A.
When setting your price you will want to consider
several things. First, how much do coordinators in your area usually charge?
Since you are just starting, you will not be able to charge as much as they
do, but it will give you a guideline.
Next, how do coordinators in your area charge? In
my area, we charge a flat fee. However, in some areas of the country
coordinators charge a percentage of the couple's budget. If you are working
with couples on a tight budget, you probably can't charge a percentage, since
they simply can't afford it.
To get a general idea of what to charge, figure
out approximately what you want to make per hour. Then, take that times the
number of hours that you expect to spend on the wedding. If you are only
doing the coordination of the wedding day and rehearsal, you can figure that
fairly easily. If you are helping with the planning as well, it will take you
some time to get a feel for the number of hours you will spend on an event.
Remember, that hiring a coordinator is a luxury,
so if you set your price too high, people will choose not to hire you and
spend the money on more food, a nicer gown, etc.
Be sure that you have all clients sign a
contract. The contract should include the amount to be paid and when, what
you will do and what you don't do (I do not sign contracts for clients because
then I am legally responsible even if they break their engagement or something
else happens), and your cancellation policy and cancellation fee, if any. You
can get help from your state Attorney General's office (they probably have a
web site) on what you need to include in a contract.
Good luck on the wedding.
Glenna Tooman, ForeverWed.com Wedding Consultant
How to determine what to
charge
