Wedding Pros who are ready to grow - with Becca Pountney

Hosted by Becca Pountney

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236

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Are you a wedding business owner that wants to grow your business for success? You are in the right place as you tune into the UK's leading Wedding Industry podcast - winner of the 2025 best business category of the British Podcast Awards. If you want to take your creative passion and turn it into a successful, profitable business doing what you love, you are in the right place. In the Wedding Pros who are ready to grow Podcast wedding business consultant and speaker Becca Pountney will share her expert tips and practical advice to help you find success. In this podcast you will find a mixture of actionable steps, guest experts and other wedding pros who want to share their journey with you. Get ready to laugh, cry and most of all get inspired to grow your dream wedding business.

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60 recent

September 10, 202657 min

Photography, Faith and Family, how to balance it all. With Olly Knight

Show notes: In this week's episode I'm chatting to wedding photographer Ollie Knight, who has been capturing weddings since 2011 and has photographed more than 400 couples. Based in Canterbury, Ollie has built a photography business around a documentary, unscripted approach, capturing the real moments of a wedding day rather than creating lots of staged images. But photography is just one part of Ollie's life. Alongside his business, he makes time for his family, his faith, music and his work mentoring and educating other photographers through Framed. One of my favourite parts of this conversation is our discussion around being niche. Ollie talks about how, in the early days, he sometimes compromised his documentary style because he wanted to attract more work. Looking back, he'd choose to double down on what makes his work different. And I couldn't agree more. You don't need everyone to love what you do. It's a brilliant reminder that your business doesn't have to consume every part of your life. You can build something successful while still making space for your family, your faith, your interests and the things that matter to you. FramED Instagram FramED website

September 3, 20261 hr 3 min

Running weddings in an animal park. With Stephanie Betts

Show notes: What is it really like to run a wedding venue in the middle of a wild animal park? In this episode, I’m chatting to Stephanie Betts, Wedding & Event Sales Manager at Port Lympne Reserve in Kent, an award-winning wedding venue with a seriously unique USP. I was lucky enough to visit Port Lympne myself. From safari experiences and a stunning private orangery to exceptional customer service and a carefully curated recommended supplier list, there’s plenty that wedding businesses can learn from the way Port Lympne approaches its guest experience. Time stamps: 00:12 - Introduction to Wedding Marketing 05:34 - The Uniqueness of Portland's Wedding Experience 21:51 - Adapting to Changing Wedding Trends 30:02 - The Rise of Intimate Weddings 45:53 - Understanding Supplier Relationships in Event Management 01:01:29 - The Importance of Customer Experience in Weddings

August 27, 202630 min

Why AI is killing your marketing

Show notes: Is AI killing your marketing? I’m not anti-AI, in fact, I use it every single day in my business! But I am starting to see more and more wedding businesses using AI in a way that is making their marketing sound exactly the same. In today’s episode, I’m talking about how to use AI without losing your personality, creativity and unique voice. I’ll be sharing some honesty checks to help you work out whether AI might be hurting your marketing, the difference between generative and agentic AI, and exactly how I’m using AI behind the scenes in my own business. Because AI should be your partner, not your replacement! Download my AI worksheet The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions Time stamps: 00:03 - The Problem with Wedding Marketing 01:23 - The Impact of AI on Marketing 12:51 - Understanding AI in Business: Generative vs. Agentic 22:43 - Using AI as a Thinking Partner 26:52 - Using AI to Enhance Creativity and Efficiency

August 20, 202654 min

What it’s really like being a luxury wedding planner. With Lee Clubb-Sansom

Show notes: This week I’m joined by Lee Clubb Sansom, CEO of Sarah Haywood’s luxury wedding and party planning business, to talk about what goes on behind the glamour of the industry. Lee has had a fascinating career, starting in retail at just 15 before working in premium brands including Ted Baker, AllSaints, Selfridges and Harrods. He then moved into the luxury floral world with McQueens Flowers before joining Sarah Haywood four years ago. Lee’s career journey has given him a brilliant perspective on what it takes to build and run a successful wedding business. We get into the reality of working in luxury weddings, and it isn’t always quite as glamorous as Instagram makes it look! Lee shares why staying humble is so important, why your suppliers and event partners should be treated as clients too, and what separates the people who build long careers in the wedding industry from those who disappear after a few years. Time stamps: 00:13 - Introduction to Becca Pountney 03:13 - Transitioning Careers in the Wedding Industry 15:40 - Transitioning to Employee Ownership 20:40 - Understanding the Reality of Event Planning 27:51 - Navigating Relationships in Event Planning 37:55 - Navigating Follow-Up Emails in Professional Relationships 52:32 - The Importance of Professionalism in Business

