Part of the beauty of having your own business is you can make decisions that work for you. You’re the one who measures your success. And todays guest, Cat Galletti, has a thing or two to say about that concept.
We chose this journey because we can make our own rules. Of course there are industry standards we have to abide by here and there, but when it comes down to it, we are in the drivers seat of our business.. We can guide our business journey wherever we want it to go. Your business is meant to work for you not the other way around.
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You Are in the Driver’s Seat: Taking Control of Your Wedding Business
It’s easy to feel like your business is at the mercy of external forces—the economy, industry trends, social media algorithms, or even the referrals (or lack thereof) from planners. When inquiries slow down or bookings don’t go as planned, it’s tempting to think, “This is just how things are right now.”
But here’s the truth: you have more control than you think.
Your success isn’t dictated by the market, what your competitors are charging, or how many inquiries hit your inbox this week. You are in the driver’s seat—but only if you choose to take control of your decisions, pricing, marketing, and boundaries.
Define What Success Looks Like for You
Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s about booking high-end luxury weddings with fewer events per year. For others, it’s about creating a sustainable work-life balance or building diversified income streams beyond weddings.
If you’re constantly chasing more bookings or comparing yourself to others, take a step back and ask:
- How many weddings do I actually want to shoot per year?
- What price point do I need to hit to make that possible?
- Am I taking on projects that fuel me creatively—or just saying yes out of habit?
- If I could restructure my business without fear, what would I change?
Too many wedding pros spend years chasing someone else’s version of success. The sooner you get clear on what you actually want, the easier it becomes to make intentional decisions that align with your long-term vision.
Stop Playing Small with Your Pricing
Your pricing is entirely within your control—but if you’re waiting for the market, your competitors, or planners to tell you when it’s time to raise your rates, you’re not in the driver’s seat.
If you constantly feel overworked and underpaid, it’s time to re-evaluate:
- Are you justifying your prices to potential clients instead of confidently standing behind them?
- Are planners sending you budget clients instead of luxury referrals?
- Are you booking out of fear instead of strategy?
Your pricing isn’t just about covering costs—it’s about positioning yourself for the type of work you want to attract. Make the decision, own your worth, and stop saying yes to clients who don’t align with your value.
Get in the Right Rooms & Build Relationships with Intention
Luxury wedding bookings don’t happen by chance. They don’t come from cold DMs or hoping a planner stumbles across your Instagram. They come from real relationships, built over time—which means networking with intention.
Instead of waiting for someone to introduce you to planners, consider:
- Attending industry events that align with your goals (Engage!, Kindred, local networking groups).
- Reaching out to planners without an agenda—simply to connect, compliment their work, or support their projects.
- Building relationships with other photographers and filmmakers—referrals often come from peers, not just planners.
- Hosting your own industry gathering—a vendor brunch, a styled shoot, or even a casual coffee meetup.
If you’re waiting for someone else to open doors for you, you’re giving away your power. Start showing up where the right people are.
Take Control of Your Marketing (Instead of Letting It Control You)
Marketing is one of the biggest areas where wedding pros stay stuck in reactive mode—posting only when they remember, scrambling for content, or feeling frustrated by ever-changing social media algorithms.
Instead of winging it, take a proactive approach:
✅ Have a plan so you’re not posting randomly.
✅ Speak directly to your ideal clients—luxury couples need a different message than budget-conscious ones.
✅ Make sure your website reflects your best work—is it positioning you for the type of weddings you want?
✅ Be intentional about what you share—not every wedding belongs in your portfolio, but the right work should be front and center.
Marketing isn’t about just putting content out and hoping for the best—it’s about deliberate messaging, consistent visibility, and positioning yourself where luxury clients and planners are looking.
Set Boundaries That Protect Your Time & Energy
One of the biggest reasons wedding pros feel overworked and exhausted? Lack of boundaries.
If you’re constantly answering emails at all hours, saying yes to projects that don’t excite you, or booking clients who don’t align with your brand, it’s time to redefine your boundaries.
- Book weddings that align with your brand—not just whatever inquiry comes in.
- Set office hours and stop responding to emails at all hours.
- Say no to clients or planners who don’t respect your expertise.
- Limit how far in advance you book if long-term commitments stress you out.
Your business should work for you, not drain you. Boundaries aren’t limitations—they’re the framework that allows you to grow sustainably.
Final Thoughts: Take Back Control of Your Busines
At the end of the day, you are the CEO of your business. No one else is going to set your prices, build your brand’s reputation, or book the right clients for you.
If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself:
✅ Am I making decisions based on my goals—or just reacting to what comes my way?
✅ Where do I need to take more control—pricing, marketing, networking, or boundaries?
✅ What’s one action step I can take this week to start leading my business with confidence?
Your business can be whatever you want it to be—but only if you take the wheel.
What’s one thing you’re going to take control of in your business this week? Let us know in the comments or send us a DM!
