up the enquirer's name and social media, and try to find as much information as possible before responding. This applies for payments as well, as they can send you fake cheques and receipts.

Pro Tip: If you do fall for a fake wedding enquiry, report the scammer to the authorities and get in touch with a lawyer. The perpetrator can be sentenced under the Fraud Act 2006 under false representation or obtaining services dishonestly.

TLDR: Fall in love, not for wedding scams

Wedding planning is a fulfilling career. However, just like any other business, it is fraught with challenges like the rise of fake wedding enquiries targeting wedding planners and other vendors. These often use fake names, lack personalisation, and exhibit rushed behavior.

As a wedding planner, it's essential to spot even the tiniest of red flags to keep your wedding business safe. The most common signs are requests for personal information, refusal to engage in voice or video calls, poor spelling and grammar, and unrealistic budget offers.

To verify enquiries, make sure to check with other planners, verify the enquirer's business credentials, authenticate vendors, and invite them on a call to discuss details directly. Always remember, it's better to be safe than sorry!

AI-powered design tools are reshaping the future of interior design. With a common goal of making the design process faster and easier, we're seeing a steep upward trend in the number of AI-powered design tools hitting the market.

One of the most exciting innovations is Palazzo—a new AI-design tool created by Venus Williams, Raffi Holzer, and Edward Lando. This platform promotes design automation by utilising cutting-edge generative data to craft designs. It uses a three-step process to do this. You upload a photo of a space, describe your vision to Vinci, Palazzo's AI assistant, and it generates a 3D visualisation of your ideal space with just the right furniture, decor, and colour schemes.

Palazzo is a ground-breaking leap forward in interior design. This article explores...

• The benefits of Palazzo to an interior design businesses
• A closer look at Palazzo and its features
• The future of AI in the interior design industry

Should interior designers incorporate Palazzo in their design process? Let's find out.

Why interior designers should use Palazzo

Palazzo has shaken the interior design industry, and for good reason. Not only does it shorten an hours-long process to just a few minutes, but it also streamlines the client consultation process.

Four benefits of Palazzo...

• Communicate and collaborate with clients easier. Palazzo is making it easier to understand your clients' vision with its very own Aesthetic DNA Quiz. In just 2 minutes, you'll discover your client's personal design DNA which you can benchmark moving forward. No more back-and-forth emails just to find out what they like!
• Redesign spaces efficiently. Whatever your idea may be, you can make it happen with Palazzo. Experiment with styles by sharing your ideas with Vinci and choose between four versions per design prompt. You can also use its segmentation feature to redesign only specific areas of an image.
• Save time and money. Palazzo can redesign a space within minutes, saving interior designers hours on the visualisation process. This reduces the need for manual labour and extensive trial-and-error.
• Generate ideas. We, humans, may run out of ideas, but Palazzo does not! With its database of all possible interior styles, you can ask Vinci to give you recommendations. Ask Vinci for advice on style, colour, furnishings, and more.

Potential drawbacks of Palazzo

Even with as many AI-powered digital tools as there are available, there are still a stigma surrounding these design software advancements. Especially when considering the impact of AI on creativity.

Now, this skepticism is valid. Interior designers only want what's best for the industry, and even the revolutionary Palazzo has its own drawbacks that you should know about.

• Lack of personal touch. Because it is AI-driven, some users may feel that the platform's recommendations lack the nuanced understanding and personalisation skills that a human designer possesses. The designs could feel impersonal or generic, particularly for clients seeking a highly customised and bespoke experience.
• Design limitations. Advanced AI doesn't mean perfect. Palazzo has inherent limitations in its ability to cater to complex design requirements or unconventional design concepts. Sometimes, the designs may have flaws and the results may not quite be what you could be looking for. As a result, designers may find themselves constrained by the platform's algorithms, limiting their creativity and ability to explore innovative design solutions beyond the scope of the platform's capabilities.
• Loss of creative flair. While the platform offers curated suggestions and recommendations based on client preferences, there is a possibility that designers may become overly reliant on these automated features, resulting in designs that lack originality or creativity. Designers may find themselves tempted to prioritise convenience and efficiency over creative expression, potentially compromising the unique artistic vision that sets their work apart.

Palazzo: A closer look at its features

If you're curious about how the Palazzo AI works, then you're in the right place. We tried the digital platform ourselves and one thing is for sure—the future of interior design does look bright with Palazzo.

First of all, let's talk about customisation with AI. The Palazzo process always starts with the Aesthetic DNA Quiz. It's a two-minute assessment that let's you know what your client is looking for in terms of interior style, colour scheme, and overall mood. This means less discussions and second-guessing. It's as easy as sending them the quiz, having them fill it out, and checking the results afterwards.

Clients also have the option to upload an image of a room they like to incorporate it's style in the room they're looking to renovate. Your Pinterest boards are finally getting put to good use!

We tried this feature ourselves using this image as inspiration...

...and here is the before and after design it created. Quite brilliant, right?

Before

After

On the other hand, Palazzo definitely has several areas that need improvement. The platform often falls short at the face of highly complex requests, which is quite understandable given that it's not a human designer.

Keep an eye out for Palazzo's latest design software advancements. Particularly, the segmentation feature that's currently in the Beta testing phase. This upcoming feature let's you select the specific areas or items you want to change or work on, which allows for more detailed designs!

The role of interior designers in this AI-age

It's important to remember that professional designers and AI are not enemies. The role of interior designers are still as valuable, even with the birth of new digital tools. AI-powered tools are merely a product of technology integration and are not made to replace the irreplaceable role of human interior designers. In fact, it's safe to say that human expertise is now in greater demand.

Palazzo's true power lies in its ability to empower designers and increases the efficiency of the interior design process. Whilst Palazzo's AI capabilities can streamline initial consultations, generate personalised design options for clients, and explore new design possibilities, it will never be perfect. An experienced designer can fill in these gaps and translate personal needs and preferences into a space that is not only beautiful, but also functional and reflects the personality of the homeowner.  

Ultimately, the future of interior design will continue to shine bright with the collaboration of AI tools and the expertise of human designers.

