The Role of Technology in Today’s Michigan Wedding Planning

Introduction To Technology And Wedding Planning

The Role of Technology in Today’s Michigan Wedding Planning.

Technological advancements have created opportunities for a new-age of virtual experiences in so many product- and service-based businesses. Major box-stores now almost all have a virtual “try-me” space on their websites, which allow customers to visualize a product within a personalized space using their phone’s camera. Virtual reality, online tools, social media, and digital contracts have all emerged as online planning tools for businesses to utilize to their advantage when attracting and maintaining clientele.

Wedding-based businesses have a niche opportunity to use growing technological advancements to their advantage, especially as related to planning, client engagement and retention. Wedding planning is the backbone of the industry; couples are constantly seeking advice on all aspects of planning from budgeting tips and checklists to vendor directories. Virtual tools and modern technology create a unique space for wedding planners to highlight their businesses and engage their clients in exciting new ways. Some of our favorite examples of technology specific to the wedding planning industry include virtual and augmented reality, online planning tools and mobile apps, planning websites, social media and live streaming, digital contracts, drone usage, and online consultations.

Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is the practice of using apps and computer programs to provide an experience for the user through one’s phone camera. This may include “see it in your space” features on mobile apps and websites, especially as related to specific products. For wedding planners, this can be a valuable tool to help clients visualize a specific product in a specific space. Think about selling your venue to a client; it can be hard for a couple to imagine the space how it will be on their big day.

Augmented reality creates the opportunity for multiple vendors to work virtually in conjunction with one another to create a visual experience for their clients. AR allows couples to visualize specific furniture and décor within a space. Never underestimate the value in creating an immersive experience for your clients; it’s the same concept as accessorizing your bride in a veil and jewelry when she’s trying on her wedding dress for the first time. Use the tools in your toolbox to trigger a positive emotional response, and your clients are sure to remember the experience you are selling.

Virtual Reality (VR) is an immersive experience in which physical reality is replaced with a virtual one. Virtual Reality is a slightly less accessible tool than Augmented Reality, because while nearly everyone in the world always has a smart phone in their pocket, not everyone has access to VR goggles. Virtual Reality propels the planning process into a new realm and creates an entirely immersive experience for the client. With modern technology, vendors can create a virtual reality involving their venues, rentals, décor, catering, and floral businesses all in one virtual space. This allows the client to fully experience what they are interested in purchasing before signing any contracts.

Virtual Reality platforms are gaining traction online, with companies like Prismm aiming to become virtual hubs for vendors to gather and become more accessible to a wider database of clientele. VR is also finding popularity when paired with photography and videography vendors. Wedding videos can be  made compatible with VR technology to bring the couple back to their big day once the celebration is over. Services like VR Weddings market 360 degree camera technology that make experiences like this possible.

Online Planning Tools & Mobile Apps

There are a variety of online platforms available to make wedding planning a breeze. Websites like Zola are all-in-one spaces for drafting and storing information specific to your event. Tools are at your disposal for creating a registry, storing venue and travel information, RSVPing, answering frequently asked questions, and collecting guest information for invitations. Nearlywed is a great example of a brand that provides free online planning tools such as local vendor directories, checklists, advice, and links that are relatable to the general wedding planning experience. Websites and apps that provide in-your-pocket tools to help tackle the overwhelm of starting your wedding planning journey are invaluable to your experience.

Social Media Engagement & Live Streaming

Use social media to your advantage. Unlike the impersonal side of digital media, such as websites and online shops, social media creates the opportunity for audience engagement. There is a real person running your accounts — be sure to highlight that. Replying to comments and direct messages with genuine responses shows your following and potential client base that you are relatable. Honesty and authenticity are coveted in the modern world of artificial intelligence and auto-generated replies.

Live-streaming allows for another aspect of personal relatability with your clients. This creates a “behind the curtain” moment for your followers and gives them the opportunity to see a face behind the brand. People love talking to real people. Use live-streaming events as opportunities for clients to engage directly and instantly with your brand; this is a perfect space for FAQs to be answered immediately as they filter in. Planning seminars, how-to’s, and DIY clinics are all ideas that can be executed through virtual live-streaming events. The key is to attract and engage clients in whatever way you can. Visibility for your business is a good thing.

Digital Contracts & E-Signatures

While people are often inclined to highlight the detriment of technology on modern society, we would be remiss if we did not emphasize the absolute simplicity of accomplishing certain tasks thanks to digital advancements. Digital contracts and e-signatures make locking in your agreement easy. There is no need for paper filing or time taken out of one’s day to meet in person for a handshake agreement. Simply create your generic digital contract and allow space for changes as related to specific clientele, and you will be set for any sales opportunity that arises. Sending documents by email and digital database saves on overall time, energy, and cost for your wedding-based business.

Drones for Photography & Videography

Drone usage is becoming increasingly popular in photography and videography content production. This is a new and engaging form of media that creates an opportunity for different angles and views that would otherwise not be captured by a standing photographer. We often encourage vendors to highlight their businesses with professional, “viral-worthy” photography, and drone usage is a perfect example of the sort of media we recommend to engage your audience. Drone photography and videography provides birds-eye views of venues, table settings, aisle settings and more. This not only creates intriguing media for a couple looking for unique representation of their special day, but also provides vendors with aesthetic and distinct marketing imagery for advertising their businesses.

Online Showcases & Virtual Consultations

Online showcases and virtual consultations allow businesses to engage with and reach a wider audience. Vendors do not have to remain confined to one specific area anymore; should they choose to expand their reach beyond a local circle, client attraction and retention is made far easier with online tools. This is also such a valuable tool for clients throwing destination weddings. Just because a client is not local does not mean he or she cannot engage with you anymore. Online consults provide the perfect opportunity to sell your product or service to non-local customers, which in turn will spread word-of-mouth testimonial from your new clients in their own local spaces.

Conclusion

Technology And Wedding Planning

Technological advancements should be used to your advantage when promoting your wedding-based business. The role of technology in today’s wedding planning business success cannot be emphasized enough. From immersive digital reality experiences, online planning tools, and social media engagement to digital documents, drone usage, online showcases, and virtual consultations, technology provides a unique opportunity for vendors to attract, engage and retain clients in the modern digital age. Technology expands horizons and elevates the wedding planning industry to a new level of opportunity, sophistication, and community. Use these ideas to reach beyond your comfort zone and launch your business into the modern era; you will notice a difference in the way your audience engages with you, and you with them.