PANDEMIC AFFECTING WEDDING SUPPLIERS – WHAT YOU CAN DO
These are some unprecedented times and this pandemic is affecting wedding suppliers the most!
One thing is for sure, we will probably never going to get the chance to slow down like this again! Therefore, use this time wisely! Surely for some, it has been tough having to work hard through this pandemic. However, for most wedding suppliers, who got to stay at home and spend time with their family this is the time to cherish forever!
So, while working from home, and not having to run from meeting to meeting, use this time to focus on your brand and your couples!
RESPECT THE SITUATION
Respect the situation your couples are in. Try to find a common ground to solve the issues that arose because of this pandemic. If you can afford it, think of helping the affected couples in any way you can. Donate your time, your services, your expertise or even financial help. Keep the lines of conversation with your couples open.
DON’T STOP GROWING
Invest in your brand! This is the time to focus on your branding and get marketing investments in place! If you need to boost your sales, get to networking events and invest in growth! The new way of education and growth is now! Improvement is needed at any stage, and now is your time to invest in your business growth! At this point, attending conferences, workshops, and educational programs is a must!
QUOTES FROM SELECTED WEDDING SUPPLIERS
In an interview with Bridelux, award-winning luxury cake maker Elizabeth of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium said: “Symposiums have gone from “nice-to-have”, to a “must-have”! Because we need to recover and wedding shows and conferences are one way for us to get great advice, meet like-minded people network and be seen. Self-development is absolutely needed to take our businesses to a next level. Studies have shown from 2008 when the crash happened, the companies that continued to invest in their people and self-development came out of the recession much quicker. They survived compared to the companies that didn’t, because they continued to market and develop.”
Fashion and wedding photographer George Stratigis says: “For me, it is worth it as a goal to have strong collaborations. Inspiration is the motivation, we don’t want to “lose”. We need to create a new visual language. After all this, we will have a new order. We share intellectual chemistry and we need to move higher above on a personal aesthetic invention. We lead a new artistic movement/collective that grows on the border of wedding and fashion imagery. And we do it for us.”
MARKETING IS A MUST
Social proof is always needed for all professionals! And even more so now when this pandemic is affecting all wedding suppliers. So focus on your marketing, update your website with fresh images and start getting those submissions and all your press features in order! Don’t cancel your promotions which might set you back or even to recession. Reach out to blogs and magazines like Ellwed to get your work featured! Be productive and creative! Plan for the next styled shoot. Make sure you know what is the purpose of this styled shoot and how you will use it afterward. You can also join styled shoots or portfolio-building retreats to get the high-quality images that will get you one step closer to the feature!
UPGRADE YOUR ACCOUNTS
Update and grow your social media channels. If you may have noticed, some companies like Facebook and Instagram have already introduced new features and renewed some components. Yes, this pandemic is affecting wedding suppliers the most, however, some have already redesigned their sites and added new projects! You should do something too and not stay behind! Even if it is only a small change as a new blog post.
PIVOT
Think positive and use this downtime to start a new project or finish your old one, which will bring you the extra income you might need. What is that one thing you were always dreaming of doing but never had the time to do? Take action now and grow!
Greek/Canadian Photographer Kimon Kaketsis used this time to create a new project Alone Together! “Our imposed confinement has forced us to cancel or postpone events and celebrations. However we are witnessing our relationships strengthen as the pandemic has been an opportunity for people to connect virtually in a more meaningful way. Our very concept of connection is being re-examined as we isolate and socialize in new ways. In order to stay inspired and engaged within our new constrained lives, I hope to create a new series of images that capture moments of love through an unlikely lens by using ‘screenshots’ as a medium.
This image “session” will have the couple invite the photographer into their home with a video chat. In that way, we can create moments that will not only highlight the relationship between them but also between the couple and photographer.”
AND FINALLY, GET READY
Get your business ready for the possible increase of inquiries and events after this period will pass. Be prepared to offer valuable knowledge about the new age events your couples will be asking for. The couples might reassess their values and what is more important to them. The weddings might become more intimate or more family orientated, others might get even bigger celebrations. Therefore you need to be ready to address the issues such as Eco-conscious choice, sourcing local suppliers and products, of no wastage, flower recycling and more attention to hygiene. It is vital for you as a pro to educate yourself and arm yourself with all the information. You will have to educate your clients how the market has changed, what is possible for their case and why some prices might have increased. Remember, it is your responsibility as a professional to guide and educate your clients.
