How many hours do you spend planning a wedding?

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Permalink Reply by WeddingMediator on November 18, 2009 at 1:53pm

Two great minds, but a single thought. Turns out Mickey asked a similar question on a different forum. As far as I can make out, planners spend between 100-250 hrs per wedding. That's just over six 40 hr weeks. Now, think about what you're charging? Is it enough? Without degrading your service, where can you find that hidden cash you're leaving on the table.

I ask because it's human nature to want to be recognized and acknowledged for our talents. There are lots of ways people get 'paid', including the psychic pay you get from watching your bride float down the aisle, but the real measure for most people is salary. Will you feel happy about and satisfied in your work if you're not getting the salary you feel you deserve? Are you making ends meet? Definitely something to think about. Because if you're out of business, you can't help anyone.

Permalink Reply by Dream Wedding Wedding Planning on November 21, 2009 at 5:08pm

I know I give more hours than I am paid for. Since I am in my 3rd year now and my name have gotten around, expenses have grown along with a paid assistant. I do not keep track of hours spent with a bride, wheither by phone, e-mail, or face to face. That I like, it gives me the chance to learn some of her body language which is important when choosing vendors, decorations, etc. I want my brides to be excited about the choices they make; however, sometimes, after cleaning up some of the messes some of them make, my profit levels go way down. A wedding I recentl did, I ended up in the end having made less than 10 cents an hour and I spent well over 300 hours on it, alot of time spent on smoothing over very ruffled feathers of vendors who had had enough of the bride and her wedding party.

Permalink Reply by WeddingMediator on November 22, 2009 at 4:32pm

Oh my, what a frustrating situation. You're so generous to share this. I bet a lot of folks could say the same. The upside- I always try to find one- is that you must be super-aware of time management now, huh? :)

You know, although you didn't ask, I have to wonder if you're open to looking at your systems to see where you could save time, charge or stop doing something. You work way too hard not to be rewarded, don't you think?

Permalink Reply by Dream Wedding Wedding Planning on November 23, 2009 at 9:14pm

The upside was that the wedding I mentioned really helped put me on the map around here. It also showed me some areas where my contracted needed to be changed. All the long hours and little to no pay are now paying off. I no longer needed to meet all vendors face - to -face, just pick up the phone and get things done I want done. I am now more able to pick and choose which weddings will be a wasted of my time and I can now turn those down. Thanks to the team I am putting together, I am now able to implement some of the things for next year which will help my business grow even more.

Permalink Reply by WeddingMediator on November 23, 2009 at 9:19pm

Hey, that is absolutely fab. The best lessons come from the worst situations, don't you think? Hope you'll keep us all posted on your plans for 2010!

Permalink Reply by Konstantina Saraidari on December 1, 2009 at 4:41am

I am also in my 3rd year presence as a wedding planner. I have spent incredible hours (I did not count them but has to overcome 300h) at meetings, e-mails, phone calls etc. I believe absolutely that the fault is mine. In my attempt to be more professional I hurt myself. I think ultimately that the concessions we make affect ourselves without being recognized by the future brides.

Permalink Reply by WeddingMediator on December 1, 2009 at 10:04am

I agree that often we don't say how far we've extended ourselves to help. Then, sadly, get disappointed when clients aren't as loyal or reasonable as we'd expect. That's why I'm very transparent about when I'm doing more and why. I want my clients to know that I will, and have, gone the whole nine yards for them and that in return I expect their cooperation and understanding

Permalink Reply by Konstantina Saraidari on December 1, 2009 at 12:39pm

Thanks a lot I appreciate your feedback.