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Hey There, CEO!

Starting a wedding business in 2025? Let me tell you something—this industry has changed, and if you’re playing by old rules, you’re already behind.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help! In this episode blog, of the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast, I’ll break down exactly how I’d start a wedding business from scratch today.

No fluff.

No endless theory.

Just actionable, proven steps that’ll help you build a brand, attract dream clients, and scale to success quickly.

These are the steps that’ll transform your passion for weddings into a business that doesn’t just survive—it thrives.

1. Create a Sales Funnel

The first step? You need a sales funnel, and guess what—you don’t need clients to start building one.

You might be wondering, “What do I post if I haven’t had clients yet?”

Let me tell you: inspo, education, and a behind-the-scenes look at your process.

You can build trust and credibility by showing your personality and sharing your expertise, even before you’ve booked your first client.

Here are a few content ideas to get you started:

• Inspiration: Share mood boards, wedding themes, and unique ideas.
  
  
• Education: Post tips on wedding planning, like how to create a timeline or choose a venue.
  
  
• Behind the Scenes: Document your venue tours, networking events, and even your day-to-day work.
  
  

“Couples are following along before they ever talk to you. Show your personality. Be the expert.”
-Brandee Gaar

Remember, couples are watching before they ever reach out to you. Be social. Be consistent. Show your expertise and personality, so they know, like, and trust you before that first email even lands in your inbox.

2. Don’t Overthink Your Website

Your website doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to work. Keep it simple, easy to navigate, and focused on your ideal client’s pain points.

Here’s what your website actually needs:

• Home Page: Clearly state what you do, where you do it, and who you do it for (SEO gold!).
  
  
• About Page: Don’t forget to include your name. People work with people, not faceless brands.
  
  
• Services Page: Highlight your packages and pricing—but skip the long bullet lists. Keep it clean and simple.
  
  
• Contact Page: Include a form, email address, phone number, and a direct booking link to make it easy for clients to reach you.
  
  

“Your website doesn’t have to win design awards—it just has to answer your clients’ questions and make it easy to connect.”
-Brandee Gaar

3. Build Strategic Relationships

Want to know a secret? Relationships are your secret weapon in the wedding industry.

If I were starting over, I’d make it my mission to connect with every planner, photographer, and venue in my niche. Why? Referrals are gold. But here’s the trick: don’t just network—bring value.

“Don’t just network—bring VALUE. Ask, ‘How can I make your life easier?’”
-Brandee Gaar

Ask yourself, How can I make their life easier? Be the vendor everyone loves working with, and you’ll build a reputation that keeps your calendar full.

4. Charge to Make a Profit

Here’s the biggest mistake I see wedding pros make: pricing themselves based on what they think people will pay. That’s a race to the bottom, CEO.

Here’s how to get your pricing right:

1. Know Your Numbers: Calculate your operating expenses, the value of your time, and any costs you cover for clients. Then, add a margin for profit. A good rule of thumb? Double your costs!
   
   
2. Price for Your Expertise: You’re not just charging for hours of work—you’re charging for years of experience. Clients pay for the stress you save them and the unforgettable moments you create.
   
   
3. Present Pricing with Confidence: How you position your pricing is just as important as the number itself.
   
   
4. Test and Adjust: Pricing isn’t set in stone. Start with what covers your costs and brings profit, then tweak as needed based on client feedback and market demand.
   
   

“You don’t just charge to get booked—you charge to make a profit.”
-Brandee Gaar

You’re not running a charity—you’re running a business. And businesses need profit to grow.

5. Be Relentless

Starting a profitable wedding business isn’t easy. You’re going to face challenges—competition, rejection, slow seasons. But the key to success? Relentlessness.

Being relentless means showing up every day, even when it’s hard. It means staying committed to your vision, even when results aren’t immediate.

Before We Go

Starting a wedding business in 2025 isn’t for the faint of heart, but with the right strategies (and a whole lot of grit), you can absolutely build a thriving, profitable business.

Remember, CEOs—it’s about progress, not perfection. So, take these steps, put them into action, and watch your dream business come to life.

Want to dive even deeper? Check out Episode #251 of the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast, where I break down how to outpace your competition and become part of the 1%.

And don’t forget to drop your questions using our new talkback feature!

Until next time, CEOs, keep dreaming big—and chasing those goals relentlessly.

FAQ

Q: What’s the fastest way to get clients when starting out?

A: Relationships! Connect with planners, venues, and photographers. Referrals can fill your calendar faster than any ad campaign.

Q: Do I need a huge budget to start a wedding business?

A: Nope! Focus on building a simple website, creating consistent content, and networking. You can scale your expenses as your business grows.

Q: How do I stand out in a competitive market?

A: Be consistent, show your personality, and deliver incredible value to your clients and vendor partners.

Q: Should I publish my pricing on my website?

A: Yes! Transparency builds trust. List your starting prices or package ranges so clients know what to expect.

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