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Discover the three brutal reasons wedding pros struggle with profitability, and how you can overcome them to join the profitable 1%.

Hey there, CEOs! If you are new here, I’m Brandee Gaar, and if you’ve ever found yourself hustling every weekend—only to realize your bank account doesn’t match your efforts—then trust me, you’re not alone.

I totally get it because I’ve been there. Yep, you read that right—I’ve built one of Orlando’s largest wedding planning firms and still struggled to see a real profit. It felt like I was spinning wheels, working hard, and constantly stressed about money. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: 99% of wedding pros aren’t profitable. It’s not because we lack talent or hustle, but because we treat our businesses more like passion projects rather than true businesses. I want to help you avoid this costly mistake. So, let’s dive into the three brutal reasons why most wedding pros don’t make a profit and exactly how you can join the elite 1% who do!

Reason #1: You Don’t Know Your Numbers

Seriously, this was me for the longest time! I just kept my fingers crossed each month, hoping I’d have enough money to pay the bills without really tracking expenses or forecasting income.

“I kind of had a general idea of how much was going out, but I rarely had an idea of how much was coming in.”

And here’s the deal: If you’re just guessing about your cash flow, you’re not running your business—you’re letting it run you.

How to fix it:

• Calculate your fixed monthly expenses clearly, down to the last cent. Rent, utilities, software subscriptions—every detail counts.
  
• Forecast income realistically. If you’ve been around more than two years, use your historical data (leads per month and conversion rates) to estimate how much you’ll make each month.
  
• Track your cash flow diligently. Remember, “what gets measured gets managed.” The more accurately you track this, the more empowered you’ll be to scale and grow.
  

Reason #2: You’re Pricing Emotionally Instead of Strategically

I get it; it’s super tempting to lower prices when competition is fierce or when you’re desperate for bookings. But the truth is, racing to the bottom is a fast-track to burnout and stagnation.

Recently, I coached a wedding pro doing over seven figures yet feeling stuck. Turns out they were doing more events but making less money. Crazy, right?

“You’re actually booking more events, yet revenue stays the same.”

Lowering prices to win business is an emotional response to a broken sales process, not a strategic move.

How to fix it:

• Stop competing on price alone. Position your brand clearly, highlight your unique value, and be confident enough to charge appropriately.
  
• Track your average revenue per event. Don’t just chase a high number of bookings. Focus instead on booking the right clients at the right prices.
  
• Perfect your sales process. Get crystal clear on your value, and don’t hesitate to communicate it. Clients who truly value your service will be willing to invest in you.
  

Reason #3: You’re Not Operating with a CEO Mindset

A profitable wedding pro wears the CEO hat proudly. They understand their core role is about strategy and growth—not just task completion.

“You need to start acting like a coach instead of a player.”

You’re the visionary behind your business, the captain steering your ship. Your primary focus should be on these three key areas:

• Marketing: Attracting the right leads consistently.
  
• Sales: Converting these leads strategically and profitably.
  
• Team Development: Training, supporting, and growing your amazing team.
  

Tasks outside these core responsibilities? Outsource or delegate them. You didn’t start your business to be overwhelmed by every little task.

How to fix it:

• Identify low-value tasks: Track how you spend your day. If a task doesn’t fall into marketing, sales, or team development, delegate it ASAP.
  
• Outsource effectively: Virtual assistants, freelancers, or even full-time hires—whatever your budget allows, just don’t let low-impact tasks steal your productivity.
  
• Be a coach, not a player: Guide your team, empower them, and trust them. A CEO doesn’t micromanage but coaches their people to success.
  

Making the Shift to Profitability

Listen—I know you started your wedding business because you love it. But love alone doesn’t pay your mortgage or give you financial freedom.

If you truly want to join the profitable 1% who thrive in the wedding industry, here’s your simple roadmap:

• Know your numbers.
  
• Price strategically (not emotionally).
  
• Lead with a CEO mindset.
  

These were the exact shifts that completely transformed my business, allowing me and my family the freedom and security we dreamed about. If I can do it, trust me—you can too!

Ready to make the shift? Schedule your free gap assessment with our team here! https://weddingproceo.com/application

Before We Go

You don’t have to stay stuck in the exhausting cycle of hustle without reward. By understanding these brutal reasons and taking actionable steps, you can shift to sustainable profitability and finally enjoy the business—and life—you’ve dreamed of!

If this episode blog resonated, don’t forget to subscribe or follow me on your favorite platforms. Together, let’s make your wedding business profitable and thriving! 🌟

Useful Resources:

• The (FREE!)ASSUME Sales Training: 2x your wedding bookings in 30 days—step by step. Thousands of wedding pros have already used it to land more clients immediately! http://weddingproceo.com/freetrainingorg
  
• A favorite book of mine: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz https://a.co/d/bYZ4VB1
  
• Another favorite book of mine: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell https://a.co/d/2atNm14

Until next time, you’ve got this CEO!

FAQ

Q: How do I accurately forecast income?

Base forecasts on historical data. Know your monthly leads and your conversion rate. This formula helps create realistic monthly income predictions.

Q: When should I outsource tasks?

When tasks are repetitive, not your strong suit, or taking time away from your core CEO duties (marketing, sales, and team-building), it’s time to delegate.

Q: How can I communicate higher pricing confidently to clients?

Clearly articulate the unique value and benefits you provide. Confidence grows when you understand your worth, so do your homework and be ready to justify your rates.

Q: What’s the first step to getting profitable quickly?

Understand your numbers immediately. Clearly tracking expenses, income, and profit margins is foundational to quick profitability.

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💌For business inquiries: sayhello@weddingproceo.com

Heads up, CEO! Some of the links I share may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and love, and that I believe will help you grow a profitable, sustainable business you’re obsessed with.