How to find your dream team of vendors in time and book a photographer for only $150!
How to find your dream team of vendors in time and book a photographer for only $150!
By Erin Summer Moulton
Congratulations you are finally engaged! As your state of happiness consumes you, reality sets in. It’s planning time! But wait it’s also still a pandemic which can bring an uneasy amount of stress and uncertainty. Don’t worry I have some good news for you.
As a professional photographer with over 25 years of experience one thing I tell all my clients is to “expect the unexpected” because that is one thing that is guaranteed at every event. Although the unexpected isn’t always written out in a contract a seasoned professional who goes above and beyond will find a way to make it work! Having the perfect team… your dream team of vendors is essential to your big day.
How do you find this team?
Here are a few tips:
* First once you have an idea of the vendor(s) it’s important to check their availability. Planning takes time and your time is valuable. So if they are not available it’s time to move on to review other vendors.
* Read ALL reviews and the vendors reply to them. Their reply to even a bad review will tell you a bit about them. Remember not all bad reviews are validated and not all good reviews have enough information.
* Word of mouth is good, but talking to the vendor to see if they are a “good match” for you is important. Even though others liked the vendor doesn’t mean your personalities and overall vision will be the best fit. Every couple has a different vision and perspective.
(Check out some of the most frequently asked questions in the Erin Summer Studios
Facebook group)
* Review their contract especially the NEW COVID-19 & Pandemic clauses. Know all terms concerning postponements, cancellations for both you and that vendor. The CDC has confirmed that even the vaccinated can carry, spread and be quarantined if necessary, due to covid. So these clauses are extremely important. Even with contractual terms that work for both you and the vendor be prepared for the worst with a backup plan and hope for the best!
Here are two NEW options I’m offering my clients to help ease their mind from the current state of pandemic uncertainty.
The first one is in addition to my standard event contract & invoice policy, there is the NEW “separate” reservation option. It allows you to reserve your date without a wedding day contract for up to 60 days prior to your event date.* It takes the worry out of losing your date to another client, possible cancellations, gives you time to save up for your perfect photo package and upgrades.
The second is the NEW mini engagement session. This session helps you check out our creative chemistry and get some pics for your bridal website, invites and more without paying an “arm and a leg”. It is available to all engaged couples who are searching for their wedding photographer and have not yet booked one.
Here’s how it works:
1. Reserve your date for only $150*
2. Pick one of our “Try it Before You Buy it” mini engagement sessions and pay the time slot reservation fee of $25**
3. Up to 60 days prior to your wedding date, choose the package & upgrades that work best for you, finalize details, sign the contract, pay the 50% retainer.***
4. 4 weeks prior to the wedding date pay your final balance completely worry free!
Remember these are new OPTIONS. If you are ready to book now and confident you will not have a cancellation then our standard contract without the additional reservation agreement is available just for you.
Feel free to review the New option terms below and contact us with any questions you may have.
Terms:
*The non refundable reservation fee of one hundred and fifty dollars is a retainer that will hold your date up to 60 days prior to your date without a “wedding package” contract, not to exceed 12 months, without risk of losing the date to another client. The non refundable fee pays for one chosen date hold only. It is a separate agreement and is not part of your event contract and does not go towards your event invoice balance.
**The “Try it Before You Buy it” mini engagement sessions are offered to every newly engaged couple who have NOT booked a wedding photographer for their upcoming wedding or have booked Erin Summer Studios for their upcoming wedding. The mini session includes a 15 minute time slot, basic editing, and a virtual proof gallery for 30 days with option to purchase prints and high resolution downloadable images. Sessions are limited to specific times and locations. The normal session and post production editing fees are waived, however, the non-refundable reservation fee of $25 is required for the time slot. Sessions are subject to availability.
*** Your official event contract with a non-refundable retainer of 50% of the final cost of your event package and upgrades, if any, must be received no later than 60 days prior to your event date to keep your date and any eligible discounts or offers, if any. The final amount is due 30 days prior to your event date.
