Crafting The Perfect Wedding Package: A Guide For Couples

Creating a wedding package is a great way to keep costs low and ensure the couple's big day has everything they need. Wedding packages can be an event, an offer, or a service, and typically include the venue, food, photography, and flower arrangements. When creating a wedding package, it's important to know what the couple wants and how much they are willing to spend. It's also crucial to set different budget options and tailor the package to their specific needs. Offering a variety of wedding packages can be a great business move and help you gain more clients.

Budgeting: Consider costs, guest count, event duration, and necessary rentals

Budgeting is a crucial aspect of wedding planning, and it's important to consider various factors such as costs, guest count, event duration, and necessary rentals. Here are some instructive paragraphs to guide you through the process:

First and foremost, it's essential to determine who will be contributing financially to the wedding. This could include the couple themselves, family members, or close friends. Have open and honest conversations about how much each party is willing and able to contribute. It's also important to discuss any specific expectations or conditions attached to their monetary offerings.

Next, gain a clear understanding of what you and your partner can realistically afford. Consider your daily expenses, such as rent or mortgage, as well as any upcoming costs like a down payment on a home or medical expenses. Be honest about your financial situation to create a realistic wedding budget.

The guest count will have a significant impact on your budget. The cost of food and drinks, which are usually the biggest expenses, is calculated per head. A larger guest list will also increase costs for decor, stationery, favors, and rentals, as you'll need more of everything.

When budgeting for the venue, catering, and rentals, allocate a significant portion of your budget to these must-haves. The venue rental will likely be the biggest investment, followed by catering, which includes food and staff costs. Don't forget to include rentals like tables, chairs, linens, and dishware in your calculations.

Another important consideration is the duration of the event. Will it be an evening reception or a daytime event? The length of the celebration will influence catering costs, with dinner typically being more expensive than brunch or lunch.

Finally, create a detailed budget tracker to stay organized. Use a spreadsheet or a budget app to monitor your expenses. Be sure to include taxes and tips for your vendors, and set aside a buffer for unexpected costs. It's better to have a little extra than to be caught off guard by hidden expenses.

Remember, these are averages and guidelines; tailor your budget to your specific needs and priorities. Cutting down the guest list, choosing a less expensive venue, or opting for minimalist decor are some ways to reduce costs if needed.

By carefully considering costs, guest count, event duration, and necessary rentals, you can create a comprehensive wedding budget that sets you up for a memorable celebration within your financial means.

Marketing: Entice couples with creative copy and showcase your services

Marketing your wedding package is essential to attracting clients and standing out in a competitive market. Here are some tips to entice couples with creative copy and showcase your services effectively:

Understand Your Target Audience

Before creating your marketing content, it's crucial to know your ideal clients and their needs. Identify the type of couples you want to target and tailor your message to resonate with them. Consider their preferences, budget, and what they value most in a wedding package. This understanding will enable you to design a package that meets their expectations and creates a compelling offer.

Craft Compelling Copy

Use creative and enticing language to describe your wedding package. Highlight the benefits and value that couples will experience by choosing your package. Emphasise the peace of mind, convenience, and personalisation that your services offer. For example, "Our all-inclusive wedding package ensures your special day is stress-free, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories." Use words that evoke emotion and speak to the heart of your target audience.

Showcase Variety and Flexibility

Couples often seek variety and flexibility when planning their wedding. Offer a range of packages, such as "The Classic," "The Intimate," or "The Grand Celebration," to cater to different tastes and budgets. Outline the inclusions and benefits of each package clearly. This approach showcases your ability to cater to diverse preferences and provides options for couples to choose from.

Highlight Personalisation

Personalisation is a significant trend in the wedding industry. Emphasise the extent to which couples can customise their experience. For instance, "Our wedding package offers a dedicated event coordinator who will work with you to bring your unique vision to life, ensuring your day is a true reflection of your love story." Highlight any options for customising decor, catering, entertainment, and other details to showcase your commitment to creating a personalised celebration.

Utilise Visuals

Visual content, such as photographs and videos, is essential for marketing your wedding package. Invest in high-quality, professional imagery that showcases your venue, decor, catering, and happy couples. Create a gallery on your website that displays real weddings you have hosted. Include images of the ceremony setup, reception details, catering options, and any unique features your package offers. Visuals will help couples imagine their own wedding and build excitement.

Share Testimonials and Reviews

Positive testimonials and reviews from past clients are powerful tools for marketing your wedding package. Include quotes or video testimonials on your website and social media platforms. Highlight the experiences and feedback of couples who have chosen your package. This social proof will build trust and confidence in your services, making it easier for prospective clients to choose you.

By implementing these strategies, you can create compelling marketing copy and showcase your wedding package in a way that resonates with couples, ultimately increasing bookings and ensuring a steady flow of business.

