Have you been finding it's getting harder and harder to communicate with Gen Z customers? Maybe you're getting ghosted more often, or you find people are more resistant to hop on a Zoom call than they used to be? In the past, we’ve managed to stick to tried-and-true communication methods. Most of us have come to love communicating exclusively via email or our preferred software, where we can keep everything organized and never miss a beat. But the truth is that the times are changing, and so are our customers.
As a wedding business coach, I've noticed that this year has thrown a curveball for many in the industry. Bookings are slower, and the competition is fiercer. I want to share three ways to adapt your communication, especially when dealing with Gen Z customers, to help you book more couples!
1. Offer Up Text Messaging
If you just cringed a little, I get it. Let's face it—adding another communication channel can be a bit daunting. Keeping track of texts on top of emails and phone calls is a LOT. But here’s the thing: today’s consumers expect it. If you’re not willing to text, someone else will be, and that could mean losing potential clients.
You’ve probably heard this before, but Gen Z thrives on immediacy. Texting offers quick and direct communication, making your response time feel almost instantaneous. Moreover, a text feels more personal and less formal, creating a stronger connection between you and your clients.
If right now you’re saying, “OK, Candice, but how TF do I manage this?” I highly recommend using tools like HoneyBook to streamline all your communications, which now INCLUDE text messages (y’all know I already love Honeybook, and I’m just so grateful they have this feature, to be honest). Whether you use Honeybook or not, you’ll need to figure out something to help you stay organized without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Be Open To Booking In The DMs
We’ve all seen those Instagram bios that say, “Please inquire via my website, not DMs.” And listen, I love a good boundary. But while that might have worked in the past, it’s becoming less accepted. Similarly to texting, Gen Z loves the immediacy of social media direct messages (DMs), and they often prefer to initiate conversations there.
There are good reasons for you to consider opening up your DMs too! First, DMs make you more approachable, which can be a great way to show off your modern, customer-centric business model. Your customers do NOT want someone who feels archaic and not “with the times,” and having conversations in the DMs is a great way to stay connected.
The second reason is that it’s a lot easier for them to inquire (which is a good thing for you if you wish you were getting more bookings lately!). For many, DMing is easier than filling out a contact form on a website. If your calendar is looking light, you need to meet your potential clients where they are.
With that said, I should address the negatives (which are likely what prompted the “Please inquire via my website, not DMs.” messages in the first place). How the heck do you keep track of everything?
While I don’t have a magic wand for you, I will say that you need to develop a system that works for you. Whether it’s setting aside specific times each day to check your DMs or using social media management tools, it’s your job as the business owner to adapt and make it work.
3. Offer Phone Calls Instead of Zoom
Listen – you’re not the only one feeling Zoom fatigue. After endless virtual meetings over the past four years, your potential clients may not be too excited about jumping on yet another video call. We all want to save time and just email, right? And while you might still need that personal touch to gauge if it's a good fit, I want you to consider offering phone calls at the very least instead.
Phone calls feel less formal and less invasive than video calls, making it easier for busy couples to fit into their schedules. Plus, there’s beauty in the simplicity of it. Sometimes, simpler is better. A phone call can be just as effective for getting to know your clients without adding the stress of video conferencing.
While your customers might be more and more eager to keep conversation to text, DMs, and email, if you do insist on having a call before booking (which I think makes sense for ensuring a personality fit), a phone call might just be the happy middle ground you’ve been wanting.
Bonus Tip: List Your Prices on Your Website
As you adapt your communication styles to the changing times and Gen Z customers, there’s one more thing you should consider: listing prices on your website. Today's couples are less willing to reach out without having at least a general idea of what you charge. I don’t make the rules (and some of them I don’t even like lol), but transparency is key in this digital age, and providing upfront pricing can set you apart as a trustworthy and straightforward choice.
Plus, listing your prices not only saves time for both you and potential clients but also attracts serious inquiries from those who are already aware of your rates. It fosters an environment of openness, helping clients feel more comfortable and confident in their decision to contact you. By showcasing your pricing, you demonstrate respect for their time and budget constraints, which can be a significant factor in building a strong initial connection.
Want to hear me talk more about the nuances of this? Watch this Youtube video here!
Adapting Your Communication Style To Book More Gen Z Customers
At the end of the day, adapting your communication strategies to cater to Gen Z customers in the wedding industry is no longer just an option—it's a necessity. By offering text messaging, being open to booking inquiries via DMs, and considering phone calls instead of Zoom, you can better meet the expectations of today’s couples. And hey, I’m here to support you every step of the way!
Each month inside the Planner’s Playbook, I’m diving deep into one aspect of your wedding business so that we can all improve together, and offering office hours where you can come and ask me ANYTHING related to your wedding business (including how to appeal to more Gen Z customers and fill your calendar!). Get on the waitlist now for special bonuses when we open the doors next!
Ready to Elevate Your Wedding Planning Business?
We would love to welcome you inside The Planners' Playbook, the membership for wedding planners who want to elevate the wedding industry and feel confident AF in their wedding planning business. From masterclasses and workshops to a deep-dive playbook being released every month, The Planner’s Playbook has everything you need to streamline your processes and save time. Plus – you’ll even get a discount on the CC shop!
Explore More Wedding Industry Resources
- Wedding Planners – Should You List Your Wedding Planner Pricing Packages On Your Website?
- How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market: Creating a Website for Wedding Planners That Get Results
- Want to Book Better Clients? Stop Marketing and Improve Your Client Experience Instead
- Wedding Industry Branding: How to Create A Recognizable Brand in the Wedding Industry with Brand Strategist Nicole Yang
- Should You Increase Your Price? How to Know When It’s Time to Raise Your Rates
- 8 Steps to Spring Cleaning Your Wedding Business
- How to Book Your FIRST Client as a Wedding Planner
- How To Build Your Portfolio As A Wedding Planner When You’re Just Starting Out
- Elizabeth McCravy On How To Create A Knock-Out Business Brand And Website
- Top 5 Blogging Tips For Wedding Pros
- 2024 Honeybook Review: The Pros, Cons, And If It’s Worth It
For More Wedding Planner Business Secrets Follow Me On Instagram
It’s time for a come to Jesus moment…
If you want a wedding business in two years, you’ve got to stop letting Threads hijack your brand.
You’re drowning in hot takes from people who’ve never managed a 200-guest wedding, handled sensitive family issues with care, or built a real business ROOTED in hospitality.
And worse? You might be reposting their stuff.
Every time you drag a client, mock a fellow vendor, or echo some out-of-touch “truth” that doesn’t reflect how you actually work… you chip away at your credibility.
Your future clients are watching. So are your peers. And the people you want to refer you.
You don’t have to sanitize your voice.
But you do need to be intentional about what you’re amplifying.
I’m all for an occasional gos session or needing to vent about real frustrations. But GIRRRRLLL, that’s what your best friend and momma are for!!
Swipe through if you’ve been feeling off lately. This might be why.
And a good test to run any “hot take” through is something my friend @c10ike says a lot:
✨ Is it necessary?
✨ Is it kind?
✨ Is it true?
Reputation isn’t built in the spotlight. It’s built in the quiet moments when you choose not to take the bait.
In this clip from the latest episode, I’m breaking down one of the most overlooked but powerful ways to build a brand that commands respect: staying out of the bullshit.
👉 That means stepping away from the gossip-filled group chats.
👉 That means not chiming in when someone starts bashing another vendor.
👉 That means not running to threads when you see another vendor f*cking up.
Reputation isn’t just what you say about yourself. It’s what others feel safe saying around you. And if people feel like you’re a safe space to gossip, chances are they’ll feel just as safe gossiping about you.
This episode is your reminder to keep it clean. Stay client-focused. Surround yourself with good people. Let your reputation speak louder than any tea ever could.
Comment 187 and I will send you the link to listen to this week’s episode.
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#candicecoppola #weddingindustry #weddingpros #weddingpro #weddingindustryexperts #weddingpodcast #weddingbusiness #weddingbusiness #thepowerinpurposepodcast #weddingindustryeducation #weddingplanner
Success leaves clues 👏
I used to think successful people had something I didn’t.
More confidence.
More clarity.
More certainty.
But then I looked closer.
And here’s what I saw:
They weren’t waiting to feel ready.
They weren’t waiting to be chosen.
They weren’t waiting AT ALL.
They moved with the fear.
They spoke up despite the self-doubt.
They gave themselves permission before anyone else ever did.
Because success? It’s not about perfection. It’s about boldness.
✨ This week’s podcast episode is all about that shift — the one that luxury clients can feel when they’re deciding whether to trust you. And the one that might be keeping you stuck.
Comment 186 and I will send you the link.
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#candicecoppola #weddingindustry #weddingpros #weddingpro #weddingindustryexperts #weddingpodcast #weddingbusiness #thepowerinpurposepodcast #weddingindustryeducation #weddingplanner
You didn’t start your business because it was safe.
You started it because something deep inside you said yes—even if no one else could see the vision.
That was audacity.
That was courage.
That was you, betting on yourself.
This week on the podcast, I’m inviting you back to that version of yourself.
The one who launched the site.
Named the business.
Started marketing without a roadmap.
Took bold action before you felt ready.
Because she didn’t disappear. She’s just buried under the pressure, the fear, the expectations. And it’s time to call her back.
Comment 186 and I will send you the link to listen 🫶
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#candicecoppola #weddingindustry #weddingpros #weddingpro #weddingindustryexperts #weddingpodcast #weddingbusiness #thepowerinpurposepodcast #weddingindustryeducation #weddingprofessionals #becomeaweddingplanner #startaweddingbusiness #weddingmba
All, Growing a Business, Ideal Clients, The Client Experience, Things to Do Better, Wedding Industry Marketing
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