Comments on: Identifying a Difficult Client

By: Ty Barnett

Ty Barnett — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:56:31 +0000

I am late on this forum. However, I am excited that I found it! I am dealing with a bridezilla who micro-manages. She does not want to be involved but has her hands in everything. Thanks for this post.

By: Turning Away Business » Sage Wedding Pros

Turning Away Business » Sage Wedding Pros — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:01:36 +0000

[...] Identifying a Difficult Client [...]

By: Brittney M.

Brittney M. — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:03:28 +0000

Thanks you so much for all of the advice… truly love it all!

By: Dina Eisenberg

Dina Eisenberg — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:57:57 +0000

Michelle, you hit the nail on the head. I think that if you have chutzpah enough to start your own business, you might was well make it so you have clients you like! You have to set expectations and hold to them.

It takes courage to just stay no, though. So, I’m gonna ponder what a good response for each type of monster client, just in case you have her already or see her coming. I’ll let you know when the post is up, probably Monday.

Thanks for writing such a thought provoking post!

PS Personally, I don’t work with people who can’t laugh at themselves. Life’s just too short…

By: SnideBride

SnideBride — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:10:17 +0000

Intuition is truly what it’s all about.
LOVE the ‘It’s just a simple wedding’.
That’s code for ‘Only 6 sets of curtains to hang. It really shouldn’t take that long.’
Unless you’ve done it and timed it, shut up about its simplicity.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:32:38 +0000

Thanks so much for sharing these true red flags. I can’t wait to see tomorrow’s advice, as I’m finding myself exactly the situation you’ve described.

By: Ron Ruth

Ron Ruth — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:18:36 +0000

Love your article. I would add, never let a parent contract you as a Wedding Professional without hearing the words “We really want you” from the Bride & Groom. As I’ve learned the hard way, mom & dad may be thrilled with your style and offerings but the couple may have another vision, or even another Wedding Professional, in mind.

By: Vari Avila

Vari Avila — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:38:44 +0000

Excellent post! I too am interested in learning what your suggested decline response would be after you realize that the potential client might not be a good fit. I’ll be looking forward to your post tomorrow!

By: Karla |Stylish Events|

Karla |Stylish Events| — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:20:23 +0000

Michelle, I’ve been waiting for this post ever since we got together. Great pointers on how to identify a red-flag or difficult client and save us the trouble.

I’ve learned to look out for those potential clients who seem very obsessive compulsive in their correspondence or initial consultation because they can put lots of pressure and expect immediate gratification.

Today’s Bride is very involved in the planning process but they have to let the professional do what they do best.

By: Keisha Scott

Keisha Scott — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:03:57 +0000

Michelle,

I absolutely love this post. Sometimes it is difficult to detect a bridezilla, and reading these indicators will be helpful to me and my business.

One “red flag” that I have noticed and learned from is the bride that comes in with the statement, “Let’s not talk about the budget right now”. If you have money in the bank, that’s fine, but one should still have an idea of what they are looking to spend. My job as a Wedding Planner is to make sure that there is some money management maintained for the event.

To make a long story short, there was a budget, and she did not want to stick by that, which created conflict with her and her family. From that point on, I have now included a separate proposal that if any bride goes over their budget they have to sign an agreement stating that I have given them the necessary information regarding their budget, and they have agreed to change or increase that budget.

I have enjoyed reading today’s post, and looking forward to tomorrow’s discussion.