As a wedding planner, you've likely dreamed of being named a preferred planner at your favourite wedding venue. What if we told you that dream could soon become a reality?
We are often swayed by the opinions of an expert—Spotify's top picks or a chef's recommendation at a fancy restaurant, for example—and the same applies to newly-engaged couples looking for their wedding planner. If a couple's chosen venue recommends your wedding planning business, the couple will instantly understand your planning services to be professional and compatible to their tastes.
How do you become a venue's preferred planner? Start by learning:
- The definition and role of a wedding venue's preferred planner
- What wedding venues are looking for in their preferred wedding planners
- Tips and tricks to become your preferred venue's preferred planner
Begin your journey to becoming a preferred wedding planner today...
What is a venue's preferred planner?
A preferred planner is a trusted wedding planner recommended by the venue. Most wedding venues have preferred planners, along with preferred vendors to supply things like flowers and catering.
A spot on a renowned venue's preferred planner list is the Michelin Star of the wedding world. As a preferred planner, you have a fast-track pass to booking more couples. Not just any couples either, but couples whose taste and style align with your own.
Access to your ideal clients is not the only benefit of being a venue's recommended planner—security, saving time, and stress-free marketing are all part of the appeal. Here are a few of the benefits of becoming a venue's recommended planner:
- Meet more of your dream clients. Listing as a preferred planner grants access to a wider pool of potential clients who trust the venue's recommendations. Satisfied clients could also further expand your network by recommending your services to family, friends, and so on.
- Feel secure with event operations. When you've worked with a venue before, you know the ropes. This means you can plan events more efficiently, saving time and making sure everything runs smoothly on the big day.
- Benefit from exclusive venue perks. Preferred planners often get special treatment from venues, like priority booking, discounts, exclusive amenities, or even features on the venue's website. This adds significant value to your services and sets you apart from competitors.
- Boost your reputation. Being chosen as a preferred planner proves that you're an expert at what you do, which can lead to more client referrals and interest in collaborations from fellow wedding professionals.
What do wedding venues look for in a preferred wedding planner?
In much the same way that you are particular about which wedding suppliers you work with, venues are highly selective when it comes to preferred planners—after all, your performance as a planner reflects on the venue itself.
As well as an alignment in style and values, wedding venues look for the following qualities in their preferred partners:
- Professionalism. Venues like wedding planners who take their work seriously, from the start of the planning partnership through to the big day. This means promptly responding to emails and calls, showing respect to everyone you work with, and being prepared for meetings. Moreover, venues value planners who adhere to industry standards and best practices, including proper client contracts and wedding planner insurance.
- Positive attitude. Venues value planners who approach their work with enthusiasm, optimism, and a can-do attitude. A positive mindset not only motivates you to tackle challenges head-on but also inspires confidence in your clients and collaborators. It's also important to be adaptable to ensure smooth execution of events.
- Personable skills. Venues want to benefit from this relationship too. A venue might look for wedding planners who can help boost the venue's reputation and attract top-notch clients through their connections and networking skills.
A guide to becoming a wedding venue's preferred wedding planner
Reality check: becoming a preferred planner is not easy. But that doesn't mean it is impossible.
Step 1. Do your research
Once you have chosen a venue that you want to work with, get serious about researching them—thoroughly. Learn about the venue's style, their facilities, and the types of weddings that they host.
Then, seek to understand their preferred vendor selection process and any specific requirements they may have. Knowing all this information will help you tailor your approach and stand out as a perfect fit for the venue.
In addition, browse through the venue's existing recommended vendor list and see if you have any connections. If you do, reach out to ask them about the process and perhaps for a recommendation, or introduction to relevant staff at the venue.
Step 2. Secure bookings at the venue
The next step is to actually book a wedding at the venue—that is if you haven't already. This gives you firsthand experience of their space and how to man the ropes throughout. Additionally, this allows you to think about whether or not the venue is a good match for you.
During your visits, build a positive relationship with the venue staff and ask questions. Ask about their experiences, their goals, and what they look for in a wedding planner or vendor—this way, you will express your genuine intention of wanting to learn.
Even if you're feeling nervous, try to present an air of confidence—venue's want to work with planner who make themselves, and their clients feel at ease. A positive personal relationship is the basis of a strong venue-planner relationship.
Step 3. Show what you can do
Now that you're familiar with their preferences, it's time to show them what you can do! After a few bookings or visits, express your thoughts about wanting to become their preferred wedding planner in the near future. If possible, present your proposal in person to show your commitment.
This is not the time to be modest. Venues want to work with the best wedding planners in the business, so be sure to tell them why you are! Before making your move, compile your best work into a stunning wedding portfolio, and support your claims with glowing client reviews.
Step 4. Be patient
Give the venue ample time to consider your proposal and never force them into a decision. Be patient as the venue evaluates your suitability as a preferred planner. Keep in touch regularly, update them on your latest projects and achievements, and continue to demonstrate your professionalism and value. Over time, your persistence and dedication will surely pay off!
TLDR: How to become a wedding venue's preferred wedding planner
Wedding venue's recommend planners that they hold in high regard to couples that book their space for their wedding—these are known as preferred planners.
As a preferred wedding planner, you can connect with ideal clients (without as much marketing), enjoy exclusive perks, and strengthen your reputation in the industry.
To become a venue's preferred planner, you need to earn their trust. Start by getting to know the venue's style, history, and requirements for becoming a preferred vendors. Next, invest time in building relationships and rapport with the venue and it's staff. Then, make your move. Be upfront about your desire to become a preferred planner and prove why you're the perfect fit.
Best of luck!
