Mind Your Wedding Business Podcast

Kevin Dennis
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Mind Your Wedding Business Podcast

The Mind Your Wedding Business Podcast provides actionable strategies and resources for business-minded wedding professionals who love love — but also care about their bottom line. Host and owner of the WeddingIQ blog, Kevin Dennis, welcomes industry experts to each episode to share their best advice, biggest mistakes, and proven strategies for business growth and client satisfaction. Kevin brings his own share of industry knowledge to the table. He is the founder of lighting and A/V company, Fantasy Sound Event Services, as well as a national speaker and regular contributor to B2B publications across the event industry. He has served on the board for the Foundation of NACE, NACE Silicon Valley, and WIPA. He is also the founder of the Tri-Valley Wedding Professionals Networking Group. Tune in each week to learn about sales, marketing, client service, event technology, and more — all with the intention to help wedding professionals grow their businesses and achieve their goals. 

  1. 4D AGO

    Mastering Your Workday as a Wedding Pro with Tara Melvin

    Time management isn’t just about getting more done. It’s about getting the right things done. So why does it feel like we’re always chasing the clock? In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin is joined by powerhouse planner, educator, and Signature Concepts LLC founder Tara Melvin to talk all about mastering your workday. From calendar blocking to outsourcing and setting boundaries, Tara shares her proven strategies for getting organized, staying focused, and actually enjoying the life you’ve worked so hard to build. Together, they unpack why creatives in the wedding industry often struggle with structure, and how embracing systems (even the simple ones!) can help you reclaim your time, your energy, and your peace of mind. This is the episode for any wedding pro who’s feeling overwhelmed, overextended, or just plain over it. Highlights: Why creatives struggle with time management and how to fix itHow calendar blocking gives you structure without stifling creativityThe tools Tara swears by for staying on track The truth about outsourcing and what it’s really saving youHow to set boundaries with clients and your team Why me-time is non-negotiable What it means to run your business instead of letting it run youHow COVID reshaped Tara’s view on rest, balance, and work Whether you're still writing your to-do list on napkins or trying to juggle it all in your head, this conversation is your permission slip to slow down, get focused, and build a workflow that works for you. Connect with Tara: Website Instagram LinkedIn The National Society for Black Wedding & Event Professionals Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

    35 min

  2. JUL 8

    Clients and Social Media: How to Respond with Brandee Gaar

    In a world where one TikTok video can impact your entire business, how should wedding pros respond when a client takes their complaint public, especially when it's unexpected, emotional, or unfair? In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin is joined by Brandee Gaar, luxury event planner, business coach, and host of The Wedding Pro CEO Podcast, to talk about what happens when a client goes viral against you. Together, they walk through how to navigate negative social media posts, what to do when you're blindsided by a viral video, and how to respond in a way that actually protects your brand. Brandee shares the real-life story of her coaching client, Kandra Jones, whose makeup business was thrown into a TikTok firestorm, and how a calm, thoughtful response turned things completely around. This conversation is an essential listen for any wedding pro who wants to be proactive (not reactive) in today’s digital review culture. Highlights: Why TikTok is replacing traditional reviews for Gen ZThe true story behind this viral TikTok review and how the internet rallied behind the vendorBest practices for responding to negative posts on social mediaThe importance of being calm, factual, and unemotional in your responseWhy you should respond to every review, not just the good onesWhat to do if your business is under social media attackHow to spot red flags before you book a problematic clientThe role of legal guidance and AI-generated demand lettersWhy video testimonials might be your next best marketing tool Whether you’ve already experienced a viral moment or you’re hoping to avoid one altogether, this episode will help you show up with professionalism, empathy, and clarity when it matters most. Connect with Brandee: Kandra Jones Viral Video Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  TikTok  Pinterest  Wedding Pro CEO Podcast Connect with Kevin:  Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

    42 min

  3. JUL 1

    Using A Retail Mindset For Events & Weddings with Margaux Fraise

    You might not be selling sneakers or makeup, but if you’re in the wedding industry, you are in the business of selling. And if you're not thinking like a retailer, you're missing out. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Margaux Fraise of Harmony Creative Studio and the Wedding Summit Series joins Kevin to break down how retail strategies can be a game-changer for event professionals. With a background in corporate retail consulting and more than a decade as a wedding planner and educator, Margaux shares surprising ways that buying psychology, consumer behavior, and visual merchandising can apply directly to weddings. From understanding your ideal client to leveling up your pricing strategy, this episode is packed with lightbulb moments and practical tips to help you stop winging it and start selling smarter. Highlights: How Margaux's career in retail led to her success in weddingsWhat "prime placement" in grocery stores can teach you about venue layoutsWhy understanding the difference between point of sale vs. point of purchase is essentialThe retail psychology behind perceived value and why "sales" workWhat the “nose-down effect” is and how it can boost your marketing imagesWhy storytelling sells—and how to tell your brand story with purposeThe hidden power of color theory in influencing client behaviorCommon data wedding pros don’t track—but absolutely shouldWhy luxury doesn’t have to mean black-and-white design (and what to do instead)How to build irresistible packages that reflect retail-style pricing strategies Whether you're a planner, photographer, DJ, or florist, this episode will give you a fresh lens on selling your services and help you create a more sustainable and scalable business. Connect with Margaux: Join the Wedding Summit Series Facebook Group, where all the live camp sessions will happen! You can find all the details here. Website ~ Wedding Summit Series Website ~ Harmony Creative Studio Instagram ~ Harmony Creative Studio Instagram ~ Wedding Summit Series LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

