I’ve said it before and I will say it again – one of the biggest pieces to my success early on as a wedding planner was the fact that I made networking a priority. With 2023 in full swing already (how did that happen?!), I thought I should share a few networking tips for wedding planners in 2023. Below, I’m going to give you the tools you need to effectively network in the wedding planning industry, from utilizing social media to attending industry events and building relationships with fellow vendors. So, let's dive into it!
Networking in the Wedding Planning Industry
First – let’s have a quick heart to heart. The wedding industry is all about relationships. With so many talented planners vying for customers, it's important to build a strong professional network to stand out from the crowd. Let me tell you: the stronger your relationships are, the stronger your business will be. As wedding planners, we need to stop waiting around for people to approach us and seek out opportunities instead.

Use Social Media to Build Your Network
I WISH we had as many options to connect with fellow vendors on social media when I started my business as we do today. Back in my day, there was pretty much only Twitter (shout out to my iWed ladies!). We used Twitter back in the day to connect, share, network and problem-solve together. I still talk to some of those women today.
Today, one of the most effective ways to use social media is to have conversations and engage with other wedding vendors. It’s also a great place to do research and check out the types of wedding vendors you want to work with, and see the events other people in your area are producing so you can strategicall align yourself with more vendors who are doing the work YOU want to be doing.
On top of that, don’t forget to utilize social media is to join industry-specific groups and communities. These groups provide a space for wedding planners to connect with other vendors, share advice and resources, and ask for recommendations.
Put this tip into action: Follow (at least) 5 local vendors, send them a DM introducing yourself and ask to connect via email. Then, take it OFF Instagram and use the opportunity to build new relations IRL. Invite them for a coffee date, set up a time of a zoom call, grab lunch, or even better – discuss how you can collaborate in the future!
Attending Industry Events
While social media can be a fantastic tool for establishing initial connections with other wedding vendors, nothing beats face-to-face interaction when it comes to building lasting relationships. Attending industry events can provide wedding planners with an opportunity to network with other professionals, share ideas, and stay up-to-date on the latest wedding trends.
To make the most out of these events, I always recommend wedding planners come prepared with a plan (especially at first – when it might not feel as natural to put yourself out there). Research the event ahead of time and decide which vendors you would like to connect with. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards (yes – they still exist!) and practice your elevator pitch beforehand.
Once you are there, don't be afraid to approach others and strike up a conversation. Remember, you're all there for the same reason, so don't hesitate to introduce yourself and establish new connections. If you like to be a little extra prepared (like most wedding planners I know!), consider memorizing a few ice breaker questions ahead of time.
Collaborating on Styled Shoots
If you’ve been around a while, you know I have such a love for styled shoots. Collaborating on styled shoots can be a fantastic way for wedding planners to build relationships with other vendors. It gives everyone a chance to flex their creativity as well.
On top of that, by working with photographers, florists, and other wedding vendors, planners can create beautiful and unique styled shoots that can be shared on social media and used in marketing materials. Ideally, you’ll want to collaborate with vendors who want to attract couples that are drawn to the same aesthetic as you.
By working together on a project, planners can get to know other vendors and learn about their specialties and areas of expertise. It’s also a great way to learn a little more about a particular vendor's working style/personality. Ultimately, that will help you guide your couples to the perfect vendors for them in the future as well!
Staying Top of Mind with Follow-Ups and Thank You Notes
To truly make an impact in the wedding planning industry, it’s not just about meeting new people, but staying in touch with them as well. This is where follow-ups and thank you notes come into play. After attending networking events or collaborating on styled shoots with fellow vendors, I always recommend wedding planners send a quick message of thanks or follow-up to show that you value the relationship that has been built.
These messages don’t have to be lengthy or complicated. And once the connection has been made, it’s easy enough to stay top of mind by responding to Instagram stories and engaging with their posts on social media (in an authentic, non-spammy way). That way, you not only strengthen existing relationships but also keep yourself top of mind for potential future collaborations.

