How to Dump a Bride or Groomzilla

Question: How Do You Dump a Bad Client?

Hey Steph,

How do you gracefully decline a couple you feel isn’t right for you?

It just seems odd to tell them you just booked the date on them right after you just met with them.

Thanks,

Jimmy

Answer:

Hey, Jimmy.

I hate when that happens! Both you and the couple set aside time to meet, and then you find out about the nightmare location, get a first hand experience of their wicked temper or meet the Monster-in-laws. How do you back out after all that without looking like a jerk?

The first thing to note is that you’re suffering from Commitment and Consistency; the more you have invested in working with a couple, the more committed you feel to following through.

The good news: as long as you don’t have a contract, it’s not too late to ditch them! With sensitivity and grace, of course.

It does feel a little weird, but sometimes you should do it anyway. You’ll be glad you didn’t have to work with someone that isn’t a good match.

Try to find a way to say it that isn’t an outright lie. I’d wait a day or so and then tell them, “I’m sorry, but we’re no longer available for your date.”

(You don’t have to explain that you’re “no longer available” because you wouldn’t be caught dead working their wedding.)

As long as you didn’t promise to hold the date for them, and you don’t have a contract, you’ll be okay with that.

If you DID promise to hold the date, I would let that time frame pass without calling them. Hopefully, it will go away, but if it doesn’t, you’ll be in the clear to say, “I’m sorry, but we’re no longer available.”

In any case, you’ll be able to gracefully decline the job without offending them.

Hope this helps!

Steph

What advice do you have about ditching clients you don’t want to work with?

 

Got a wedding business question you want answered? Email Stephanie & Jeff and you could be the next Question of the Week! All personal details about your identity will be removed unless you specify otherwise.

Photo Credit