Should you incorporate Palazzo in your design process?

Overall, Palazzo is a wondrous platform that no interior designer should judge without trying. With its AI-powered features, it streamlines client communication, efficiently redesign spaces, and automates idea generation. This saves interior designers the money and effort spent on 3D visualising spaces, and frees up more time for meaningful consultations.

While it has a multitude of benefits, there are still designers who remain skeptical about AI affecting personalisation and creativity. Platforms like this can lead to over-reliance on AI tools and may result in low-quality designs.

However, keep in mind that these technological advancements are not made to harm designers. In fact, it is developed with the goal of making things easier for them. The collaboration between AI tools, like Palazzo, and human designers ensures a bright future for interior design—one where technology complements and empowers human expertise rather than replacing it.

A letter to the people-pleasers: you can’t be all things to all people.

This article will explore...

• People-pleasing can harm business success. Setting boundaries is essential for balancing client satisfaction with growth.
• Recognizing symptoms of people-pleasing, such as self-abandonment and approval-seeking, is the first step. Self-reflection and boundary-setting are crucial.
• Alison Kraweic-Thayer shares her journey from people-pleaser to mindset coach, offering practical tips and a 3-step guide to setting healthy boundaries.

Truth is, people-pleasing is bad for business

Balancing people-pleasing and customer satisfaction is much easier said than done. Naturally, all business owners want to accept as many clients as possible, do their best on every project, and maximize client satisfaction. After all, isn’t that what’s best for business? Not quite...

Unfortunately, working closely with clients, especially in creative, service-based industries, can lead to people-pleasing behavior. Instead, finding a balance between meeting client needs and prioritizing business growth is key. Ultimately, setting client boundaries can be the difference between succeeding and sinking.

The symptoms of people-pleasing

The pitfalls of people-pleasing are often hard to identify. This behavior stems from a sense of responsibility to make others feel good and supported, often at the expense of your own needs. It also reflects a strong desire for approval from others and can lead to undermining your values and self-worth based on others’ perceptions.

It’s not easy to look in the mirror and reflect on your habits. However, self-reflection is the first step to setting healthy boundaries in both your business and personal life.

Meet Allison KT: a people-pleasing and boundaries coach

Allison Kraweic-Thayer is an entrepreneur, certified mindset coach, and recovered people-pleaser. She began her career studying psychology and conflict at a small liberal arts college and is now the founder of The Grounded Empath. Over the years, Allison has learned the importance of setting boundaries to overcome people-pleasing. As an expert and recovered people-pleaser, she equips her clients with the tools needed to build a confident mindset and a thriving business.

In our conversation with Allison, she discusses people-pleasing, setting boundaries, and knowing your self-worth:

How did you identify "people-pleasing" as what was holding so many people back?

This realization came from noticing it in myself first. In my early twenties, I felt a disconnect between how I saw myself and how I lived my life. I had always been bold and confident but often found myself in situations that didn’t feel right—bad relationships, working extra shifts while juggling three jobs as a college student, and biting my tongue in disagreements. I saw how much I was editing myself for others and losing myself in the process.

As I learned more about people-pleasing (also known as "self-abandoning"), it became clear that this was my behavior. The biggest shift came when I realized that repeated people-pleasing sends a message to ourselves that we are inferior. Every time I bit my tongue to keep others happy or avoid conflict, I was telling myself: "Their comfort is more important than yours." Once I understood that, I couldn’t continue doing it to myself.

I wish healing from this was as simple as snapping your fingers, but it requires a lot of unlearning and relearning. However, it is possible!

How can someone tell if they're a people-pleaser?

The intention behind your actions determines whether you are people-pleasing or simply being kind and supportive. Here’s an example:

You are hiring a photographer for an event. You post online, and your uncle replies that he has a decent camera and is willing to take pictures. However, you know he’s not the right fit for the event, and you’ll need to tell him you’re going with someone else.

If your inner dialogue goes like this:

“It’s so sweet that Uncle Jim offered to help out. I know his style isn’t quite what we’re looking for here. I’ll send him a message to thank him and let him know we’ll be going with someone else.”

You are probably just being a kind, supportive person.

But if it goes like this:

“Oh man. He isn’t the right fit, but I can’t make him feel bad. And my mom probably saw the comment, so she’ll ask about it too. He’s family. I don’t want to make things awkward. Maybe I’ll just let him do it? Or maybe I’ll lie and say we aren’t doing the event after all?”

You might be falling into people-pleasing.

The difference is that in the first example, you are rooted in love and choosing clear communication. You aren’t trying to save your uncle or worrying about his feelings. You aren’t making assumptions about his or anyone else’s reactions. You’re simply responding to the situation.

In the people-pleasing example, you are experiencing "Emotophobia"—the fear of negative emotions. You worry about his feelings, your mom’s feelings, and even your broader family’s feelings, assuming they’ll respond negatively. You use what I call “defensive niceness” to prevent something bad from happening.

How can people-pleasing be detrimental to the success of a small business?

People-pleasing as a small business owner is more common than we realize. Often, we try to present it as “good customer service,” but it doesn’t change what it is.

“Being a perfectionist” often stems from self-doubt, as does “being super flexible” or worrying about “being salesy.” I’ve been there—you’re on a sales call, and the client thinks your service is too expensive or wants to change parts of the offer. So, in the name of “good customer service,” you give a discount or make concessions.

When you do this, you’re not standing in your authority as a business owner. You’re signaling that others can push you around a little, which can ultimately cost you a lot—like $8k, as it did for a woman I know.

This woman provided social media content services for a non-profit. At the beginning of the agreement, she "didn’t want to be difficult", so she didn’t put a contract in place. Fast forward to today, she’s coming to terms with the fact that she will probably never see the $8,000 she is owed for her work.

Our audience are client-first service providers, think wedding planners, interior designers, and personal stylists. In client-focused work, what is the importance of setting client boundaries?

Client boundaries are critically important, especially if clients contact you outside of scheduled sessions. You deserve time off and the ability to unplug, just like everyone else. Many of my clients, especially those in real estate, feel the need to be constantly available. I once spoke with a man who missed a special moment at his son’s wedding because he stepped out during dinner to take a client call. While clients are important, it’s essential to remember that you are human, and life extends beyond work.

