This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on March 26th with Deborah Moody of ACPWC. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

About Deborah Moody – Executive Director of Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants

Deborah began her wedding planning career in 1995, after completing her training through the ACPWC. She immediately joined the Association where she served as the Chairperson for several years, before talking over as director, 5 years ago. Since assuming the position she has moved the association forward in its thinking and processing. Deborah continues to challenge herself and her members with business improvements and self development through education and training. Similar to a wealth management jacksonville fl firm, Deborah tends to continually use her skills to improve the business’ reputation with ways to cut down on costs and understand the financial situation of her clients a little better.

As a result of her untiring dedication to the Association, she was presented with “Spirit Award”, received by a select few. Deborah has represented the ACPWC at the Wedding MBA, in Las Vegas, NV, in Ireland at the Limerick Bridal show, and she has also spoken at the International Bridal Expo in Beijing China. Having studied business at San Jose University, Deborah combined her business and wedding skills and attained the title of “Certified Wedding Consultant”, the highest level of achievement given in the industry. She has been acknowledged in the Cambridge Who’s Who for leadership and achievement in her profession.

Deborah has been quoted in Black Enterprise, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Perspective Newsletter, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She had written articles for wedding publications including, WedLock Magazine, Sophisticated Groom, Serendipity, and California South Asian Bride. She was also a guest on the KDOW radio -Business on the Edge segment.

See More Information at http://www.acpwc.com

Q1: Can you tell us what @ACPWCnational does & how long your organization has been around?

Answer:
Deborah Moody: Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants-founded 1990, provides training and certification to wedding planners. Goal – provide education & standardization to wedding industry. Promote professionalism, integrity & maintain a level of excellence.

Q2: How can wedding pros determine if a couple or bride is a good fit for their wedding service?

Answer:
Deborah Moody: Determine their budget & requirements. Do they fit into your market niche? Do your personalities fit? Similar to job interview. Every couple is not your couple. OK to say ‘No’ if not a good fit. Offer options, make suggestions. Never sacrifice good service. Give a referral if possible.

Q3: What types of questions should be asked before a contract is made up?

Answer:
Deborah Moody: Services needed. Full, Wedding Day Management, Vendor referral. Location, Type, Budget, Dates, Venue, Guest count.

Q4: How can wedding pros make sure they have clear communication with their couples on wedding contract terms ?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: Explain contract terms & ensure they understand. Provide full description of services being provided. Put it in writing. Listen! Understand their expectations. Set your expectations at first consultation. ie. provide you with necessary info in timely manner.

Q5: What terms or conditions typically become blurred between wedding companies and couples?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: What is covered, payment schedule, couples responsibilities. ‘I heard what you said, did you hear what I meant’?

Q6: What clauses should be included in most wedding contracts?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: Full description of services, payment schedule, liability, escape, indemnification, arbitration, refund/cancellation, force majeure.

Q7: How should wedding pros communicate to brides or couples before, during and after the contract ?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: Establish their prefer method, phone, text, email. Use whenever possible. Confirm

verbal communication with follow-up email.

Q8: Does clear communication and easy to understand contract terms help with online reviews?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: It helps prevent misunderstandings, which lead to good service & satisfied customers, resulting in positive reviews. Follow up verbal conversation with confirmation email. Could prevent a lawsuit. You both will have a reference point.

Q9: How can wedding pros increase & improve online reviews?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: Provide excellent service, Under promise and over deliver, Ask in advance for reviews, Use social media more. Small gift is nice. Card for sure. Survey or request feedback in another format. Don’t forget to ask for referrals!!!

Q10: Where can wedding pros obtain help in creating a contract for their business?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: Info provided through wedding planner training courses, consult a lawyer, ask other consultants.

Q11: Do you have other tips you would like to share about wedding contracts?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: Ensure you understand your contract &can explain it. Require initials on critical elements. Make clear and concise. If you plan to use their photos add photo release clause. Then you do not have to go back to ask permission. Protect yourself!

Q12: Does @ACPWCnational have any events or interesting projects coming up?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: Launching new website, logo, & Member Partners program. Check next week. Continued Education event in San Jose, CA 4/16. Visit our blog at www.acpwc.org.

Q13: What would you like everyone to take away from this #WeddingMarket Chat ?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: Training & Education are important to increase your credibility & elevate your business. Certification makes a difference! Always do business with integrity. Understand the value of your service. People do bus with people that know, like, trust. Being part of an association promotes education, good business practices, improves entire industry. Shows you care about entire industry. For more about ACPWC training, certification, & Member Partner program contact dmoody@acpwc.com.

#WeddingMarket Questions From Twitter:

1. @Wed_Developer How do you determine which vendors you will recommend to your clients?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: Have preferred list. Make sure it is a good fit.

2. @Wed_Developer How to deal with a client who’s expectations constantly change?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: Set YOUR expectations of them at the beginning. Ideas will always change. Try to be flexible.

3. @Wed_Developer So do you categorize your vendors based on your bride’s characteristics and expectations?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: No, based on price point, specialty, location, personality, skill set. Willingness to be flexible , good customer service

4. @SweetestEvents_ How should a wedding planner handle a no call, no show w/ a Bride?

Answer:

Deborah Moody: Some charge. Time is money. I do a free consultation. Others apply fee to payment if they book. Depends on circumstances. Does it happen often? If so, charge her hourly fee.