Master Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Wedding Planner, and Certified Educator Emma Cockerham teams up with CWP Society COO, Krisy Thomas, to transform how you approach religious ceremonies.

This eye‑opening conversation with Emma, reveals why wedding planners must move beyond the dangerous habit of generalizing religious traditions.

When planning church weddings, the difference between success and disaster often lies in your preparation. Emma shares her decade of experience navigating everything from Protestant ceremonies to Hindu Sikh weddings, offering candid insights about approaching each religious tradition with appropriate reverence.

The relationship between wedding planners and church coordinators has historically been strained, but Emma provides a practical roadmap for building trust: value their time, demonstrate your professional credentials, come prepared with intelligent questions, and maintain consistent communication throughout the planning process. Most importantly, she challenges the common planner habit of researching unfamiliar traditions while taking familiar denominations for granted.

Through candid stories and actionable advice, this episode equips you to approach every religious setting, whether familiar or completely new, with appropriate respect, knowledge, and professionalism. The path forward requires creating systems for church‑specific information, researching denominational practices, and treating religious venues with the same consideration you’d give any premium vendor.

Whether you’re planning your first church wedding or your fiftieth, this conversation will elevate your approach to sacred ceremonies. Join us in changing how wedding professionals interact with houses of worship, one thoughtful planning experience at a time. Visit cwpsociety.com to learn about our certifications and continuing education for wedding professionals.

www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

Kindness, clear communication, and mutual respect aren't just nice-to-haves in the wedding industry—they're the essential building blocks for creating seamless wedding experiences. Certified Wedding Planner and Certified Educator, and Owner of For the Love of Events, Amanda Borrero, joins CWP Society COO, Krisy Thomas, as she shares powerful insights on navigating vendor relationships with professionalism and grace.

Ever wondered why some wedding days flow effortlessly while others feel tense? The difference often lies in how wedding professionals interact with one another. Amanda reveals how "killing them with kindness" transformed challenging vendor situations into collaborative partnerships, including a remarkable story about a photographer who later apologized for their behavior after being met with nothing but helpfulness and positivity.

Communication breakdowns between vendors can derail even the most meticulously planned weddings. We explore why email remains the gold standard for vendor communication (hint: wedding planners are juggling hundreds of conversations across dozens of events), and why cutting planners out of client conversations creates unnecessary havoc. From photographers making timeline changes directly with couples to DJs demanding last-minute adjustments, these communication missteps create problems that affect everyone involved.

The podcast doesn't shy away from addressing professional appearance and behavior. Those wrinkled t-shirts and blue jeans at formal weddings? They're not just fashion faux pas—they're signs of disrespect for the occasion and the couple's investment. We discuss why matching the event's formality level matters and share cringe-worthy examples of vendors who missed the mark.

Perhaps most valuable are Amanda's insights on post-wedding appreciation. The simple act of thanking fellow vendors, leaving positive reviews, and acknowledging exceptional work builds a supportive network that benefits everyone. For new professionals looking to break into established vendor circles, Amanda offers golden advice: personalized email outreach trumps Instagram DMs every time.

Whether you're an established wedding professional or just starting your journey, this episode provides the blueprint for building the vendor relationships that will sustain your business for years to come. Connect with us at CWPSociety.com to learn more about our membership options and continue growing as a wedding professional.

www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

Money conversations may not feel romantic, but they're the foundation of every successful wedding celebration. In this illuminating episode, Master Certified Wedding Planner & Certified Educator, Riley Snider joins CWP Society COO, Krisy Thomas Thomas to transform how wedding professionals approach the often-challenging topic of budgeting with clients.

The difference between couples who feel empowered during planning versus those who feel stressed often comes down to budget clarity. Riley shares her proven framework for conducting comprehensive budget meetings that create financial confidence while honoring what matters most to each unique couple. You'll discover how to identify and explain commonly overlooked costs, prevent the all-too-common mistake of "going venue broke," and create built-in buffers that protect couples from unpleasant financial surprises.

What makes this episode especially valuable is Riley's emphasis on the emotional intelligence needed when discussing finances. She demonstrates how treating budgets as "relationship tools rather than restrictions" builds trust between planners and clients, especially when navigating the inevitable financial challenges that arise during planning. Her Budget Confidence Checklist provides a clear roadmap any planner can implement immediately to elevate their client experience.

Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro refining your systems, you'll gain practical strategies for guiding financial conversations with compassion, clarity, and professionalism. The wedding professionals who master these skills create not just beautiful events, but trusting relationships that lead to referrals and reputation growth. Ready to become the planner clients trust with both their vision and their finances? This episode is your masterclass.

www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

Master Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Educator and Co-Founder of The Event Ledger, Matt Mitchell joins the CWP Society's COO, Krisy Thomas for this episode of the Wedding Planner Pro Files to talk about a topic that’s often glamorized but rarely unpacked with honesty—scaling your wedding planning business. Together, they dive deep into what sustainable growth really looks like, and why it’s not always about doing more, but doing better.

The wedding industry buzzes constantly with talk about scaling, but few stop to ask whether your business is truly ready for growth. Matt shares a refreshing perspective: sometimes, the smartest move isn't expanding, but strengthening your foundation first.

"Being fully booked doesn't automatically mean your business is thriving," Matt reveals, identifying the three common culprits that drain profitability for wedding planners: underpricing services, maintaining unprofitable packages, and taking on too many time-intensive projects with inadequate returns. This reality check resonates with planners who find themselves working constantly yet wondering where the profits have gone.

The conversation digs into practical financial foundations every wedding business needs before scaling—from deposit structures and payment terms to revenue goals and expense forecasting. Matt walks through the critical process of conducting pricing audits, suggesting that planners regularly evaluate which services actually bring both profit and joy. "If you're dreading when someone books a particular package," he notes, "why are you still offering it?"

Perhaps most surprising is Matt's perspective on marketing and team building. Rather than immediately hiring associate planners when feeling overwhelmed, he suggests first outsourcing tasks that don't require your expertise but consume significant time—like administrative work or bookkeeping. Similarly, before investing heavily in advertising, ensure your message and offerings are completely dialed in. "Ads simply amplify what you're already doing," Matt explains. "They can't fix fundamental issues with your service offerings."

The episode concludes with guidance on avoiding burnout and unnecessary expenses—both silent profit-killers in the wedding industry. By adopting what Matt calls a "profit first mindset," planners can make intentional decisions about where to invest resources for maximum impact.

Ready to build a more financially sound wedding planning business? Schedule a "right fit call" at TheEventLedger.com and start creating the solid foundation your business deserves before your next growth phase.

www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

In this eye-opening episode, Hailey Beard of Hailey Beard Events joins host and CWP COO, Krisy Thomas, for a powerful conversation about the often-overlooked ethics of being a wedding day assistant. Hailey brings a unique perspective as both a Certified Wedding Planner and someone who has assisted more than 15 planning companies throughout her career.

The conversation dives deep into the ethics of being a wedding day assistant—particularly the delicate balance of supporting another planner's brand while navigating today's social media-driven landscape. Hailey shares candid insights about what it truly means to show up as an extension of someone's business, emphasizing that "when you agree to assist a lead planner, you're committing to supporting their business and their clients, not for personal gain."

Together, we unpack the common misconceptions and challenges that arise when these boundaries aren't clearly established. From photographers accidentally tagging assistants rather than lead planners, to the confusion created when assistants post wedding content on their personal business accounts, these scenarios affect everyone involved—especially couples who may wonder who actually planned their wedding.

The most valuable takeaway? Understanding that being an exceptional assistant isn't measured by social media visibility or recognition, but by how effectively you support both the couple and lead planner. We cover practical "social media nay-nays" that every wedding professional should know, including never posting surprise elements before they've happened, respecting unplugged ceremony requests, and understanding privacy concerns for high-profile clients.

Whether you're a seasoned planner building your team, a new assistant navigating industry etiquette, or somewhere in between, this conversation provides actionable guidance for maintaining professionalism and integrity in every aspect of wedding work. Ready to raise your standards and contribute positively to our industry? Listen now to transform how you approach teamwork in the wedding world.

www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

From helping her mother with wedding henna applications as a child to becoming a Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Educator, and the proud Owner of Big Guava Events, Rima Shaw’s journey reflects the vibrant evolution of cultural celebrations in America. In this episode, Rima joins host Krisy Thomas for a rich and insightful conversation exploring the dynamic, intricate world of South Asian weddings.

