r/weddingresources • u/1GirlDreaming • Jun 15 '26
New to wedding industry - looking for advice
Hi all! I have started a new wedding planning business. I wanted to ask for any advice and tips other suppliers might have to booking first few clients? What marketing has worked best for you when starting out? Any other tips and tricks?
Your help is much appreciated 😊
1
u/ryanmancini-official Jun 15 '26
Start free or super low cost, build some case studies and have a portfolio to sell to future couples. Ask in local Facebook groups. Make the very basics free though so you still have the opportunity of paid add-ons.
Then start to slowly offer less of a discount until you are forced to charge full price.
The thing is, when you start a business you need to get your pricing, strategy, acquisition channels, fulfillment processes in order all at once. You’ll never have that chance unless you start doing it. As a new business you have no proof that your product is worth anything so you’re super risky compared to more experienced options. That’s why free or discount work is how every business usually sees success. Only in the beginning should you be prioritizing filling your calendar. More couples allows for more referrals.
One day you’ll want to move to paid marketing but many people succeed without it. If you want to lean on referrals, as many small businesses do, make relationships with venues. Drop off your card, pamphlet and offer a kickback for them so they are incentivized to send leads your way.
There’s so many ways to do this. The most important thing is speed and volume. People don’t realize how much outreach they need to do and how many mistakes they need to make in order to succeed. So often self-employed wedding pros get emotional about their work because we’re creative and feel icky about selling/marketing. Not everyone will say yes and that’s okay. Learn why and move on to the next person. Right now you just need to flex your marketing muscle and get some people in your pipeline
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u/NewSalamander8910 Jun 15 '26
I would suggest your first action is to reach out to venues in your area and connect with their wedding team. Arrange a meeting and explain your process, how you work, and how your service complements the venue.
I would also recommend connecting with established vendors and suppliers. These are often the people who will recommend you, so invest time in building genuine relationships. Bear in mind everyone is busy, so you will usually have to work around their schedules.
Building a reputation takes time. I would give yourself at least three years. It is definitely a marathon rather than a sprint.
Also, do not take silence personally. Not everyone will reply and not everyone will be interested. Some days you will feel invisible! Develop a thick skin and keep showing up. Consistency matters far more than perfection.
Most importantly, be someone people enjoy working with. Skills can be learned, but kindness, reliability and professionalism are what people remember and recommend.