A wedding planning portfolio is a great tool for organizing all the elements of your business that you want to showcase. Your portfolio should reflect your style, brand, services, and expertise in a way that makes the potential client want to hire you.
During an initial consultation with a wedding client, your portfolio gives you the opportunity to highlight everything that is wonderful and unique about you and your planning business.
Here is what to include in your wedding planning portfolio:
Gallery of Past Events
This is where you show your best work! Include images from past events and photo shoots that best represent your style and talents. This section of your wedding planner portfolio should be updated frequently since trends change quickly. Your talent and expertise as a planner and designer will continually evolve and improve.
Example Timeline
When hiring a wedding planner, many people want to know what they will actually receive. By offering examples from past events, they can see the amount of detail that goes into planning and coordinating a wedding.
Showing an event timeline that you created helps the client understand what you will be managing for them. It is an eye-opener for those who think that a wedding planner is not a necessity.
Example Wedding Budget
If you manage wedding and event budgets, show potential clients what one of your budgets look like. This is a good chance to explain your involvement in budget management and help them understand the wedding budgeting process.
Design Boards
If you create event design boards for your clients, include some of your favorites in your portfolio. This is another way to show what you do for your clients. This also helps them see what event design actually means.
Catalog of Rental Items
If you offer rental items or if you include décor items in your services, have a catalog of images to show potential clients. This adds value to your services.
Reviews, Testimonials, and References
Do you have raving fans who adore what you did for their wedding or event? Ask if they will write an online review for your business and be a reference for potential clients to contact. Including testimonials and a list of references in your portfolio lends more credibility to your business and services.
Certificates and Professional Designations
Include certificates and professional designations in your portfolio. These help potential clients trust your ability and experience.
Press and Awards
If you have been featured in any press (online or in print) or have received an award, include those in your portfolio. These are important to establish your planning company as a leader in the industry.
Online Portfolio of Physical Portfolio?
Are the majority of your consultations in person or virtual? If they are mostly in person, have a physical portfolio to share with potential clients at the meeting. It is tangible and they can flip through it as you explain what is in it. You can choose to have a summarized printed copy of your portfolio for clients to take home so they can share it with the decision makers in their family. A physical copy will be more expensive but is worth it if you are meeting clients in person for consultations.
An online version of your wedding planning portfolio is great if you are doing all your consultation virtually or if you are looking for something more cost effective. You can also use the online version during an in-person consultation by using your laptop or tablet.
Wedding planning is a competitive field. The more you can demonstrate your unique style, expertise, and service to your clients, the more success you will have. Your wedding planning portfolio is the perfect way to showcase the amazing planner you are to every potential client you meet with!
PINT IT!
This is a guest post from Amber Peterson. Amber is the owner of Cheers Consulting Group and Cheers Wedding Planning & Design in western Washington. She has a Masters Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and consults with wedding professionals about their marketing and business challenges. Amber is also the co-founder of the Skagit Wedding Society.
Via Event Planning Essentials http://www.rssmix.com/
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