Ep. 51: What 500+ Wedding Vendors Are Really Experiencing in 2026

Welcome back Jabbers to Season 3 in 2026!  In today’s episode, we’re diving into the 2025–26 Wedding Pro Survey with data from 500+ wedding professionals (planners, photographers, venues, florists, DJs, officiants basically the whole vendor crew) sharing what’s actually happening across the industry right now and what to expect heading into 2026.  We break down the key trends, numbers, and honest responses we’re seeing from pros everywhere and from lead sources and booking behavior to burnout, pricing pressure, and shifting client habits. If you’ve ever wondered whether your experience is “normal,” this episode is for you. Spoiler: you’re not alone. We also talk about how pros are feeling emotionally, where many say they’re focusing their energy this year, and what’s predicted for 2026  including both challenges and opportunities.  Whether you’re booked out or struggling for inquiries, this episode gives you insights you can actually use in your business planning, pricing conversations, and marketing choices in 2026. A HUGE Thank you to Sara Does SEO and The Abundance Group for gathering this data and sharing it with us all. We encourage you to dive into their findings and take the data into your own business to help you shift and to grow!    Survey Link: https://saradoesseo.com/wedding-marketing/wedding-pro-survey-2025/   Sara Does SEO: https://saradoesseo.com/ The Abundance Group: https://theabundance.group/  ---- Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents    

We're wrapping up 2025 with a big, honest business convo and we feel like this is a perfect episode for all our jabbers to end the year! In our final episode of the year, we’re sitting down with Loni Peterson of LP Creative Events to talk about multiple revenue streams and why it's good for business. She talks about what actually works, what sounds good on Instagram but flops in real life, and why research + testing matters way more than rushing to launch the next shiny idea. Loni breaks down how she’s approached adding income streams to her business strategically, without burning out or throwing money at ideas that weren’t ready. We talk through common mistakes wedding planners make when diversifying, how to validate an idea before investing time or cash, and how to think long-term instead of chasing quick wins. If you’ve ever thought, “I should add another income stream… but I don’t know where to start,” this episode is your permission slip to slow down, get curious, and build smarter. Key Takeaways: Why not every revenue stream is right for every season of business How to research and test ideas before fully launching them Common traps planners fall into when diversifying income What sustainable growth actually looks like behind the scenes How to make decisions based on data, not panic or comparison Whether you’re planning for 2026, feeling the slow-season spiral, or just craving a smarter way to grow, this one’s for you. Plus Loni is a professor at CU Boulder and has a lot of wisdom and insights to share. So listen up class!  Listen to the latest and final 2025 episode of Just Another Biz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and thank you for being part of our 2025. It's been a great year!    Stay tuned for 2026 as we bring you weekly episodes full of great content! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year Jabbers!    You can find Loni online via her website or follow her on Instagram below.  LP Creative Events: https://www.lpcreativeevents.com/  LP Creative Events Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lpcreativeevents/    ---- Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents  

Hey Jabbers! This week Gabby and Kari are chatting about slow seasons in our business. Look, slow season gets a bad rap, but it’s actually one of the most valuable chapters in your wedding planning business every year. In this episode, we unpack the mindset shifts that help you move from panic to intentionality when inquiries slow down. Instead of assuming something is “wrong,” we talk through the backend tasks that finally get breathing room, systems, workflows, templates, boundaries, and all the unsexy-but-essential things that make busy season easier. We also get real about rest: why it is productive, why hobbies make you a better planner, and why outsourcing isn’t a weakness, it’s a strategic choice. Slow season is also a chance to check in with yourself and pivot toward what actually feels aligned in your business, whether that’s changing your packages, refining your niche, or letting go of offerings that no longer fit. Kari dives into how she's figuring out a business pivot even without having full clarity.  If you’ve ever spiraled during quiet months, this episode will help you feel grounded, supported, and clear on what really matters and hopefully make you feel less alone in these tough seasons.  Enjoy!  ---- Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents  

Hey Jabbers! We're back with another hot topics episode! From brunch weddings to steaming linens (lots of opinions on this one) and side gigs for the slow seasons.  We're diving into some topics that have been on our minds:  Brunch weddings, why we think they are the best and why we are petitioning to bring them back! The glamorously unglamorous truth about steaming linens and if planners actually do this or not And the growing trend of side gigs for wedding vendors. I mean we need to diversify our income!  Whether you’re a planner, florist, photographer, or creative entrepreneur, this one’s packed with relatable moments, laughs, and our unfiltered thoughts. So tune in for the unfiltered truth, mild chaos, and your weekly dose of Just Another Biz Podcast real talk.   In this episode we also mention a past episode about owning a wedding venue and if you want to hear from wedding venue owners on what it's really like, go listen to episode 27.   ---- Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents      

