Questions to Include in your Client Questionnaires
By Olga Pomeransky

When couples look for wedding vendors, interviews are a standard procedure. It is usually at this first meeting that both parties discuss the details of the wedding. The more information a vendor has about their potential client, the more meaningful they can make this first session. Client questionnaires are a valuable tool to help with this.

As a wedding service provider, you should know that no two couples are alike. Relevant questions in your client questionnaire will help you gain insight into a couple’s personalities. You can then tailor your marketing strategy to appeal to those you are dealing with.

You can also recognize whether the relationship will progress smoothly. After all, it is a two-way deal; the couple should have realistic expectations from you and you should be able to deliver to their satisfaction.

The team from Best for Bride, the fashion experts from Canada, tell us what questions in a client questionnaire will help you improve your business prospects.

Where and when will the wedding be

Although a very basic question, it is an important one. The location and date of the wedding directly impact your availability. Clients who already have a venue in mind or have narrowed down their choices have begun their wedding planning seriously. So, they are a safe bet. If the couple is unsure of what they want, the risks are greater. It can cost you time and money if there are changes in plans at any stage.

What are their personalities like

Ask the clients to describe themselves as individuals and as a couple. Let them share their interests, hobbies and any other information that will give you an idea of their personalities. You should be comfortable to work with the people who pay you for your work. If there are common factors between yourself and the clients, your comfort level will be better.

What is the projected budget

This crucial detail will help you decide the potential of your services. You can direct the client elsewhere if it is impossible to work with their budget. Alternately, you may be able to tailor your services for the said amount. Sometimes, you may be able to deliver on a limited budget, but with severe restrictions. In any case, you can provide the client a clear idea of what they can expect from you, when you know their budget. When you set expectations correctly, there is no scope for dissatisfaction at a later stage.

What is the scale of the wedding

The size and scope of the wedding will help you decide whether you have the resources for the job. It will also help you determine whether you can complete the related tasks on time. With a correct estimate of the guest count, it should be possible to figure out the cost of your service correctly. If the couple aren’t sure, you can also estimate charges on a “per head” basis. Nevertheless, remind your client that the cost will drastically vary when the number of attendees change.

How they heard about you

Many couples prefer to go with recommendations from friends and families when searching for wedding vendors. So, you may receive interview requests based on referals of clients who previously hired your services. You may also receive interview requests based on your advertisements, social media information or online reviews. Nonetheless, it is important to find the source, both for marketing benefits and to help you seal the contract. If the couple were refered by a friend, it is likely they expect a similar level of service. This will help you understand their expectations and also reveal if there is scope for additional related services.

Is there anything important to know

You can deliver a better service when you have as much information as is possible about the wedding. You may like to frame your questions based on the type of service you offer. For instance, if you are a photographer, it may help to know whether the couple have children or pets who will feature in your pictures. You can then come up with suitable photo ideas in advance. Special situations like divorces or deaths in the families will also be important information for some vendors. Find questions that fit your business model and improve your chances of landing the contract.

What type of service are you looking for

Different clients have different expectations and expect varying levels of involvement from their wedding services providers. While some customers choose vendors who work with minimum supervision, others prefer professionals who involve them at every stage. Your business may offer various services, have package deals or offer customized services. When you ask your client this question, their response will help you identify the right option for them. You can also frame this question in a tickbox fashion, where the client chooses their priorities from different available options.  Use this to suggest the best deal available and also take them through the remaining options to make the decision easier.

Author Bio:

Having served brides from all over the world for over a decade, Best for Bride is a leading bridal dress chain with four shop locations in Canada. They feature wedding dresses, dresses for the bridal party, dresses for special occasions and also offer a range of wedding services. Additionally, Best for Bride has an online shopping option that caters to brides from different parts of the world. To find out more about this one-stop bridal destination, check out their website here – http://www.bestforbride.com.