In this episode, wedding planner Andrea Eppolito shares a personal and professional story that illustrates a foundational truth in luxury business: Being nice pays off — personally, professionally, and reputationally.
Years ago, Andrea spoke with a couple who was newly engaged and exploring their options for a wedding planner. As it turned out, the fit wasn’t quite right. Their timing, vision, and budget didn’t align with the highly customized, high-touch experience that defines Andrea’s work. And so, they moved on.
Fast forward to today: That same couple just signed on to work with Andrea — not for a wedding, but for a vow renewal. Not only did they remember her style, her brand, and the events she’s known for, but what stood out the most was how she made them feel when they originally reached out. She didn’t dismiss them. She didn’t talk down to them. She didn’t rush them off the phone or treat them like they weren’t “good enough.”
Instead, she listened. She educated. She explained her value with clarity and kindness — and even offered helpful guidance for their journey.
That moment stayed with them. Because decency stays with people.
In this episode, Andrea explores why being kind, respectful, and present — even with those who aren’t your “ideal client” — is not just a good human move, but a savvy business one. She shares how the luxury space requires a long-game mindset, where how you handle a “no” matters just as much as how you close a “yes.”
She also offers 5 actionable strategies for handling calls and inquiries from people who may not align with your pricing, process, or aesthetic — without ever compromising your standards or your brand.
1. Listen First, Filter Second.
Give people the space to share. Let them speak without rushing to conclusions. Often, what they say can help you better understand how to serve — or gracefully exit.
2. Lead with Education.
Use the call to explain who you are, what you do, and how you work. That positioning often does the heavy lifting for you, helping the client recognize whether or not you're the right fit — without anyone feeling rejected.
3. Stand Firm in Your Standards, with Grace.
Luxury isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. There’s a powerful way to say, “This isn’t the right match,” without ever making someone feel lesser for trying.
4. Leave Them Better Than You Found Them.
Whether it's a referral, a helpful blog post, or a kind word — offer something. Even a small gift of your expertise creates goodwill that lasts.
5. Understand Every Call is a Brand Touchpoint.
Whether they hire you now, later, or never — people will remember how you treated them. And in the world of high-end service, reputation is everything.
This episode is a love letter to the values that sustain long-term success in a luxury business. It’s about playing the long game. About understanding that today’s “not yet” could become tomorrow’s “absolutely.” And about honoring the fact that every person who reaches out — no matter where they are in their journey — deserves respect.
Andrea reminds us that high standards and kindness are not mutually exclusive. You can run an elevated, aspirational business and be deeply human. In fact, in today’s increasingly automated, fast-paced world, that humanity is the luxury.
Tune in to hear Andrea’s candid reflections, actionable advice, and her take on what it really means to build a brand that lasts — by being nice, being gracious, and being unforgettable.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your shows.
And for more on Andrea’s work as a luxury wedding planner, speaker, and educator, visit www.andreaeppolito.com.
MY SERVICES
Luxury Wedding Planning: https://www.andreaeppolito.com
Wedding Business Consulting: https://www.andreaeppolito.com/consulting
Speaking & Appearances: https://www.andreaeppolito.com/speaking
Online Education: https://courses.andreaeppolito.com/
Are you a Wedding Professional?
My book, Redefining Your Wedding Business can help you learn how to redefine your own business, and possibly even your own market.
https://shop.andreaeppolito.com/books
Thinking of Starting Your Own Wedding Planning Business?
The Business Blueprint for Wedding Planners is a four-hour “crash course” that I designed to help you start your very own Wedding Planning Business. It is also used by many Wedding Planners as a “check-up” to ensure that their businesses have maximized their potential and become profitable as quickly as possible.
https://shop.andreaeppolito.com/bbwp
Do you have a Wedding Planning Business already and feel “stuck”?
I created the Wedding Planner Master Class because my business was once there. I was busy, but I wasn’t doing the business I wanted. The Wedding Planner Master Class is a ten-module series designed to help you breakthrough and transform the business you want into the business you WANT!
https://shop.andreaeppolito.com/wpmc
YOUTUBE VIDEOS
*Grow Your Wedding Planning Business*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_66F9DDLtg
*Three Tips to Starting Your Own Wedding Planning Business*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EaFGc-dOxs
*Wedding Planner Masterclass Review*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WnUZVlcyNo
*How to Attract High-End Clients to Your Wedding Business*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WnUZVlcyNo
*How to Survive a Recession & Come Out Stronger*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrk1r9oxxrw
*Should You Expand Your Wedding Planning Business*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXAy6vzHkyk
*Top 10 Apps Your Wedding Business Needs*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0oQarH2BE0
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
Ontraport: https://ontraport.com/?orid=833939
Kajabi: https://app.kajabi.com/r/v22qtLrX/t/2mizwaxl
LET’S GET SOCIAL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreaeppolito
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreaeppolito
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/andreaeppolito
Twitter: https://twitter.com/andreaeppolito
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaeppolito
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TfJJ5X/
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