This week, we’re joined by Jen Campbell, the founder and creative director of Green Wedding Shoes, one of the most iconic and influential wedding blogs in the industry. Jen has been inspiring couples and creatives for over a decade, and in this episode, we’re diving into how she’s evolved with the ever-changing landscape of weddings, blogging, and business and she shares how she landed on the name, Green Wedding Shoes.  We’re chatting: What blogging looks like in 2025 (and how to stand out in a world of short-form content) How AI is changing the way we create, write, and connect with audiences The trends she’s loving right now and her number one piece of advice for couples Some of her favorite weddings over the years And her best business advice for creatives wanting to get their work published and seen  From the early days of blogging to the future of digital storytelling, Jen shares what it really takes to build a brand that lasts and how she continues to inspire couples to create weddings that feel authentic, intentional, and truly personal. Tune in for an inspiring and honest conversation with one of the leading voices in the wedding industry.    Jen also shares about a few of her favorite weddings which we have linked below and a speech writing app for weddings! If you're not sure what the heck to say at your best friend's wedding, look no further, help is on the way!  https://greenweddingshoes.com/a-wedding-suspended-400-feet-above-a-canyon-in-utah/ (this wedding went viral on IG and Pinterest and was also was picked up by a few news stations as well! Probably one of her most memorable ones) https://greenweddingshoes.com/epic-erupting-volcano-wedding-in-iceland/ (the wedding went viral on IG) https://greenweddingshoes.com/a-romantic-elopement-in-the-woods-laura-nick/ (first big viral wedding that the bride still gets noticed for out in the wild!)   Speech Writing App: https://weddingspeech.app/ If you want to submit your work to Green Wedding Shoes: https://greenweddingshoes.com/submissions/  Green Wedding Shoes Website: https://greenweddingshoes.com/ Green Wedding Shoes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenweddingshoes/   ---- Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents

Hey Jabbers! We're back with a quick 15 minute episode all about tagging vendors, sharing credit, and hitting “collab” on Instagram. It’s the modern-day etiquette minefield of the wedding industry and we have to get it right for our fellow vendor friends. We all want to support each other, so let's chat about it.  This week, we’re diving into the unwritten rules of Instagram when it comes to giving credit, tagging vendors, and knowing when (and when not) to send that collaboration invite. We’re chatting: How to properly tag vendors and give credit where it's due! When to use Instagram collaborations and when to skip them Why giving credit matters (and what to do if you’re left out) The fine line between appreciation and algorithm overload Whether you’re a vendor, creative, or couple sharing your big day, this episode will help you navigate Instagram etiquette with confidence and maybe a little less stress. Tune in for honest opinions, a few spicy takes, and our thoughts on how collaboration should work in the wedding world on the gram!  Enjoy jabbers!  ---- Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents

Let’s talk traditions, the ones we love, the ones we question, and the ones we might be ready to retire. In today’s episode, we’re diving into all those classic wedding traditions: from thank-you cards and gift etiquette to cutting the cake and tossing the garter or bouquet. We’re unpacking which traditions still make sense today and which ones might just be running on autopilot. We're chatting:  Do you really need a wedding cake? Are handwritten thank-you cards still non-negotiable? How do you navigate gifts as a couple that already has everything? And which traditions actually make the day more meaningful?   Whether you’re a traditionalist, a rule-breaker, or somewhere in between, this episode is your permission slip to do things your way. Tune in for our honest takes, laughter, and maybe a few spicy opinions along the way.   ----   Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents

If you’re still thinking of Pinterest as just a mood board platform, think again. This week we’re joined by Dana from Dana’s Desk, a Pinterest strategist who knows how to turn pins into powerful business results. We’re diving into: Why Pinterest is one of the most overlooked tools for wedding pros and creatives How to actually get your content in front of the right people (without spending hours online) and getting them to inquire  The types of pins that convert clicks into clients Simple strategies you can implement today to start building traffic that works for you long-term Pinterest isn’t just pretty pictures, it’s a powerful search engine. And when you know how to use it, it can become one of the most effective (and low-effort) marketing platforms in your business. If you’ve been stuck relying on Instagram or word-of-mouth to bring in new clients, this conversation will change the way you think about marketing your brand on Pinterest! And it will give you valuable action steps to take today to up your game.  Tune in now and get ready to finally make Pinterest work for your business!    You can find Dana online at her website below so you can work with her to up your Pinterest game or follow her on Instagram for more tips! https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/ https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/#    ---- Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents

Hey Jabbers!  We're back with a fun one today on how we can create the best wedding day vendor team! We all know a wedding day runs on more than timelines (lots of coffee) and to-do lists, it runs on teamwork, communication and collaboration. The right vendor team can make or break the client experience and truthfully, the experience of each vendor, and as wedding pros, building those strong partnerships is everything and showing up ready to play as a team is so important.  In this episode, we dive into: What a dream vendor team looks like on a wedding day and let's be honest prior to the day  The keys to building trust and respect with fellow creatives How to set expectations so every vendor can shine in their role Real stories of vendor teamwork gone totally right and others, not so great Why communication is the secret ingredient to a seamless wedding day And how we go above and beyond for our vendors as planners  Whether you’re a planner, photographer, florist, DJ, or anywhere in between, this episode is packed with great tips to help you strengthen relationships, show up on the wedding day prepared and ready to rock. We want to elevate the wedding experience for our clients and all our fellow team members so that it's the best day ever for them. After all we're in the business of love, so let's have some fun!    Tune in, take notes, and let us know what you think!  ----  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents   

We're back Jabbers for a special bonus episode and this week it's all about Taylor Swift getting engaged to Travis Kelce. Yes, we may not be swifties but this needs to be covered! Taylor Swift is officially engaged to Travis Kelce (you heard it here first of course) and whether or not you’re a diehard fan, this moment is going to ripple through the wedding industry. We’ve seen it before: a single celebrity engagement can shape trends for years. Now, enter Taylor. One of the most influential women in the world, whose every outfit and lyric inspires millions. Her engagement isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s about to become the cultural wedding blueprint of the moment. We have lots of thoughts about the engagement, the vendors we think are involved, what this means for the wedding industry, what trends she might set, is this going to be private or public and so much more! We may or may not go off on some crazy tangents and talk about Taylor hiring us for her wedding. One can dream, right? Tune in, buckle up for some unfiltered thoughts and let us know what you think. Swifties and non-swifties alike, thanks for tuning in, as always!  ----  Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/  Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/  Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast  Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/  Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents