Planning an event is exciting but can also be a bit overwhelming. With so many decisions to make, it’s not uncommon for clients to experience buyer’s remorse—that nagging feeling of regret after making a big purchase or booking a service. As event planners, it’s our job to ensure that clients not only feel confident in their decisions but also walk away from their events with nothing but fond memories. Here's how event planners can help their clients avoid buyer’s remorse and create unforgettable experiences.
1. Understand the Client’s Vision from the Start
One of the key reasons for buyer’s remorse is a mismatch between what the client envisioned and what was delivered. As planners, it’s important to deeply understand the client's vision right from the beginning. Whether you're coordinating a corporate function or a wedding, take the time to ask detailed questions about their expectations, desired style, and budget.
Offer visual aids like mood boards or past event photos to ensure everyone is on the same page. By giving your clients a clear idea of what they can expect, you help reduce the likelihood of them feeling disappointed later on.
2. Transparent Pricing
Another common cause of buyer's remorse is unexpected costs. Clients may initially feel good about their decisions but get frustrated when they receive invoices higher than expected. While I do believe you should be upfront about pricing, I don't necessarily believe in itemizing your items—and as planners, we all know why. The good ole customer that loves to take your itemized invoice and shop around to other artists for the cheapest price.
Personally, I only itemize my labor, delivery, and set-up fees and package everything else into one. When a client tries to break it apart, I simply state that it's a package deal and it can't be broken down. This approach protects your pricing and prevents the client from undervaluing your services.
Also, be transparent about any potential last-minute fees or extras that could arise so your client feels well-prepared financially. By being clear and firm on pricing from the beginning, you avoid surprises and frustrations.
3. Offer Flexible Packages
Every client is different. Some want an all-inclusive event package, while others prefer to have control over certain aspects of the event. Offering flexible packages allows clients to pick and choose the services that best fit their needs, which can minimize any regret about spending too much on unnecessary services or cutting corners on something they wished they'd invested in.
It's important to remember that this industry is not one size fits all, and we often turn to social media for pricing tips. But please remember, what works for a planner in New York may not work for a planner in Alabama. Take the income of your community into consideration—don’t underprice yourself, but definitely don’t overprice yourself out of the market because you're listening to other planners on social media.
My eyes were opened to this when I purchased the balloon gingerbread house recipe from someone I considered very successful in the industry. I was sure she would say she charged around $1,200 for this design, but when I heard her say she could only get $400-$500 for it in her area, it really opened my eyes to how important it is to price for your area. Social media is not a one-size-fits-all solution for pricing.
4. Provide Regular Check-ins and Updates
The period between booking and event day can sometimes make clients anxious. During this time, they may second-guess their choices or feel unsure if everything is progressing as planned. Regular communication can alleviate these concerns. However, you shouldn't let the customer drive you crazy with updates.
Add it into your contract that you have milestones for checking in with a client, and any communication outside of that will incur additional charges. The worst are wedding clients or those who ask, “Can you show me what the balloons will look like?” I always think, "So you expect me to blow up the balloons beforehand, then blow them up again for your event?" One taboo thing that I do is provide a mock-up, but not for every client. Many in the industry frown on mock-ups, but for me, it helps me personally go into my event with a clear plan. Once a client has already paid, what's the big deal in sharing the mock-up with them? This can get them off your back and help them feel at ease until event day.
5. Allow for Personalization
Clients often feel remorse when an event lacks that personal touch. Encourage your clients to incorporate their own personality or brand into the event. We live in a time of customization. With all the beautiful events showcased on social media, from clients' personal moments displayed to kids' faces turned into coloring books, customization will not only help you snag the job but will make your customer feel special on their big day.
Personalized events not only make the occasion more memorable but also give clients the feeling that their event is truly one-of-a-kind. This goes a long way in preventing buyer’s remorse because it allows them to feel they made the best choices for a meaningful experience.
6. Set Realistic Expectations
Setting realistic expectations is crucial to event planning and could be a whole blog in itself: "Managing Client Expectations." Pricing is one of the hardest things when you first become a planner or balloon artist. We all want the big jobs with cool themes, so all too often, clients will send an inspiration photo, and planners will throw out an approximate price before actually researching the cost of everything included. Then, as the event approaches, the planner realizes they underpriced the job. When the client becomes upset, the first thing the planner says is, "I didn’t even charge you that much." However, by that point, it doesn’t matter. You told the client you could produce the event they sent you, and whatever price you quoted is your responsibility to honor.
When dealing with inspiration pictures, never let clients believe you can recreate the exact event shown. How could you? You’re not the person who created it. Instead, break down the inspiration photo and ask your clients what specific elements they love. Often, they have no idea what these parties cost, so it's important to manage expectations upfront.
Additionally, when a client provides a budget, ask them which aspects of the event they expect to be covered by that budget. Clients often think a $1,000 budget can cover an entire party setup and catering. You need to help them be realistic, or it could come back to bite you.
One of the biggest mistakes I see planners doing right now is using AI to create mock-ups and sending it to clients. If I've learned one thing its that clients will marry themselves to what you tell them and show them. AI images are often over exaggerated and if that's the image your using to get your client you better over produce.
7. Post-Event Follow-Up
After the event, follow up with your clients to gather feedback. This not only shows you care but also allows you to address any potential dissatisfaction before it turns into buyer's remorse. If there are any small details the client didn’t love, you can discuss them and offer solutions for future events.
By showing continued investment in your client’s happiness even after the event is over, you build trust and strengthen your relationship, which can turn a one-time event into a long-term partnership.
8. Help Clients Prioritize
Event planning often involves making tough decisions, especially when budgets are tight. Help clients prioritize what aspects of the event are most important to them—whether it’s the food, decor, entertainment, or guest experience. By focusing the budget on their top priorities, clients are less likely to feel regretful about where their money went.
At the same time, gently remind them that not everything has to be extravagant. Sometimes, smaller, thoughtful touches can make a bigger impact than expensive extras.
Conclusion
Buyer’s remorse in event planning can be avoided with thoughtful communication, transparency, and flexibility. By understanding your client’s vision, setting clear expectations, and keeping them informed every step of the way, you can ensure that their event is not only a success but also something they look back on with joy and satisfaction. As event planners, our goal is to make sure our clients feel confident in their decisions and thrilled with the final result.
By following these strategies, you can turn potential buyer’s remorse into lasting client relationships and glowing reviews.