Every year, the Zola First Look Report gives us a peek at what engaged couples are planning and what trends are shaping the wedding industry. In this episode, Kari and Gabby dig into the 2026 report and share what actually matters for planners, vendors, and anyone working weddings.

Zola surveyed more than 11,500 couples getting married in 2026, making it one of the biggest snapshots of how modern couples are planning their weddings right now.

From the rise of Gen Z couples to TikTok’s growing influence on wedding planning, the report highlights some major shifts in how couples choose vendors, design their celebrations, and prioritize guest experience. We talk about what trends we’re seeing in real weddings, what feels overhyped, and what planners should actually pay attention to heading into the next few seasons.

Spoiler: couples want weddings that feel personal, authentic, and meaningful, not just Pinterest-perfect.

Key Points:

• Gen Z is now the majority of engaged couples, which means wedding expectations and traditions are evolving.

• TikTok and social media are shaping planning decisions, with about half of couples using TikTok for inspiration while Pinterest remains the biggest planning platform.

• Vintage-inspired décor and nostalgic details are trending, but with modern twists.

• Couples are prioritizing guest experience and personalization over strict traditions.

• Mocktails and more inclusive drink menus are becoming common additions to bar programs.

• Couples are mixing traditional moments with modern planning tools, including AI for logistics and social-first content.

If you’re a wedding planner or vendor trying to keep up with how couples are planning right now and needing to shift your business to serve Gen Z couples, then this episode is for you. You can take a look at the report for yourself at the link below.

Zola 2026 First Look Report: https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2026

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Just Another Biz Podcast Info:

• Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/
• Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/
• Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast
• Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/
• Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents

Are you a Type A wedding planner… or more of a Type B vibe?

In this episode of Just Another Biz Podcast, Kari and Gabby get real about something that doesn’t get talked about enough in the events industry: not every successful planner is Type A.

As two proud Type B planners, who recently discovered this, we break down what that actually looks like in real life. From running timelines and managing vendors to keeping calm when the unexpected happens, we talk about how different personalities show up in wedding planning and why there’s absolutely room for both styles in this industry.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not Type A enough” to be a planner, this episode is your reminder that being organized doesn’t have to mean being rigid. Sometimes a little flexibility, creativity, and calm energy is exactly what a wedding day needs.

• Type B doesn’t mean disorganized. Many Type B planners are extremely capable, they just approach structure and problem solving differently.

• Calm energy can be a superpower on wedding days. Staying flexible and level-headed when things shift is often what keeps events running smoothly.

• There’s no single personality type that makes a great planner. The industry has space for many styles of leadership and workflow.

• Your planning style will naturally shape your systems. The key is building processes that support how you actually work.

• Comparison is unnecessary. Just because someone runs their business differently doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

If this episode made you feel seen, make sure you follow, subscribe, and share it with another wedding planner who might need this reminder.

And if you’re listening and thinking, “Wait… am I a Type B planner too?” — come tell us over on Instagram. We want to hear your take.

Just Another Biz Podcast Info:

• Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/
• Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/
• Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast
• Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/
• Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents

What if the reason your marketing feels vague… is because your “ideal client” is?

In this episode, we’re joined by Emily of Emily Foster Creative to talk about finding and defining your ideal client archetypes not just surface-level demographics, but the deeper motivations, values, and decision-making styles that actually drive bookings.

We get into why just branding yourself as a "wedding planner for Austin locals" isn’t enough. It's about how to spot patterns in your past clients, and understanding how archetypes can make your website, content, and consult calls feel way more aligned (and way less performative).

If you’ve ever thought, “I just want more of the right clients,” this one’s for you.

• Your ideal client is about psychographics, not just aesthetics, think values, fears, and priorities and why they are motivated to do something.

• Client archetypes help you write copy that actually resonates (instead of trying to please everyone).

• You probably already have archetype patterns hiding in your past bookings.

• Clear positioning makes consult calls smoother because clients already feel understood.

• When you market to “everyone,” you dilute your message, clarity attracts the right ones and repels the wrong clients.

• It’s okay if your ideal client evolves as your business grows.

If this episode made you rethink your messaging, take a screenshot while you’re listening and tag us on Instagram.

Make sure you’re following the podcast so you never miss an episode and share this one with a wedding pro friend who’s tired of “meh” inquiries and ready for aligned ones. Enjoy Jabbers!

If you want more help finding your client archetype and refining your brand strategy, you can download Emily's Brand Clarity Workbook below.

Just Another Biz Podcast Info:

• Website: https://justanotherbizpodcast.com/
• Join Us on Substack for More Content: https://justanotherbizpodcast.substack.com/
• Instagram for the Pod: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherbizpodcast
• Instagram for Kari: https://www.instagram.com/featheredarrowstudio/
• Instagram for Gabby : https://www.instagram.com/causewecanevents