3 Strategies to Overcome the “Bookings Are Down” Mentality in the Wedding Industry and Regain Control of Your Business

If you’re in the wedding industry, there’s a very good chance you’ve heard this lately, either from social media, or a friend, or even that little voice in your head while answering inquiries late at night:

“Bookings are down.”

“The industry is slow.”“

Couples just aren’t spending like they used to.”

First of all, deep breath. Second, this conversation deserves much more nuance than a single scary sentence.

On a recent episode of the I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast, I sat down with luxury business coach Erica Powell to talk about what’s actually happening in the wedding industry - and more importantly, how to respond without panic, burnout, or completely rewriting your business goals.

Here are three grounded, empowering ways to tackle the “bookings are down” mindset, straight from sales expert and business coach Erica Powell.

1. Just Because It’s True for Someone Else Doesn’t Mean It’s True for You

One of the fastest ways to stress yourself out as a business owner? Accidentally adopting someone else’s reality as your own.

When you hear other wedding pros say bookings are down, it’s easy to think: “Well… I guess that’s just how it is now.” But here’s what Erica reminded us: That narrative isn’t neutral. It’s contagious.

Yes, some businesses are experiencing slower seasons. That’s real and valid. But there are also plenty of wedding professionals booking incredible clients, raising their rates, and growing revenue right now. Both things can be true at the same time.

So instead of absorbing fear-based conversations, try this gentle reframe: “I hear that. And I’m also open to exploring what I can do.” You don’t have to dismiss what others are experiencing, but you don’t have to carry it either.

2. Shift From More Marketing to Better Alignment

When bookings feel shaky, the knee-jerk reaction is often: “I just need to post more. “Run more ads. “Jump on every trend.”

And while marketing matters (as we very well know!) Erica made an important point that marketing doesn’t fix misalignment; it amplifies it.

If your brand, website, or social presence is speaking to the wrong client, more visibility just brings you more of the wrong inquiries.

Instead, this is a great moment to pause and ask:

• Does my online presence reflect where I’m headed, or where I used to be?

• Am I showing the kind of work I actually want more of?

• Would my dream client recognize themselves in my content?

One of the easiest, do-this-today tips from the episode is to archive anything on your socials, your ads, and even your website that no longer feels aligned.

When your strongest work is buried under old promos or outdated projects, potential clients can miss the version of you they need to see in order to trust, inquire, and move forward. Clarity makes it easier for the right people to say yes.

3. You Have Much More Control Than You Think

This was one of my favorite reminders from the episode, and one I hope you bookmark for

later:

“For some people, bookings are down. That may be true. But it does not have to be true for you.”

If you’ve caught yourself thinking, “No one will pay these rates right now,” that doesn’t mean you’re wrong; it usually means something in your system needs tweaking.

Often, it’s not about working harder. It’s about:

• Adjusting who you’re speaking to

• Refining how you communicate your value

• Strengthening the bridge between interest and inquiry

None of that means starting from scratch. It means small, intentional shifts - the kind that add up faster than you think.

Your business is not a statistic. Your future isn’t decided by one slow month .And you are absolutely allowed to change course.

A Final Reminder Before You Go 💛

Yes, the wedding industry is evolving. Yes, couples are booking differently. But panic isn’t a strategy - and you’re not behind.

The moment you shift from “everything is down” to “what can I adjust,” you move back into the driver’s seat of your business.

🎧 Listen to the full episode from the I Do Wedding Marketing podcast, Ep. 196 Are Bookings Really Down? What’s Actually Happening in the Wedding Industry with Erica Powell on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube today.