Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: RSS
As the founder of a successful dance company, Vanessa Domenech was used to big productions and showcasing her personality. So when she decided to transition away from dancing, she needed a career that fueled her creativity — a career where she could be herself.
So she returned to the places where she thrived, and she became a wedding planner. After all, as a belly dancer and Bollywood-style dancer, Vanessa was immersed in the world of events, especially South Asian weddings. So she used her connections, her business know-how, and her unique personality to build a successful wedding business.
A High-End Wedding Planner Tells All
Vanessa is the owner and founder of Vanessa Domenech Events , which specializes in luxury and destination weddings. She’s our guest this week on Wedding Industry Insider, and she’s holding nothing back during this lively interview.
How to Raise Your Pricing as a Wedding Planner
Today, Vanessa charges five figures per wedding. But her first wedding? She put a $300 price tag on her services back then.
In today’s episode, Vanessa walks through the baby steps she took to raise her pricing to a high-end level. This means finding a balance between what you want to make and what you’re actually worth, and it means avoiding the “red flag” pricing that may send the wrong message to luxury wedding clients.
Networking & Mentorships for Wedding Planners
Tempted to be a lone wolf wedding planner? Think that other planners are competition? It’s time for a mindset shift, and Vanessa has fantastic encouragement to help you reach out to other planners and be open to networking.
Vanessa owes her success to her mentor, and now she offers mentorships for other rising wedding planners too.
We also discuss networking events, how to meet vendors and other planners in your community, and what you can learn from other pros.
Vanessa’s Controversial Take on Boundaries as a Luxury Wedding Planner
“When you’re charging $20,000, $30,000, $15,000, if you need to take a phone call at 8 p.m., you are going to make the time to make a phone call.”
It’s not the boundary-setting we typically hear about on Wedding Industry Insider, but Vanessa says it may be what it takes to be a luxury wedding planner.
And the why behind the flexibility is intriguing – this approach to wedding planning has saved Vanessa thousands on advertising.
During the interview, Vanessa shows what it looks like to accommodate luxury wedding clients and how it’s benefited her business. Take a listen and see if you agree, or if you at least could be more open to a flexible schedule as a wedding pro.
And… Vanessa Domenech’s #1 Advice for Wedding Planners
During this fun interview, Vanessa reveals why she connects so well with clients from South Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. She also outlines her typical response time for clients and inquiries, and what she expects from vendors.
You’ll also find out how Vanessa weeds out her recommended vendors and how she builds trust with the most respected vendors in the industry.
And… Vanessa also shares her #1 advice for wedding planners. In a rush? Vanessa’s advice about patience will inspire you to slow down and enjoy every stage of your business (and work hard to get to the next step!).
More from Vanessa Domenech
To hear our full interview with Vanessa, you can press the play button above. And be sure to subscribe to our podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!
We want to say a special thank you to Vanessa for sharing these insights with our Timeline Genius community.
Vanessa entered the luxury wedding market by improving her skills – and raising her pricing – over time. We hope this interview encourages you to stick it out and find patience as you grow your wedding planning business.
Show Notes:
-
- Connect with Vanessa for coaching or networking here.
- Questions? Get in touch with Vanessa or Eddie
- Save time while leveling up your wedding planning business – Sign up for your free trial of Timeline Genius.
