After providing wedding services for over 10 years and replacing my 16-year career as an occupational therapist with my business, I thought it was time I share my insight on how to build a successful wedding business.

With that said, I have included in this article what I think are the most important principles to follow on how to build a successful wedding business.

How To Build A Successful Wedding Business

Deliver The Goods

 

This is first on the list because I believe it is the most important principle to follow in order to run a thriving and sustaining business.

Every wedding vendor has his or her own skillsets and talents. Not all vendors are created equal.

However, what every vendor has the capacity to do is deliver all of the services included in their contract.

The greatest business lesson I learned from my father (who will always be the greatest salesman in my eyes) is “your worth is your word.”

On that note, if you want to build a successful wedding business, you must make this commitment to your clients and to yourself.

Always provide the services included in your contract. No exceptions.

Be Responsive

 

One principle that will put you ahead of the pack is to respond as quickly as possible to messages.

This principle is so easy to implement, yet so few people follow it.

It’s especially important to return messages in a timely manner in the wedding business.

Nothing is more frightening to a bride or groom than wondering if their hired vendor is going to return their messages.

In my opinion, if you want to build a successful wedding business, you must return all messages within 6 hours.

If you really want to take this to the next level, you should try to respond within 5 minutes to anyone inquiring about hiring you. NOW THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKIN’ BOUT!!

focus Focus FOCUS!

In the year I left my career as a therapist, I knew going into my first winter without my job was going to be challenging.

I sat at my computer and promoted my company on-line from 8:00 AM to 3:00 AM Monday through Thursday.

I did this every day from December to March.

The weekends were reserved for working events where I gained the most business from “gigging.”

In short, I basically put my social life on hold over the winter.

With that said, all of the work I did in these months compounded and the bookings came in droves.

I eventually had to hire more help to keep up with the demand.

Be Yourself

I know this sounds cliché, but it is so important to be yourself if you want to build a successful wedding business.

The wedding industry is such a personalized place.

Not every potential client will appreciate your personality, but there are plenty of people who will love it.

The main thing is to gain as much exposure as possible to meet the couples who will be overjoyed to have you as their wedding vendor.

It’s all about finding the right match between the wedding vendor and client.

Network With Other Business Professionals

The wedding industry is also MASSIVE.

With that said, this gives you the opportunity to network with other wedding vendors who you can build business relationships with.

Wedding venues, DJs, florists, caterers, pastry chefs, photographers and more!

If you connect with fellow wedding vendors, you will have the opportunity to expand your business referrals exponentially.

Furthermore, if you are looking to increase your business network, consider participating in your local city Chamber of Commerce events.

You may also consider advertising with wedding vendor promotion companies such as The Knot or WeddingWire.

Many of these wedding advertisers hold wedding vendor networking events as well.

Underpromise and Overdeliver

Using the first wedding business success principle in this article as a baseline, you must first always deliver what is promised in the contract.

In addition, I believe you should provide an additional service beyond what is included in your agreement.

It doesn’t have to be big, but it’s a great idea to include a free bonus item to show appreciation to your clients for their business.

Nothing screams exceptional client service like going “above and beyond” expectations.

Personalize Your Services

I’ll always remember as a kid how much I hated going to weddings. The DJ always played the same generic music.

I simply couldn’t stand their “cookie-cutter’ playlists.

On that note, I think all wedding vendors should personalize their services for several reasons.

First, when you personalize your services, it shows your clients that you care about their individual tastes.

Second, your clients will appreciate that you took the extra time to tailor your services for their big day.

Third, who the heck wants to do anything that is boring and repetitive anyway?

Have Fun!

One of the most special things about owning your own business is that it is YOURS.

It’s one of the ultimate platforms for self-expression.

I still remember all of the little business I started through the years when I was young.

I had so many ideas and I thought that the idea of building anything with my “personal spin” on things was so cool……and fun!

Remember to always have fun doing what you do. As soon as the fun starts to fade, consider making some changes in your business model.

It’s noteworthy that in order to be a successful wedding vendor, you’ll spend countless hours perfecting your skills.

Therefore, if you find that you have simply lost interest and passion for your business, then it’s time to move onto something else.

On-Line Marketing

We are living in a day in age where every company must be proficient in online marketing.

I will be the first one to tell you that your performance as a wedding vendor will produce the most business for you.

However, the power of online marketing can’t be ignored.

In addition, it is crucial that you have an online presence by perfecting your SEO, social media, blogging and email campaigns.

Attend Bridal Shows

Participating in bridal shows will generate a ton of great client leads.

They are also one of the best tools you can use to build a successful wedding business.

Furthermore, prospective wedding clients are more likely to hire a vendor that they have met in person.

Plus you will receive a bridal show attendee list that will help you to follow up with all of your prospective clients.

In addition, when you participate in bridal shows regularly, it helps you close on pending contracts.

Attendees at a bridal show realize that there were hundreds of other couples at the show that may book up your schedule.

On that note, they may be more encouraged to book you in a timely manner if they met you at a bridal show.

Preparation

As a huge Detroit Tigers fan, I’ll always remember a quote from Manager Jim Leyland. “The greatest ballplayers make mistakes, but there is no excuse for not being prepared.”

Furthermore, there are several important measures you can take to ensure you are properly prepared for every wedding.

For starters, you must have all the resources in place weeks prior to every wedding.

You should also have back up equipment.

Finally, you must have back up vendors available in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

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