Can setting boundaries compromise client satisfaction?

This is where I recommend letting boundaries be flexible and providing context. I’ve heard horror stories from friends, like one whose coach moved to Bali one month into a six-month arrangement. The coach was only available for calls between 9 pm and 1 am local time for my friend and was entirely unwilling to adjust this boundary, expecting everyone to accommodate her schedule. Understandably, my friend’s satisfaction was compromised.

However, boundaries can be flexible too. I always tell clients that boundaries can be a tall cement wall with barbed wire or a gentle row of sunflowers separating your yard from the neighbors. For example, you might prefer not to work on weekends, but if your dream client is only available on Saturdays, you can choose to adjust this boundary without abandoning it entirely.

Providing context can also be helpful. If a client repeatedly pushes for an afternoon meeting when you’ve set your schedule to end by 2 pm, explaining your reasoning can help them understand. You might say, “I know you’d like to shift our meeting time to 4 pm, but as I’ve stated, I am not available after 2 pm. I pick up my kids at 2:30 pm and am fully present in family time from then on.” This helps the client feel heard and usually stops them from pressuring for a later meeting.

How can female entrepreneurs confidently stand up for themselves without losing clients?

Setting boundaries and standing up for yourself isn’t about being mean, right, or proving anything. I always encourage clients to enter these situations envisioning their neutral Higher Self. The Ego often wants to get defensive and fight back, but as a business owner, this is usually not the best approach. If you feel anger rising, take a breath and decide if it’s the right time for the conversation.

If you feel too emotional to navigate calmly, you might say, “I hear what you are saying and need some time to work through my thoughts and feelings. Could we reconnect tomorrow to talk about this?”

If clients are turned off by you standing up for yourself, consider if they are clients you really want to keep.

You emphasize the importance of cherishing yourself. What does this mean to you as a female business owner?

To me, cherishing yourself means loving yourself unconditionally. It’s not about thinking, “I’ll love myself when I book that one-year retainer client,” or “I’ll feel validated in my business when I book a $20k event,” or “I need to be booked out for the whole season before I feel like I’m good enough.”

All of this people-pleasing healing starts with the mindset, and when your mindset is one of cherishing yourself like the once-in-a-lifetime gift that you are, you tend not to get sucked into people-pleasing.

In my life as a female business owner who cherishes herself, this means having a weekly schedule that works for me (no calls on Mondays or Fridays), not pressuring myself to hit posting goals on social media, not taking it personally if someone says no to my offer, trusting myself and my ideas enough to show up online talking about them, and saying what I want to say in my content without worrying about others’ opinions.

Allison's 3-step guide to implementing healthy client boundaries

Step 1: Discovering what's important to you

Identify which boundaries are necessary and why. For example, if you pick up your kids and can’t take calls later in the day, set a boundary around that time. If you function better with a slow morning, don’t schedule calls until after lunch. If you’re in interior design, set boundaries around client edits before additional charges apply. It’s one thing to swap out a piece of art, and another to completely change the project direction and require you to redo your work.

Step 2: Communicating your boundaries

Plan what you want to say and anticipate how they might react. Having a plan gives you a solid foundation for the conversation. Think about how to communicate your boundary and how to handle potential reactions. For example, if a bride keeps calling you outside of office hours, decide how to address it if she takes it personally or gets upset. Preparing for these scenarios can make the conversation less intimidating.

Step 3: Getting in the right headspace

Remember that you are worthy of setting this boundary and tune into that feeling before the conversation. As a people-pleaser, you might try to talk yourself out of it. Instead, cherish yourself and recognize that you deserve to set this boundary. Give yourself time to get into a confident headspace before the chat. Make sure you feel grounded and connected to what you want to say. Plan some time after the conversation to decompress and process.

A wedding is highly emotional milestone for every couple. Couples entrust their wedding planner with almost everything—budget constraints, family dynamics, and personal preferences. Thus as a wedding planner, you need to reach a level of intimacy to establish trust.

But because wedding client interactions can get very personal, this can blur the line between what you can and cannot do. Clients may unknowingly overstep their boundaries. Especially if you do not set clear expectations early in.

Three wedding planner professionalism tips to navigate personal boundaries with wedding clients:

• Establish your boundaries. From the outset, clearly define your non-negotiables throughout the wedding planning process. This could be anything from keeping discussions strictly within office hours to limiting the number of consultations you can accommodate per week.
• Keep it professional. Whatever you say will reflect on your wedding planning business. So keep conversations focused on wedding-related matters and avoid sharing personal details unless appropriate and necessary. When conflict arises, focus on finding solutions that satisfy both parties and avoid letting personal emotions dictate your responses.
• Know when to step back. If you sense that a client is becoming too emotionally dependent or if personal dynamics are interfering with the professional relationship, it may be necessary to reassess and establish firmer boundaries.

To better understand the importance of balancing privacy and professionalism, we talked to experts in the wedding industry who shared valuable tips on effective wedding client management...

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Susan Cordogan

Wedding planners have various roles. At times we are the best friend and at other times we act as the coach, secretary, confidant, or mediator depending on the situation.

As wedding planners, business is personal—intimate and/or difficult. Conversations are part of the planning process.  We talk about everything from wedding financials, family dynamics, or anything that could be a sticky situation. We work closely with couples so we have experience in dealing with a wide variety of unique challenges and, whilst some topics are heavy, it’s important to have these discussions so we can present solutions and make plans to avoid wedding day landmines.

Advice from Susan Cordogan, owner of Big City Bride and recipient of  The Knot 2024 Best of Weddings award.

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Cassie LaMere

Part of our role is to help couples navigate each part of the planning process, which includes the more personal dynamics of relationships, difficult conversations, emotions that accompany the journey, and managing expectations. These are all part of the experience and given how closely we work together, it's only natural that we are included in those moments. We are happy to help guide and advise as a trusted resource; it's an authentic part of the experience and we want our couples to feel supported every step of the way.

