After providing wedding services for over 10 years and replacing my 16-year career as an occupational therapist with my business, I thought it was time I share my insight on how to build a successful wedding business.
With that said, I have included in this article what I think are the most important principles to follow on how to build a successful wedding business.
How To Build A Successful Wedding Business
Deliver The Goods
This is first on the list because I believe it is the most important principle to follow in order to run a thriving and sustaining business.
Every wedding vendor has his or her own skillsets and talents. Not all vendors are created equal.
However, what every vendor has the capacity to do is deliver all of the services included in their contract.
The greatest business lesson I learned from my father (who will always be the greatest salesman in my eyes) is “your worth is your word.”
On that note, if you want to build a successful wedding business, you must make this commitment to your clients and to yourself.
Always provide the services included in your contract. No exceptions.
Be Responsive
One principle that will put you ahead of the pack is to respond as quickly as possible to messages.
This principle is so easy to implement, yet so few people follow it.
It’s especially important to return messages in a timely manner in the wedding business.
Nothing is more frightening to a bride or groom than wondering if their hired vendor is going to return their messages.
In my opinion, if you want to build a successful wedding business, you must return all messages within 6 hours.
If you really want to take this to the next level, you should try to respond within 5 minutes to anyone inquiring about hiring you. NOW THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKIN’ BOUT!!
focus Focus FOCUS!
In the year I left my career as a therapist, I knew going into my first winter without my job was going to be challenging.
I sat at my computer and promoted my company on-line from 8:00 AM to 3:00 AM Monday through Thursday.
I did this every day from December to March.
The weekends were reserved for working events where I gained the most business from “gigging.”
In short, I basically put my social life on hold over the winter.
With that said, all of the work I did in these months compounded and the bookings came in droves.
I eventually had to hire more help to keep up with the demand.
Be Yourself
I know this sounds cliché, but it is so important to be yourself if you want to build a successful wedding business.
The wedding industry is such a personalized place.
Not every potential client will appreciate your personality, but there are plenty of people who will love it.
The main thing is to gain as much exposure as possible to meet the couples who will be overjoyed to have you as their wedding vendor.
It’s all about finding the right match between the wedding vendor and client.
Network With Other Business Professionals
The wedding industry is also MASSIVE.
With that said, this gives you the opportunity to network with other wedding vendors who you can build business relationships with.
Wedding venues, DJs, florists, caterers, pastry chefs, photographers and more!
If you connect with fellow wedding vendors, you will have the opportunity to expand your business referrals exponentially.
Furthermore, if you are looking to increase your business network, consider participating in your local city Chamber of Commerce events.
You may also consider advertising with wedding vendor promotion companies such as The Knot or WeddingWire.
Many of these wedding advertisers hold wedding vendor networking events as well.
Underpromise and Overdeliver
Using the first wedding business success principle in this article as a baseline, you must first always deliver what is promised in the contract.
In addition, I believe you should provide an additional service beyond what is included in your agreement.
It doesn’t have to be big, but it’s a great idea to include a free bonus item to show appreciation to your clients for their business.
Nothing screams exceptional client service like going “above and beyond” expectations.
Personalize Your Services
I’ll always remember as a kid how much I hated going to weddings. The DJ always played the same generic music.
I simply couldn’t stand their “cookie-cutter’ playlists.
On that note, I think all wedding vendors should personalize their services for several reasons.
First, when you personalize your services, it shows your clients that you care about their individual tastes.
Second, your clients will appreciate that you took the extra time to tailor your services for their big day.
Third, who the heck wants to do anything that is boring and repetitive anyway?
Have Fun!
One of the most special things about owning your own business is that it is YOURS.
It’s one of the ultimate platforms for self-expression.
I still remember all of the little business I started through the years when I was young.
I had so many ideas and I thought that the idea of building anything with my “personal spin” on things was so cool……and fun!
Remember to always have fun doing what you do. As soon as the fun starts to fade, consider making some changes in your business model.
It’s noteworthy that in order to be a successful wedding vendor, you’ll spend countless hours perfecting your skills.
Therefore, if you find that you have simply lost interest and passion for your business, then it’s time to move onto something else.
On-Line Marketing
We are living in a day in age where every company must be proficient in online marketing.
