5 Hot Topics Wedding Planners Are Talking About

By Tracey Manaiescu, Co-founder of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc.

The wedding planning industry is constantly evolving, and the most successful planners are the ones who pay attention to what’s happening in real time. Not just with trends, but with challenges and client expectations. We dove into what’s buzzing in wedding forums, professional Facebook groups, and planner circles to bring you five of the hottest topics wedding planners are talking about right now, and how you can turn those conversations into smart business strategies.

Read below for 5 hot topic wedding planners are talking about (and how to use them to level up your business).

1. “My Clients Found Their Vendors on TikTok Without Telling Me.”

The Issue:
Planners are frustrated when couples book vendors (like photographers or DJs) directly through social media before consulting with their planner, leading to misaligned expectations, communication issues, or non-professional vendors.

What You Can Do:

• Create a “Before You Book Anyone” guide for new clients that walks them through why vendor referrals matter.
• Offer a TikTok or Instagram vetting add-on service to help review vendors clients have already found.
• At onboarding, explain the value of your vetted network and how DIY vendor selection can affect timelines and quality.

Pro Tip: Make a short Loom video during onboarding explaining how vendor coordination works. It helps set expectations early and adds a personal touch.

2. Clients Expect Pinterest-Perfect Weddings on a Budget

The Issue:
The Pinterest vs. Reality gap is wider than ever. Clients bring high-end inspiration boards, but their budget doesn’t align.

• What You Can Do:
• During the consultation, ask clients to show you 3-5 pins they don’t like, as well as the ones they love. This helps with realistic design direction.
• Use a visual tool like Canva or StyleRow to put together mood boards with cost per item visuals so they can literally see the value of their vision.
• Offer “looks for less” inspiration during the design process to manage expectations without saying no.

Pro Tip: Host an Instagram Story series or blog post on “What This Wedding Really Costs” and break down Pinterest images with a rough price tag.

3. Guests Are RSVP-ing Late (or Not at All)

The Issue:
More planners are seeing incomplete guest lists weeks before final counts are due. Couples are stressed, and planners are left chasing people down.

What You Can Do:

• Implement a RSVP Management Add-On service in your packages.
• Use tools like RSVPify, Zola, or Joy that send automatic reminders and track opens.
• Suggest QR codes on paper invites that link directly to RSVP platforms.
• Have your couple pre-write gentle “follow-up” texts or emails that you can send on their behalf.

Pro Tip: Share a real (anonymous) story on social media about why timely RSVPs matter, and tag it as a reminder post for engaged couples.

4. Burnout and Boundary-Setting for Planners

The Issue:
Wedding pros are sharing stories of 2 a.m. texts, Sunday calls, and feeling like they need to be “on” 24/7.

• What You Can Do:
• Include Office Hours in your contract and email signature.
• Use tools like HoneyBook or Dubsado with email auto-replies set for off-hours.
• Create a welcome PDF with FAQs so clients don’t need to text for every small question.
• Use Calendly links for scheduled check-ins instead of ad hoc messages.

Pro Tip: Batch all your client updates into a once-a-week “Planning Recap” email. It builds trust and keeps everyone on the same page without constant pings.

5. Too Many Cooks: Managing Input from Parents, Siblings & Friends

The Issue:
Couples are getting overwhelmed by well-meaning (but intense) family members inserting their opinions into every decision.

• What You Can Do:
• In your intake form, ask who the “key decision-makers” are early on.
• Offer family-specific planning sessions (as an add-on or inclusion) where you play mediator.
• Use a shared Google Doc with “Final Decisions Only” to clarify who is making what call.
• Position yourself as the neutral party in all communications and help take the emotional pressure off your couple.

Pro Tip: Host a workshop or webinar called “How to Involve Family in the Planning Without Losing Your Mind” you’ll gain visibility and position yourself as a leader in family dynamics.

By leaning into what’s actually happening in the industry right now, you can offer better service, set stronger boundaries, and become the go-to planner couples trust (and refer!). Adaptability, communication, and education are the superpowers that separate a good planner from a great one.

Let us know: Which of these are you dealing with in your business right now? Join the conversation in the WPIC Alumni group.