Running your own wedding business is an exciting and work-dense adventure. However, what many small business owners don’t realize is just how easy it is to accidentally treat your business more like a hobby than a growing company. When you begin treating your wedding business as a business, rather than a hobby, you set the stage for growth, professionalism, and long-term success. This mindset shift is crucial for developing a strong reputation that keeps clients coming back and spreading the word to future customers.

To help you grow your wedding business, we are going to delve into the various efforts you can make to ensure that you’re treating your wedding business as a business, not just a side hustle or hobby. We’ll explore consistency, productivity, and valuing your worth, which are all critical aspects of business success.

Show Up Everyday

One key aspect of treating your wedding business as a business is showing up consistently. A business requires regular attention, unlike a hobby, where you can take breaks whenever you feel like it. Consistency allows you to build trust with clients and maintain momentum in your growth.

For instance, consider Jane, a wedding planner who initially treated her business like a hobby. She worked only when she felt inspired, which resulted in missed opportunities and client inquiries going unanswered. After she started treating her wedding business as a business and committed fully, her bookings increased by 30% within six months.

Be Productive and Not just “Busy”

You showed up for yourself and for your growing business. That’s awesome! But now, we need to learn how to be productive instead of just “busy.” The difference between being busy and being productive lies in how much you have to show for your accomplishments at the end of the workday.

Example: Daily Task Management
Let’s say you get up and sit down at your desk at 9 am, but by the time lunch is over, you have only answered a few emails and done a bit of admin work. This is what we call participating in only busy work. You see, you may have shown up, which is an excellent first step, but you never really did anything productive, lowering your business’s growth potential.

Case Study: Mark the Florist
Mark realized that simply being “busy” didn’t equate to progress. He started creating daily to-do lists with specific tasks, such as reaching out to five potential venues, designing a new floral arrangement for his portfolio, and scheduling consultations. By focusing on these key tasks, Mark not only increased his productivity but also attracted new clients through effective outreach and stunning visuals.

The best way to ensure that your days are productive is to create a to-do list and actually complete it. Give yourself 3-4 tasks each day that you can reasonably expect to finish. For example, if you are a wedding photographer, assign yourself tasks like replying to clients, editing X number of photos, and preparing for your next shoot. If you feel that you don’t have any current clients to tend to, your list could include activities such as improving your portfolio, reaching out to potential connections, and building a solid business strategy.

Set Consistent Office Hours 

Pricing can be one of the most challenging aspects of running a wedding business. It’s tempting to undercut your worth to attract clients, but this strategy can ultimately harm your brand and devalue your expertise. Instead, it’s essential to set rates that accurately reflect the quality of your work and the value you provide. When you treat your wedding business as a business, not a hobby, you need to recognize that your skills, experience, and creativity have a monetary value.

Understand Your Worth

Before setting your rates, take some time to assess your skills, experience, and the unique services you offer. Consider factors like your years of experience in the wedding industry, the complexity of your services, and the market demand in your area. This reflection will help you establish rates that are not only fair to you but also appealing to clients who value quality.

Communicate Your Value

Once you’ve set your rates, it’s vital to communicate your value effectively. Use your website, social media, and client meetings to highlight your expertise, showcasing testimonials, past work, and unique offerings. This will help potential clients understand that when they hire you, they are investing in a quality experience. Remember, by treating your wedding business as a business, not a hobby, you’re establishing yourself as a credible professional in the industry.

Stay Firm on Your Rates

One of the most important aspects of pricing is consistency. Once you’ve established your rates, stick to them. Fluctuating prices can confuse potential clients and erode trust. When clients see that you are confident in your pricing, they’re more likely to perceive you as a serious professional. Staying firm on your rates is a clear indicator that you are treating your wedding business as a business, not a hobby.

Adjust as Necessary

While it’s important to be firm, you should also be open to reassessing your rates periodically. Factors like market trends, additional certifications, or changes in demand can justify a rate adjustment. Just remember to communicate any changes clearly to your clients, reinforcing that your pricing reflects your growth and the continued value you provide.

In conclusion, setting rates that reflect your expertise and sticking to them is crucial for your wedding business’s success. By treating your wedding business as a business, not a hobby, you establish a solid foundation for growth and professional respect in the industry. This approach will not only enhance your reputation but also attract clients who appreciate the quality and dedication you bring to their special moments.

Stopping Comparing Yourself to Others

With the ability to instantly research competitors, it might be tempting to compare your wedding business to that of others. It’s easy to feel inadequate and insecure when you compare yourself to the successful people you see on LinkedIn and the lush Instagram feeds of your competition. But remember, every business has its unique journey and challenges. The success of your business and the success of others are two totally separate topics and should not be easily grouped together. 

Comparisons drain your energy and divert your focus from what truly matters: your own growth; instead of measuring your success against someone else’s, channel that energy into self-improvement. Learn from successful peers, not by comparing but by understanding their strategies and adapting them to suit your own path.

Streamline Your Processes for Success

Efficiency is the backbone of a successful wedding business. To move from hobbyist to industry leader, you must streamline your processes. Review your workflow from start to finish. Identify bottlenecks, repetitive tasks, and areas where time is lost.

