Let’s talk CRM’s. I’ve recently heard a lot of talk about planners, others not liking client portals - my question is why? Isn’t that an easy place to go and view all the clients info? What am I missing? I recently switched from 17hats to Retainly and they don’t have client portals and I kinda miss it.
It’s the planner’s job. I shouldn’t have to spend the wedding day figuring out who everyone is and what companies did what just so I know who to credit later. Some of these timelines have been BARE lately. Give me the vendor team!!! Plus I look like an asshole when I don’t tag people, but what am I supposed to do? Bother the couple after the wedding and make them do homework?!
What’s all the criticism around planners wanting to work with their amazing talented people every time?? Of course I want to. Every wedding already comes with new clients, guests, family dynamics and a million moving parts. If I can remove unknown variables by working with people I trust, already have a flow with, and who kill it every time for our clients, why wouldn’t I? There are obviously other great vendors out there. But if my couple loves my go tos too, we’ve got a good thing going!!
The bride assigned each photographer a different focus, like fashion, documentary, couple & atmosphere 😅 Not a team or second shooters. Four independently hired photographers with their own assignments and deliverables. Publications are now tagging all 4 photographers without making it clear who shot what. This feels very new!! Are we going to see more of this? What do we think?
As much as I love the work of the people I follow, tbh it gets boring seeing the same damn thing over and over. The dutch angles, close shot of the outfit change mini dress, straight on detail shots, hot guests, the couple just standing there, drone shot of the venue...ya know. Weddings are weddings, but the way we’re executing them feels soooo similar. I’m bored! And I’m sure couples are too.
There are some really talented photographers I’ve been working with lately whose work I genuinely love. But getting a response takes a week or more!, usually a follow up and I’m like ohhhhh, I get it now. You can be talented and disappoint people…resulting in them not wanting to come back. I know I haven’t. What a buuuuummmmmmmer
Lovely dropped their 2026 list and my feed is full of badges. They call it handpicked, editor curated and then say vendors are spotlighted for quality, not ad spend. But they also sell paid “boosted placement” and “top placement in search.” They even market “no pay to win placements.” I’m not saying the list is bought. I just think it gets a little murky when paid placement and editorial recognition are all happening in the same place.
Why show couples what they already know…shit happens and traveling is a mess these days. I don’t understand showing them the possibilities that can affect their wedding day or even low vibey stuff in general. Those stories are so much better suited for close friends stories or personal IG. Keep business and the chaotic separate 😅
I find it really unnecessary and unprofessional to share behind the scenes travel, equipment, and what have you type drama on IG stores! 🫠 Are you trying to give your clients a heart attack?! The stories of almost missing your flight, the flat tires on the way to an event, the lost gear. This doesn’t provide comfort or assurance. They know shit happens but like why broadcast that? Personal IG’s exist for a reason, DAMN. The bar for many is much too low. 😅
And bring up any edits early! I can’t tell you how often a vendor comes to me on the wedding day with an issue with something that was already set in the timeline and they’ve had it for weeks. If something doesn’t work for your part, say it before we’re all in it.
Not every issue needs multiple bodies jumping in. Sometimes the best thing you can do is offer help, let them know you’re there if needed, then let them stay in their flow and do what they’re there to do. Everyone being self sufficient, knowing their role, communicating what actually needs to be communicated and not constantly inserting themselves is such an underrated wedding day skill.