Similar to how a manager and employee retain a professional working relationship, I think the same is true for planner and couple. We, of course, will always handle the relationship with the utmost care and will be our client's biggest cheerleaders. While we often become very close with our couples throughout the process, our role is to be behind the scenes making their dreams a reality, so they can focus on enjoying the journey with their friends and family. At the end of the day, our job is to be of service to the client and their happiness is our top priority.

With our responsibility to manage expectations and protect what's in the best interest of our client and the event, it's important that we maintain a relationship where we can approach sensitive subjects that need to be addressed and provide alternative perspectives to consider. The couple has entrusted us with their wedding and with that, we want them to have confidence in knowing that we are not going to shy away from having honest conversations, regardless of whether it's the popular opinion or if we occasionally have to deliver news that is not ideal. We are fortunate to have the trust and candor of our couples through a close working relationship, which allows us best to serve them as a confidant and seasoned wedding professional.

Advice from Cassie LaMere, owner of Cassie LaMere Events.

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Jamie Wolfer

Navigating the relationship with clients is all about balance. You've got to keep it professional, yet personal enough so they trust you with one of the most important days of their lives. It's a unique dynamic, not gonna lie.

From my experience, setting clear boundaries from the get-go is crucial, lay out what you can and cannot do. This means setting specific hours for communication. It's like, "Hey, I'm here for you, but let's not text each other at 2 AM about table linens, okay?". Being upfront about what they can expect from you and what you expect from them sets a solid foundation for a healthy working relationship. And let's not forget about the importance of being a clear communicator. You've got to be able to handle confrontation without losing your cool because, believe me, weddings can bring out all sorts of emotions in people.

From my experience, setting clear boundaries from the get-go is crucial, lay out what you can and cannot do. This means setting specific hours for communication. It's like, "Hey, I'm here for you, but let's not text each other at 2 AM about table linens, okay?". Being upfront about what they can expect from you and what you expect from them sets a solid foundation for a healthy working relationship. And let's not forget about the importance of being a clear communicator. You've got to be able to handle confrontation without losing your cool because, believe me, weddings can bring out all sorts of emotions in people.

Next up, get everything in writing. Whether it's your scope of work, your availability, or how changes to plans are handled, if it's not written down, it doesn't exist. This isn't just for legalities; it's a clear reference point for both you and your clients when memories get fuzzy. Think of it as the rulebook for your wedding planning game.

Here's where it gets a bit spicy. Learn the art of saying no, but make it fashion. Sometimes, you'll get requests that are outside your scope or frankly, just not possible given the laws of physics or the budget. It's crucial to be firm yet empathetic. A simple "I understand how important this is to you, but here's what we can do instead..." goes a long way.

Remember, you're the expert. Clients come to you for your knowledge, your skills, and your ability to turn their vision into reality. Part of that expertise is knowing what's best for their wedding, even if it means steering them away from their original idea. It's a delicate dance between their dreams and the reality of wedding planning.

Involve them in the process, but keep the reins firmly in your hands. It's their day, but you're the orchestrator. Make them feel included and heard, but remind them why they hired you. You're there to shoulder the stress so they can focus on the joy of getting married.

But here's the kicker—while you're keeping it professional, you're also diving deep into their personal lives. You're talking about their hopes, their dreams, their family dynamics. It's intimate work, and sometimes, you end up playing the role of a counsellor, helping them navigate through not just wedding planning, but the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.

Honestly, it's about loving the process and the people. If you're passionate about making their day as perfect as it can be, that shines through, and it helps in building a relationship that's both professional and personally rewarding.

Advice from Jamie Wolfer, owner of Wolfer & Co.

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Wedding planners don't always have to be a couple's best friend

As a wedding planner, you have to reach a certain level of intimacy with clients to successfully understand the client's vision and goals. However, that doesn't mean you should let anyone overstep your boundaries.

Wedding experts emphasise that in order to create the ideal wedding planning experience, you need a a delicate balance between personal connection and professional service. Setting clear boundaries is a must for every wedding business. It involves declaring personal non-negotiables, keeping conversations professional, and knowing when to step back.

TLDR: 5 tips to establish healthy professional boundaries with your wedding clients:

• Get everything in writing
• Know how and when to say no
• Assert your expertise
• Communicate professionally
• Always be supportive

It is traditional for wedding guests to shower the bride and groom with gifts on their big day—but should wedding planners do the same throughout the wedding planning process?

Client gifting has become a popular way for wedding planners to elevate the client experience and adda touch of luxury to their planning services. These gifts can range from small tokens of appreciation to more elaborate gestures, and they're designed to show gratitude, strengthen relationships, and enhance the overall wedding experience for clients.

How do you know whether client gifting is right for your wedding planning business? This article explores:

• What is client gifting?
• Is client gifting right for your business? And what gifts align with your brand?
• How to incorporate client gifting into your wedding business

Let's unwrap the secret to better client relationships for your wedding business...

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What is client gifting?

Client gifting is a wonderful practice to have for your wedding planning business. However, it's not mandatory.

You have to remember that although wedding planners work in the same industry, circumstances differ. Some planners have more capacity to offer gifts, whilst others may prefer to show their love in a different way. That could be the case for you—and that's perfectly fine!

If you've always had a knack for choosing gifts, however, then client gifting is a great tradition to practice for your business. There are a lot of benefits of sending clients gifts such as...

• Enhanced client experiences. Gifts strengthen the bond between the wedding planner and the client even before the actual planning. This allows for smoother consultations and negotiations moving forward.
• Positive testimonials and reviews. Happy clients are more likely to leave positive reviews and testimonials on your social media pages and website. This boosts your wedding business' reputation and attracts new clients.
• Differentiation. Gifts set you apart from the competition. It shows a willingness to go above and beyond for clients and showcases the planner's attention to detail and customer service.
• Increased sales. Clients always recommend planners who make them feel appreciated and satisfied. This generates positive word-of-mouth referrals, which entices more potential clients to book you for future events. Not to mention, if the gift is something that can be shared during the wedding, then it can create networking opportunities with other vendors and guests!

