Branding You Into Your Wedding Planning Business

By: Tracey Manailescu

Starting up your wedding planning business is empowering, thrilling, exciting and nerve wracking.  You are taking a chance on something that depends totally on you. There are so many things that need to be done and they all revolve around what suits your style and personality, along with reaching your target market to get those ideal clients. We have heard so many different opinions on what should be done first and why. I am going to give you my opinion on the subject, along with some ideas to brand your company with your personality front and centre. Some cost money, and some don’t.

Invest in Your Brand: I really feel that if you are going to do something, than you should do it well. Some people will tell you to just get something up online, and you can always change it later. I disagree with that sentiment. The minute you open your doors for business you are going to have potential clients checking you out. Represent yourself and your business the best way that you know how. This may take some time to get in place, but it truly is worth it.

Keep WEDucated: Attend conferences that will help you grow your business, continue your education by taking a course in something you have always wanted to know more about, get certified, network, attend local events, and share these things with your followers on social media or your blog. The more you know, the more you grow 😉 Don’t forget to show you were there by updating it on your social media platforms.

Sponsor an Event or Volunteer Your Time Somewhere That Means Something to You:  Is Woofstock close to your heart? What about the Canadian Cancer Society, Second Harvest, Wedding Conferences, Event Conferences, or the Pride Parade? These events run on sponsorship and the kindness of others. Contribute your time and skills. You will feel great about it, and you may even meet some great new friends and business connections.

Submit an Article, a Real Wedding or a Styled Shoot for Publication: Toot your own horn!  If you do not let people know of your accomplishments, then who will? Couples and and other wedding professionals want to know what you are capable of, what type of clients are attracted your company, what your style is, and they want to see your personality through any of the above.

Everyone is a Potential Client: Everyone that you meet or interact with has the potential to be a client. It could be a neighbour, a colleague, an old school friend, someone that you meet at an event, the gym, a referral from a past couple, etc. The first thing that they are going to do is check you out online. It might be your website, Facebook, Twitter, instagram or a Google search. However they search for you they are going to be looking for some sort of a connection. Do you suit their style, personality, budget? Do you specialize in something they are looking for? Are you a take-charge savvy business owner? Are you extremely organized?  Are you great at solving problems? Do you enjoy working with a variety of cultures, or do you specialize in one or two? They should be able to find this out right from the get go when checking out your online presence.

Your Logo: Unless you are a graphic designer, do not attempt to create your own logo. Your logo is what people will remember about your company visually. Pay for it, it’s worth it! Have that baby everywhere. Put it on each page of your website, Twitter, Facebook, business cards, instagram, ads, pens, brochures, mugs, contracts. Everywhere! There are a ton of companies that can create something incredible just for you.

Headshot: Please, please, please hire a photographer to take some photos of you in your element. Nothing, I repeat nothing beats professional photos for business. Make sure that the photos will represent you and your company. The way you dress, the way you do your hair and makeup, the background  and even where you get your photos taken should all match your style and the type of wedding clients you want to attract. Are you an avid coffee drinker? Go to your favourite cafe and get some super cute photos in it.  (Make sure to include the coffee.) Remember, don’t try to be something that you are not. Love your office space? Well then get your photos there. Focusing on Destination weddings? Then you should have a background that reflects it. Focusing on cultural weddings? Add some touches to your props reflecting those countries such as a book, glassware, wedding magazines, fabrics, etc.

Portfolio: This is your chance to shine. It shows weddings that you have worked on without having to say a word. Always make sure that you are using professional photos and credit the photographer. You choose the photos that go into your portfolio, so if they are not very good, or do not represent your target clientele, don’t put up the photo. If you want to show that you work with really fun and quirky clients, or if you want to show that you work with LGBT couples, add them.  If you want to show that you adore animals in your weddings, then add photos of the animals doing their part at the wedding. Does decor play a big role in your couples weddings? You know what you need to do.