Creating Your Dream Stationery: A Look at Our Consultation Process
Fine Art Wedding Stationery
Scheduling a consultation can be really scary. I remember when I was planning my wedding, I was so incredibly nervous for every consultation I made with a vendor. What were they going to ask? What was to be covered? Are they going to ask me to make a decision on the call?
If you are like me, knowing what to expect will reduce that anxiety. That is why I decided to make this post explaining what my initial phone consultations entail. I don’t want anyone nervous at the thought of speaking with me!
Every consultation begins with me getting to know the couple. I always ask when did they get engaged and how the planning process has been going so far? I am always surprised because I will get some couples who have been engaged for over a year and others who got engaged a week prior! It is always so interesting to hear about the planning process. What is keeping them up at night? I was in these couples’ shoes not too long ago so it is a great way for both parties to get comfortable on the phone before we begin to discuss the bulk of the conversation.
Once we are acquainted and I can feel the couple is a little more relaxed, I begin asking about the vision for the day. What colors have they chosen? What is the aesthetic they are hoping to achieve? Why did you pick your venue? What stood out about it? While the couple answers, I begin writing down any and all words and phrases that will help me later on in the design process, like “traditional”, and “romantic”; I am beginning to picture their invitation suite coming together.
After the overall wedding vision is discussed, I ask what they are looking for in their wedding stationery. Do they have any must-haves? Have there been any family/friends invitations they have received that they absolutely love? On the contrary, have there been any they absolutely hate? All of these answers help me begin crafting what their perfect suite will entail, in turn, creating a custom proposal for them with all their desires.
Now that I have a good idea of what the couple is looking for, I outline the process of working together. We go over the timeline I have put together for their specific project, taking into consideration how many out-of-town guests will be attending, if I am to also design their save the dates, as well as any other timing concerns they might have.
I wrap up the call answering any questions they may have now that they heard about the entire process. I let them know I will be creating a custom proposal for them to review based on everything we discussed and that once they receive the proposal, we can always set up another call to answer any questions they may have! Most of my couples bypass this step and go directly into booking but it is always there as an option!
I spend most of the call getting to know the couple, hearing all about their wedding vision and plans for the day. I do not think of myself as a “sales” person so you will not find me pitching my services or asking for a deposit over the phone. I know how intimidating this process can be so I am here to act as a guide throughout the entire process, and that begins with the initial consultation.