    51 min

  4. JUN 17

    The Great Ignore: Breaking Through the Noise to Book More Weddings with Ian Ramirez

    Today’s couples are more distracted than ever, and if your inquiry responses, social media messages, or sales pitches sound like everyone else’s, you’re probably being ignored. In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Ian Ramirez of Venue Help Desk and Madera Estates joins Kevin to explore what he calls “The Great Ignore,” a phenomenon driven by digital overwhelm, inbox fatigue, and modern buying behavior. Together, they unpack what today’s couples are really looking for, and why your messaging, follow-up, and sales process need to evolve. From text-based communication and email subject lines to in-person tour tips and how to avoid sounding like a pushy salesperson, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies to help you break through the noise and actually book the clients who are ghosting everyone else. Highlights: What “The Great Ignore” is and how it’s affecting wedding prosWhy persistence without differentiation leads to getting tuned outHow to craft email subject lines that actually get openedThe case for texting leads and how to set smart boundariesTips for using video in your sales follow-up to stand out instantlyHow to “read the room” during venue tours and client meetingsWhy Gen Z hates sales pressure and how to shift from pitch to guideHow to build long-term lead nurture that converts months laterCreative ways to borrow smart sales strategies from other industries Whether you’re a venue, planner, or any wedding pro, this episode will help you modernize your communication and become the kind of pro today’s couples want to work with. Connect with Ian: Website ~ Venue Help Desk Website ~ Madera Estates Instagram ~ Venue Help Desk Instagram ~ Madera Estates LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram YouTube TikTok

    41 min

  5. JUN 10

    Client Service Agreements: Legal Must-Haves and Missteps with Leah Weinberg

    Ever feel like your contract is missing… something? You’re not alone. This week, Kevin sits down with Leah Weinberg of Weinberg Legal — an attorney, author, and former wedding planner who knows the event industry from both sides. After a decade running Color Pop Events in NYC, Leah returned to law in 2023 to offer legal counsel to wedding pros and creative entrepreneurs who want more peace of mind in their businesses. Together, Kevin and Leah dive into the must-have clauses, common mistakes, and biggest myths surrounding client service agreements. From confusing cancellation policies to copy-pasted templates gone wrong, this episode is a must-listen for any wedding pro who wants to feel more confident, protected, and prepared for whatever comes your way. They unpack what really makes a strong client contract, how to avoid “Frankensteining” your agreements, and why force majeure still matters (even post-COVID). Leah also shares real examples of vendor-specific pitfalls — like planners getting blamed for budgets or photographers dealing with aesthetic disputes — and how to get ahead of them with clear, smart language in your contracts. Highlights: Legal must-haves for any client service agreementWhy ChatGPT shouldn’t write your contractHow to protect yourself from burnout with better boundariesWhy your contract needs a clear scope of servicesThe truth about cancellation clauses, addendums, and payment disputesHow often you really need to review your contractThe difference between a good template and a bad one (and how to tell) Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this episode will help you rethink your contract — not as a formality, but as a powerful tool for building a sustainable business. Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow creative partners! Every download helps us keep these conversations going. Connect with Leah: Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram Youtube TikTok

    32 min

  6. JUN 3

    Why Your Wardrobe Is Part of Your Brand with Kati Kons

    Ever wondered why some creative partners command attention the moment they walk into a room, while others fade into the background? It might not be about what they say... but what they wear. This week, Kevin sits down with wardrobe stylist Kati Kons of A Portrait of a Girl on Fire, a Washington, DC–based fashion expert serving the wedding industry with a unique and inclusive approach. Specializing in nontraditional wedding attire for queer folks, and styling everyone from nearlyweds to guests to creative partners, Kati helps people feel confident and aligned with their identity and brand. Together, Kevin and Kati dig into what it really means to “dress the part” in the wedding world. Spoiler: it’s not about black-tie gowns or stuffy suits. It’s about showing up in a way that reflects your values, your personality, and the clients you want to attract. Whether you're working a wedding, attending a styled shoot, or mingling at a networking mixer, how you dress is part of your first impression, and it can either build credibility or create confusion. They unpack how style affects perception, why authenticity always wins, and how to navigate personal expression. Kati also shares practical tips for building a versatile, brand-aligned wardrobe without breaking the bank, and how to feel more like you in a world that often expects a uniform. Highlights:Why your personal style is a branding tool How to dress for the clients and events you wantTips for finding confidence in your clothing What not to wear to networking events (and what to wear instead)How your wardrobe affects trust, credibility, and bookingsThe psychology of “dressing the part” and why it works If you’ve ever struggled with what to wear as a creative partner, felt pressure to dress a certain way, or wanted to feel more authentic in your professional wardrobe, this episode is for you. Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow creative partners! Every download helps us keep these conversations going. Connect with Kati:Website Instagram TikTok Pinterest Connect with Kevin:Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram Youtube TikTok