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Challenges of client gifting as a wedding planner

It's good to be reminded that amidst the river of benefits gift-giving has to offer, it also comes with its own share of risks. Consider these challenges before deciding to say 'yes' to sending gifts to your clients...

• Budget limitations. No matter how small your gift is, it will cost you money. This makes it a risky venture for new wedding planners or those dealing with tighter finances. You can spend more if you're able to, or stick to budget-friendly yet valuable gifts—at the end of the day, it's the thought that counts. Remember: gifting is a long-term investment that manifests when your clients offer referrals or book your services for different life events.
• Time and effort. Coordinating the purchase, delivery, and presentation of gifts can eat up time and energy. This adds up to your responsibilities and may affect your schedule.
• Client perception.  While the intention behind client gifting is to show appreciation, some clients may perceive it as an attempt to upsell or manipulate them into spending more money.

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What should your business be giving?

Before deciding on a gift to give your clients, you have to get to know them and tailor your choices to their lifestyle. There's never a right or wrong answer—it always differs. A chef bride would love a customised cutting board. While a constantly travelling couple would swoon over a personalised travel journal.

Second, think about what stage they are in their relationship. If they're getting engaged, then a customised engagement photo session would naturally be better than a honeymoon gift basket. On the other hand, if they're about to have a bachelor and bachelorette party, then a self-care gift set would hit the mark.

Remember, the main purpose of client gifting is to show appreciation. The second, is to contribute to the overall messaging of your brand. Make sure that the gifts you give align with the style and narrative you are building for your wedding business.

Running out of ideas? Explore four wedding client gift ideas...

• Gifts for two. As a celebration for your clients' love, you can never go wrong with couple items. This could be anything from his and her robes to matching pillowcase sets.
• Customised gifts. Customised gifts are an all-time favourite for all events, especially weddings. Think monogrammed wine glasses or personalised ring boxes! The best part? These can be given at any stage, may it be pre-planning or post-wedding. Pro Tip: Avoid gifts with your logo on them. These can come across as impersonal and make clients feel uncomfortable.
• Experiences. If you're looking for something less physical and more unforgettable, then say yes to gifting experiences! Set your favourite client up for a couple's spa day or a styled engagement photoshoot as a surprise. Be warned though, experiences are pricey so you may want to reserve this for loyal clients or those who send you a lot of referrals.
• Self-care package. Wedding planning can be incredibly stressful and can take a toll on the couple's physical and mental well-being. A simple care package lets your clients know that you think about them and provide an opportunity for them to relax, unwind, and take a break from the hustle and bustle. Your self-care package can include luxury bath bombs, scented candles, body lotions, and so on!

When should you send gifts to wedding clients?

When is the best time to send client gifts? There are three key moments when it's best to send a gift to your clients: during onboarding, within the week of their wedding, and after their first anniversary.

Sending a welcome gift is a nice way to kick off your wedding planning journey together. This could be something simple like a small guidebook to help them start planning, along with some chocolates or a bottle of champagne to celebrate the beginning of their wedding journey.

As the big day gets closer, couples can become nervous. Sending a gift is a thoughtful way to show that you're thinking of them during this busy time. You could put together a little self-care package with bath salts, candles, or snacks to help them relax, or, you could give them something practical like an emergency kit filled with things they might need on the day of the wedding.

A nice touch for maintaining client relationships is to send a gift to your couple on their first anniversary. It's a way to show that you remember and value their relationship, and it helps increase the likelihood of positive reviews and referrals for years to come.

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Should you say "I do" to client gifting?

While client gifting is not mandatory, it is a beautiful tradition to practice in your wedding planning business. It can improve client satisfaction, generate positive testimonials, differentiate yourself from competitors, and increase sales through referrals. However, there are also some challenges to consider such as budget limitations, time constraints, and client perception.

When choosing gifts, tailor them to the couple's preferences and wedding stage. A few client gift ideas that we highly recommend are couple items, customised gifts, self-care packages, and experiences.

To budget effectively for client gifts, set aside 1-3% of your annual sales and consider limiting the number of recipients or gifting in tiers. As soon as the gifts are ready, the best times to send them are during onboarding, the week of their wedding, or after their first anniversary.

The biggest consideration for newly engaged couples is the budget. If you don’t show your wedding planner prices upfront, you might lose many potential clients.

According to Becca Pountney, the UK's top wedding business marketing expert, transparency in wedding planner pricing is crucial. If you haven't embraced price transparency, you're behind the times.

With expert advice from Becca, this article unpacks:

• The benefits of price transparency for your wedding business
• The do's and don'ts of sharing your wedding planner prices

The importance of wedding planner price transparency

Why many wedding planners avoid upfront pricing

Many wedding planners hesitate to share their prices upfront due to the numerous factors that affect wedding planning pricing. Variables such as season, date, time, and wedding size all influence the final cost. For example, a lavish two-day wedding in June will cost more than a small mid-week celebration in January. This variability can make it challenging to list a fixed price without misleading potential clients.

Offering flexible wedding planning pricing

One solution is to expand and diversify your offerings. Instead of one full-service package with a fixed price, list all services as separate elements. This way, clients can choose the services they need, giving them a clear guide price. While the final fee may vary, clients will appreciate the transparency.

The role of consultations in pricing transparency

Face-to-face consultations are crucial. They allow you to assess a couple's budget and tailor your packages to their needs. This meeting is also an opportunity to explain the value you bring and why your services are worth the investment.

Becca Pountney's advice on price transparency

Becca Pountney, a leading wedding business marketing expert, advocates for clear wedding planner prices on your website. "I am a huge advocate for clear pricing on your website," she says. "This gives clients all the information they need upfront and helps filter out those who can't afford your services before you spend time on their event."

The benefits of wedding planner price transparency

Weddings are expensive, but couples are willing to invest in the right options. Becca explains, "In 2024, couples are budget savvy. This doesn't mean they want cheap; they want the best option for their budget."

Three benefits of wedding planner price transparency:

• Builds Trust and Professionalism. Transparent wedding planning pricing builds trust. It shows professionalism and reliability. Couples feel assured they are dealing with a reputable wedding planner. This positive first impression increases your chances of securing bookings.
• Attracts Ideal Clients. Clear wedding planner prices act as a filter. Couples who see your rates upfront can decide if you fit their budget. This saves time and energy on consultations that won't lead anywhere. No more endless emails and disappointing "no thank yous."
• Streamlines Communication. When wedding planner price transparency is clear from the start, there's less room for negotiations or haggling. Couples understand your services and costs upfront. This minimizes misunderstandings and keeps the conversation focused on customizing your services to their dream wedding, rather than negotiating price.

Couples prefer wedding planners who are upfront about costs. Being transparent with your wedding planning pricing benefits both your clients and your business.

The dos and don't of sharing your prices

When sharing wedding planner prices, the goal is to provide potential clients with a clear benchmark. You need balance. Share too little, and couples might be scared off. Share too much, and you risk underselling your expertise or inviting price comparisons.

Five tips on how to effectively share your service prices:

• DO Share Prices in Context. Transparency is more than just numbers. Provide detailed explanations of what each wedding planning package includes. This helps potential clients see the value they'll get and fosters trust in your services.

• DO Justify Your Prices with Testimonials. Use client testimonials to reinforce your worth. Positive feedback from past clients alongside your pricing details reassures potential clients and validates the quality of your work.

• DO Be Ready to Explain Your Pricing. Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your wedding planning pricing. Whether it’s the quality of your services, your level of expertise, or the resources you invest, clarity is key.

• DON'T Forget to Add a Disclaimer. Acknowledge that every wedding is unique, and additional services or customizations will affect pricing. Add a disclaimer like, "If you need a service not listed, get in touch. We’re happy to provide a custom quote," to show flexibility and openness.

• DON'T Lower Your Prices for Pushy Clients. Stand firm on your prices. Know your value. Lowering prices can undermine your credibility and devalue your expertise. If a couple still huffs about your rates after discussions, know when to say 'no'.

Effective wedding planner price transparency not only attracts the right clients but also builds trust and sets clear expectations.

Why wedding planners should be transparent with prices

Wedding planner price transparency is essential in today's market. While setting rates can be tough due to the personalized nature of weddings, clear wedding planning pricing builds trust, attracts ideal clients, and streamlines business communication.

To share wedding planner prices effectively:

• Communicate Context: Explain what each package includes. This helps clients see the value they'll get.
• Justify Rates with Testimonials: Positive feedback from past clients reinforces your worth and reassures potential clients.
• Be Ready to Explain Your Prices: Be prepared to explain why your prices are set the way they are. Whether it’s your service quality, expertise, or the resources you invest, clarity is key.
• Include Disclaimers: Mention that additional services can affect pricing. Add a note like, "If you need a service not listed, get in touch for a custom quote," on your wedding business website.
• Stand Firm on Your Prices: Don't lower prices under pressure. Your skill and time deserve a fair price.

Becca's parting advice: "Let's take the mystery away from our pricing and make it clear from the moment a potential couple lands on our website."

Embrace wedding planner price transparency to foster trust, attract the right clients, and simplify your business dealings.

As a wedding planner, it's essential to establish clear client boundaries to keep your client relationships healthy. While every couple deserves the type of wedding they've always dreamed of, it shouldn't have to come at the cost of your mental and physical well-being—after all, you have a wedding business to run!

Client boundaries are the parameters you set between you and your clients. It ensures that both parties understand their roles and responsibilities throughout the wedding planning process. In other words, it's the secret to achieving a healthy work-life balance.

Three steps to setting clear boundaries with your wedding clients:

1. Define your non-negotiables. Where do you draw the line with clients? Think: texts on Sundays, and rude comments to you and your staff.
2. Learn to communicate your boundaries. Once you have a clear idea of your boundaries, you need an effective method for making them clear to your couples.
3. Develop a strategy for dealing with boundary-breaches. In order to protect your boundaries, you must have a plan in place for if they are overstepped.

To better understand the three steps to healthier client relationships, we asked three wedding panning professionals to weigh in on how they define and maintain clear boundaries with their couples...

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Cassie LaMere

It is essential to me as a business owner and leader that my team is provided with a safe and respectful working environment. We have protections in place in our contract to ensure our entire team is entitled to defined standards for the environment and manner in which business is conducted. Whilst onsite, I am protective of that right for our team and all of the vendors working on the event.

We are fortunate to work with clients and vendors who share our values. Though it is rare that there is an issue, I feel it's important to establish these expectations, and the mutual terms of reciprocity, up front as a non-negotiable.

With any boundaries or guidelines, it is most helpful to reiterate and revisit those guiding principles throughout the planning process. We discuss expectations at the point of being engaged on a project, during planning meetings when a specific example may arise that can be referenced to illustrate the potential circumstance, as well as onsite throughout the execution of the event and with our teams. While planning the event, we keep these standards at the forefront and take care to be mindful that the details we are putting into place are supportive of those requirements.

Advice from Cassie LaMere, owner of Cassie LaMere Events.

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Cindy Savage

Early on in my career, I would work all the time, whether it was during my business hours or not. I very quickly discovered that was a recipe for burnout. Weddings are big, important, emotional things—but they are not life and death emergencies.

Unless it is the day of or day before a client's wedding, I am not on call and I generally do not respond to texts, emails, phone calls or anything else outside of my regular hours anymore. Sometimes, I have clients whose schedules don't mesh well with my hours, and I will, from time to time, make an exception for an after-hours meeting. But the one thing I absolutely will not do is work on the day after a wedding! Weddings are long, hard days with many on our feet and full use of our brain power. We need the rest—both mental and physical!

The key to upholding boundaries with clients is setting and communicating expectations from the start. We have a very detailed and carefully thought out process for our clients, and we always make sure that they know what's expected and what's coming up next. That eliminates a lot of the excess communications that I know many planners experience.

