Secondly, you've got to ask questions, then ask questions again. Listen to what is said and pay attention to what is not said. If a couple keeps saying that they want style number one but they keep selecting style number two, that's a red flag. Ask questions that will require them to give more information besides a yes or no answer so that you can gain better insight of exactly what it is they really want. Maybe they really like selection number one but keep choosing selection number two because it's cheaper. That would be something that you need to know so that you can get them what they want at a price that they can afford.
Some couples want to express appreciation to everyone from the caterer, to the musicians, to the bartender. That's best left up to their discretion. Try not to get caught up in the wedding planning. Stay focused on the gifting portion of the event. They probably already have ideas about who they want to give gifts to. One word of advice, don't price gouge the couple just because it's a wedding. We all know that weddings are expensive and most couples expect and are willing to pay more to have that dream wedding. You want them to remember and refer you because of the "WOW" factor of your work, professionalism, and customer service. You do not want to be remembered for the "WOW" factor of your bill because if you are you can forget the referral.
Baskets for the parents of the bride and groom, gifts for members of the wedding party, and wedding favors for the wedding guests are usually at the top of the list of gift recipients. However, don't forget to suggest a nice basket for out of town guests. Have a nice basket filled with snacks, a map of the city, and discount coupons to local restaurants waiting in the hotel room when they arrive or you can have it delivered.
Another suggestion that is gaining in popularity is to have an amenity basket set up in the ladies and men's rooms closest to the reception area. This could include items such as aspirin/tylenol,pepto-bismol, mints, hairspray, wet-naps, kleenex, cologne/perfume, deodorant, sewing kit, anything that someone may need in an emergency without having to leave the reception and miss the festivities to go to the drugstore.
In the gift basket industry you hear the phrase "Higher Perceived Value" all the time. This means that a gift basket was produced with minimal cost and labor but has the look and feel of a higher-end gift basket. It is perceived to be worth much more than it actually cost to make.
