Event: Crushed for Wedding Pros

65 | How The Wedding App Is Redefining Guest Experience with Kerry Barrett

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kerry Barrett, event pro turned tech founder and the creator of The Wedding App, a modern, private social platform for weddings. From real-time updates to guest messaging and RSVP reminders, this app is a game-changer for planners and couples alike.
We talk about:
How The Wedding App works and why Kerry built it
Improving guest experience before and during the wedding
Communication features that help planners shine
Real stories about weather delays, shuttle issues, and how the app saved the day
Photo sharing, flight coordination, seating charts, and more
Why this app is ideal for destination weddings
How planners can test it for free
Links & Resources:Learn more about the Wedding App: thewedding-app.comFollow Kerry: @theweddingappusaThe Book More Weddings Summit is coming up on August 18th-22nd, and you can still grab your free ticket!http://www.eventcrush.com/summit
 
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64 | Stand Out & Book More Weddings with Heidi Thompson

In this episode, Becky sits down with returning guest Heidi Thompson, the founder of Evolve Your Wedding Business, to talk about how wedding pros can rise above the noise in a crowded industry. From navigating inconsistent inquiries to creating messaging that actually connects with your ideal clients, Heidi offers insight into what’s working right now, and what to stop wasting time on.
They also dive into the upcoming Book More Weddings Summit, a free 5-day online event designed to help wedding professionals get more of the right inquiries and book more of the clients they actually want to work with.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:
What’s really going on with ghosting and slower booking timelines in 2025
Why generic marketing messages are costing you business
How to clearly communicate the specific problem you solve for your ideal clients
The myth of “doing more” to get better results—and what to focus on instead
What’s working now: strategies from real pros that are booking weddings
How the Book More Weddings Summit can help you uplevel your marketing and stand out!
ABOUT HEIDI THOMPSON:Heidi is a marketing strategist and the founder of Evolve Your Wedding Business. She helps wedding pros book more of their dream clients without going crazy or working around the clock. She’s also the creator of the Wedding Business Collective and host of the Evolve Your Wedding Business Podcast. Through her annual Book More Weddings Summit, Heidi brings together 45+ wedding industry experts to share real, practical strategies to help pros grow thriving businesses.
GRAB YOUR FREE TICKET:Join us for the Book More Weddings Summit — August 18–22, 2025!www.eventcrush.com/summit to grab your free ticket
CONNECT WITH HEIDI:Instagram: @evolveyourweddingbusinessWebsite: evolveyourweddingbusiness.comPodcast: Evolve Your Wedding Business
 
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63 | The SEO + ChatGPT Crossover Every Wedding Pro Needs to Know with Sara Does SEO

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with SEO — or confused about how AI tools like ChatGPT are starting to impact how couples search for vendors — this episode is for you.
Becky is joined by Sara Dunn, the go-to SEO expert for wedding professionals, to talk about what’s actually changing in the world of search (and what isn’t), how wedding pros can start showing up in AI-driven search results, and what simple changes you can make today to get better visibility online.
They also chat about:
The one SEO “magic wand” fix Sara wishes every wedding pro would make
Why testimonials on your homepage matter more than ever
How ChatGPT is recommending vendors (and how to test if you show up!)
Real examples of couples booking vendors via ChatGPT
How to future-proof your website in an evolving digital space
A behind-the-scenes look at Bing’s connection to ChatGPT search results
 
Exclusive Listener Discount!Sara is offering Event: Crushed listeners 20% off her signature Wedding SEO Bootcamp! Use code SEOCRUSHED at checkout.This offer is available for 2 weeks from the episode air date — don’t wait!
Links & Resources:
Sara's Website: saradoesseo.com
Instagram: @saradoesseo
Free Monthly SEO Lunch & Learn: saradoesseo.com/learn
Wedding SEO Bootcamp: Learn More & Sign up!
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62 | I Got Hacked: What Wedding Pros Need to Know About Instagram Security

