Wedding Pros who are ready to grow - with Becca Pountney

It's that time of the year where I recap everything I learnt this year during my trip to Las Vegas (and San Francisco). Wedding MBA is one of my favourite times of the year, you can't help but be inspired when speaking at the worlds biggest wedding industry conference. I share all the lessons learnt on my travels and you will hear from some of the speakers and sponsors of my new event Wed Pros Live about why they think Wedding Industry Conferences are ALWAYS worth attending.Attend Wedding MBA 2026 (Use code Becca at checkout)Attend Wed Pros Live in Ireland or London in 2026Time Stamps:00:14 - Recap of Lessons from Vegas02:24 - Lessons from Vegas: The Importance of Premium Service15:54 - Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Importance of Community25:18 - The Importance of Content CreationMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

Are you ready to start scaling your wedding business to new heights? Today I am chatting with the founder and CEO of the Gilchrist collection -Samantha Gilchrist. It's one of the most inspiring conversations I have ever had as she shares her journey from wedding photographer to owner of 12 wedding venues in the UK and USA. Find out more about the Gilchrist CollectionFollow Samantha on InstagramTime Stamps:00:00 - Evaluating Team Performance in Small Businesses01:01 - The Journey to Wedding Photography12:04 - Transitioning from Photography to Venue Ownership29:15 - Transitioning to Multiple Venues36:03 - Expanding Horizons: Entering the American Wedding MarketMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

Today I am chatting with Sonia Bhayani - sales and partnership director at the National Wedding Show. We discuss why wedding shows still have a place in 2025 and beyond and how the National Wedding Show is staying current. We talk about how to approach wedding shows and the best ways to ensure you get the return on investment when you exhibit. Find out more about the National Wedding ShowDownload my Wedding Show ChecklistTime Stamps:00:25 - Introduction to Wedding Business Marketing05:02 - Discovering the Wedding Show Experience07:02 - The Importance of Wedding Shows13:21 - Understanding Demographics in Wedding Shows24:58 - Mistakes to Avoid at Wedding Shows31:51 - Preparing for a Successful Show: Stand Design and Strategy34:05 - Opportunities for Engagement at Wedding Shows43:47 - Understanding Exhibitor Support and Costs47:50 - Keeping the Show Fresh: Innovations for Future EventsMentioned in this episode:Wedding Show Success workbookGot a Wedding Show coming up? Make sure you have a strategy in place. Download my free wedding show success workbook, and get a special price on my 3 part video training series about how to get the most out of your next show.Wedding Show success workbook

This week I am chatting all things venues, from a different perspective. I'm interviewing General Manager of Mulberry House Richard Kidner about running a team and keeping the venue current and attractive to couples. Culture starts from the top - and it's clear that at Mulberry the team want to succeed. We also discover the role technology and automation has played in the Mulberry house sales process, and the time the team have got back as a result.Time stamps:00:02 - Entrepreneurial Mindset and Business Autonomy04:12 - The Role of a General Manager in Hospitality14:03 - The Importance of Team Culture in Hospitality19:27 - Marketing Review and Business Growth27:53 - The Impact of Automation on Customer ExperienceMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

Here in the UK there are potential big changes on the horizon when it comes to how you can get legally married. There is a lot of conflicting information out there so I wanted to try and get to the heart of what all this means for you. I spoke with Professor of Law at Cardiff University Russell Sandberg to try and get a clearer understanding about the possible changes in the law and what it could mean to our industry.Follow Russell on Instagram for updatesRead Russell's bookRead the Law Commission informationTime Stamps:00:16 - Introduction to Wedding Business Strategies08:07 - Understanding Marriage Law Reform18:26 - The Debate on Celebrant Types in Marriage22:51 - The Role of Celebrants in Wedding Law ReformMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

Today I'm chatting with Dave - founder of Love me Do Wedding Films and co-founder of the Happily Ever After Christmas party for Wedding Pros. I wanted to find out more about Dave, his industry growth and why he decided to get the industry together to celebrate at Christmas!Get your tickets for the party using code PODCAST for a discountLove Me Do Wedding FilmsFollow Happily Every After Party on InstagramTime Stamps:00:13 - Introduction to Wedding Business Growth06:27 - Transition to Wedding Filmmaking10:45 - Mistakes and Lessons Learned in Videography18:47 - Transitioning to New Opportunities in Wedding Videography22:07 - The Importance of Networking in the Wedding Industry28:58 - Planning the Happily Ever After PartyMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

Are you ready to embrace the world of TikTok? Today I am chatting with my very own content creator Simona about what's working right now in the world of TikTok and Instagram Reels. She shares what she's done with my account to increase my visibility and how she's helping Wedding Pros and Venues grow their accounts too. Join TikTok Pro this NovemberFollow Simona on Instagram and TikTokFollow me on Instagram and TikTokTime Stamps00:09 - Introduction to Wedding Business Marketing02:59 - Transitioning to Content Creation11:00 - The Evolution of TikTok Strategies15:59 - Transitioning to TikTok: Challenges and Solutions19:34 - The Opportunity of TikTok for Wedding Businesses25:42 - Navigating the Challenges of TikTok Engagement34:21 - Success Stories on TikTok ProMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