Don’t forget to network with other wedding planners!
As a wedding planner, it's important to remember that networking with other industry vendors doesn't just include photographers, florists, and catering companies. Fellow wedding planners can also prove to be valuable connections. Some of my best connections were wedding planners I chatted with over Twitter back in 2009.
Just because other wedding planners may offer similar services, it doesn't mean you have to view them as competition. Embrace any opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other. By building a strong network within the wedding planning community, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of the industry. You can even expand your client base. They will have couples reach out to them that don’t want what they offer, or will want days they are already booked. They need someone to refer (and so do you – when the situation is reversed).
So don't shy away from forging relationships with these networking tips for wedding planners. It may just lead to a stronger, more successful business in the long run. If you aren’t in the Planner’s Playbook yet, I want to encourage you to get on the waitlist today. Listen – there is nothing like surrounding yourself with like-minded go(al) getters. As a Playbooker, you are encouraged and supported by planners that want the same thing as you do. So join us today!
Explore More Wedding Industry Resources
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- Looking for a Side Hustle? Here's how to become a wedding planner on a budget
- How to Book your FIRST Client as a Wedding Planner
- The 5 Stages of Scaling Your Wedding Planning Business
- Elizabeth McCravy Shares How to Build a Knock Out Business and Brand
- 2023 Honeybook Review: Is it still worth it?
- What wedding planners need to know about SEO
For More Wedding Planner Business Secrets Follow Me On Instagram
If you`re into business advice, cocktails, #islandlife, real housewives memes, #teamariana, skincare, and houseplants– then you`re definitely following me for all the right reasons!
In case you need a refresher - I`m Candice! And I believe you shouldn`t have to do business (or happy hour) alone.
I help wedding pros of ALL kinds build a profitable business with purpose.
I`ve been mentoring wedding pros since 2011, mostly while I was growing my renowned wedding planning & design company.
In 2019, I sold my 6-figure business so I could help you build the kind of business that you want. There are so many ways we can connect to help you grow your business! Here are a few:
🎙 Check out my podcast, The Power in Purpose
📹 Watch my YouTube channel if you`re five years or less into your business
📗 Join me inside my community for planners, The Planner`s Playbook
💡Apply to be inside my high-level mastermind for women in the wedding industry, WeddingPro Insiders
Building the kind of wedding business you want doesn`t have to be hard. In fact, growing your business can be easy.
The secret to growing your business quickly is working with someone who has been where you want to go. And I`m that guy! 😉
Thanks for being here 🥰❤️ and thanks to @tyzwilson for the photo 😘
#fridayintroductions #candicecoppola #honeybook #weddingpro #weddingpros #weddingindustry #weddingindustryeducation #weddingindustryexperts #weddingmba #businesscoach #eventprofs #weddingplanner #weddingplannerlife #lifeofaweddingplanner #risingtidesociety #therisingtidesociety #theplannersociety #plannersplaybook

One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “Candice, should I raise my price?”
I know this is a struggle point for most business owners, makers, and service providers. No matter if you’re brand new to business or you’ve been in business for a gazillion years, we feel really self conscious about our price.
We hem and haw over whether we should increase it or keep it where it is, and start asking questions like...
👀 How do I know if I am ready for a price increase?
👀 What should my pricing be??
👀 What does it mean if I start charging more money?
👀 What will happen if I raise my rates? Will my clients abandon me?
I have to admit - the answer to whether you should increase your price isn’t as straight forward as I’d like it to be, which is why I recorded today’s episode!
While it is a process to raise your rates, this episode of The Power in Purpose podcast will help you understand better when it’s smart to raise your price - and the strategy behind raising your rates.
I also talk about the repercussions of a price increase - because I know you’re scared of that, too.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on todays episode!
#candicecoppola #weddingpro #honeybook #weddingplanner #lifeofaweddingplanner #weddingplannerlife #weddingphotographer #weddingplannereducation #weddingphotographers #weddingindustry #weddingindustryeducation #weddingindustryexperts #weddingindustrypodcast #weddingmba #eventprofs #pricingstrategy #pricing #businessquotes #businessstrategy

As a wedding pro, you may find yourself in a position where you need to raise your price. But how do you know when it`s time to do so? Is it time for a price increase?
Swipe 👉🏼 to see some telltale signs it`s time for you to raise your price and some motivation to do it.
If you want more, be sure to check out the latest episode of my podcast or comment "PRICING" below, and I`ll send you the link!
#thepowerinpurposepodcast #powerinpurposepodcast #candicecoppola #weddingpro #honeybook #weddingplannereducation #weddingpros #weddingindustry #weddingindustryeducation #weddingindustryexperts #plannersplaybook #weddingmba #weddingplannerlife #therisingtidesociety #risingtidesociety #businesstips #businessquotes #dayofcoordinator #fempreneur

🤣🤣🤣🤣
First, what did you think of my analogy about ‘tweaking’ your brand into something that becomes unrecognizable?
On the podcast this week I’ve got a special guest: my own brand designer and strategist, @nicoleayang!
Nicole and I are talking about HOW to create an instantly recognizable brand, WHY it’s important to your success - and branding trends with think are TIRED 🥱.
It’s an episode filled with branding gems from one of the smartest and most talented branding strategists I know!
👉🏼 I’d love to know what your take away is from this episode - and if I should have Nicole back for another round of branding truth bombs?! 💣
Tell me below!
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#theplanersplaybook #candicecoppola #weddingpro #weddingpros #dayofcoordinator #weddingplanner #weddingplanning #thepowerinpurposepodcast #weddingpropodcast #weddingindustry #weddingindustrypodcast #branding #brandingtips #brandingpodcast #weddingindustryeducation #honeybook #risingtidesociety #nicoleyang

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