Whether you are planning a wedding with a bride who lives across town or across the world, one great way to meet is by video via Skype. This method gives you the ability to see the bride without the need to travel, and it’s free.
Here are 8 tips for good Skype etiquette as a wedding planner:
1) Have a professional name on Skype
Use your own name or the name of your wedding planning business.
2) Make an appointment with your bride
Just like a meeting in person, agree on a meeting time in advance.
3) Prepare an agenda
Know what you need to accomplish so you don’t waste time on the call.
4) Use a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer
Don’t try to talk from a smartphone! Be sure your tablet or laptop is on a stable, flat surface when you are on the call so the camera is not shaky.
5) Be camera-ready
Remember the bride will be able to see you and whatever is in the background. Have your “professional face” on and clear any clutter that is within camera range. (You might want to do a test call with an assistant or friend.)
6) Control background noise
Turn off the radio or television, close windows to keep outdoor noise at a minimum, and keep children and pets out of the room. (If you plan to use Skype frequently, you might want to invest in a headset with a microphone that plugs into your computer.)
7) Don’t multitask
The bride can see what you are doing. Concentrate on her and remember you need to look at her through the camera lens and not your computer screen.
8) Close unnecessary applications before the call
In the event you want to share something on your screen, close your email, other Internet connections, and any documents you are working on that don’t pertain to her wedding.
Of course, you will still keep in touch with your bride via phone calls and email but video givesyou the opportunity to have a more personal interaction.
