How to Master the Budget Talk

Inside The Easton Approach, we go deep into how to talk about money with clients — and budget appropriately for ultra-luxury weddings.

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The best thing you can do for you client is utilize your knowledge of the industry and share accurate price estimates to help them make informed decisions.

No matter the size of the budget, clarifying your client’s priorities is a
must-do.

Often, couples have a long list of items they want for their wedding, but their budget may not allow for everything. It's critical to help them prioritize their wants and needs — and make sure the most important items are included in the budget. For example, is having gorgeous photos to enjoy the rest of their lives their #1 desire? Then you may choose to prioritize getting the photographer of their dreams over spending more on a band.

Mastering the budget talk is crucial for a successful planner/client relationship. By educating your couples on the cost of an ultra-luxury wedding, setting clear expectations, and helping them prioritize their wants and needs, you can ensure their dream wedding becomes a reality — within their budget.

It’s your job to be the expert and the guide, so approach the conversation with confidence and offer creative solutions for what they can do with their budget.

Another important aspect of mastering the budget talk is setting clear expectations.

This includes discussing the client's budget and what they can realistically expect to get for their money.

It's important to be honest and transparent about what is included in the budget and what is not. For example, if a client has a budget of $250,000, it's important to let them know that this may not cover all the bells and whistles they are envisioning and they will need to adjust where they are allocating their funds.

Providing this information upfront can help prevent any surprises later on in the planning process.

One of the first steps in mastering the budget talk is to educate your clients on the cost of an ultra-luxury wedding.

Many couples, especially those planning their first luxury wedding, may not fully understand the costs involved. It's important to provide them with a realistic idea of what they can expect to spend on various aspects of their wedding, such as the venue, catering, flowers, and production costs.

As an experienced wedding planner, you know that budget is one of the most critical aspects of planning a luxury wedding.

However, discussing the budget with clients can often be a difficult and uncomfortable conversation, especially when clients have budgets upwards of $500k. It’s important to remember that setting clear expectations and educating clients about the cost of their dream wedding is crucial for a successful planning process.