If you are a wedding photographer, several of your brides may have recently postponed their wedding due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although a lot of details are in the air across the country and around the world, you can be your couple’s rock of stability during these uncertain times. It’s important to remember that a marriage and a wedding are completely different and they don’t have to happen at the same time; they will still want to celebrate with family and friends when all of this is over. It can help to do everything in your power to work with your clients to postpone and reschedule instead of cancel since it helps protect your revenue by preventing refunds. Here’s a few tips on how you can go above and beyond to continue to serve your clients.
Don’t use the word “cancel”
It’s best to think about it as if cancelling isn’t an option. Proactively reach out to clients who have events scheduled over the next 2-3 months and let them know you’re here to help and are able to guide them through the rescheduling process. It also helps if you waive any fees that you would normally charge when rescheduling to make the decision even easier for your clients.
Update your availability
Rescheduling will feel a bit like a puzzle as venues change availability and weddings find a new date. Take a few extra minutes to update your availability in order to give your clients and fellow vendors information about your current openings without the back and forth of emails and phone calls.
Be flexible
In light of all the events that will be rescheduled in 2020, weekday weddings may become more popular. Be creative with your clients to come up with new and fun ways to celebrate throughout the week. If you’re already booked for the rescheduled date – and it’s the only option for the couple – consider providing them with a list of trusted vendors in your community that could replace you. Continuing to help the couple and your other vendor friends can lead to great referrals in the future.
Take on more business
If you are a business that only takes on a certain amount of weddings per year, you may want to consider changing it up a bit in 2021. If you normally only work 15 weddings a year, but 5 of your weddings this year need to reschedule, consider working 20 weddings next year. Another scenario: if you normally only take on 2 weddings per month, consider changing that rule for the fall of 2020 so you can continue to work with your clients while also helping your cash flow recover.
Stay grounded
There’s no doubt that we are in a new, unpredictable situation that we’ll respond to in different ways. Remember that taking the time to stay grounded and gracious will go a long way towards helping you and your business weather the storm. To quote the late Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
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