I will be the first one to tell you that your performance as a wedding vendor will produce the most business for you.
However, the power of online marketing can’t be ignored.
In addition, it is crucial that you have an online presence by perfecting your SEO, social media, blogging and email campaigns.
Attend Bridal Shows
Participating in bridal shows will generate a ton of great client leads.
They are also one of the best tools you can use to build a successful wedding business.
Furthermore, prospective wedding clients are more likely to hire a vendor that they have met in person.
Plus you will receive a bridal show attendee list that will help you to follow up with all of your prospective clients.
In addition, when you participate in bridal shows regularly, it helps you close on pending contracts.
Attendees at a bridal show realize that there were hundreds of other couples at the show that may book up your schedule.
On that note, they may be more encouraged to book you in a timely manner if they met you at a bridal show.
Preparation
As a huge Detroit Tigers fan, I’ll always remember a quote from Manager Jim Leyland. “The greatest ballplayers make mistakes, but there is no excuse for not being prepared.”
Furthermore, there are several important measures you can take to ensure you are properly prepared for every wedding.
For starters, you must have all the resources in place weeks prior to every wedding.
You should also have back up equipment.
Finally, you must have back up vendors available in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Click the video icon below for more
Hello! My name is Tony Coppola and I’d like to take this time to tell you a little bit about myself and CC King Entertainment.
I began my musical journey when I was 12 years old as a singer and drummer.
Ten years ago, I built a home recording studio and named it CC King Studio.
Shortly after, I DJ’d my first wedding and CC King Entertainment was born!
Furthermore, after DJing hundreds of weddings, my business allowed me to leave my 16 year career as an occupational therapist.
In addition, I ALWAYS go the extra mile to personalize my wedding services and have the honor to work with an amazing team of wedding DJs.
Contact Us
Questions to ask Your Wedding Venue Final Meeting
Your wedding venue sets the foundation for all planning to follow after booking. Furthermore, all of your wedding vendors should always tailor their services to best suit your specific tastes as well the requirements of the wedding hall. Therefore, it is important to know the top questions to ask your wedding venue at the final meeting before booking. This will help ensure the venue you select is PERFECT for your big day.
Questions To Ask Your Wedding Venue
Wedding Venue Charges
What is included with the basic venue rental package?
There are some venues that charge only for the space, while there are others where the site fee includes chairs, tables, table linens, etc.
However, most venue coordinators will make you pay additional amounts if you want these items to be more specific to your individual tastes.
How many hours will I be able to rent the venue?
In addition to the time needed for your wedding, you will need a couple of hours for vendor load-in and around one hour for load-out.
Find out the number of hours included in the basic rental fee.
If you feel that the time left after deducting three hours (for load-in and load-out) is not enough for the occasion, find out the extra amount you will need to pay for adding hours.
Policies
Do you have any alcohol restrictions?
Some banquet halls don’t allow dark liquor or red wine.
On the other hand, you will also come across banquet halls that will require you to have special permits for serving liquor.
However, most venue coordinators will not stop you from serving alcohol providing the job is done by your caterer.
Do you have any décor restrictions?
Many buildings don’t permit the use of confetti and other similar objects that can be thrown during the grand entrance.
You will also find some with candle and open flame restrictions or sparkler restrictions.
It’s also important to ask your wedding venue coordinator if they have a wedding decor checklist of guidelines to follow.
What is the wedding timeline?
Timelines can be different for each wedding.
However, I’m often asked, “what is the standard order and times for all of the events during a wedding day?”
With that said, I put together a sample of a basic wedding timeline and would like to share it with you below.
Are there any volume restrictions?
This is one of the most important wedding venue questions to ask if you are having a wedding DJ or band.
Certain venues, particularly the outdoor ones, would require you to follow some rules when playing music.
In addition, there might be restrictions on what you can or cannot play in some areas and after a certain time of the day.
Accommodations
Is there a separate room where I can get ready?
Most of the top wedding venues have a room dedicated for the bride. It’s the room where she can get ready with assistance from her entourage.
Is there a coat check?
This question is particularly important if you are planning to get married during the rainy season or winter.
Also, find out whether the venue has a coat check. If not, ask whether there is a coat rack.
Wedding Hall Availability
Do you host more than one event on a given day?
