About your package names...
 

I've checked out a lot of people's websites here and there. Sometimes the names they give their wedding packages are rather interesting.

Now of course, not everyone uses the same thought process when coming up with the names of their packages. Some folks have some rather unique names. But I have noticed that, when it comes to giving names to their wedding package offerings, there seems to be three main "crowds".

There's the GEM crowd. They give their packages names like Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond. And, variations like Emerald, Amethyst, etc.

Then there's the PRECIOUS METALS crowd. Package names include Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc.

And then there's that crowd that seems to get their inspiration from pizza. They'll give their packages such names as Deluxe, Supreme, and Ultimate.

So what do you call your packages? And how did you come up with those names?

I only offer 2 packages nowadays. The Run & Gun and the Run & Gun Plus One. You can probably figure out the Run & Gun part. The Plus One is a (usually) stationary 2nd camera.

Jeff

I went down the silver/gold/platinum road a few years ago...and maybe even the precious metals too!? I'm yet to try pizza offerings...

Now I have my packages set out like a restaurant menu and offer entrée/mains/dessert. Most couples seem to like it and nearly always comment on it.

LOL - Pizza crowd!

Back when I had names, it was The Main Event, The Documentary, and The Love Story. It wasn't initially supposed to be based on the "small, medium, large" concept, but rather three distinct styles of shooting. At least that was my goal.

Hi Jeff,

I was going with the movie theme for a while - People's Choice, Golden Globe, Emmy and Oscar. I recently changed it to more descriptive naming - documentary and wedding film. I think its something that has to evolve with the market and what you're offering.

LOVE the menu! That is VERY original. My hat's off to you!

Package name was a tough one for us.

We didnt want the standard metals or gems. It seemed a bit 'standard' (sorry to all those using them).

The name is important as you want the bride to talk about it. They would much rather tell their friends how they went for the platinum package rather than the "cotton" (Ive seen some using materials like paper, cotton etc).

The packages should also make sense. You know the gold package has more than the silver.

For us it was the Simple (wanted simplicity but a friend of ours already took that) and the dream. Dream sounds better than ultimate. But were not looking to drop the simple as no one ever buys it.

Our packages name are based on movie titles with their corresponding quote

The Notebook
“do you think our love can make miracles? I do”

Serendipity
“..a fortunate accident.”

Love Actually
“ to me.. you are perfect.”

Moulin Rouge
“..to love and to be loved in return.”

Ever After
“...fortunately, I tripped over an angel”

It might come a bit cheesy for some, but I liked it! so went ahead with it.

Santo

Our company name is Orange, so I made it like below:

Navel Orange (basic)
Valencia Orange (medium, most popular)
Persian Orange (higher price with extras)

Brides seem to like the name, so.

JJ

Oh wow... Now you guys got me thinking! I go with the standard Metals... Platinum, Gold, Silver with one top package called "The Works" that I am currently working to rename. Now you all have me wanting to rename ALL of them. Love the menu idea... awesome! And also the movie one. I'm going to lose sleep over this until I come up with something new now!

could always just cut to the chase and use:

least expensive
mid priced
most expensive

With my 'menu', I also offer 'side dishes' which provides an area for upgrades - additional cams, clips etc.

It's funny - I think that when offering multiple packages, anything that can be viewed as 'tiered' in perceived quality/value has a chance of working, which is probably why gold/silver/platinum, ruby/emerald/diamond has been so popular over the years.

A couple of examples off the top of my head...

Film festivals packages:
Tropfest/Tribeca/Cannes

Rock band packages:
Led Zeppelin/Rolling Stones/Beatles

I've got photographer friends that used to offer famous couple packages:
Bonny & Clyde/John & Yoko/Clark & Lois

I'm sure you get the idea...As usual, I tend to think the only limit is your imagination.

Matt.

P.S. Love it Ethan...maybe:
cheapskate/middle class/you're loaded

Maybe I should go completely nuts and start using animal names:

The Skunk (when your budget stinks)
The Cougar (cause you won't go down without a fight)
The Koala (eats, shoots and leaves)
The Vampire Bat (blood-sucking expensive)


I've dropped the all the names and gone with a-la-carte. The packages reminded me too much of shopping for a mattress.

We originally had three packages

Celebration - covered ceremony & family photos
Majestic - above + photoshoot & intro @ reception
Gala - full day including preps, speeches and first dance


Then we changed our packages this year and our structure so we went with Sovereign - basic package and Regal - full package. Only changed the names to dissociate from our original package branding.

Hey Matt

very clever with the menu idea!

Cheers
Darren

LMAO!!!! That may actually work Ethan. ^_^


Doing Quinceanera's my packages are Doll, Ring, Crown, and Dress. Goes with the important items they need for their day.

I don't name my packages because I think every available name has been taken.

Mine reads

Package 1
Package 2

then inquire about our Economy Package.

Here in Hawaii, flowers are quite common in Hawaiian:
Pikake
Ilima
Mokihana
Lehua
Lokelani

or exotic English names:
Orchid
Anthurium
Jasmine
Jade
Plumeria
Hibiscus
Tuberose

I lol'd at the thread title.
Sorry :)

I just got that - nothing wrong with a warped sense of humour!


It's interesting to note that most stick with 3 alternatives - traditional sales training emphasises the idea of 3 alternatives - the majority of customers will take the middle option (I'm not rich so I'll skip the top one but I'm not poor so I'll avoid the bottom one)

I like the idea of 3 main options and a selection of 'extras'

this is a fun thread... I had some laughs.
Santo, great idea for package names. I only have one option "the I'm not a good salesman so I'll just let you know what I'll give you for this price.... package"
Disadvantage of being smalltime I guess.
Steve

just left the precious metal group- now have the following

documentary
highlights
cinematic

it seems ot work better describing what is included and the similarities and differences of each package.

i tried to move away from packages but have not been successful.

I recently had someone who sells a lot of wedding photography tell me that as soon as couples hear "documentary" they want it. So never use the term "documentary" in any package that you are trying to steer them away from. Is it the same for video? I don't know. But the term seems to be a big selling point for a lot of people so I'm guessing that in a lot of cases the theory is accurate.

Who let him on! - I thought we only had bigtime important people here?

I'm about to edit my 2nd wedding and I've yet to do a paid job - how's that for small time!
anyway - the term 'smalltime' was replaced years ago - you're a boutique production house

I'm a crusty old bugger so you'll forgive me if I pick on you a bit.

"I'm not a good salesman"
do you think your work has value? do you think you do a good job? do you enjoy the work?
if you have enthusiasm for your work and your product, you can be a good salesman, if fact you can't help it. People who enjoy what they do have an attitude that infects others. If you believe in your work - you can sell it.

The concept of packages is just a way of 'packaging' our product - we really only have one. It's just easier for people to accept, understand & choose from a number of alternatives - and 3 is supposedly the ideal.

If a client came to you and said they had $5,000 and wanted an upside down, film noir style wedding coverage, you wouldn't say - 'sorry that's not a package we offer"

people will perceive you as more professional if you have a documented offering (that can be just a list of packages on a fancy bit of paper and a written contract)

I'm only a rank beginner but from day one I'll present myself as a consummate professional because that's what I aim to be.

Paul... I'm extremely passionate about what I do. Thats why I'm on this forum board a million times a day striving to be like the rest of the members.

I decided not to go with packages only because I want my clients video to be the best that I can possibly provide them. I want to shoot bridal prep and save the dates and all the works.... One way to ensure that I get the opportunity is to include it for everyone that I book. Keeps me happy.

Steve

who's not a good salesman? - that's a great pitch in itself! - I think I'm going to steal that one!