Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the excitement of booking a new client that I forget to consider the large amount of work that I am taking on to plan their wedding.

Before you take on the next consultation or send the contract, ask yourself these questions:

1) Can I take on another client and give them great service?

If it’s your busy wedding season and you have weddings for the next six weekends in a row, do you really have time to start working with a new client and give her the attention she deserves?

No one wants to turn down a potentially great client but you can be realistic with yourself and with them. Maybe the client pays a retainer now and you will start working with them on a certain pre-determined date in the future (such as the week after your next big wedding is over).

2) Are they my ideal client?

When I started out, any engaged couple willing to hire me was my ideal client.  I was hungry for business and took any client who paid my fee.

After honing my brand and getting some experience, I now have a very specific ideal client who I love to work with. I can describe her looks, her wedding style, her budget, her personality and where she shops.  If a bride isn’t my ideal client, I will refer her to another planner who might be a better fit.  I have never regretted not taking a client, however, I have almost lost my mind trying to work with a nightmare client who was far from our ideal bride.

3) Will I feel burned out if I book another wedding right now?

Most wedding planners I know work incredibly hard on their business and for their clients.  Our job can be stressful, rewarding, maddening and fabulous….all within a ten-minute time frame.  Give yourself permission to take time off, go on vacation, spend time with your family, and just enjoy the slower times in your business.

If you aren’t taking any time off and are feeling burned out, don’t take on any more events until you have time to regroup. It might take a week or it might take a month to recover but time off always pays for itself.