Customisation: Allow couples to personalise their package

Customisation is a key part of any wedding package. Couples will want to personalise their package to make their wedding day unique and memorable. Here are some ways to allow for customisation in your wedding packages:

Offer Different Packages

Firstly, you should offer a range of different packages to suit different couples' needs and budgets. For example, you could offer an "All-In Wedding Planner Package" which includes everything from budgeting to booking vendors and handling things on the day. Alternatively, for couples who have already done most of the planning themselves, you could offer a "Day-Of Coordinator Package" to ensure their day goes smoothly and they can relax and enjoy it. Other packages could include a "Venue-Hunter Package" or a catering and vendors package. By offering a range of packages, you give couples the flexibility to choose what they need and personalise their experience.

Allow for Add-Ons

Couples may want to add extra elements to their package to make it more tailored to their vision. For example, they might want to add an extra hour to their celebration, a photobooth, a donut station, or lawn games. Offering add-ons gives couples the opportunity to customise their package and create a unique experience for their guests.

Customisable Decorations

Decorations are a great way for couples to personalise their wedding and make it reflect their style and theme. Offer a range of customisable decoration options, such as the opportunity to bring in their own lounge furniture or glassware, or to choose from a variety of colour schemes and centrepieces. You could also suggest fresh florals as a way to add extra colour and personalise the event.

Personalised Gifts and Keepsakes

Couples may also want to offer personalised gifts or keepsakes to their wedding party, or to each other, as a memento of the day. These could include engraved champagne flutes, monogrammed aprons, customised artwork, or even a personalised night light. By including these options in your package, you give couples the chance to add a unique and meaningful touch to their wedding day.

Custom Menus

Food and drink are a big part of any wedding, and couples will want to offer their guests a memorable dining experience. Allow couples to customise their menu by choosing their favourite dishes, adding signature cocktails, or even including a lazy Susan for serving drinks and snacks. You could also offer a choice of delicious appetisers and the opportunity to curate their own menu.

By offering customisation options in your wedding packages, you allow couples to create a unique and personalised experience that reflects their individual style and vision. This will make their wedding day even more special and memorable.

Venue: Outline what your venue offers, including capacity, parking, and staff

When outlining what your venue offers, it's important to be as detailed as possible. This will help couples decide if your venue is right for them and will also ensure that their expectations are met. Here is a breakdown of what to include:

Capacity

Start by stating the maximum number of guests your venue can accommodate. This is crucial information for couples as it will determine if your venue is suitable for their wedding. Be sure to mention if there are multiple spaces within the venue that can be utilised, such as outdoor areas, lounges, or a dance floor.

Parking

Inform couples about the parking options available at your venue. Let them know if there is dedicated parking for guests, including the total number of parking spots available. If parking is limited, suggest alternative options, such as nearby parking lots or street parking. Additionally, provide information on accessibility, including any ramps or elevators available for guests with limited mobility.

Staff

Detail the level of staffing couples can expect on their wedding day. Mention the roles of the staff, such as banquet captains, bar and wait staff, kitchen team, wedding coordinators, and any other dedicated staff assigned to the event. Couples will want to know the level of service they can expect, so be sure to outline the responsibilities of the staff and how they will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the couple and their guests.

Planning: Offer a range of packages, from all-inclusive to partial planning

Planning a wedding can be stressful, so many couples turn to wedding planners to help them organise their big day. Wedding planners can offer a range of packages to cater to different needs and budgets. Here are some ideas for planning packages:

All-Inclusive Package

This is the most common type of package that couples look for when hiring a wedding planner. It involves the planner handling everything, from budgeting and finding vendors to overseeing the day itself. This package usually begins with a consultation to understand the couple's needs and budget, and then progresses to booking vendors, venues and a reception location.

Day-Of Coordinator Package

This package is aimed at couples who have planned their wedding themselves but need someone to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. The planner will be responsible for managing the wedding day, including ensuring everything is set up correctly, running to schedule, and dealing with any issues or questions that arise.

Partial Wedding Planning Package

This package is for couples who only need help with certain aspects of the wedding planning. It can be offered a la carte, allowing couples to choose the areas they need support with, such as finding vendors, handling decorations, or venue hunting. This option gives couples peace of mind that they are getting expert help with the parts they find most challenging, without having to hand over control of the entire event.

Micro Wedding Package

A more recent trend, micro weddings are small, short-notice weddings on a limited budget. A micro wedding package would include finding a ceremony spot, booking a reception for a small number of guests, and assisting with any decorations and vendors.

Pop-Up Wedding Package

For impulsive couples who want to get married at short notice, a pop-up wedding package can be offered at a flat rate. This would include a set time slot, an officiant, a venue, a photographer, and a cake or florist. Additional extras can be added, such as a bottle of champagne, extended social time, or a themed wedding.

All-Inclusive vs Partial Wedding Planning

All-inclusive packages are appealing to couples as they take the stress out of coordinating different vendors. However, they often offer less flexibility as couples are limited to the options provided by the venue. Partial wedding planning, on the other hand, gives couples more freedom to choose their own vendors and create a day that is exactly as they want it. It does, however, require more organisation and management of multiple contracts.

When creating wedding packages, it is important to showcase your services and products clearly to potential clients. It is also beneficial to offer a range of packages to suit different budgets and needs, usually between three and four. The first package should be basic, the second should include additional services to meet the client's needs, and the final package should be all-inclusive with everything and more that you can offer.

Frequently asked questions