How Photographers Can Connect with their Clients

Dear Jasmine,
Currently I'm trying to put together a booklet/set for my brides. I want it to be a checklist of things for them to do and a survey to get to know them better & learn about their preferences, their relationship and the wedding itself. I'd love to hear some ideas of what you'd suggest!
Sincerely,
Checklist Chick

Dear Checklist Chick,
The best way to get to know your clients is to (at the risk of sounding trite) get to know your clients. Sure, you can ask questions, but a realistic approach is the treat clients the way you'd treat a new friend. While you might ask preliminary questions, I suggest leveraging social media as a great place to start.

After booking a client, I send a friend request on Facebook. There I can see a plethora of information that paints a richer picture (for instance, I learned from a recent client where she works out, a movie she recently watched, what she got for Christmas, and recent proposal photos). Taken together, this is valuable information…essentially, she's outlining her preferences in a way I can connect with her. (Instagram is another powerful vehicle to see how a client spends her time and her style preferences.) Once I learn certain aspects of my bride, I try to find ways to connect in her world, on her terms.

However, if you're still looking for a way to connect in more traditional terms, here's a list of questions that'll offer insight to your client and the wedding planning process:
   *What keeps you busy during the week?
   *How did you and your fiancé meet?
   *How did the proposal take place?
   *What's your favorite thing about your fiancé?
   *What are you most looking forward to your wedding?
   *What is the theme of your wedding?
   *Expected number of guests?
   *Fashion magazines and/or blogs you turn to for inspiration?
   *Detail any venue/vendors you've already booked or are considering

I hope this helps and I wish you the best as you get to know your brides and grooms better!
More Connections, Less Checklists,
j*