Rima reveals how these multi-day festivities require meticulous attention to detail—navigating religious ceremonies, family traditions, and personal touches that reflect couples' bicultural identities. She candidly shares how proper education transformed her approach, giving her the confidence to build a thriving business despite initial family skepticism about her career path.

What truly sets South Asian weddings apart are the "mini events within the grand event," each requiring precise timing and coordination. Rima's passionate description of traditional elements like Mehndi applications and dhol drummers alongside contemporary touches offers listeners a masterclass in cultural celebration planning. Her unexpected story about managing a lighting-triggered medical emergency reminds professionals about the importance of thorough preparation.

Perhaps most touching is Rima's reflection on becoming a permanent part of her clients' families—the wedding planner who gets invited to international vacations and becomes the go-to professional for multiple family celebrations. This profound connection illustrates why, despite limiting herself to just 10–15 weddings annually, her business thrives through deep relationships and exceptional service.

Whether you're a wedding professional looking to expand your cultural expertise or simply fascinated by the rich traditions of South Asian celebrations, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone who has truly mastered the art of honoring heritage while creating personalized modern celebrations.

Ready to elevate your wedding planning expertise? Visit cwpsociety.com to explore our certification programs and join our supportive community of professional wedding planners.

www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

Feeling overwhelmed by social media? You're not alone. Wedding professionals often struggle to maintain a consistent online presence that actually converts to bookings. Serena Waller, founder of the Dande Agency, joined, CWP Society's COO, Krisy Thomas, for this episode of the Wedding Planner Pro Files podcast to break down the ever-shifting landscape of social media marketing for wedding pros.

Serena breaks down the surprising truth about Instagram's algorithm changes, hashtags are out, keywords are in. Google is now crawling Instagram content, fundamentally changing how your posts get discovered. She shares practical strategies for writing captions that align with your images, helping potential clients find you when searching for specific wedding elements. Her yearbook editor approach to caption writing offers a refreshingly simple framework for even the most caption-challenged pros.

Beyond posting tactics, we explore the critical relationship between aesthetics and profitability. A pretty feed might catch the eye, but strategic content drives bookings. Serena explains how inconsistency across platforms erodes trust, revealing why your website and social presence must tell the same story about who you are as a professional. Many wedding pros are shocked to discover that their beautiful Instagram account doesn't match their website's messaging, creating confusion for potential clients.

Looking toward future trends, Serena emphasizes the continuing importance of authentic video content that doesn't require professional production. She shares insights on balancing personal authenticity with professional expertise—a delicate dance that today's couples expect from their wedding vendors.

Whether you're posting daily or struggling to post at all, this episode offers actionable advice for creating a social media presence that works for your business, not against it. Connect with Serena at www.dandeagency.com or follow @dandeagency on Instagram to learn more about her services and the Swell Social Club.

www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

Weddings should be joyful celebrations for everyone present, but for neurodivergent individuals—those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities—the typical wedding environment can quickly become overwhelming. Bright lights flash, music thumps, schedules run tight, and social expectations mount. How can wedding planners create truly inclusive experiences?

Master Certified Wedding Planner & Certified Educator, Brianne Ackerland, joins CWP Society Vice President, Krisy Thomas, as she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to this vital conversation. With approximately 15-20% of the global population processing information atypically and diagnoses rising among younger generations, wedding professionals must adapt their approaches to serve all clients and guests effectively.

Through practical examples and thoughtful solutions, Brianne reveals how small adjustments make profound differences. From creating sensory kits with headphones and fidget tools to establishing quiet spaces at venues, coordinating with photographers about physical touch preferences, and providing step-by-step instructions rather than general directions—these modifications require minimal extra effort but transform the wedding experience for neurodivergent participants.

The most powerful tool? Communication. Starting with onboarding questions about neurodivergent family members, understanding specific triggers, and coordinating with vendors ahead of time prevents day-of surprises. While there's no one-size-fits-all approach (what triggers one person might not affect another), preparation creates space for everyone to participate comfortably.

Whether you're a wedding planner working with neurodivergent clients, a couple with neurodivergent loved ones, or simply committed to creating more accessible celebrations, this episode offers valuable insights into making weddings genuinely welcoming for all minds. After all, inclusion doesn't detract from a wedding's beauty—it enhances it.

Ready to create more inclusive wedding experiences? Visit cwpsociety.com to explore membership and certification opportunities to elevate your wedding planning expertise.

www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety