Wedding Pros who are ready to grow - with Becca Pountney

Show notes:

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Chloe Lansdowne, Head of Marketing at Hitched, to chat about what couples are really looking for when they search for wedding suppliers online.

We talk about why great photos and clear, detailed listings matter so much when it comes to attracting the right enquiries, and how couples are making decisions in a world where they’re constantly overwhelmed with choice. Chloe shares some brilliant insight into how wedding businesses can stand out by building trust, showing personality and creating an emotional connection through their marketing. We also dive into how platforms like Hitched can help boost visibility, what makes a supplier profile actually work, and the small changes that can make a big difference to the quality of leads you receive.

Hitched

Hitched - Instagram

Time stamps:

00:39 - Introduction to Wedding Marketing Strategies

01:00 - Introduction to Wedding Marketing and Planning

12:19 - Navigating Vendor Relationships in Wedding Planning

14:55 - The Importance of Niche Marketing in the Wedding Industry

23:52 - The Changing Landscape of Wedding Vendor Marketing

26:14 - Understanding the Importance of Listings in Wedding Vendor Success

34:25 - Vendor Visibility and Marketing Strategies

37:49 - Navigating Communication and Avoiding Ghosting

46:02 - The Fast-Paced World of Marketing

Mentioned in this episode:

The TikTok Pro Course is back this June!

Has Tiktok been on your to do list for a while? Are you scared of the platform, or just using it as a place to reshare Instagram videos? TikTok and Instagram are not the same.

TikTok Pro

Show notes:

This week on the podcast, I’m speaking to venue consultant and co-owner of The Barn at Pengelly, Wenna Hicks, about wedding venue success and how data-driven decisions can transform bookings and business growth.

We explore Wenna’s journey from corporate consulting into the wedding industry and how she applies strategic thinking, market research, and customer insights to improve venue performance. We also discuss pricing strategy, CRM systems, social media marketing, supplier relationships, and the importance of transparency in increasing wedding venue bookings.

The Barn at Pengelly Instagram

Elevate venue consultancy

Time stamps:

00:02 - The Importance of Transparency in Venue Marketing

01:44 - The Journey from Corporate Consulting to Wedding Venue Owner

09:22 - The Journey to First Bookings

14:17 - Challenges and Growth in Business Operations

26:05 - Navigating Pricing Strategies in the Wedding Industry

31:01 - Building Relationships with Suppliers

34:55 - The Role of Social Media in Modern Marketing

42:55 - Investing in Business Education and Networking

47:36 - The Importance of Mindset in Business Growth

Mentioned in this episode:

The TikTok Pro Course is back this June!

Has Tiktok been on your to do list for a while? Are you scared of the platform, or just using it as a place to reshare Instagram videos? TikTok and Instagram are not the same.

TikTok Pro

Show notes:

This week on the podcast I caught up with Tayler Cusick-Hollman, founder of Enji and a great industry friend of mine! We explore the tendency of business owners to cling to familiar practices, even when they yield diminishing returns, highlighting the necessity for innovation in response to market shifts. Additionally, we delve into the concept of the "trust recession," a phenomenon impacting customer perceptions and the imperative for authenticity in marketing efforts. As we navigate through these topics, we aim to provide actionable insights that empower our listeners to embrace change and enhance their marketing effectiveness.

Taylers Instagram

Enji's website

Time stamps:

06:16 - Understanding the Trust Recession in Marketing

20:02 - The Reality of Marketing in the Wedding Industry

29:31 - The Importance of Consistency in Marketing

37:09 - The Importance of Effective Marketing Tools

54:56 - The Importance of Continuing Education and Community

Mentioned in this episode:

The TikTok Pro Course is back this June!

Has Tiktok been on your to do list for a while? Are you scared of the platform, or just using it as a place to reshare Instagram videos? TikTok and Instagram are not the same.

TikTok Pro

Show notes:

This week on the podcast I'm chatting to Zoe Burke, the global head of brand content and social at Bridebook. We delved into the complexities that couples face when navigating the amount of options available to them. Drawing from her extensive experience in the wedding industry, Zoe emphasises the importance of personalisation and the evolving role of directories in facilitating vendor selection.

Industry report

Zoe's Instagram

Zoe's Tiktok

Time stamps:

00:02 - Navigating the Wedding Planning Process

00:37 - The Journey into the Wedding Industry

16:39 - Understanding the Modern Wedding Directory Landscape

27:21 - Understanding Couples' Expectations in Wedding Planning

38:18 - The Importance of Personal Connection in Marketing

Mentioned in this episode:

The TikTok Pro Course is back this June!

Has Tiktok been on your to do list for a while? Are you scared of the platform, or just using it as a place to reshare Instagram videos? TikTok and Instagram are not the same.

TikTok Pro

Show notes:

This week I'm speaking to Fausto Pifferrer, co-founder of Blue Elephant Events and Catering. We discuss the critical necessity of fostering strong relationships with venues, which serve as the cornerstone of sustained success in this competitive arena. Fausto, with a career spanning over four decades, shares invaluable insights on the significance of treating both clients and staff with the utmost respect, thereby enhancing efficiency in business and overall service quality.

Fausto's website

Blue Elephant catering

Time stamps:

00:01 - Navigating the Industry's Challenges

04:08 - Starting a New Journey in Catering

13:20 - Lessons from the Wedding Business

17:46 - Building and Maintaining Venue Relationships

23:21 - The Journey of Writing a Book

Mentioned in this episode:

The TikTok Pro Course is back this June!

Has Tiktok been on your to do list for a while? Are you scared of the platform, or just using it as a place to reshare Instagram videos? TikTok and Instagram are not the same.