    41 min

  7. MAY 27

    You Attract What You Show: Why Your Work Isn’t Landing The Clients You Want with Julian Ribinik

    Wondering why you’re not booking the clients you really want? It might have more to do with what you're showing than what you're saying. This week, Kevin sits down with wedding photographer and health coach Julian Ribinik to discuss the silent business killers: misaligned branding and outdated work. Julian’s been in the wedding industry for over 17 years, and he’s seen it all—from vendors stuck in a booking rut to others wondering why they’re not getting the luxury weddings they dream about. Julian shares why so many wedding pros hit a ceiling they can’t seem to break, even after years of experience. Spoiler alert: It’s not the algorithm, the economy, or that one “bad year.” It’s about how you’re showing up — and what kind of work you’re putting out into the world. We dig into the disconnect between what vendors post and the clients they want to attract, how styled shoots can backfire, and why real proof of performance matters more than ever. Plus, Julian breaks down what it actually takes to break into higher-end markets — from relationship building to reception lighting skills. If you've ever found yourself frustrated by a slow season, stagnant rates, or clients who just don’t “get” you, this episode will give you the reset you didn’t know you needed. Highlights:Why your Instagram grid might be costing you dream clientsThe difference between looking busy and actually being bookedWhy styled shoots don’t prove you can handle a real weddingHow to align your portfolio with the kind of work you wantThe power of industry relationships (and how to build them without being salesy)What not to say at networking eventsHow Julian built a referral-based business through trust, not tactics If this episode had you nodding your head (or taking notes), we’d love for you to leave a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or YouTube, and share it with a fellow wedding pro. Your support helps us keep these real conversations going! Connect with Julian: Website  Instagram LinkedIn  Facebook Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram Youtube TikTok

    44 min

  8. MAY 6

    What Wedding Pros Need to Know Before Hiring a Virtual Assistant | Ariana Teachey

    Feeling stretched too thin running your wedding business? Hiring a virtual assistant might be the game-changer you need — but only if you do it right. If you've ever felt like you're drowning in endless admin work instead of focusing on what you love, you're not alone. I sat down with Ariana Teachey, a seasoned virtual assistant who specializes in helping wedding professionals like us get out of the weeds and back into our creative flow. Ariana brings years of experience in the wedding industry — from PR to venue management — and now uses that insider knowledge to help wedding pros stay organized, streamline operations, and actually enjoy their businesses again. She shared some real talk about when you know it's time to hire help, what tasks a VA can take off your plate, and why building trust with the right assistant is critical. We also dug into the differences between hiring a VA versus bringing on a full-time employee, what onboarding looks like, and how the right systems (like SOPs and project management tools) make the relationship so much smoother. Plus, Ariana offered some smart insights on how to evaluate your business needs before making the leap. If you've been thinking about hiring support but weren't sure where to start — or worried about handing over control — this conversation will give you a ton of clarity. Ariana's approach is all about creating partnerships that feel easy, supportive, and aligned. Highlights:How Ariana’s wedding industry background helps her serve wedding pros better.Signs it’s time to hire a virtual assistant (and why it’s NOT when you're drowning).Key tasks a VA can take off your plate so you can stay focused on growth.The difference between an employee and a contracted VA.Why strong communication and clear SOPs make or break the working relationship.What to look for when hiring a VA (and red flags to avoid). If you found this episode helpful, it would mean so much if you'd leave a rating, review on Apple Podcasts or Youtube and share it with a friend in the wedding industry! Your feedback keeps the conversation going — and helps us bring you more real-world tips and insights. Connect with Ariana: Website Instagram Facebook  Connect with Kevin: Wedding IQ Fantasy Sound Instagram Youtube TikTok

    35 min
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About

The Mind Your Wedding Business Podcast provides actionable strategies and resources for business-minded wedding professionals who love love — but also care about their bottom line. Host and owner of the WeddingIQ blog, Kevin Dennis, welcomes industry experts to each episode to share their best advice, biggest mistakes, and proven strategies for business growth and client satisfaction. Kevin brings his own share of industry knowledge to the table. He is the founder of lighting and A/V company, Fantasy Sound Event Services, as well as a national speaker and regular contributor to B2B publications across the event industry. He has served on the board for the Foundation of NACE, NACE Silicon Valley, and WIPA. He is also the founder of the Tri-Valley Wedding Professionals Networking Group. Tune in each week to learn about sales, marketing, client service, event technology, and more — all with the intention to help wedding professionals grow their businesses and achieve their goals. 

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