If you have picked a large wedding site with multiple spaces, you should be aware of the activities that would be taking place in other parts of the venue.
In addition, if the venue is hosting more than one event on the same day, find out how your guests would know where exactly they should go.
Furthermore, it is so important to ask when will you and your vendors have access to your banquet room to set up.
Electrical
What type of lighting do you offer?
As we survey wedding venues mostly during the daytime, we often forget to talk about lighting.
However, most wedding receptions are in the evening.
Ideal wedding venues have lights that can be dimmed.
Therefore, never go for a venue adorned with corporate, fluorescent lighting.
How much power you can provide?
This is one of the most overlooked questions to ask your wedding venue at the final meeting
Wedding vendors may need to pull a significant amount of power from the venue.
With that said, it’s extremely important to know whether the banquet hall you are considering has the adequate power and outlets needed.
Wedding Venue Lodging
Many venues offer overnight lodging accommodations at their location.
If the venue does not have this service available, be sure to ask if there are any local hotels that they could recommend.
Many of your guests will want to make arrangements far in advance before your wedding for overnight lodging.
In addition, be sure to find out if they offer a discount on lodging if you rent their reception space.
This is one of the best money-saving questions to ask your wedding venue at the final meeting.
Client and Vendor Contracts
A very important question to ask your wedding venue at the final meeting is “when is the final payment due?”
Furthermore, you will want to know what their refund policy is in case of a change of the wedding date or cancelation.
In addition, some wedding venue coordinators require that all vendors serving your wedding sign their vendor’s contract.
It is important to let the vendors you are considering know about any venue contracts they must sign prior to hiring them.
You will also want to ask the venue if there is a time in which all vendors and guests must exit the building at the end of the reception.
Check out the video version of this blog below!
Click the video icon below for more
Hello! My name is Tony Coppola and I’d like to take this time to tell you a little bit about myself and CC King Entertainment.
I began my musical journey when I was 12 years old as a singer and drummer. Ten years ago, I built a home recording studio and named it CC King Studio. Shortly after, I DJ’d my first wedding and CC King Entertainment was born!
Furthermore, after DJing hundreds of weddings, my business allowed me to leave my 16 year career as an occupational therapist. In addition, I ALWAYS go the extra mile to personalize my wedding services and have the honor to work with an amazing team of wedding DJs.
Contact Us
Wedding Planning Checklist
12 to 18 Months Before The Wedding
- Announce your engagement.
- Work out a budget.
- Make a preliminary guest list.
- Determine whom you want to have in your wedding party. Make the calls and get their acceptance.
- Select and book a caterer, a location for the ceremony, and a reception location.
- Interview and hire all your wedding vendors and officiant.
- Select your wedding gown, accessories and associated events clothing.
- Mail “Save-the-Date” cards to your “A” list guests.
6 To 12 Months Before The Wedding
- Confirm with the members of your wedding party.
- Order invitations, announcements, programs and any other printed materials.
- Complete your wedding registries.
- Create a wedding chart/schedule for your wedding day.
- Order rentals (e.g., tents, photo booths, lighting, etc)
- Go for any required testing per state law deadlines.
3 to 6 Months Before The Wedding
- Make up your final guest list. Begin to address invitations.
- Order your wedding bands and make arrangements for engraving.
- Go for a wedding gown fitting.
- Select the wedding clothing for the groom and the members of your bridal party and parents.
- Bride and groom select gifts for each other and for your groomsmen, bridesmaids, ushers, flower girl, ring bearer and parents.
- Prepare programs for the wedding and assign someone to distribute them.
- Meet with the caterer to set the menu. Order a wedding cake if the caterer doesn’t supply it.
- Arrange your rehearsal and notify those who will participate.
- Send your event schedule to the vendors and participating guests.
2 Months Before the Wedding
- Get the marriage license.
- Make an appointment for your hair, makeup and nails for as close to the wedding day as possible.
- Meet or speak with your caterer to confirm the menu.
- Meet with the florist to discuss requirements and place the order.
- Review your needs with your DJ, photographer and videographer.
- Mail the invitations.
- Review documentation and make changes as needed. (ex. insurance, lease, health care).
- Put guest baskets together and assign someone the task of distributing them.
- Go for a wedding gown fitting and arrange for your final fitting.
