In this episode, I'm sharing the seven operating standards I'm building my business around in 2026 that I think you need to consider if you're looking to grow (or even sustain!) your wedding business in 2026. After everything we unpacked in my State of the Industry conversation last week, this episode is more about what we need to do now that we know the wedding industry has shifted.

On this episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast:

• [02:30]: What are operating standards for your wedding business?

• [5:23]: The first operating standard for your wedding business in 2026

• [10:24]: The second operating standard for your wedding business in 2026

• [16:44]: The third operating standard for your wedding business in 2026

• [21:14]: The fourth operating standard for your wedding business in 2026

• [23:50]: The fifth operating standard for your wedding business in 2026

• [27:46]: The sixth operating standard for your wedding business in 2026

• [30:48]: The seventh operating standard for your wedding business in 2026

Thanks for tuning into today's episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast. I want to know what your biggest takeaway was. Head to my Instagram and answer the question of the episode @candice.coppola

SHOW NOTES:

http://www.powerinpurposepodcast.com

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• Episode 203 about the state of the wedding industry: https://blog.candicecoppola.com/state-of-the-wedding-industry/

• Episode 174 about how your inputs affect your outputs: https://blog.candicecoppola.com/mindset-shift-for-wedding-pros/

GET ON THE WEDDINGPRO INSIDERS WAITLIST:

Ready to transform your business? Learn more about WeddingPro Insiders, my high-impact mastermind for wedding pros https://weddingproinsiders.com

SHOW SPONSORS:

Learn more about Honeybook & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/honeybook

Sign-Up for Flodesk & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/flodesk

JOIN ME INSIDE THE PLANNER'S PLAYBOOK:

Learn my secret framework for planning, designing, and coordinating magazine-worthy weddings like a pro https://plannersplaybook.com

GRAB TOOLS INSIDE MY SHOP:

Steal my frameworks, templates, and resources for your business inside my template shop for wedding pros https://shop.candicecoppola.com

CONNECT WITH ME:

http://instagram.com/candice.coppola

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMw

http://candicecoppola.com

In this episode, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what I'm seeing inside the wedding industry right now. From my vantage point working with pros across categories and markets, I've had a front-row seat to some real shifts happening behind the scenes.

If things have felt different in your business lately (slower inquiries, more hesitant clients, marketing that doesn't land the same), they are too.

As an industry, we're in a recalibration, and it's time to pay attention. In this episode, I'm talking about the state of the wedding industry (and sharing five shifts you need to make if you want to book wedding clients in 2026).

On this episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast:

• [04:08]: The wedding industry is shifting

• [08:00]: We're in a trust recession

• [10:53]: The rise of AI content is hurting your marketing

• [15:22]: Showing up like the expert and being transparent in your business

• [19:53]: Couples are using AI to plan their weddings (and why this matters)

• [22:00]: Your value as a wedding pro post-AI

• [24:28]: You need a creative POV

• [26:03]: The state of the wedding industry in regards to visibility

• [31:11]: Going back to analog experiences

• [38:27]: The final shift we need to consider in the current state of the wedding industry

Thanks for tuning into today's episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast. I want to know what your biggest takeaway was. Head to my Instagram and answer the question of the episode @candice.coppola

SHOW NOTES:

http://www.powerinpurposepodcast.com

GET ON THE WEDDINGPRO INSIDERS WAITLIST:

Ready to transform your business? Learn more about WeddingPro Insiders, my high-impact mastermind for wedding pros https://weddingproinsiders.com

SHOW SPONSORS:

Learn more about Honeybook & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/honeybook

Sign-Up for Flodesk & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/flodesk

JOIN ME INSIDE THE PLANNER'S PLAYBOOK:

Learn my secret framework for planning, designing, and coordinating magazine-worthy weddings like a pro https://plannersplaybook.com

GRAB TOOLS INSIDE MY SHOP:

Steal my frameworks, templates, and resources for your business inside my template shop for wedding pros https://shop.candicecoppola.com

CONNECT WITH ME:

http://instagram.com/candice.coppola

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMw

http://candicecoppola.com

At the start of a new year, I notice the same pattern show up again and again. It often looks like ambitious goals layered on top of exhaustion and a lot of pressure to grow mixed with a quiet sense that something isn't quite right. In this episode, I'm sharing a way of thinking about business goals that completely changed how I plan, decide, and move forward.