Today I'm chatting with Founder of Guides for Brides and Beyond Weddings Alison Hargreaves. Having spent over 30 years in the wedding industry she started to think about how she could give back. Our industry is vastly under regulated and Alison could see the need for businesses to show couples they could be trusted. This week she officially hosted the launch of the UK Wedding Association, a not for profit organisation designed to bring the industry together. Today I am diving deep into what the association is all about and why I think you should get involved.Join the UK Wedding Association here.Time Stamps:00:00 - The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Business06:34 - The Evolution of the Wedding Industry11:44 - The Importance of Trust in the Wedding Industry14:55 - Building a Collaborative Industry Standard26:22 - Joining the Association: A Step-by-Step Guide34:13 - Understanding Membership Fees and Industry Support42:05 - The Role of Associations in the Business CommunityMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

Today I am chatting with Ruth Melton, The Wedding and Event Director of Elms Barn. We chat about her experience of working with us over the summer as she took our TikTok Pro course and how it's impacted her venue for the better. We also discuss shifts she is seeing in the wedding industry and how you can make it on to her recommended suppliers list!Want to join the next round of TikTok Pro this November? The sign up is now open:Find out more about TikTok ProFind Elms Barn on TikTok or InstagramVisit their websiteTimestamps:00:00 - Facing the Uncertainty of July04:09 - The Journey to Wedding Management09:48 - Shifts in the Wedding Industry19:15 - Transitioning to TikTok Strategies25:28 - Understanding TikTok: Lessons from the Training32:33 - Transitioning Content Strategies43:51 - Navigating the TikTok Experience: Insights and Surprises55:33 - Maintaining TikTok Presence Without BurnoutMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

We did it - officially the best wedding industry podcast - in fact the best business podcast! We won Gold in the business category of the 2025 British Podcast awards.To celebrate here's my reflections on the evening and a chance for you to listen to our award winning entry!With thanks to Ciara Crossan, Ian Ramirez, Anshika Arora and Michelle Miles who all featured in our entry.Time Stamps00:01 - Reflections on our win01:42 - Celebrating Success and Future Directions06:13 - The Importance of Imagery in Multicultural Marketing13:55 - The Importance of Price Transparency in Sustainable Marketing

2025 has been a difficult year for many wedding business owners and venues - but how do you respond when enquiries are not at the level you are expecting? Today I am bringing you 10 suggested actions you can take when you find yourself in this situation.Time stamps:00:27 - 10 Tips for Improving Inquiry Levels in Your Wedding Business05:15 - Proactive Strategies for Wedding Business Success09:45 - Reigniting Cold Leads17:23 - Proactive Business Strategies During Quiet TimesMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

Burn out in the wedding industry is real - but it shouldn't be a badge of honour. We see people come and go in this industry, but you shouldn't be at the point of breaking before you take a break.Today on the podcast I am joined by one of my own personal business mentors - Chris Ducker. He shares his own journey of building a business that led to burn out - and what it has taught him about lasting the long haul. This message is for all of us - are you putting in the steps you need to become a Long Haul Leader.Buy Chris' book on Amazon todayFollow Chris on InstagramFollow Becca on Instagram*Don't forget to tag us in a post or story before the end of September for the chance to win a copy of Chris' book!*Time Stamps:00:00 - The Importance of Taking Breaks00:18 - Understanding Burnout: A Personal Journey12:13 - The Importance of Hobbies in Recovery14:28 - The Importance of Hobbies and Work-Life Balance20:47 - Realigning Business and Life for Long-Term Success25:52 - The Importance of Focus and Avoiding DistractionsMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

Today I am chatting with magician Oli Couchman, the man behind Revilo Twist Magic. We talk about how magic came into his life, how you enter the magic circle, and how he quit his job to work full time doing what he loves. Oli shares tips on networking, what's working for him right now and why you need to be proactive in your sales strategy.Find Oli on InstagramVisit the Revilo Twist WebsiteJoin the Wedding Pro Members LoungeTime stamps:00:08 - Networking Strategies for Wedding Professionals02:08 - The Journey into Magic08:39 - Taking the Leap: Transitioning to Full-Time Magic12:30 - The Evolution of a Wedding Entertainer22:55 - Networking and Client Engagement Strategies29:13 - Navigating Challenges in the Wedding Industry31:17 - Navigating Vulnerability in BusinessMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

