Dear Ghosted from Gosling,

It’s great that you had such a positive Zoom meeting with this couple and it’s totally normal to feel a bit uncertain when a week passes without any follow-up, especially after things seemed to go so well.

First of all I’d say bear in mind that a week isn’t long in terms of wedding planning. Many couples will have limited time to sit down together and discuss their plans so I always think that we need to allow up to two weeks. They might only be able to seriously look at their options over the weekend and sadly we also need to allow for them to have met with any other photographers that they are seriously considering.

Here’s how I’d approach it, including a couple of strategies I teach to make this process smooth and pressure-free for both you and the client.

1. Set an Endpoint for Enquiries

One of the best ways to keep momentum with potential clients is to set a clear endpoint from the start. When you respond to enquiries or hold initial meetings, let the couple know you’ll hold their date for a specific period, or that their quote is valid until a set date. For example, you might say, “I’ll hold this date for you for two weeks,” or “This quote is valid until [date].” This approach gives you a natural opening to follow up with them without feeling awkward or pushy.

2. Highlight the Hold in the Zoom Meeting

During the Zoom call, if they are not ready to go ahead and book, mention that you’re holding their date temporarily and ask if they need more time to make a decision. Not only does this show that you’re organised, but it also gently reminds them that they have a limited time to secure their spot.