1 Month Before the Wedding
- Reconfirm all the reservations and accommodations.
- Check again on clothing and fitting for yourself and attendants.
- Throw wedding shower and parties.
- Do the seating plan for the reception.
- Mail your rehearsal dinner invitations.
- Write your wedding vows, if you’re doing your own.
- Send all master of ceremonies information to your DJ or Band and review it with them.
- Pay off all balances according to your vendors’ contracts.
Weeks Before the Wedding
- Hold your rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.
- Pick up your wedding bands.
- Give your caterer the final headcount.
- Write out the table cards.
- Put the tips in envelopes and give it to whoever you put in charge of making the payments.
- Arrange with the appointed guests to bring all items to the wedding venue and to return them.
- Design a “Day of the Wedding” schedule.
- Pick up your wedding gown.
Wedding Planning Checklist
Day of the Wedding
What is the wedding day timeline?
Timelines can be different for each wedding.
However, I’m often asked “what is the standard order and times for all of the events during a wedding day?”
With that said, I put together a sample of a basic wedding timeline and would like to share it with you below.
Every wedding is unique and special in its own way. With that said, I will refrain from adding times to these steps and simply list them in a suggested order.
- Bride’s hair and makeup
- Bridesmaids hair and makeup
- Photographer arrives and begins taking photos (often during hair and makeup time as well).
- Put on your veil
- Pre-Ceremony Photos
- First Look
- Groom and Groomsmen arrive
- Bride and Bridesmaids arrive
- Ceremony
- Receiving line
- Photos of couple, family and bridal party during cocktail hour
Wedding Reception
- Grand Entrance
- Cake Cutting
- Toasts
- Blessing
- Dinner
- Couples’ First Dance (also common right after the grand entrance)
- Parents Dances
- Wedding Party Dance
- All Couples Dance
- Open Dance Floor
- Add bouquet toss, garter toss and other reception events if selected.
Wedding Planning Checklist
Hello! My name is Tony Coppola and I’d like to take this time to tell you a little bit about myself and CC King Entertainment.
I began my musical journey when I was 12 years old as a singer and drummer. Ten years ago, I built a home recording studio and named it CC King Studio. Shortly after, I DJ’d my first wedding and CC King Entertainment was born!
After DJing hundreds of weddings, my business allowed me to leave my 16 year career as an occupational therapist. I ALWAYS go the extra mile to personalize my wedding services and I have the distinct honor to work with an amazing team of Michigan wedding DJs.
Contact Us
Conclusion
Planning a wedding consists of many components that must all come together on a single day. With that said, it can be helpful to have a guide that summaries and breaks all of these steps into a more concise guide. This blog does exactly that.
Question
Which step do you feel requires the most time and energy?
Please leave your comment at the very bottom of this post.
_________________________________________________________
Our Favorite Wedding Planning Websites
The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola, Brides Magazine, Wedding Happy,
Appy Couple, My Registry, My Wedding
CC King Entertainment
Wedding Planning Checklist
If you liked this blog, you will also love our blogs entitled:
“Top 10 Qualities Of A Great Wedding DJ”
“Questions To Ask Your Wedding Venue At The Final Meeting”
248-388-7974 – info@cckingent.com – DJ Livonia MI
Updated 2021
Photo Booth Rental Questions
There are many important photo booth rental questions you should ask before paying for this service. There are also several photo booth features, options and components to understand which can make choosing a photo booth company confusing. Listed below are the factors and questions you should ask to help you pick the perfect photo booth package and vendor at the right price.
Top Photo Booth Rental Questions
Photo Booth Condition
Like any piece of your wedding decor, the condition and appearance of your photo booth should matter as well. I have seen hundreds of different photo booths while DJing weddings.
Most of them look clean and well maintained and others look like they are ready to fall apart at any moment. Furthermore, I have literally seen homemade photo booths made PVC pipe held together by duct tape. YUCK!
It’s necessary to make sure the photo booth at your wedding actually adds to the ambiance and doesn’t take away from it.
Photo Booth Props
Everyone LOVES props! However, an important photo booth rental question to ask your vendor is: “What type of props do you provide?” You will also want to ask how many props come with your photo booth package.
I have seen photo booth tables with literally only five props on it. On the other hand, I have seen photo booth prop tables with at least fifty props or more!
If you have a specific wedding theme, it is a good idea to ask your photo booth company if they can bring props to match your theme. Props are very inexpensive and this is a very reasonable request.
Photo Strips
Most photo booth vendors offer a wide selection of photo booth strip templates. The most popular format is the 2″ x 6″ strip. Furthermore, if you would prefer 4″ x 12″ photos, you will want to make sure there is not an extra fee due to the double amount of photo print supplies needed.
In addition, it’s important to ask if you can personalize the text printed on your photo strips. You may also have the option to include a wedding logo or design.
Memory Book
I love handing the newly married couple their photo booth memory book at the end of the evening. They always love it often tell me about how much fun they had looking at it when they got home from the wedding.
When that said, I recommend that couples add the memory book to their photo booth rental package. Some photo booth companies charge an extra fee for this service and some don’t. You will just want to make sure it’s included with your photo booth service agreement.
Photo Booth Backdrops
A great photo booth rental question to ask is “What type of backdrops do you have available?” It’s also good to know if you can add a custom backdrop.
Furthermore, it’s important to note there will most likely be an extra charge if your photo booth company has to purchase a custom backdrop for your wedding.
In addition, you may find more backdrop flexibility and selection with an open-air photo booth compared to an enclosed booth.
Photo Booth Attendant
If you are renting a photo booth for your wedding, there MUST be a photo booth attendant present. Some vendors may give you a better price if you do not include an attendant, but this could spell disaster.
A photo booth attendant will often have to fix printer jams, print off extra photos, restock the printer and help instruct your guests on how to use the booth.
You should always ask your wedding vendor to provide an attendant even if it costs extra to do so.
Digital File
One of the most important photo booth rental questions to ask is if you will receive the digital file of all of the pictures.
It’s nice to have this file because many of your guests won’t add their pictures to your memory book every time. This digital file will include EVERY photo booth pictures taken at your wedding.
You can also download this file for easy on-line sharing!
Furthermore, it costs nothing for your wedding vendor to send you this file. Plus it takes only a matter of minutes to email the file. On that note, I myself would never recommend paying an extra fee for this service.
Unlimited Photo Booth Prints
The most common photo booth rental question that I am asked is if I provided prints for everyone pictured.
I do provide this service at no extra charge however, many photo booth companies don’t.
The materials needed for printing photo strips are very expensive. With that said, be sure to check with your vendor to make sure there are no extra fees for printing more than two photo strips per photo booth session.
Hello! My name is Tony Coppola and I’d like to take this time to tell you a little bit about myself and CC King Entertainment.
I began my musical journey when I was 12 years old as a singer and drummer. Ten years ago, I built a home recording studio and named it CC King Studio. Shortly after, I DJ’d my first wedding and CC King Entertainment was born!
After DJing hundreds of weddings, my business allowed me to leave my 16 year career as an occupational therapist. I ALWAYS go the extra mile to personalize my wedding services and I have the distinct honor to work with an amazing team of Michigan wedding DJs.
Contact Us
Conclusion
There are many important photo booth rental questions you should ask before paying for this service. You will want to gather as much information as possible regarding: Photo booth condition, props, photo strips, memory book, photo booth backdrops, attendant, digital picture file and the number of prints included with your package.
Question
Which one of these photo booth rental questions do you think are the most important?
Please leave your comment at the very bottom of this post.
______________________________________________________
Our Favorite Wedding Planning Websites
The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola, Brides Magazine, Wedding Happy,
Appy Couple, My Registry, My Wedding
CC King Entertainment
Photo Booth Rental Questions
If you liked this blog, you will also love our blogs entitled:
“Top 10 Qualities Of A Great Wedding DJ”
“Questions To Ask Your Wedding Venue At The Final Meeting”
248-388-7974 – info@cckingent.com – DJ Livonia MI
Updated 2021
How To Manage Wedding Planning Stress
Planning a wedding can definitely be a very overwhelming time for most couples. There are so many different components to a wedding that must all come together to make your big day perfect. With that said, I would like to share with you my top ten tips on how to manage wedding planning stress.
These tips will not only reduce your stress level, but they will also help you be more effective with the time and energy you spend planning your wedding.