Instagram is a critical part of how many wedding pros market their businesses — which makes the potential of getting hacked feel absolutely devastating. In this solo episode, Becky shares her recent experience getting locked out of her business account, how she got back in quickly, and the exact steps she’s taking now to prevent it from happening again.
You’ll hear:
The play-by-play of how the hack happened — and why it was 100% preventable
How hackers are targeting small business owners through trusted contacts
The dangers of Googling for help (and what not to click on)
How she was able to regain access to her account
Her best tips to protect your business accounts starting today (don't wait until it's too late!)
Why 2-factor authentication is a must
Why she decided to sign up for Meta Verified (and how it's way more affordable than she thought)
Why a password manager like 1Password is essential for strong, secure logins
This is your friendly PSA to audit your social media security settings and protect your accounts before something like this happens to you!
Resources Mentioned:
1Password
Meta Verified
Report Fraud here!! (forgot to mention this in the episode)
 
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61 | How to Manage Client Expectations like a Pro 💥

We've all been there... a frantic email comes in from a client, and we realize we've been leaving them in the dark. When expectations aren't clearly communicated, confusion and frustration creep in — and nobody wants that! In this solo episode, Becky breaks down exactly how wedding pros can manage client expectations from the inquiry stage throughout the entire planning process.
From the initial discovery call to the wedding day, Becky shares tangible ways to create a seamless, trust-filled experience through intentional communication, systems, and clarity. Whether you’re a planner, photographer, florist, or DJ — these strategies will help you streamline your process, elevate your client experience, and reduce scope creep and stress.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why managing expectations before booking is so powerful
What to include on your website and contact form to filter for aligned clients
Key contract inclusions that set boundaries and avoid misunderstandings
How to use planning portals, welcome guides, and email templates to guide clients
Why automation and centralized communication help everyone feel supported
Tips for reinforcing expectations through Loom videos, meeting recaps, and more
If you’ve ever received a “Just checking in — what happens next?” email from a client… this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen in and audit your own client experience; are there areas you could make more clear?
 
MENTORSHIP SPOTLIGHTAre you a newer wedding planner looking for support and guidance as you grow your business? Becky’s 1:1 mentorship program is open! Reach out at becky@eventcrush.com or sign up here. 

60 | Strength in Every Stage — From First-Year Fire to 10-Year Wisdom

In today’s solo episode, Becky dives into the beauty and strength found in all stages of business — from the hustle and high-energy experimentation of your early years to the wisdom, clarity, and confidence that come with years of experience.
Whether you're brand new to the wedding industry or you’ve been in it for 10+ years, this episode is packed with validation, encouragement, and reminders that you are exactly where you need to be.
Becky shares:
Why you should embrace your "newness" as a superpower
The hustle, motivation, and willingness to try it all that newer pros often bring
Advice for avoiding comparison — especially across different life seasons and business chapters
How seasoned pros can lean into confidence, clarity, and calm problem-solving
Why refining your offers (and raising your rates) is part of the growth process
Encouragement for seasoned pros to revisit their “why” and consider mentoring others
A reminder that both stages can (and should) learn from each other
Why growth is never done — and what it looks like to keep evolving, no matter your stage
You’ll walk away feeling proud of the season you’re in — and hopefully inspired to embrace it more fully, without comparison.
Connect with Becky:Instagram: @eventcrush.edEmail: becky@eventcrush.comWant to share what season you’re in? DM Becky and let her know where you’re at in your journey!
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59 | Content Creation Overwhelm? Take Back Control with Mimi of Wed & Wilder

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not just a wedding pro — but also expected to be a full-time content creator — you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Mimi of Wed & Wilder (formerly Wilder Social), to talk about the rising pressure wedding professionals are feeling when it comes to social media and content creation.
We recorded this episode a couple of months ago, so a few things have changed since then (hello, Instagram’s new Edit app), but everything we discussed still absolutely applies—especially as we dive deeper into wedding season and content expectations ramp up.
Mimi is both a wedding content creator and a social media manager who works exclusively with wedding professionals. She brings so much insight and reassurance into how we can rethink content creation, stop overcomplicating it, and show up in a way that feels sustainable and true to us.
In this episode, we cover:
How content creation became such a huge part of running a wedding business
Why it feels overwhelming—and how to shift your mindset around it
Low-lift content ideas that actually work (and don’t drain you)
Mimi’s favorite tools for creating and scheduling content
Signs it might be time to outsource content creation or social media
What to look for when hiring a content creator or SMM
Hot takes on what not to do on Instagram right now
Why your story views matter more than you think—and how to use them to your advantage
If you’ve been struggling with content pressure or wondering how to keep up without burning out, this episode is full of both practical advice and real talk that will help you feel a little less alone—and a lot more empowered.
 