Our office hours and communication standards are included in our contract as well as reiterated during our onboarding process. We do offer our clients many ways to reach us—email, phone, text, a private Slack channel, and messaging within our project management software—so they are welcome to start a conversation at any hour of any day. It is rare that our clients don't respect our boundaries because we enforce them from the very beginning by not responding to any communications outside of office hours. They quickly get used to expecting a response when we are at our desks. One thing that really helps is using technology to our advantage. By silencing notifications and utilising autoresponders, we aren't tempted to respond when we aren't at work. If our clients send an email or text outside of our regular hours, they get an automated reply that we're out of office and will respond when we return.

As far as other boundaries go, I think one of the biggest challenges wedding planners face with clients is scope creep: asking for or expecting services that are not included in their packages. For this, I prefer to be direct and will simply let them know that it's not included in their package and, if it's something we offer, that it can be added on for an additional fee. They can choose to pay the fee and add the service or not.

Advice from Cindy Savage, owner of Aisle Less Traveled.

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Jamie Wolfer

Setting boundaries with clients is absolutely necessary for your sanity and the success of the event. From my experiences, let me tell you, boundaries are not just nice-to-haves; they're your business's lifelines.

First off, clarity is your best friend. From the get-go, make sure your contracts are as clear as possible. Highlight what you do, what you don't do, and what falls into the realm of "extra charges apply." This isn't just about covering your bases; it's about setting expectations. Because let's be honest, no one enjoys surprise chores or costs.

Next, communication is key. You've got to be more straightforward than a GPS. If a client or their entourage starts veering off the agreed path, gently but firmly guide them back. Remember, you're the expert they hired for a reason. It's not about being inflexible; it's about steering the ship to its destination without unnecessary detours.

And then there's the delicate dance of dealing with demands that stretch beyond the horizon of reasonableness. It's important to remember that you're a professional, not a magician. If requests start to pile up that weren't part of the original agreement, it's perfectly okay to say no or to discuss additional compensation. It's not about being difficult; it's about respecting your time, expertise, and the boundaries of the client relationship.

In the end, boundaries are about respect—respect for your clients, respect for yourself, and respect for the beautiful event you're collaboratively bringing to life. And remember, the right clients will respect your boundaries and appreciate your professionalism all the more for it.

Advice from Jamie Wolfer, owner of Wolfer & Co

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Wedding planners, it's time to set boundaries

Wedding planners set client boundaries to safeguard their well-being and client relationships. By communicating these limits early on, you can establish better transparency and prevent larger misunderstandings along the way.

The four rules for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries with your wedding clients:

1. Clarity is your best friend
2. Keep work within office hours
3. Know when to say NO
4. Use technology to your advantage

And remember, the right client for you will always respect your boundaries—never lower your standards.

As couples increasingly turn to the internet to research, plan, and execute their dream weddings, the significance of a strong online presence cannot be overstated. This means that your wedding planning business needs to look good from all angles (website, social media, press), and at all times.

A successful wedding planning business needs a strong, consistent message across all their digital platforms to sell couples on their services.

It is super important that you're pressing a clear, consistent message across all of your digital platforms—first impressions count, and they could come from anywhere! In this article, you will learn...

• The art of consistent brand messaging and how it will support your wedding business
• How to enhance your virtual presence
• The best digital platforms for a wedding planning business

Best digital platforms to have as a wedding planner

The Bridebook Report 2024 reveals that couples look at at least three social media sources before enquiring with a wedding planner. All your digital platforms are readily available to couples, and they will check them all.

As a wedding planner, you have to establish a stable online presence for your business so you don't miss out on a long list of opportunities. Four best social media platforms for wedding planning businesses:

• Business website. Wedding planning websites continue to be the most visited platform by engaged couples. With your own business website, potential clients can view your background, portfolio, and testimonials with ease before they make the big decision.
• Instagram. With its visually-centric nature, Instagram remains a goldmine for showcasing your creative portfolio. With stunning aesthetics, engaging captions, and hashtags, Instagram makes it a breeze for you to connect with potential wedding clients. Instagram ads.
• Facebook. As one of the oldest and most established social media platforms, Facebook is home to a plethora of wedding planning groups and resources. Users share their best experiences with planners every day and its messaging app has made it easier to connect and interact with them. Facebook has it all, so it is especially great for targeting a wide range of clients.
• TikTok. TikTok—this year's dark horse—has been on a meteoric rise since its launch in 2016. With bite-sized content, it has been a favourite among Gen Z and millennial users for its ease of use. Wedding planners can leverage TikTok's algorithmic discovery features and trends to amplify visibility and appeal to younger couples. As of today, there are over 400k posts under the tag #weddingplanning on the platform!

What is consistent messaging

Just like how humans can be identified with voice alone, businesses also stick out from the competition by establishing a unique voice with consistent messaging.

Consistent messaging is when you set the tone for your business. It speaks about who you are, what you offer, and what makes you different from other wedding planners.

Key elements of consistent messaging:

• Visual elements. Consistency in visual branding, including colours, typography, and imagery, reinforces brand recognition and establishes a visual language that resonates with your audience.
• Brand voice. Your brand's tone, language, and communication style form your brand voice, which should remain consistent across all channels to evoke familiarity. If you want to come off as a friendly, girl-next-door wedding planner then you should keep it light and conversational!
• Value. Your unique value proposition or selling point ensures that your messaging effectively communicates the benefits you provide. This could be anything from adopting eco-friendly practices, prioritising couples from minority groups, or specialising in luxury weddings.
• Target audience. Your brand voice will also depend on your target audience. You have to speak your client's language to appeal to them. Most modern couples, for instance, like it simple!

How to enhance your virtual presence as a wedding planner

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the wedding planning business, enhancing your virtual presence is essential for growth and staying ahead of the curve. But how exactly can you do that?

We spoke to leading wedding industry educator Becca Pountney about her guide to enhancing the digital presence of your wedding planning business....

1. Make your website mobile-friendly

Always choose a responsive web design that adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes. Many couples use their smartphones to search for wedding planners and services. So having a mobile-friendly website will make it easier for them to scroll through your site anytime, anywhere. Plus, you won't have to waste a stunning web design!

