I made the decision to change my wedding planning forms

steve149 said:

Maybe leave a line for "Special Dances / Activities" so it becomes a simple conversation .. otherwise you might get some who want it but "forget" about until the day before. No need for separate lines, but one "other" heap (throws, shoe game, dollar dance, etc, etc) might still make sense.

Click to expand...

I still have all of those events on my sheets.
I have periods of time where everybody does events,
and others where they don't want to do anything.

But I only list the basic, traditional things on my info sheets.
I also have a section about "Special Events"...
which can be filled out for speeches, shoe game, apron dance, etc.

I have been really happy with DJI. Very customizable and my clients constantly compliment how easy the online tools are, even if it looks outdated.

It’s all intergraded into the site and requires almost no maintenance.

Personally I. Didn’t have any issues with the questionnaires... it was more the backend and the financials and reports since I’m a numbers guy. I think it’s up to us to make the questionnaires worthwhile and easy to use. I. D.on.t think jaswrx is getting good feedback just because of the layout... but rather the questions and the content that’s included within the planning tools. If someone else used the same platform but had hard to follow questions or very basic questions that don’t get into the details of the event, then clients will be less than thrilled.

DJI provides 3 different areas/forms the client has access to.

What I did is start with the DJI template, and then changed the order, layout, and 80% of what is listed on The Planning Form to make it even more organized, and it helps me get multiple answers to things I know I would have to ask anyhow.

On the Timeline Form, I made ALL my own selections, so the client will choose from a drop-down menu and build their timeline. I get to see all the updates as the systems emails me, and then I start scheduling meetings to discuss.

Over the years, I have refined what is listed in the Planning form to better help me get to know the couple and what they like.

Honestly, I can't imagine not using these Online Tools. It makes final meetings super easy.

The Music Request Form is self-explanatory.

Taso, I don't use any of the backend stuff so I cannot even comment on that. It's all for my clients.

For business owners like us, there are lots of excellent apps for all the other "backend" stuff.

Cap Capello said:

My personal opinion is to keep your wedding planner as in-depth and comprehensive as possible for several reasons.

... it will act as a blindside and pooh shield when some higher up family member asks you to do something the B&G have clearly indicated as a NO

Click to expand...

I don't recommend hiding behind paperwork. I don't require a shield, just professional people skills.

My Planner is 7 pages long, with 2 more pages of instruction and suggestion. What's the cost of emailing a .pdf?

Click to expand...

What's the value of your time, or theirs? 7 pages is ridiculous, your planning a reception not the invasion of Europe.

My planner is single double sided page that can be completed in about 10 minutes or less. It prompts them for everything I may want to discuss with them personally. That's the key - I don't rely on paper forms - I work with them personally. The form is is a simple survey that informs me of their basic expectations of style and tradition.

So if you're looking for separation from the local herd of humdrum jocks, your insightful and comprehensive planner can clearly exemplify just how crafty and professional you are without having to boast. It's in writing.

Click to expand...

A warm smile and informed conversation will generate for more business than anything you could put in writing. I provide the form to couples who don't have a lot of advance ideas or plans to help them convey the most basic information I may need. By and large, I don't even use these forms anymore and customize a timeline based on our conversation.