Covid-19 and your business in the wedding sector

Two days ago I wrote an article dedicated, mainly, to couples planning their wedding for this year and who probably have questions and a general state of insecurity, in the context of multiple coronavirus cases. Today I want to turn my attention to those who work in the wedding industry and who are concerned about the immediate, but also long-term, effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

I have spent the last few days discussing with guild colleagues from all sectors and have noticed both attitudes of inattention and panic. Of course these are the extremes, because, to my delight, most of the people I have spoken to are reserved and cautious, without reaching the threshold of irrationality 🙂 All this time, in addition to my clients (and their weddings), I have also been thinking about how my business will be affected, but also that of other small business owners.

Not everything as usual.

Under no circumstances can we pretend that everything goes like any other day. Glenze game.

It’s a challenging time, first of all emotional. In addition to things that directly affect our customers, we are also exposed to the wave of information, from social media and on TV. The number of rising cases, the increasingly strict rules, the justified care for the vulnerable people in our lives, are all reasons for emotional overload. You don’t have to suffer from anxiety that makes you feel a bit like needles these days. This anxiety can make us more reactive, but less productive. For some of us, this means that we will have to allocate additional energy resources to perform the same tasks.

It is or follows a challenging period from the point of view effective work. It may seem paradoxical. Yes, you may have less to do if certain events are cancelled, but it’s just as likely that you’ll have to respond to more emails with questions from your customers. Questions whether justified or not, will deserve your attention and your answer.

Last but not least, it is a challenging period from a quality point of view financial. Some of the collaborators I spoke to told me they were worried, and that’s as natural as it gets. Most of those who work in the wedding industry, especially the creative ones, have small families, even, or very few employees. Their income depends largely on the weddings they organize, photograph, film or decorate. The idea that certain events might be canceled this year is cause for concern.

It’s not the most dire scenario

However, it would be an exaggeration to think that we find ourselves in a terrible or unsustainable scenario. Also because these are the worst things that could happen. At any time. Furthermore, there are things that You can do them For your business and I think it could help you have a better business once this crisis ends. The last thing you should do these days is desperately fall into the lake and start begging for mercy. Do not neglect daily work, if it can be done in a form, even a modified one.

What can you do?

It’s important for me to know that I can do something, no matter how small. AND the entire side of the glassmy protection mechanism that I want to share with you today. I thought about some things we can do during this period that can make our business easier, can strengthen our business and, above all, can bring us some serenity.

1. Get ready an answer for any questions from your customers. You may want to make it public or keep it just for them, but it’s nice to have something ready. It is possible to evaluate and find answers regarding an event cancellation or postponement policy. Or about other things related to your business in the coming period. It will be easier and you will save a lot of time if this response is prepared in advance and can be easily conveyed to each customer.

2. Needless to say, darling Move your operations onlineas much as possible. Avoid meetings in the following period. And think about whether this is something that can be maintained in your business, long term!

3. Check and analyze the budget expected for this year. It is difficult, but necessary to do it as soon as possible. Be honest and confidential, but now review what needs to be reviewed. A “crisis” financial plan can help you see exactly what costs you might incur and how exactly you should recover, either during the year or next wedding season.

4. Do it order in systems and processes. You may be tempted to say that your business is too small and that this isn’t being enforced. And I will tell you honestly that it is very possible to lose money (or a lot of time), not now, but in general, if you don’t have a well-developed workflow. Your work system includes all operations and tasks, from the first customer email to the last «comma» of the contract. Maybe you waste time doing the same time and there would be a way to automate this task. Or maybe there is a better, more productive order in which you can approach things. Maybe there are things related to communication between your team members that can improve. Whatever it is, I don’t think there will be a better time to put some of it into practice business strategy.

5. If you have a lull in your business, take advantage of it to do all of this things you usually put off. Yes, finish those articles in your blog draft, edit that wedding you’ve been avoiding, write those collaboration emails you’ve been putting off. Or set aside some time to outline that new project idea you’ve been thinking about for the past few years. We all know that sometimes we want the day to have 30 hours and the week 9 days… Guess whatit’s about this (but more). You get the point!

6. If you happen to have fewer weddings this year, focus on giving your clients, those who choose to move forward with their event plans, the best service that you can offer. Go above and beyond for them And you won’t regret it at any time! Not only do they deserve it but I assure you that an impeccable service will not go unnoticed and they will be able to turn to you with Several recommendations, mega-declared clients who worked with you and, in general, with a brilliant status, because you were brilliant!

7. Take care of your health Physical, but also from the mental state And be kind to your emotions! Read a good book, relax with a scented bath, watch an interesting movie or play games on your computer. Move around the house or play with the cats. If you have them; If not, I know someone ;).

8. Last but not least, even if it is a period in which you should avoid going out and contacting other people, I advise you Connect with other people who work in the wedding industry. Put your hand on your phone or email and open conversations with people in our guild. It is more important than ever to take care of each other, to know that we are not alone and that our concerns are similar. We can dedicate, at least part of the time, to making new connections, taking an interest in colleagues and collaborators.

I leave you with some advice from the WHO on how to deal with the stress caused by the spread of Covid-19.