How To Manage Wedding Planning Stress
Start Planning Early
If it is possible, it’s always a good idea to start planning your wedding at least one year in advance.
Planning a wedding is a lot like studying for a big test or exam.
Cramming is never recommended and you will get a lot more accomplished if you start early.
Hire Professionals
One misconception is that hiring PROFESSIONAL vendors will be too expensive.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
A professional wedding vendor is simply a person who has delivered their services on a regular basis for several years.
Some of them charge a lot and others charge a lot less.
Furthermore, as a wedding DJ, I have received countless phone calls just days before a wedding where a bride or groom is panicking that their DJ canceled on them.
Almost every time this happens, I learn the “DJ” was a friend of the family with little to no experience.
Hiring a pro and not an “Average Joe” will significantly reduce your wedding planning stress.
Let’s Go Team!
That’s right! Planning a wedding should be a team effort.
It’s so important that you delegate tasks to your friends, wedding party, family members, and vendors.
Also, remember that you are paying your wedding vendors to deliver their service.
Make sure they honor their contracts so their work doesn’t become your work.
Wedding Planners
Hiring a professional wedding planner will significantly reduce your wedding planning stress.
They have many resources as well as experience in the industry.
This will also help you avoid the many common mistakes made in planning a wedding.
I have worked with wedding planners that have literally “saved the wedding” because they had the knowledge and organization skills to handle unforeseen circumstances.
Have Fun!
There are so many wedding planning activities that you can do as a group with your friends and family members.
Not to mention, putting together do-it-yourself decorations with your group can be a blast.
Grab your favorite beverage, turn on some fun music and make it a wedding planning party!
It’s YOUR Big Day
It’s not uncommon for couples planning a wedding to be pulled in many different directions trying to fulfill their guests’ specific requests and ideas.
This can really increase your wedding planning stress.
You can try your best to make everyone feel special and important at your wedding, but sometimes you can’t please everyone.
Furthermore, it is also a good idea to remind yourself and others that your wedding is a celebration of YOUR big day.
The Rehearsal
If I am providing the sound system for a wedding ceremony, I always like to attend the rehearsal if I have the day available.
In addition to rehearsing your wedding ceremony, you might have the opportunity to meet with your banquet hall manager, wedding planner and DJ.
I have also been told many times by couples that they felt much less stressed after reviewing many important details at the rehearsal.
New Vendor in 3..2..1
If you’re anything like me, you don’t like waiting too long for a returned phone call, text or email from a professional you have hired.
Before hiring any vendor, make a note on how long they take to return your messages.
Chances are if they are not very responsive before they are hired, they will be even less responsive once they receive your deposit.
I don’t subscribe to this way of operating, but I think it’s important that you are aware of it.
Hiring vendors that consistently return your messages in a timely manner will greatly reduce your wedding planning stress.
Wedding Planning Resources
There are many online tools and publications that will give you wonderful ideas for planning your wedding.
Be sure to check out The Knot for vendor reviews and wedding planning tools.
Pinterest and Instagram are also great places to check out the latest wedding trends, wedding fashion, decor and DIY ideas.
Having these great resources at your fingertips will help give you direction and reduce your wedding planning stress as well.
Attend Bridal Shows
Attending bridal shows has to be one of the best ways to utilize your time planning your wedding.
I have worked with couples who have booked every vendor they needed while at a show.
Bridal shows are also a great way to reduce wedding planning stress because you can meet your vendors in person and that will help put you at ease knowing exactly who you hired.
Wedding DJs
Hello! My name is Tony Coppola and I’d like to take this time to tell you a little bit about myself and CC King Entertainment.
I began my musical journey when I was 12 years old as a singer and drummer. Ten years ago, I built a home recording studio and named it CC King Studio. Shortly after, I DJ’d my first wedding and CC King Entertainment was born!
After DJing hundreds of weddings, my business allowed me to leave my 16 year career as an occupational therapist. I ALWAYS go the extra mile to personalize my wedding services and I have the distinct honor to work with an amazing team of Michigan wedding DJs.
Contact Us
“Top 10 Qualities Of A Great Wedding DJ”
“Questions To Ask Your Wedding Venue At The Final Meeting”
248-388-7974 – info@cckingent.com – DJ Livonia MI
Updated 2021
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