How to Handle Two Brides Inquiring for the Same Date

Dear Jasmine,
Luckily/thankfully we've been getting a ton of inquiries for this upcoming wedding season(!!!!). The issue we're running into is that we'll get an inquiry for a date that will be open when we get the initial inquiry, and then before we hear back from the 1st couple we'll get another inquiry for the same date from a 2nd couple.
Since we technically haven't booked the date I tell the 2nd couple that the date is “currently open” but then, what do we do if both couples meet with us, and want to book us? My husband thinks we should pursue both clients since the date is technically open. Somehow, that feels “off” to me [as brides spend so much time planning their day and choosing their vendors].
But at the same time, I feel like if we tell the couples that someone else is interested in the date that it could seem like a high-pressure sales move, which is not something I'm into. We've tried both approaches so far, and neither seem like the right answer.
I hate feeling like we're messing up this (seemingly) simple thing! Hopefully you can help us with this.
Sincerely,
Availability Assailant

Dear Availability Assailant,
After I read your email, I leaned back in my chair and took a few deep breaths because I could literally feel the earnest desire to get an answer. But I need to caution you against the urge to get confused or overwhelmed. So often creatives let our interpersonal skills get in the way of making business decisions.

Let's be real: we must conduct our client correspondence and interaction from straight-forward perspective, with honesty at the forefront.

If a prospective client inquires for a date and another inquires shortly thereafter, I inform the second client that another bride has inquired for the same date (this ensures everyone is on the same page). I will then contact the first bride who inquired and let her know a new inquiry has been made for her requested date. My interaction isn't high-pressured, it's simply being forthcoming.

I let all interested parties know that I book the bride who places the retainer first…this, again, isn't coercive it's simply stating the facts and letting the brides know what their options are. If you'd like to download an email template with a sample response to what I tell each bride in this situation, you can find it HERE.

Get to Booking,
j*