by Danielle Andrews, President and Co-founder, The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc.
Let’s be real: being a wedding planner is no walk in the park (even though you probably plan gorgeous park weddings). Running your business takes time, creativity, and energy, but sometimes we end up working harder than we need to. It’s time to kick a few bad habits to the curb so you can attract more clients, increase your income, and streamline your operations.
Here are 5 things wedding planners need to stop doing immediately if they want to level up their business:
1. Stop Saying “Yes” to Every Client
It might feel good to have a full calendar, but not every client is a perfect fit. Saying “yes” to everyone can lead to burnout, creative fatigue, and—worst of all—a portfolio that doesn’t align with your dream brand.
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on clients whose vision aligns with yours. Use discovery calls to vet potential clients and only say “yes” to those who make your heart (and brand) sing.
Read this article to learn how to vet potential clients.
2. Stop Ignoring the Power of Social Media
In today’s world, word of mouth isn’t enough. Your clients are scrolling Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for inspo before they even think about hiring a planner.
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule time each week to create engaging content, post Reels, and showcase your best work. Consistency is key to building brand recognition.
We have countless articles about the importance of Social Media, start with this one.
3. Stop Working Without Clear Boundaries
Are you replying to emails or texts at 11PM? Lack of boundaries can leave you exhausted and underappreciated.
💡 Pro Tip: Set office hours, communicate them clearly, and stick to them. When you protect your time, clients will respect it—and you’ll avoid burnout.
Read this article to learn more about burnout and setting boundaries.
4. Stop DIY-ing Everything
Sure, you can do it all, but should you? Spending hours on tasks like bookkeeping or graphic design takes you away from what you do best: planning epic weddings!
💡 Pro Tip: Outsource non-core tasks. Invest in a bookkeeper, hire a virtual assistant, or use apps like Canva to save time.
See this article for tips about what you can outsource to be more productive.
5. Stop Undercharging for Your Services
If you’re saying, “But clients won’t pay more,” think again! Underpricing your services not only undervalues your work but also attracts clients who won’t appreciate your expertise.
💡 Pro Tip: Research competitors, evaluate your worth, and increase your pricing to reflect the value you bring to the table. You deserve it!
Is it time to increase your prices? Read this article to help you decide.
Final Thought
Running a wedding planning business doesn’t have to be chaotic. By ditching these five habits, you’ll create more space to attract your dream clients, build a strong brand, and work smarter—not harder. Remember: it’s not about doing more; it’s about doing the right things.
Danielle Andrews, BA, WPICC, DWC, CWD
With over 25 years of experience in the Wedding Industry, Danielle has a deep passion for sharing her knowledge and helping others to succeed in this wonderful business.
You have seen her give expert wedding advice on television, in most wedding magazines, and major newspapers in Canada, the United States, and across the Caribbean.
Danielle is also a regular on the stage at International Wedding and Event Industry conferences.
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