Connect with Mimi:Instagram: @wildersocial (will be updating to @wedandwilder soon!)Website: www.wedandwilder.com
Links + Resources Mentioned:
Rella (content management tool Mimi swears by - use code "WILDERSOCIAL" for a discount!)
CapCut + Canva for video and graphic editing and content creation
Instagram’s Edits app (launched after this episode was recorded)
Sam Schmidt Scale School 
Episode 42 of Event: Crushed with Danison on sustainable content creation
 
Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed so you don’t miss what’s next.Follow us on Instagram at @eventcrush.ed for more!
 

58 | 6 Ways to Stand Out this Wedding Season 🙌🏻

In this episode, Becky dives into six practical and impactful ways wedding professionals can stand out this wedding season. Whether you’re a planner, photographer, caterer, or any other vendor, these tips will help you create memorable experiences for your couples and your vendor partners—without adding more to your plate.
Topics covered:
Stellar communication with couples and vendors
Going above and beyond in small but mighty ways
The power of a calm and confident presence
Prioritizing your own well-being so you can show up fully
Little moments of surprise and delight for your couples
Building real relationships with your vendor team
Plus, Becky shares personal stories and real-world examples to inspire you to take these ideas and make them your own. Listen in for actionable takeaways and encouragement for the busy season ahead!
Episode Highlights:
How Cody from Mac Wedding Films sets the communication bar high (episode 52)
Why a vendor "appreciation station" can make a big difference in team morale
The importance of being a steady, positive energy on wedding days
How a small gesture like snapping a vendor photo can create magic
A powerful reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup
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57 | Motherhood, Business, & Boundaries with Jamie & Alex of Cameras & Carseats

Conversations on motherhood have been no stranger to the Event Crushed podcast, but every guest brings a unique perspective and viewpoint. In today's episode, Becky chats with Jamie and Alex from Cameras and Car Seats — a podcast designed to support mom photographers who are chasing their dreams while raising babies. Jamie and Alex share their journeys as photographers and moms, how they met, and why they’re passionate about helping other mompreneurs thrive in the wedding industry.
You’ll hear:
The origin story of Cameras and Car Seats and the gap they saw in the wedding industry conversation.
How community and honest connections have shaped their experiences.
The importance of boundaries, systems, and mindset shifts to navigate motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Why reframing our work as enough — even in “imperfect” seasons — is so freeing.
A peek into their coaching program, the Momtog Mastermind
How Jamie created a product (the box sets for flat lays!) that filled a need for them and for others.
Real, relatable talk on showing up as a mom and a business owner — without losing yourself in the hustle.
This episode is a refreshing reminder that it’s possible to grow your business and be present with your family. Tune in for a real conversation that will leave you feeling encouraged and seen.
Connect with Alex & Jamie!Follow Alex on IG: @alexmccraryphotographyFollow Jamie on IG: @jamietobinphotographyFollow Cameras & Carseats on IG: @camerasandcarseats
Are you a mom photographer? Head over to camerasandcarseats.com to listen to the podcast and check out the mastermind!Are you a photographer who does flat lays? You need Jamie's box set!
Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you haven't yet. ☺️See you back here next week!

56 | Lead Gen for Wedding Pros: 3 Fast Fixes to Boost Inquiries 💥

Feeling like leads are slower than usual this year? You're not alone, and this week we're diving in to why this is happening, and what you can do about it! In this episode, Becky discusses the reasons she believes 2025 has felt funky for so many wedding pros and shares three tangible, strategic ways you can start increasing your leads this week. She also reminds us why now is not the time to back off your marketing — even if it feels like you're buried in client work. 
Becky shares:
What’s contributing to the slowdown (and why you’re not imagining it)
How Gen Z is changing the way we book weddings
Why adapting is key to business longevity
Her exact tips for improving your lead gen fast, including:
Reworking your website inquiry form
Auditing your lead follow-up process
Asking vendor friends for referrals (without the awkwardness)
Plus, hear how Becky uses a fun freebie in her inquiry process to stand out from the crowd — and why staying top of mind on social media really matters.
Mentioned in this episode:
Ultimate Lead and Sales Tracker - Learn more here!
Episode 3: How to Build a Business That Lasts Beyond 5 Years
Episode 37: Boost Your Bookings in 2025 with Effective Lead Management
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