Embrace technology to automate mundane tasks. Invest in a client management system that handles appointment scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups. Create templates for common emails and documents, saving you valuable time in crafting each one from scratch.

Streamlining not only frees up time but also minimizes errors. Delivering consistent, error-free service enhances your reputation, making clients more likely to recommend you to their friends.

Set Rates that Reflect Your Expertise & Stick to Them!

Pricing can be a delicate subject, especially in the wedding industry. It’s easy to undercut your worth to attract clients, but this devalues your skills and efforts. Set rates that reflect the quality of your work, your expertise, and the value you bring to your clients’ most cherished moments. Treat your business like a business, not a hobby.

Examples of Setting Rates:

1. Photography Packages: If you’re a wedding photographer, instead of offering a basic package at $1,500, consider pricing your services at $3,000 or more if it reflects your experience and includes additional perks like a second shooter or an engagement session.
2. Floral Design: A florist might offer packages starting at $2,500 for full-service wedding florals. If your designs are unique and you provide exceptional service, don’t hesitate to charge more. Clients looking for quality will appreciate the investment.
3. Event Planning: As an event planner, if you have extensive experience, set your starting rate at $5,000 for full-service planning. This not only covers your time and expertise but also positions you as a premium service provider in a competitive market.

Sticking to your rates also prevents inconsistency. Fluctuating prices can confuse potential clients and erode trust. When setting your rates, consider factors such as your experience, location, market demand, and the level of service you provide. Remember, clients who value quality are willing to pay for it. Treat your business like a business, not a hobby.

Resources to Help You Set Your Rates

The Wedding Industry Association: This organization provides valuable insights, market research, and pricing guidelines tailored to wedding professionals, helping you make informed decisions about your rates.

Book: “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz: This book offers a fresh perspective on managing finances and pricing, emphasizing the importance of profitability in your business.

Workshop: “The Art of Pricing” by CreativeLive: This workshop provides actionable strategies and insights for effectively pricing your services while emphasizing the importance of valuing your expertise.

Make Small Investments in Your Company

Growing a wedding business entails making investments in its future. These investments don’t necessarily require a major financial expenditure; frequent small investments can have a big impact. Here are some examples:

1. Upgrade Your Equipment: Consider purchasing a new camera lens or lighting equipment if you’re a photographer. If you’re a planner, investing in high-quality tools for organizing your projects can improve efficiency.
2. Attend Workshops or Training: Enroll in online courses or local workshops to enhance your skills. Topics like marketing, photography techniques, or even business management can provide valuable insights that elevate your service.
3. Improve Your Branding: Invest in a professional logo design or a website update. A polished brand image can attract more clients and set you apart from the competition.
4. Networking Events: Attend industry conventions or networking meet-ups to connect with other professionals. The relationships you build can lead to referrals and collaborations that benefit your business.
5. Marketing Tools: Subscribe to a marketing software or social media scheduling tool that saves you time and helps you reach a broader audience. Even a small monthly subscription can streamline your marketing efforts.
6. Client Management System: Invest in a client management system to handle appointments, reminders, and follow-ups. This can improve your organization and client experience significantly.
7. Educational Resources: Purchase books or subscribe to industry-related blogs and newsletters. Staying informed about trends and best practices can give you a competitive edge.

When making these investments, remember that treating your wedding business as a business, not a hobby, involves allocating resources wisely. Small investments can lead to greater financial growth and help you stay competitive in the industry.

Stay Relevant

The wedding industry is ever-evolving, influenced by changing trends, technology, and client expectations. To thrive in a business, you must stay relevant. Keep your finger on the pulse of the industry by attending industry conventions, following relevant blogs, and engaging with your clients.

Adaptability is the hallmark of a successful business. Embrace new technologies that can enhance your services. Introduce fresh, creative ideas that resonate with today’s couples. By staying relevant, you position yourself as a forward-thinking professional who can cater to modern preferences.

Staying up to date also allows you to anticipate and adapt to changes in the market. As consumer tastes and preferences evolve, you can proactively adjust your offerings to meet their needs. This ability not only helps you retain existing clients but also attracts new ones who are seeking innovative and up-to-date solutions. 

The Main Take-Away

Transitioning your wedding business from a hobby to a thriving enterprise requires dedication, strategy, and continuous improvement. By setting consistent office hours, focusing on your growth instead of comparisons, streamlining processes, setting appropriate rates, making smart investments, and staying relevant, you create a strong foundation for success.

Remember, each step you take is a step toward building a formidable reputation that attracts clients and fosters long-term relationships. Treat your business like a business, not a hobby, and you’ll elevate your own career while contributing to the joyous moments of countless couples’ lives. Your business is more than a hobby – it’s a journey of professional growth and lasting impact. So, commit to treating your business like a business, not a hobby, and watch it flourish!

Ready to take your wedding business to the next level? Discover more about Boda Bliss and how we can help you turn your passion into a thriving enterprise. Together we can focus on a strategy that promotes financial growth and client stability in your wedding business.