The 'Wedding Pros who are ready to grow' podcast by Becca Pountney is packed with practical tips for wedding planners at all levels. A special episode, recorded in October 2024 at London’s Biltmore Hotel, marked the 134th installment—and Visualist was there for its first-ever live podcast recording.
What this recap covers
- How to communicate and set clear expectations with clients
- Ways to keep clients engaged and updated on your business
- How to prompt client reviews—without making it awkward
- Strategies for landing and staying on preferred supplier lists
- Attracting US clients to the UK wedding market
- Letting go of the pursuit of perfection
- The importance of showing up as your authentic self
The experts
Becca took the stage as a panelist alongside renowned US wedding experts Renée Dalo and Leah Weinberg. Alison Hargreaves, founder of Guides for Brides, hosted the discussion on wedding industry trends and challenges.
- Renée Dalo is a Los Angeles-based wedding planner with 13 years of experience and a direct, no-nonsense approach. She’s the founder of Moxie Bright Events and the host of Talk with Renée Dalo.
- Leah Weinberg is a New York attorney and co-founder of Oduberg Law LLP. A former wedding planner, she now helps planners navigate legal challenges.
- Becca Pountney is one of the UK’s top wedding industry marketing experts, dedicated to helping businesses grow since 2016.
- Alison Hargreaves is a leading UK wedding industry expert with a passion for data. She studies wedding trends and travels globally to share insights.
What's trending, and the importance of setting expectations
The panel kicked off by discussing current industry trends.
Renée: In LA, weddings are embracing a retro aesthetic—think bold shag carpets and '70s color palettes of oranges and browns.
Becca: Couples today value transparency and quick communication, expecting service at the speed of brands like Uber and Amazon. She also urged planners to explore TikTok—not necessarily for dancing, but to stay informed on trends.
Leah: From a legal perspective, unclear expectations are a major issue. "Clients expect a Pinterest board-turned-reality," she noted. The solution? Set realistic expectations early. If a couple’s vision exceeds their budget, have that conversation upfront—it saves headaches later.
Time to ban "newsletters"
Fret not—it isn't what you think!
Sending emails can feel daunting. Too many? Not enough? Are they even being read? Becca’s advice: ban the word "newsletter."
People don’t want company updates—they want value. Instead of a generic newsletter, try:
- A quiz
- A quick-tip video
- A free, useful PDF
And email more often than you think is necessary. Most businesses don’t email enough. If someone unsubscribes? "That’s okay," Becca says. "They’re probably not your client anymore."
Her subject-line tip: Make it intriguing. “February Update from My Business” won’t get opened, but something unexpected might.
How to get client reviews (without the awkwardness)
Renée believes timing is key when requesting reviews. Rather than an abrupt post-event goodbye, she suggests a structured offboarding process:
- Send a ‘Happy Monthiversary’ message 30 days post-wedding, when couples have likely received their photos and are reminiscing.
- Schedule a recap Zoom call to reflect on the event and subtly request a review.
- Ask a reflective question like, “Is there anything we could have done better to prepare you for your wedding day?” This opens the door for feedback without pressure.
If you’re worried about negative reviews, don’t be. Renée has only received one bad review in 13 years. Becca adds that negative reviews often say more about the reviewer than the business. Her advice? Respond professionally and show you’re open to improvement.
Leah recommends recycling positive reviews. If switching platforms, send past reviewers a message: “Here’s the review you left me on this site—would you mind copying it over to my new page?”
How to land (and stay on) preferred suppliers list.
Leah and Renée broke down how to get on supplier lists—and how to stay on them:
Getting on the list
- Reach out at year-end when venues update their lists.
- Simply ask: “If you're updating your preferred suppliers, I’d love to be considered.”
Staying on the list
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- Show up professionally on event day.
- Make the venue’s life easier.
- Promote their work alongside your own.
- Maintain relationships—small gestures matter.
Renée shared her creative approach: she once sent a mobile car wash to a busy LA venue in December. "They’ll probably keep me on that list forever," she joked.
The takeaway? Find ways to be helpful and memorable.
Attracting US wedding clients to the UK
More US couples are considering UK destination weddings—but how many actually follow through?
Becca emphasized positioning your venue strategically. Are you researching what US clients want? Are you networking with US-based planners?
Leah noted that many American couples prioritize convenience—especially if parents are footing the bill. Making the process as seamless as possible is key.
Becca also encouraged hospitality—invite planners and vendors for tea or drinks when they visit. Strong relationships fuel referrals.
Don't aim for perfection
"Something will go wrong on a wedding day," Renée declared, "but you probably won’t know it—because you hired me."
She warns that selling 'perfection' sets unrealistic expectations. Instead, emphasize problem-solving and professionalism.
Leah added a legal perspective: Be cautious of words like “perfect” in contracts or marketing materials—it can create legal risks.
Becca suggested that planners themselves should embrace imperfection. "When you show up authentically, it helps clients feel less pressure, too."
Final takeaways
As the panel wrapped up, each expert shared what they wish they had known earlier:
Becca: Give more than you expect in return. Supporting others creates long-term goodwill. "I love to give because, ultimately, it comes back round in a circle."
Renée: Clarity comes from action, not thought. Overthinking stalls progress. Taking action—even imperfectly—yields results. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, "After years of thinking about creating video content, my business coach challenged me to produce 30 Instagram reels in 30 days. I was hesitant at first, but I quickly learned that taking action yields results. Theories are great, but without action, they lead nowhere."
Leah: Find your own way of connecting with clients. Authenticity will set you apart. "Focus on showing up authentically and imperfectly. You'll find your magic and your secret sauce in no time."
Alison: Be yourself from the start. Authenticity attracts the right opportunities. "Imposter syndrome can haunt us all. I started young in the wedding industry, making cakes, but often felt out of place. It wasn't until I joined Guides for Brides that I felt comfortable embracing my geeky side and my love for data. When you’re authentic, people will appreciate you for who you truly are."
The bottom line
The wedding industry is built on relationships—with clients, suppliers, and industry peers.
From refining how you request reviews to rethinking email marketing and positioning yourself as a valuable industry partner, these insights highlight the power of clear communication and authenticity in growing a successful wedding planning business.
For more advice on growing your wedding planning business, listen to previous episodes from 'Wedding Pros who are ready to grow.'
