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

Hey Jabbers!

We're back with another episode and this week we're chatting with Renée Lemaire , an award-winning wedding photographer known for her timeless, editorial style and her gift for capturing the quiet, meaningful moments that define a wedding day. With nearly two decades in the industry, she has built a reputation for creating an experience that feels calm, connected, and deeply personal for every couple she serves. Beyond her work behind the camera, Renée is a passionate community builder in the wedding space. She founded the WIPA Cleveland chapter to bring vendors together, champion collaboration, and create a more supportive, values-driven industry. She is also the founder of Artfully Aligned, a coaching and education platform for creative entrepreneurs focused on intentional growth, sustainable success, and building businesses that truly support the lives behind them. Through her leadership and her artistry, Renée is dedicated to elevating both the wedding experience and the creative community she loves.

Renée breaks down how to network the "right way" and to avoid all the pressure when at an event. We touch on:

• How to build a trust based relationship versus just a transactional relationship at a networking event.
• How to kick off a conversation at a networking event.
• To remind yourself that most people don't know each other at an event, so don't by shy to introduce yourself.
• Renee reminds us that all good relationships take time, so don't rush or force relationships.
• A reminder that you can be friends with other vendors who do the same thing as you, actually it's pretty valuable. They're not just competition, they're valuable friendships.
• Not every relationship has to have a dollar sign attached to it, there are a lot of ways a relationship can be valuable beyond a monetary value.

This episode will give you the confidence to go out and network and actually be excited about doing it. Renée also share's her new business venture, Artfully Aligned, and you can find all the information below on how you can work with her.

We hope you enjoy this week's episode and we'll see you next Thursday. Thanks for being here Jabbers!

You can find Renée's stunning work on her website and follow her on Instagram at the link below.

Renée's Website: https://reneelemairephoto.com/

Renée's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneelemairephotography

Artfully Aligned Website: https://artfullyaligned.com/

Artfully Aligned Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artfully.aligned/

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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

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and instead of talking about love stories… we’re talking about the real relationships that shape your wedding business, your vendors and clients.

In this episode of Just Another Biz Podcast, we’re sharing our favorite green flags: the subtle (and not-so-subtle) behaviors that instantly make us feel at ease on a wedding day or during the booking process. From vendors who actually read the timeline to clients who trust your expertise, these are the things that make us think, “Okay. This is going to be good.” And maybe even give you those butterflies.

If you’ve ever felt the difference between a smooth, collaborative experience and one that drains your energy… this one’s for you. Think of it as a Valentine’s love letter to professionalism, boundaries, and mutual respect in the wedding industry.

If this episode made you nod along, laugh, or rethink how you show up in your vendor relationships, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss an episode.

And if this resonated, share it with a fellow planner or vendor you love working with. DM us about some of your favorite vendor or client green flags! We'd love to hear!

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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

Hey Jabbers! We're back with another episode and this is a good one!

Look, getting the “we decided to go in a different direction” email from a potential client can hit harder than we want to admit. In this episode, we’re talking about how to bounce back when a potential client chooses a competitor without spiraling, slashing your prices, or questioning your entire business.

We talk about how to take a step back and evaluate what’s actually happening: your marketing, your messaging, and yes, sometimes your pricing while also reminding you that every "no" creates space for another "yes!". Not every inquiry is meant to convert, and rejection isn’t always a reflection of your talent or value.

This conversation is about resilience, clarity, and using those moments as data instead of discouragement especially if you’re noticing a pattern of misaligned inquiries.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why client “no’s” aren’t always about you

• How to evaluate your marketing and messaging without panic

• When (and when not) to revisit your pricing

• How to tell the difference between misalignment and a real issue

• Why leaving space for the right yes matters

If you’ve been feeling discouraged after a few passes, this episode is your reminder to breathe, zoom out, and keep going. You've got this!

In this episode we also mention Maria Bayer's sales course for wedding pros which Gabby and Kari are both alumni of and we highly recommend if you want to up your sales game and start booking big clients! You can click the link below to apply to join!

Maria Bayer's Irresistible Selling: https://justanotherbizpodcast--mariabayer.thrivecart.com/2025-is/

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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

Hey Jabbers! We're back with a fun episode with Jordan Dukehart of Duke Concierge.

What if building your wedding business could also make the entire vendor community stronger? In this episode we’re sitting down with Jordan, founder of Duke Concierge, where she helps other wedding planners run their business and their wedding days. She's basically a right hand lady to many wedding pros. She talks about about what it really looks like to build a wedding business rooted in collaboration, not competition and how to help serve others so they can be successful as well.

Jordan shares how she’s intentionally created systems, partnerships, and boundaries that support other wedding pros while still protecting her time, energy, and profitability. We dig into the mindset shift from “everyone’s my competition” to “how can we all win,” plus the behind-the-scenes decisions that help foster trust, referrals, and long-term relationships in the wedding industry.

If you’re a wedding planner who’s tired of doing everything yourself from timelines and checklists to being in ten places at once on a wedding day, Jordan’s approach will hit home. We talk about how Duke Concierge supports planners behind the scenes with day-of assistance and backend systems, so you can elevate your client experience and reclaim your time. Because being a great planner doesn’t mean you have to be exhausted to prove it.

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You can reach out to Jordan to work with her via her Instagram and she is located in Nashville Tennesse.

https://www.instagram.com/dukeconcierge

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

Kari and Gabby were finally in the same room to record this episode so it's a bit spicier and maybe a bit more chaotic than normal. However, we dive into why we think wedding pros are choosing in person workshops/conferences over digital courses. People are burnt out from constantly sitting in front of a screen or having to find the time to go through a 12 module course and then implement it. Wedding pros want real in person connection and to feel inspired and motivated through conversations with other wedding pros.

Of course, this is what we're seeing and all our opinions but we'd love to hear from you guys on what you're seeing or what you're choosing for yourself? Are pros choosing to do in person conferences/workshops or more digital courses?

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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