We’ve all got them, a laundry list of client requests that we’d file away as pure insanity! But everyone has a reason for asking for the absurd … or do they? Is it against the planner’s code-of-conduct to say no to a client and does this fall into the same category as “the customer is always right”?
For us, we have gotten some doozies over the years when it comes to laughable client requests. For example, the need for expensive covers on an obscene number of chairs for a 35min ceremony. Many clients believe the best way to hide hideous chairs is by the use of chair covers; and while this may be true, we as planners really need to take into consideration the necessity, expense and amount of time this request will take to set and be used. P.S. When a mountain lodge is contracted because of its charm, it’s fair to expect some rustic or overly themed chairs to follow suit!
Another fun, and somewhat common request is to have all items removed from the walls, such as pictures, décor (or animal heads), even though the venue overtly demonstrated its true character when contracted. But now it goes against the new aesthetic being created! These are difficult positions to be in as a planner. You know deep down nothing has changed about the venue or vendor since contracting and asking your partners to alter their spaces because the look and feel no longer match the client’s aesthetic, is ridiculous.
In our experience, most clients just want to talk things out and some want to see what they can get away with; a lot of what they might say will seem absurd and hopefully over time they may come to realize that too. Very similarly to when you just need to rant or hash things out after a long day and then over time cooler heads prevail! Listen to their absurdities and try to really understand what they are asking for and/or why before writing the ideas off entirely. Listening may get you to a more suitable outcome, rather than upsetting them right from the jump by saying No. Now … if what your client is asking of you will negatively impact your mental or financial well-being, morals or the vendor relationships you’ve so tirelessly worked to create, then by all means, stand your ground from the get-go!
In most cases, there is always a price for the ridiculous, if your client is willing to pay up, but you also have a duty to do what’s in their best interest and it’s quite possible there’s a more cost effective alternative if they are willing to hear it. For those clients that simply do not want to hear an alternative and want what they want, then by all means determine a reasonable price between you and your venue/vendor(s) and present their new options. If it’s beyond what you or your partners are able to accomplish, the simple answer is no, in the most polite and professional way possible!