On this episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast:

• [02:41]: A lesson from Amy Porterfield's mastermind

• [04:31]: Choosing a single lane for goal-setting

• [07:54]: The growth lane of goal-setting

• [11:58]: The recalibration lane of goal-setting

• [16:12]: The steady lane of goal-setting

• [21:35]: Choosing the right land for your business this year

Thanks for tuning into today's episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast. I want to know what your biggest takeaway was. Head to my Instagram and answer the question of the episode @candice.coppola

SHOW NOTES:

http://www.powerinpurposepodcast.com

GET ON THE WEDDINGPRO INSIDERS WAITLIST:

Ready to transform your business? Learn more about WeddingPro Insiders, my high-impact mastermind for wedding pros https://weddingproinsiders.com

SHOW SPONSORS:

Learn more about Honeybook & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/honeybook

Sign-Up for Flodesk & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/flodesk

JOIN ME INSIDE THE PLANNER'S PLAYBOOK:

Learn my secret framework for planning, designing, and coordinating magazine-worthy weddings like a pro https://plannersplaybook.com

GRAB TOOLS INSIDE MY SHOP:

Steal my frameworks, templates, and resources for your business inside my template shop for wedding pros https://shop.candicecoppola.com

CONNECT WITH ME:

http://instagram.com/candice.coppola

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMw

http://candicecoppola.com

As I close out the year with you, I wanted to have a conversation that feels a little uncomfortable but deeply necessary. This episode was born from a moment of unexpected clarity, one that started far outside my business and followed me back into it. I've been sitting with this idea for months, turning it over, resisting it, and eventually realizing it might be the most important 2026 growth strategy for wedding pros we never talk about.

On this episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast:

• [01:40]: The growth strategy nobody is talking about

• [02:41]: The peloton lesson that piqued my interest

• [06:58]: Why we all avoid failure (and what to do instead)

• [10:20]: Why this growth strategy is so important for entrepreneurs

• [12:05]: A question I want you to ask yourself

• [15:10]: What to do to find your next move today

• [19:11]: Why failure is so important

• [24:14]: Why we are used to choosing comfort and thinking about Version 1 differently

• [28:50]: Turning failure into your secret growth strategy

Thanks for tuning into today's episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast. I want to know what your biggest takeaway was. Head to my Instagram and answer the question of the episode @candice.coppola

SHOW NOTES:

http://www.powerinpurposepodcast.com

GET ON THE WEDDINGPRO INSIDERS WAITLIST:

Ready to transform your business? Learn more about WeddingPro Insiders, my high-impact mastermind for wedding pros https://weddingproinsiders.com

SHOW SPONSORS:

Learn more about Honeybook & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/honeybook

Sign-Up for Flodesk & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/flodesk

JOIN ME INSIDE THE PLANNER'S PLAYBOOK:

Learn my secret framework for planning, designing, and coordinating magazine-worthy weddings like a pro https://plannersplaybook.com

GRAB TOOLS INSIDE MY SHOP:

Steal my frameworks, templates, and resources for your business inside my template shop for wedding pros https://shop.candicecoppola.com

CONNECT WITH ME:

http://instagram.com/candice.coppola

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMw

http://candicecoppola.com

I honestly can't believe this is episode 200! Join me today in celebration of 200 conversations we've had over the years and some of the most powerful lessons I've learned along the way.

On this episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast:

• [01:40]: Reflecting on starting the Power in Purpose podcast and celebrating 20 episodes

• [07:38]: 1st lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [09:10]: 2nd lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [10:58]: 3rd lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [13:14]: 4th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [15:01]: 5th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [17:20]: 6th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [19:18]: 7th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [21:20]: 8th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [23:33]: 9th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [25:15]: 10th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [26:32]: 11th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [30:35]: 12th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [31:58]: 13th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [33:58]: 14th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [35:57]: 15th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [38:30]: 16th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [40:34]: 17th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [42:30]: 18th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [44:40]: 19th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [46:20]: 20th lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [47:50]: 21st lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [49:17]: 22nd lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

• [51:51]: 23rd lesson after 200 episodes of the Power in Purpose podcast

Thanks for tuning into today's episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast. I want to know what your biggest takeaway was. Head to my Instagram and answer the question of the episode @candice.coppola

SHOW NOTES:

http://www.powerinpurposepodcast.com

GET ON THE WEDDINGPRO INSIDERS WAITLIST:

Ready to transform your business? Learn more about WeddingPro Insiders, my high-impact mastermind for wedding pros https://weddingproinsiders.com

SHOW SPONSORS:

Learn more about Honeybook & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/honeybook

Sign-Up for Flodesk & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/flodesk

JOIN ME INSIDE THE PLANNER'S PLAYBOOK:

Learn my secret framework for planning, designing, and coordinating magazine-worthy weddings like a pro https://plannersplaybook.com

GRAB TOOLS INSIDE MY SHOP:

Steal my frameworks, templates, and resources for your business inside my template shop for wedding pros https://shop.candicecoppola.com

CONNECT WITH ME:

http://instagram.com/candice.coppola

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMw

http://candicecoppola.com

In this episode, I'm kicking off a new season with a topic that always seems to get people fired up: pay to play features in the wedding industry. I've been watching the conversations unfold online, the hot takes, the snark, the outrage, and I wanted to sit down and share some thoughts from my own experience and perspective.

On this episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast:

• [00:00] Should you pay to play?

• [02:31] Why opinions on pay-to-play trigger people & the misconceptions behind PR

• [05:38] Advertising vs. "scam" narratives

• [07:45] My actual stance: why I would pay Vogue $5,000 without hesitation

• [10:07] Comparing pay-to-play with common advertising we already accept in the industry

• [13:32] Borrowing brand equity

• [14:28]: Luxury consumers rely on recognizable markers

• [15:30]: Signaling power

• [16:59] Advertising vs. organic reach

• [17:40] Why dunking on others' marketing spend is misguided

• [20:20] The real issue: wedding pros wanting credibility without investment

Thanks for tuning into today's episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast. I want to know what your biggest takeaway was. Head to my Instagram and answer the question of the episode @candice.coppola

SHOW NOTES:

http://www.powerinpurposepodcast.com

GET ON THE WEDDINGPRO INSIDERS WAITLIST:

Ready to transform your business? Learn more about WeddingPro Insiders, my high-impact mastermind for wedding pros https://weddingproinsiders.com

SHOW SPONSORS:

Learn more about Honeybook & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/honeybook

Sign-Up for Flodesk & Get 25% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/flodesk

JOIN ME INSIDE THE PLANNER'S PLAYBOOK:

Learn my secret framework for planning, designing, and coordinating magazine-worthy weddings like a pro https://plannersplaybook.com

GRAB TOOLS INSIDE MY SHOP:

Steal my frameworks, templates, and resources for your business inside my template shop for wedding pros https://shop.candicecoppola.com

CONNECT WITH ME:

http://instagram.com/candice.coppola

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMw

http://candicecoppola.com

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the ten bold shifts I'm seeing high-achieving wedding pros make right now (shifts that are actually working). These are the real strategies my clients are using to transform their businesses, boost sales, elevate their brands, and even protect their mental health.

On this episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast:

• [00:00]: Introduction to Bold Shifts in the Wedding Industry

• [02:42]: Reflecting on the Past and Planning for the Future

• [06:01]: Unique Perspectives on the Wedding Industry

• [08:43]: Prioritizing Energy and Time Management

• [12:01]: Investing in Visibility and Branding

• [17:44]: Stepping into Thought Leadership

• [21:58]: The Power of Saying No

• [28:06]: Media Authority and Brand Elevation

• [30:00]: Claiming Your Authority in the Industry

• [35:07]: Redefining Leadership in Your Business

• [39:54]: Creating Better Pricing Structures

• [44:08]: Building Community Through Events

• [46:29]: Developing Signature Frameworks

• [48:52]: Embracing Bold Branding

• [54:39]: Taking Action for a Profitable Future

Thanks for tuning into today's episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast. I want to know what your biggest takeaway was. Head to my Instagram and answer the question of the episode @candice.coppola

SHOW NOTES:

http://www.powerinpurposepodcast.com

GET ON THE WEDDINGPRO INSIDERS WAITLIST:

Ready to transform your business? Learn more about WeddingPro Insiders, my high-impact mastermind for wedding pros https://weddingproinsiders.com

SHOW SPONSORS:

Learn more about Honeybook & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/honeybook

Sign-Up for Flodesk & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/flodesk

JOIN ME INSIDE THE PLANNER'S PLAYBOOK:

Learn my secret framework for planning, designing, and coordinating magazine-worthy weddings like a pro https://plannersplaybook.com

GRAB TOOLS INSIDE MY SHOP:

Steal my frameworks, templates, and resources for your business inside my template shop for wedding pros https://shop.candicecoppola.com

CONNECT WITH ME:

http://instagram.com/candice.coppola

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMw

http://candicecoppola.com

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Erinn, someone I've admired for the clarity and confidence she brings to the money conversation in our industry. As wedding pros, it's so easy to get caught up in the work we love (serving clients, designing, planning), but at the same time, we can sometimes avoid the financial side of things. That's why I wanted to bring Erinn on: to help us reframe how we think about paying ourselves and building long-term wealth. Because more wedding bookings won't fix your money stress... but let's talk about what will.

In this episode:

• [00:00]: The Broken Money System

• [03:10]: From Photographer to Real Estate Investor

• [05:54]: Understanding Money Mindset

• [08:47]: The Role of Real Estate in Wealth Building

• [12:07]: Women and Money: Historical Context

• [14:57]: Overcoming Money Avoidance

• [17:49]: Taking Control of Your Finances

• [21:04]: The Entrepreneurial Advantage in Money Management

• [23:50]: Connecting Energy and Money

• [26:11]: Transforming Money Mindset for Sustainability

• [30:22]: The Role of Bookkeepers and Accountants

• [32:47]: Prioritizing Your Pay: The Mindset Shift

• [39:58]: Understanding Revenue vs. Profitability

• [43:47]: Masterclass Invitation: The Wedding Pro Profit Blueprint

Erinn and I are teaming up to host a completely free masterclass for my podcast community, and I couldn't be more excited about it. It's called The Wedding Pro Profit Blueprint, and it's designed specifically for wedding pros who want to pay themselves consistently and create real wealth through their businesses.

Get your free ticket here: https://go.erinnbridgman.com/masterclasscandice

Thanks for tuning into today's episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast. I want to know what your biggest takeaway was. Head to my Instagram and answer the question of the episode @candice.coppola

Podcast Episode Mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mel-robbins-podcast/id1646101002?i=1000652103707

SHOW NOTES:

http://www.powerinpurposepodcast.com

GET ON THE WEDDINGPRO INSIDERS WAITLIST:

Ready to transform your business? Learn more about WeddingPro Insiders, my high-impact mastermind for wedding pros https://weddingproinsiders.com

JOIN ME INSIDE THE PLANNER'S PLAYBOOK:

Learn my secret framework for planning, designing, and coordinating magazine-worthy weddings like a pro https://plannersplaybook.com

GRAB TOOLS INSIDE MY SHOP:

Steal my frameworks, templates, and resources for your business inside my template shop for wedding pros https://shop.candicecoppola.com

CONNECT WITH ME:

http://instagram.com/candice.coppola

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMw

http://candicecoppola.com

I've got a confession to make – over the last year, I've invested about $60,000 in my own education and business development. Yep, you heard that right. Between masterminds, one-on-one coaching, and specialized courses, I've poured into myself so that I can keep growing and, ultimately, serve you better. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what those investments looked like, what they gave me (and what they didn't), and how you can start thinking more strategically about investing in your own growth.

On this episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast:

• [00:00]: Investing in Education: A Personal Journey

• [06:56]: Understanding Different Educational Formats

• [14:06]: The Power of One-on-One Coaching

• [20:56]: Masterminds: Community and Accountability

• [29:57]: Evaluating Readiness for Coaching Programs

• [38:47]: When to Wait Before Investing

• [45:47]: The WPI Experience: A Unique Coaching Opportunity

Thanks for tuning into today's episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast. I want to know what your biggest takeaway was. Head to my Instagram and answer the question of the episode @candice.coppola

SHOW NOTES:

http://www.powerinpurposepodcast.com

GET ON THE WEDDINGPRO INSIDERS WAITLIST:

Ready to transform your business? Learn more about WeddingPro Insiders, my high-impact mastermind for wedding pros https://weddingproinsiders.com

SHOW SPONSORS:

Learn more about Honeybook & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/honeybook

Sign-Up for Flodesk & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/flodesk

JOIN ME INSIDE THE PLANNER'S PLAYBOOK:

Learn my secret framework for planning, designing, and coordinating magazine-worthy weddings like a pro https://plannersplaybook.com

GRAB TOOLS INSIDE MY SHOP:

Steal my frameworks, templates, and resources for your business inside my template shop for wedding pros https://shop.candicecoppola.com

CONNECT WITH ME:

http://instagram.com/candice.coppola

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMw

http://candicecoppola.com

Hitting six figures in your wedding business is an incredible milestone but let's be real, it's not all smooth sailing from there. In fact, crossing that threshold often creates a whole new set of challenges that no one really warns you about. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the exact problems most wedding pros face once they've "made it" to six figures and why the strategies that got you here won't get you to the next level.

On this episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast:

• [00:00] Introduction to Six-Figure Challenges

• [03:06] Understanding the Six-Figure Milestone

• [05:53] Money and Pricing Complexities

• [08:42] Marketing and Visibility Struggles

• [11:57] Team Dynamics and Client Management

• [14:48] Systems and Operations Overhaul

• [21:57] Creativity and Innovation Blockages

• [26:03] Building Visibility and Influence

• [30:48] CEO Identity and Lifestyle Changes

• [35:44] Conclusion and Invitation to Join WPI

Thanks for tuning into today's episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast. I want to know what your biggest takeaway was. Head to my Instagram and answer the question of the episode @candice.coppola

SHOW NOTES:

http://www.powerinpurposepodcast.com

GET ON THE WEDDINGPRO INSIDERS WAITLIST:

Ready to transform your business? Learn more about WeddingPro Insiders, my high-impact mastermind for wedding pros https://weddingproinsiders.com

SHOW SPONSORS:

Learn more about Honeybook & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/honeybook

Sign-Up for Flodesk & Get 50% Off: http://candicecoppola.com/flodesk

JOIN ME INSIDE THE PLANNER'S PLAYBOOK:

Learn my secret framework for planning, designing, and coordinating magazine-worthy weddings like a pro https://plannersplaybook.com

GRAB TOOLS INSIDE MY SHOP:

Steal my frameworks, templates, and resources for your business inside my template shop for wedding pros https://shop.candicecoppola.com

CONNECT WITH ME:

http://instagram.com/candice.coppola

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMw

http://candicecoppola.com