We TOTALLY get it! Wedding planning in itself is a stressful job, whether there is a Covid-19 pandemic going on or not. From our own CEO Gurminder, who’s wedding was postponed, to all the wonderful prospective clients who are looking to book vendors, but are concerned about commitment, it is trying times. What we are certain about is that you are not alone! Banga Studios is here to support you whether you are our clients, prospective clients, or just beautiful souls trying to find some light in these hard times.
“We’ve got your back!”
For us all, the reality of the situation is really setting in now, and it feels like information overload, so we’ve simplified it for you. According to governments around the world, the restrictions include but are not limited to:
1. No gatherings with more than 50 people (we miss game nights with our families!!)
2. Social distancing (time to binge watch netflix)
3. A travel ban closing the Canadian borders, prohibiting travel around the world (you know what they say, “what happens in Vegas…” Well, I guess we will never know!)
This information may make you feel like your ability to plan your event during the Covid-19 pandemic is limited, however, we have plenty of TIPS for you to help navigate through all this information, and still plan your dream wedding!
Are you asking yourself right now…
“What should I be looking for when booking a vendor in this climate?”
Through experience pre Covid-19 pandemic, what we were noticing was clients were looking at mainly budget as a deciding factor between vendors, with image quality being right behind budget. Both are equally important factors to look at when picking vendors however, post Covid-19 we have now experienced a shift in our client meetings and inquiries.
During our meetings with potential clients, the importance of CLIENT SERVICING is now, if not the most important question we have been asked about. This is a brilliant opportunity to take advantage of and start to look at vendors who have processes in place where client servicing is their number one priority.
To help you guys at your next vendor meeting, check out these questions you can ask!
Does your vendor believe in Client Servicing? Questions to consider:
1. What is a roadblock with another client that you have come across, and how did you deal with it?
2. What are some current processes you have in place for client servicing?
3. How many checkpoints do you have with your clients and what do we do in each checkpoint?
4. How many people do you have on your team? Who takes care of what item and when?
Listening to our clients’ concerns about Covid-19 and how it is affecting their events that are coming up in the next month or two, we know how important client servicing is in the current reality that we face now. You want to trust that your vendors are truly going to support you if it comes to rescheduling your events, help you get organized, staying calm, and simply having open communication. If you haven’t yet, be sure to get in touch with your vendors to create a game plan.
Speaking of communication, it is 100% not as straightforward as it used to be, where you schedule a meeting, book your vendor and then have a 4 week touch point. Now is the time for the conversation with your vendors to significantly increase! With an increase of valuable communication, you will be able to feel more comfortable with your vendors, and a sense of calm when you see all the pieces fitting together.
COMMUNICATION CHECKLIST:
-How many touch points will they have with you and what is happening through each point of contact.
-Will they be able to provide EXPERT advice, not only to you but your family as well.
-Do you feel comfortable opening up to them about your stressors and trust that they will aid you in making the correct decisions.
-What is their response time like and does it suit your needs?
We understand both as vendors and as a groom, right now you might be a little hesitant to secure a vendor given the current situation. However, we think this is the right time to get the conversations started to build trust and a relationship with your potential vendors. Your vendors are currently completely available to help you through your planning process. They are ready to talk through a phone call or a virtual meeting to get organized, plan your engagement shoots, provide initial proposals and answer any and ALL the questions you may have.
TAKE ADVANTAGE because your vendors want to HELP!
Our clients are also wondering about the cancellations policies that are in place. Along with the policies you may be feeling uncertain about how your vendors will react to the news of rescheduling. With Gurminder’s own wedding that has been postponed, what we have learned is that all the vendors on his team helped guide and support both his fiance and himself to make swift and responsible decisions. From this experience what we have learned is, all your vendors will encourage you to reschedule your event to a day where you and your guests can celebrate your love.
DON’T CANCEL LOVE instead POSTPONE, REGROUP and CELEBRATE because…
-Your love is just too precious to cancel!
-Your family and friends want to be safe and healthy so they can be there to support you through one of the biggest journeys in your lives.
-In order to create the beautiful moments that you have dreamed about and saved in your pinterest boards, your vendors need your collaboration to make them all come together.
-Vendors can provide you with consistent support through each step, such as creating new save the dates, figuring out ways to manage the budget and helping you plan your engagement shoot in creative yet safe ways.
-Although your dream team would be ideal, do not fixate on just having those specific vendors. To help simplify decisions, find your top 3 teams and work down your list.
-The event industry relies on their clients to help support local communities, families and their loved ones, just like you!
**PRO TIP**
We’ve had clients in these last few days ask us, what if you are not available for a date that I am trying to reschedule for? This is a valid concern and our tip to you is, come into your vendor meetings with a few dates that you could potentially want to do your wedding on. One of our clients did an amazing job creating a file with dates that are in late 2020 and early 2021, and shared with their vendors to find a common date! To help you, we have created our own version of this file. Send us an email at [email protected] to receive your copy!
Throughout your planning process, you will come across businesses that are run by talented individuals and experienced teams. Bride and Grooms that have come to us will then consider what type of experience they are truly looking for when it comes to their wedding. Being that Banga Studios is a team committed to servicing you, here is some advice we give our clients.
The TOP reasons why you should hire a TEAM:
1.Team driven businesses often have a backup team available on hand in case of an emergency.
2.There is a client servicing system in place to ensure you get the best experience possible.
3.Every single person on the team has one focus, which YOU! For example the Banga Studios team consists of:
–Wedding Consultants: Our team will help answer all your initial questions, get to know your story and provide you with valuable information such as vendor recommendations.
–Photographers: Banga Studios has an experienced group of photographers that will provide you with an unforgettable experience while capturing all your precious moments.
–Post Production: The in house team of editors will take your beautiful images and turn it into magic from screen to print while paying close attention to your requests.
–Executive Team: Our VP Simrin will be your guidance throughout your wedding experience with Banga Studios. While she works closely with our CEO Gurminder to build the business through marketing, she will also be providing you with a consistent one-on-one experience planning your engagement shoot, touch points to gather information about your big day and much more…
We’ve experienced first hand that stress can manifest from your mom constantly asking you if you added your aunts, cousins, tailors son to the guest list (true story), or the ever looming Covid-19 pandemic (also a true story)! Whatever maybe on your plate, the MOST IMPORTANT point on your checklist should be, SELF LOVE. Have a break, have a kitkat or better yet…
FOLLOW THESE SELF LOVE TIPS
-Reconnect with your partner and immediate family (remember social distancing)!
-Take a moment to yourself and practice deep breathing – check out this amazing video created by our good friend, Jay Shetty.
-Start a journal to help organize your thoughts.
-Remember your vendors are your friends, and they want to help you through this process. Ask for help for things as simple as creating an awesome new save the date!
NOW is YOUR CHANCE to take advantage of all the time you have and the availability of vendors to get steps ahead of your planning process. Ensure your physical and mental health comes first during these next few months, whether it means taking a breather or getting some exercise. Don’t forget that your vendors are here to help you through all the uncertainty.
We want to hear more about your stories and how we can help guide you – so let’s get in touch! You can book a consultation with our CEO, Gurminder Banga, to learn more about Banga Studios. He will share his story of planning his wedding to help give you first hand knowledge before and after Covid-19, and all the advice he has for you.
Let’s Get In Touch!
This is YOUR BIG DAY so LET’S MAKE IT A BANG’N ONE!
