The wedding industry is hinged on the idea that life is better with a partner.

For our clients, this looks like pledging their love for one another as they join their lives in beautiful ceremonies. However, I think this idea is just as important for wedding professionals. In this industry, it’s impossible to do everything by yourself—it’s better with a (business) partner!

There are three main types of wedding industry professionals that can serve as a helpful partner: strategists; business coaches; and online business managers, also known as OBMs. All three can be powerful tools in your arsenal as a wedding professional, but it can be difficult to know which is best for you and your business.

To help you find the partner that can make your business life better, here is everything you need to know about wedding strategists, OBMs, and business coaches.

1. Wedding Strategists: The Architects of Your Business Strategy

As their name suggests, wedding strategists are focused on creating a strategic, comprehensive plan for your wedding business. These professionals leverage data surrounding the market, your target demographic, and business trends to help you define your long-term goals, create marketing strategies, and provide a step-by-step roadmap for success. Think of them as the architects of your business strategy: they outline the plans, while you put them into action.

Like business coaches and OBMs, wedding strategists’ first aim is to to help you achieve your business goals. However, their primary focus is on long-term planning and vision.

What Wedding Strategists Don’t Do:

Unlike the other professionals on this list, wedding strategists typically do not provide day-to-day management or hands-on support for business operations. Their role is more about big-picture planning, while you’re expected to carry out the plans.

Who Needs a Wedding Strategist and When:

A wedding strategist is a solid choice for many professionals, but may be best for those who are just starting their wedding business journeys. Beginner and intermediate wedding professionals can benefit from a Wedding Strategist when they’re setting long-term goals, defining their brand, and need a structured plan for growth.

How to Find the Right Wedding Strategist:

Look for someone with a proven track record of successful strategy development in the wedding industry. Seek recommendations from fellow professionals or associates.

2. Wedding Business Coaches: Your Personal Cheerleader and Trainer

Wedding business coaches offer guidance and mentorship to wedding professionals, (AKA you!). They provide one-on-one coaching, helping you develop your professional skills, overcome challenges in everyday processes, and enhance your overall business acumen. Business coaches for wedding professionals act as your personal trainer and cheerleader, guiding you through any speed bumps and helping you build confidence. 

Like wedding strategists and OBMs, business coaches for wedding professionals have the singular goal of helping you improve your business, but they do so by focusing on your personal growth and skill enhancement as a business owner.

What Business Coaches Don’t Do:

Like wedding strategists, business coaches typically don’t handle day-to-day business operations or provide project management services. However, they’re easy to contact when you’re in need of some additional assistance.

Who Needs a Wedding Business Coach and When:

Both beginner and intermediate wedding professionals seeking personal and professional development can benefit from a wedding business coach at any stage of their career. After all, you always need someone in your corner, cheering you on!

How to Find the Right Wedding Business Coach:

Look for a wedding business coach with experience in the wedding industry specifically, who has a coaching style that resonates with you. Personal chemistry and rapport are essential.

3. Wedding OBMs: The Backstage Managers of Your Business

Wedding online business managers, or OBMs, are unique on this list in the sense that they take care of the day-to-day operations of a wedding professional’s business. OBMs can help you handle tasks such as client communication, project management, team coordination, and even systems optimization. Think of an OBM like a backstage manager, working in the shadows to take care of every aspect of your wedding business.

Like wedding Strategists and wedding business coaches, wedding OBMs are employed with the goal of your success. However, they aren’t focused on the overall big picture.

What Wedding OBMs Don’t Do:

OBMs usually don’t provide long-term strategic planning or personal coaching. Instead, they work with you every step of the way.

Who Needs a Wedding OBM and When:

Intermediate and expert wedding professionals, can benefit from hiring a wedding OBM. They can be especially helpful to those feeling overwhelmed with daily tasks, as a wedding OBM can help you manage the everyday tasks that can become mundane and stressful. Beginners may not require this level of operational assistance initially, as you may require more big-picture help from the start.

How to Find the Right Wedding OBM:

Since an OBM works closely with you, it’s imperative that you employ someone you are able to work well with. You’ll want to find an OBM that understands your business goals, customer communication, and everyday processes. More than any other wedding professional, you need to ensure that your OBM is able to understand and execute the vision you have for your business to a tee.

What’s Right for Your Wedding Business?

Just like the people who run them, every wedding business is different. Your needs are of the utmost importance to the wedding professionals on this list, so it’s imperative that you are able to find someone who can match them. If you want to learn more about what type of wedding professional can help your business thrive, reach out to me here, and I’ll be happy to help!