Everyone tells you wedding planning is so much fun!
Between picking the flowers, finding the dress, setting the seating arrangement, and hosting all those showers—wedding planning is fun, but it’s not easy.
When it comes to planning, there are a number of factors to consider and challenges to overcome.
So before you start out in the wedding planning business, plan a friend’s wedding, or your own—watch out for these 7 challenges.
Challenge #1: The ‘Zilla Family
You’ve heard all about the ‘zilla family, right? There’s the momzilla, the bridezilla, the groomzilla—and they make wedding planning a living nightmare.
From throwing temper tantrums to having to have their hands in all of the wedding-planning cookie jars, the ‘zilla family is the number one challenge facing wedding planners.
So how do you handle them?
Simple! To prevent a ‘zilla from making an appearance, be sure to include people in your planning. The reason these unwanted helpers show up is because they feel left out and like their opinions are not being heard or appreciated.
Challenge #2: Dreaming Too Big
It’s the dream day, the dream dress, the dream bridal party, the dream venue—the dream list goes on. But there’s also a dream price tag.
When it comes to wedding planning it can be difficult to rein in the dreams and match them to the budget—but you’ve got to.
Unless you’re living the dream and have no cap budget for the big day, you’ll have to decide which dreams you’ll be able to afford.
So set out a list of “must-haves” that you won’t compromise on, and then spend less money on the other “nonessentials.”
Challenge #3: DIYs (Do it yourself)
Everyone likes a good DIY project every now and then, right?
I mean, I know for myself I enjoy getting on Pinterest and seeing what wild creation I can make. But sometimes, Pinterest and other DIY projects turn into more of a money-waster than anything else.
However, you can always just ignore your client’s wishes of a DIY project. So listen to their ideas and offer to connect them with people/vendors who could replicate that design for them.
And if you have to go the DIY route, make sure you choose your project wisely.
Challenge #4: Unrealistic Goals and Expectations
Unrealistic expectations—for me that would be trying to touch my toes, but for wedding planners those are the champagne requests on a beer budget.
Sometimes your clients might ask for something on their wedding day that you know you can’t achieve.
And that’s OK!
It’s alright to let your client know that some things are just unrealistic. Now of course, you’ll want to say that in the best way possible, but the point of the matter is to remember that it’s OK to say no.
For example: If your client asks you to cut your hair into a pixie cut for their big day, you know what, you can say no and walk away if you feel underappreciated.
Now of course, that’s an extreme example, but you should feel in control of your decisions and the situation—don’t let the situation take control of you.
Challenge #5: No Good, Very Bad Event Vendors
In the wedding industry, your co-workers are your fellow vendors. These are the people who supply you with everything you need to put on a successful wedding for your clients, whether that means tents, tables, or flowers.
And trust us, not all of them are good.
That’s right, sometimes you run into no good, very bad event vendors. And they can make your wedding planning process, well, let’s just say not very good.
Find vendors that match your ethics, your professionalism, and appreciation for quality service. When you raise the bar and your expectations of service, bad vendors will slowly fade away from the picture.
Challenge #6: The Stressful Moments
As the wedding day gets closer and closer, the stress gets a little more intense. Emotions are up and anxiety has set in—things are about to get a little rocky.
You’re the planner, so remember to keep people calm, reassure them that everything is under control, and that you’re there to help and support them with whatever they need.
You are the voice of reason, and the more you keep calm, the more the party will too.
Challenge #7: Taking Things Personally
It can be difficult to watch something you’ve created and planned get ripped up in front of you. And although most of your clients won’t literally rip your plans up in front of you, sometimes their critiques are too tough to hear.
One of the biggest challenges about being a wedding planner is hearing critique and not taking it personally.
But critics come with the job. So the best thing you can do is to understand that when your client critiques your plan, it isn’t a slight against you, it’s that they see your vision and want to build on it.
There are always going to be challenges in this industry, but we’re confident that you’re going to navigate through them just fine.
Want to know how we know that? It’s because to truly make it in this industry you have to have passion for what you do. And since you’re here, we know you must really love it.
So go out there, face the challenges, and plan the wedding of someone’s dreams.