2. Lean in to your niche

"Ask yourself if you are clear on who you are trying to serve, you can't be the perfect choice for everyone. In business, the best way to stand out is to be the 'go to person' for something specific," says Becca. Whether it's destination weddings, eco-friendly weddings, or cultural celebrations, your niche should be at the forefront of your brand messaging across all platforms—helping youto show up in search results for couples tat align with your interests and expertise.

3. Use consistent brand voice and elements across all platforms

Whether it's your website, Instagram, Facebook, or any other platform you use, consistent messaging is paramount. Becca emphasises, "Couples will often look across multiple platforms when researching you." You are only as strong as your weakest platform." So having a picturesque Instagram feed won't matter if your business website is all over the place. Always remember, inconsistency can dilute your brand's impact and confuse potential clients!

4. Update your content

"Take a look at your images and copy across each platform, are they all speaking the same language or are some looking better than the others?"

Becca advises scheduling constant reviews of all your social media platforms. Keep your website and social media profiles up to date with fresh and relevant content. This could include blog posts, portfolio updates, client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work. Regularly updating your content not only keeps your audience engaged but also signals to search engines that your website is active and relevant.

TLDR: Wedding planners, spruce up your online presence

As couples increasingly turn to the internet for wedding planning, establishing a strong online presence is a must. Consistent messaging across all platforms is key—your website, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok should all reflect your brand's voice and values.

To enhance your virtual presence, ensure your website is mobile-friendly, niche down, maintain consistent messaging, and regularly update your content across all platforms. Remember, you're only as strong as your weakest platform, so keep all your digital channels up to date to maximise your reach and engagement.

On the surface, weddings are romantic, glamorous, and enchanting. Behind the scenes, though, weddings demand an unimaginable amount of hard work and dedication. Wedding planners, we get it: you deserve to be compensated for your hard work!

This article will explore why wedding planners should consider annual price increases. Discover essential strategies to optimize pricing and stay competitive in the industry:

• Importance of regular price adjustments
• Effective methods for increasing fees
• Insights into wedding planner pricing trends

Can I increase my prices as a wedding planner?

Pricing your services as a wedding planner is no easy feat. Can I raise my prices? Why should I? When is it fine to do so? How will my clients react? When it comes to evaluating your prices and increasing your fees, the questions and concerns can quickly pile up. As intimidating as it may seem, making the right pricing decisions is necessary to succeeding in the wedding planning industry.

First things first: no, your clients will not run away if you raise your rates. Understanding that inflation is affecting all of our lives is the first step to having confidence in your pricing. Sure, your new prices may seem expensive now, but they will soon become the new normal for both you and your clients. The reality is the cost of doing business is no longer what it was when you launched your wedding planning business.

With every passing season, wedding planners also gain experience. Taking inspiration, honing your craft, and learning valuable lessons from each wedding you organize makes you better qualified for the next. Your prices and fees should reflect this.

Handling increasing demand, dealing with competitor pricing, and making your wedding planning business profitable are all the more reason to re-evaluate your pricing strategy frequently.

Meet Cindy Savage: a wedding planner who knows their worth

Cindy Savage is the founder of Seattle-based wedding planning service, Aisle Less Traveled. Cindy has been planning events since 1995. From stage management, to party organisation, to wedding planning—Cindy has done it all.

Year after year, Cindy unapologetically raises their rates to combat the increasing costs of running these events and, of course, to secure the salary they deserve. You get better at your job every year—why shouldn’t your pay reflect that?

We spoke to Cindy about why their pricing strategy is the way it is, and why yours should align with strategies for increasing wedding planner rates.

V: Wedding planners often undervalue themselves—agree?

Cindy: Yes. I think we can trace this to being "women's work" and, as with everything in that category, there is an expectation that women will do it with no or minimal compensation. Yet event planning is consistently ranked as one of the most stressful jobs there is! It is a lot of work with a lot of pressure to get it right.

Planners can spend 40-50 hours for a service widely known as "day-of-coordination"—a term that grossly minimises the skill and time required and as much as 300 hours for start-to-finish wedding planning and design. But when you look around, you see the average spend on wedding planners reported around $1500, with planners charging as little as $300-500 for that 40-50 hour service. When you break it down, that's barely $10 per hour before expenses and taxes—which means those planners may not even net minimum wage!

This is not an entry-level job that any 16-year-old can pick up and do successfully on the weekends; it's a uniquely skilled profession that warrants considerably higher pay.

V: You raise your rates every year—why?

Cindy: I have raised my rates every single year that I have been in business (so 13 years and counting!)

Inflation absolutely affects us and all small business owners as well. Our expenses continually increase; we have to raise our rates in order to maintain the same standard of living. This has been especially true during COVID with the historically high inflation and we are seeing significantly higher costs across the wedding industry as a result.

Also, I think that people forget this is a career for us; like anyone, we want and should expect an increasingly higher salary as time goes on! Unlike being an employee in a large company, where there are new levels to be promoted to, as a wedding planner and the owner of my business, I started at the top. There is no title bump available to me, but I get better at my job with every wedding and so, I deserve a higher rate of pay.

What barriers have you had to navigate when increasing your pricing?

Cindy: I really don't worry about what anyone else is charging. After thirteen years, I know that I am an exceptional wedding planner and, as many of my clients have told me, I am worth every penny. My only concern is that with rising inflation, the cost of having a wedding may become out of reach for all but the wealthiest people, which could limit the pool of potential clients and cause the market to become much more competitive.

What advice would you give a planner hesitant to up their rates?

Cindy: I would advise them to really do the math! It's easy to gloss over the expenses we all have—a lot of which is monthly subscription software to make our businesses run. Maybe each of them is only $30-40 every month, but when you have email, planning software, invoicing/billing, client management, floor plans/design, timelines... it can add up to quite a lot if you aren't paying attention.

So, my suggestion is to go through a full year of expenses, figure out how much you are truly spending, add onto that how much you need to take home, and then add 30% for taxes. Then divide by the number of events you want to work in a year to get an average price you need to charge. It's not that hard to do, but many people skip it, instead looking around at what other people are charging and matching that. And then they end up undercharging (which devalues the rest of us), working too many events to make ends meet, and getting burnt out.