by Danielle Andrews, President of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc.
Every entrepreneur, especially in the wedding industry, hits that moment. That crossroads where you ask yourself, “Is this going to make me bitter… or better?”
Because let’s be honest: being a wedding pro isn’t just pretty tablescapes, beautiful venues, and glowing reviews. It’s 3 a.m. logistics, impossible timelines, clients with sky-high expectations, vendor emergencies, and emotional stakes that run very high.
Challenges will come. Always. The success comes from whether you allow them to harden you or sharpen you.
When a client ghosts after a discovery call
You can become bitter:
“This industry is so disrespectful. People waste your time.”
Or better:
“I’ll tighten my inquiry process, add a pre-qualifying form, and value my time more.”
When a couple hires a cheaper planner after you poured your heart into a proposal
You can become bitter:
“People don’t appreciate expertise. Everyone just wants a deal.”
Or better:
“I’ll refine my brand messaging, improve how I demonstrate value, and stop doing unpaid labour.”
When a venue coordinator undermines you—again
You can become bitter:
“Ugh. No one respects planners.”
Or better:
“I’ll strengthen my communication boundaries, document everything, and build alliances with coordinators who do respect the role.”
When a hard wedding day shakes your confidence
Maybe the officiant was late.
Maybe the DJ lost power.
Maybe the rain came sideways.
You can become bitter:
“Everything is a battle. Nothing ever goes smoothly.”
Or better:
“Every challenge is a masterclass. I’m calmer, stronger, smarter for next time.”
When seasons feel slow, engagement season is quiet, or bookings aren’t where you hoped
You can become bitter:
“Maybe I’m not good enough. Maybe the market is too saturated.”
Or better:
“I’ll use the downtime to refine my systems, update my website, network intentionally, and level up.”
Being an entrepreneur means signing up for growth. Not comfort.
Everything you overcome as a wedding pro, every difficult client, every chaotic wedding day, every unexpected setback, becomes part of your toolbox.
Your experience.
Your authority.
Your resilience.
The industry favours those who can pivot, improve, reflect, and rise.
You don’t become better when things are easy.
You become better when you decide the hard things won’t define you—they’ll refine you.
So the next time you’re tested, ask yourself:
“Is this my bitter season… or my better season?”
And choose the version of you that’s building a career with longevity, purpose, and power.
You’ve already survived 100% of your challenges so far.
You’re more capable, creative, and resilient than you think.
Keep going. The wedding world needs what only you bring. 💙💚
About Danielle Andrews, BA, WPICC
Danielle Andrews is the Co-Founder and President of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC Inc.) and has been a certified wedding planner for over 25 years. Recognized as one of Eventex’s 100 Most Influential Wedding Professionals for 2025, Danielle is dedicated to elevating the standards of the wedding industry through education, mentorship, and professionalism. She has trained thousands of planners worldwide, planned weddings across the globe, and continues to mentor new professionals to build successful, ethical, and sustainable businesses in the ever-evolving world of weddings.
So true! It’s so easy to sometimes question everything and sometimes so hard to refocus your train of thought. It’s like you’re in the Super Bowl – the whole planning process with clients is the playoffs. Event day is the Superbowl. And guess what? You always get the ring! But never lose sight that that final game was hard and a challenge well won!