Today I am chatting with two of my clients - Tara and Adam, founders of Just For Your Occasion. Since starting their business 3 years ago, they have gone from 0 wedding per year to over 150 - what is the secret to their success? Wedding Shows! Hear their story from getting started, to realising the constant need for change. It's an honest, candid conversation from business owners who are right in the middle of their growth journey.Join the Wed Pros Members LoungeJust for Your Occasion WebsiteFind them on InstagramTime Stamps:00:00 - Introduction to Wedding Business Strategies04:52 - Transitioning from Nursing to the Wedding Industry07:11 - Starting a Business: The Journey Begins20:53 - Navigating Wedding Fairs: Strategies and Insights28:29 - The Transition to Full-Time Business36:30 - The Importance of Continuous Learning in Business41:41 - Adapting Strategies for Wedding FairsMentioned in this episode:Wedding Pro Members LoungeJoin the best kept secret club in the Wedding Industry! The Wedding Pro Members Lounge is the learning and support community you have been looking for. Monthly expert masterclasses and a full library of past training, weekly check in calls and monthly goal setting - plus the most supportive community you could ask for. As a podcast listener you can get the first month free - just use the code PODCAST at the checkout. Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Today I am chatting with Multicultural wedding photographer Nick Rutter. With over 17 years in the wedding industry, Nick is known for his natural, creative and colourful photography. We talk about his journey so far, the lessons he's learnt along the way and how he challenges himself to keep his creativity alive.Follow Nick on InstagramVisit Nicks websiteTime Stamps:00:30 - Starting a Journey in Multicultural Weddings00:38 - The Journey of a Wedding Photographer15:51 - The Journey of Learning and Growth in Photography19:30 - Breaking into Multicultural Wedding Photography26:43 - Exploring New Perspectives in Photography38:07 - Shifting Trends in Wedding Photography45:37 - The Impact of Social Media on Photography BusinessMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live 2026Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026Wed Pros Live UK

You've made the sale, but that's just the start of the journey! How can you offer exceptional customer service so that your customers rave about you to their friends? Today is the final part of our 4 part summer series where we talk about how to excel when it comes to boundaries and customer service.Time Stamps:00:04 - The Next Steps After the Sale01:35 - Setting Boundaries and Expectations in Customer Service12:00 - Surprise and Delight in Customer Service16:06 - Dealing with Difficult Customer Situations22:32 - Effective Customer Service Strategies

The enquiry lands in your inbox.... now the question is, can you turn it into a sale? Today I am going to be sharing best practices and top tips to help your conversion rate increase. Limit ghosting and time wasters and start getting higher quality sales in your wedding business.Want us to help build your CRM? See the Wedding Pro Agency info here.Try out BriteBiz for your businessTime Stamps:00:04 - Understanding the Customer Journey03:58 - The Customer Journey: Response Time and Automation14:34 - Automating Customer Interactions and Follow-Ups23:05 - Next Steps in the Sales Call ProcessMentioned in this episode:Wedding Pro AgencyNeed help and support this summer? Let us take some of the marketing tasks off your hands so you can remain consistent all summer long. From blog post writing to content creation, email marketing to website updates and even building out your CRM system, we can help. Get in touch to find out more.Wedding Pro Agency

This August on the podcast I am walking you through a step by step analysis of the customer journey. Today in part two we talk about getting the enquiries. People may know you exist, but are you doing enough to turn those viewers into enquirers!Time Stamps:00:07 - Understanding Client Engagement in Wedding Businesses01:04 - Understanding the Inquiry Stage of the Customer Journey04:42 - Marketing Strategies for Wedding Professionals08:09 - Understanding the Importance of Testimonials in Business11:10 - Understanding the Customer JourneyMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live in LondonJoin the wedding education event of the year as I bring Wed Pros Live to London. Join us on Wednesday 25th March 2026 at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London for a full day of high energy, high level wedding education. Get your tickets now!Wed Pros Live 2026

This August I am recording a special mini series here on the podcast all about the customer journey funnel. This is what I do with my one to one clients, so I am going to give you an insight into that process so you can work on it too.This week we are talking about the discovery part of the funnel - this is the point where potential couples come across your business. Are you standing out from the crowd?Book a discovery call to talk about working 1-1Find out more about the members loungeTime stamps00:05 - Introduction to Customer Journey in Wedding Business00:47 - Introduction to the Customer Journey04:57 - Exploring Marketing Strategies07:42 - Understanding Marketing Channels for Weddings11:18 - Identifying Client Sources and Patterns

Today I am chatting with Destination Wedding planner Michelle Jacobs owner of Elegante by Michelle J. She discusses her wedding industry journey so far and shares her learnings including learning to say no in your wedding business. Follow Michelle on InstagramVisit her websiteTime Stamps:00:17 - Starting Your Wedding Business Journey01:43 - Michelle's Journey into Wedding Planning10:50 - Beginning the Journey: From Catering to Wedding Planning19:20 - The Reality of Wedding Planning32:03 - The Importance of Networking in Wedding Planning39:54 - Embracing Technology in Wedding PlanningMentioned in this episode:Wed Pros Live in LondonJoin the wedding education event of the year as I bring Wed Pros Live to London. Join us on Wednesday 25th March 2026 at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London for a full day of high energy, high level wedding education. Get your tickets now!Wed Pros Live 2026