TikTok Pro

Show notes:

From the very start, I wanted Wed Pros Live to bring together brilliant speakers who really know their stuff and know how to connect with a room. Just as importantly, an audience of wedding professionals who were ready to learn, share, and get stuck in. The energy in the room was incredible, especially from the attendees right from my Spice Girls entrance through to every single session, it set the tone for such a special day. The quality of the talks reflected exactly what I hoped for: practical, insightful sessions that sparked real conversations and gave people ideas they could take straight back into their businesses. Because the best speakers don’t just share information, they inspire action. They get you thinking differently, challenge what you’re doing, and leave you feeling motivated to make real changes.

As I start planning for 2027, that bar isn’t moving—it’s getting even higher. I’m focused on creating an event that feels welcoming, inspiring, and genuinely valuable for every wedding pro in the room. Everything we learned from our first event is shaping what comes next, and I can’t wait to build on it.

Wed Pros Live 2027

Wed Pros Live 2026 video recap

Time stamps:

00:11 - Reflecting on Wed Pros Live

05:41 - Creating a Successful Wedding Conference

14:15 - The Importance of Quality Speakers

17:07 - The Importance of Audio Visual Quality in Event Planning

24:46 - The Importance of Details in Event Planning

31:22 - Finances and Event Management

35:20 - Feedback Reflections

42:32 - Planning for Wed Pros Live 2027

Mentioned in this episode:

The TikTok Pro Course is back this June!

Has Tiktok been on your to do list for a while? Are you scared of the platform, or just using it as a place to reshare Instagram videos? TikTok and Instagram are not the same.

TikTok Pro

Show notes:

This week I'm chatting with Andrea Shah, a seasoned wedding copywriter. We discussed whether website copy is still that important and Andrea explains the fundamental shift in client expectations, emphasising that modern couples are increasingly seeking clarity and transparency particularly in pricing pages.

Andrea's Instagram

Andreas's Threads

Andrea's website

Time stamps:

00:00 - The Convenience of Voice Notes in Wedding Planning

06:18 - Shifts in Wedding Industry Marketing

09:12 - The Importance of Clear Communication on Pricing Pages

22:32 - The Impact of AI on Wedding Industry Strategies

28:28 - Common Mistakes in Website Copy

37:40 - The Importance of Multi-Channel Marketing

39:21 - The Importance of Educating Clients on Costs

Mentioned in this episode:

The TikTok Pro Course is back this June!

Has Tiktok been on your to do list for a while? Are you scared of the platform, or just using it as a place to reshare Instagram videos? TikTok and Instagram are not the same.

TikTok Pro

Show notes:

This podcast episode features an insightful discussion with Charlie Marchant, the CEO of Exposure Ninja. We discussed the impact of AI and SEO on the marketing landscape within the wedding industry and how to get your wedding business into AI search. As we navigate the complexities of AI search, we emphasise the necessity for wedding business owners to establish a coherent and transparent online presence, particularly regarding pricing. Furthermore, we explore actionable strategies that can enhance visibility across various AI platforms, and look at the importance of aligning website content with consumer expectations and search behaviours.

Exposure Ninja's YouTube

Charlie's LinkedIn

Time stamps:

00:18 - Introduction to Wedding Business Growth

07:27 - Understanding the Shift to AI in Search Marketing

21:32 - Navigating AI and SEO for Wedding Businesses

28:04 - Understanding AI and Pricing Strategies

43:51 - Navigating AI and Search Visibility

Mentioned in this episode:

The TikTok Pro Course is back this June!

Has Tiktok been on your to do list for a while? Are you scared of the platform, or just using it as a place to reshare Instagram videos? TikTok and Instagram are not the same.

TikTok Pro

Show notes:

In this weeks episode, we explore the question: How can new wedding businesses make a good impression? Through Vim’s journey from registrar to celebrant, it becomes clear that confidence, authenticity, and showing up consistently are key. Vim shares honest insights into the challenges of starting out, the importance of investing in the right support, and how embracing what makes you different can become your greatest strength.

Vim's website

Vim's Instagram

Vim's TikTok

Time stamps:

00:20 - Introduction to the Wedding Pros Podcast

10:05 - Transitioning from Employment to Self-Employment: The Journey of a Celebrant

10:11 - Starting a New Chapter: Transitioning from Registrar to Celebrant

23:25 - Embracing Visibility and Authenticity on Social Media

36:57 - Embracing Inclusivity in Spaces

Mentioned in this episode:

The TikTok Pro Course is back this June!

Has Tiktok been on your to do list for a while? Are you scared of the platform, or just using it as a place to reshare Instagram videos? TikTok and Instagram are not the same.

TikTok Pro

WedProsLive: London waitlist, Ireland tickets, WedProsLive 2027

Show notes:

This week I'm chatting to Michelle Miles. We looked at journeys to sustainability and explored the tangible actions that wedding professionals can undertake to foster sustainability within their businesses. To enhance a competitive edge whilst contributing positively to the environment.

Carbon Literacy

SME Climate Hub inc. simple carbon calculator

Navigating the Path to Net Zero: A Guide for Wedding Professionals

Offsetting Guide

Time stamps:

00:15 - Introduction to Sustainable Wedding Business Strategies

02:42 - Shifts in Sustainability in the Wedding Industry

09:48 - The Importance of Community in Sustainable Business Practices

18:53 - Understanding Carbon Literacy Training

20:58 - Understanding Carbon Literacy and Its Impact

33:32 - Practical Steps to Carbon Reduction

37:29 - Preparing for a Successful Conference

45:09 - Embracing Messy Action in Sustainability

Mentioned in this episode:

The TikTok Pro Course is back this June!

Has Tiktok been on your to do list for a while? Are you scared of the platform, or just using it as a place to reshare Instagram videos? TikTok and Instagram are not the same.

TikTok Pro