August 13, 20261 hr 1 min

Is marriage about to change forever? With Zadie Ward

Show notes: Could the biggest change to marriage law in almost 200 years completely transform the wedding industry? In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Zadie Ward, a wedding celebrant, to discuss the proposed changes to marriage law in England and Wales. And what they could mean for couples, celebrants and the wider wedding industry. But before we dive into the legal changes, Zadie shares her fascinating journey from training as an actor, to working in events and communications, and ultimately finding her calling as a celebrant after conducting a friend’s wedding. We also chat honestly about the realities of building a wedding business alongside a part-time career, why networking has been one of the biggest drivers of her success, and the mindset shifts that have helped her navigate rejection, self-doubt and the pressures of marketing. Marriage law consultation Zadie’s Instagram Ceremonies by Zadie - Zadie’s website Time stamps: 00:06 - Introduction to Wedding Marketing Strategies 01:47 - Exploring the Journey to Celebrancy 10:39 - Navigating the Challenges of Being a Celebrant 15:27 - Navigating Social Media: The Double-Edged Sword of Marketing 21:02 - Navigating Social Media Marketing 26:38 - The Myth of Going Viral 32:22 - The Importance of Data and Tracking in Business 34:34 - The Importance of Data in Decision Making 40:02 - Understanding the Value of Investment in Business 44:54 - The Changing Landscape of Marriage in England 51:11 - The Impact of Wedding Industry Reform 01:00:24 - Finding Focus in Business: Lessons from Experience

August 6, 20261 hr 8 min

How to stop sounding like everyone else. With Delia Monk

Show notes: This week on the podcast I’m chatting to Delia Monk. Delia is a messaging strategist and conversion copywriter who helps business owners uncover what makes them different and then communicate it in a way that actually connects with the right people. But before that, she had a fascinating career as a political journalist before spending ten years building a successful travel business. When the pandemic completely turned her world upside down, she had to reinvent herself all over again, and that journey has shaped the way she approaches marketing today. In this episode, we chat about why so much marketing feels the same, why connection matters more than perfection, and how you can uncover what Delia calls your “spark” so your marketing genuinely reflects who you are. We also dive into storytelling, why selling doesn’t have to feel awkward, how to use AI without losing your personality, and why your existing clients are actually your best source of copywriting inspiration. Delia’s newsletter Delia’s Instagram Unapologetic entrepreneurship podcast Time stamps: 00:11 - Introduction to Wedding Marketing Strategies 04:46 - The Decline of Journalism and a New Beginning 11:45 - Navigating Change: A Journey Through Travel and Adversity 13:34 - The Journey to Becoming a Conversion Copywriter 25:15 - Defining Your Spark in Copywriting 27:53 - Strengths and Vulnerabilities in the Industry 35:34 - Understanding the Importance of Values in Business 41:11 - Transitioning to Effective Communication 46:15 - The Art of Story Selling 54:49 - Finding Your Unique Voice in Selling 01:02:32 - Unapologetic Entrepreneurship: A New Beginning 01:06:00 - The Power of Email Marketing

July 30, 202657 min

Reinventing the wedding showcase. With Nina Beer

Show notes: In this week's episode I'm joined by Nina Beer, venue manager at Bugle House in Southampton, who completely reimagined what a wedding showcase could look like. Instead of focusing on selling, Nina focused on creating an unforgettable experience. From carefully curating suppliers to styling every room with purpose, every decision was designed to help couples emotionally connect with the venue and genuinely picture themselves getting married there. The results? A showcase that generated £25,000 worth of bookings , delighted suppliers and completely changed how couples experienced the venue. Time stamps: 00:15 - Understanding the Value of Marketing in the Wedding Industry 03:40 - Transitioning to New Beginnings in the Wedding Industry 09:57 - Rebranding and Marketing Strategies for the Bugle Venue 22:54 - Creating the Perfect Venue Experience 32:02 - Event Experience and Improvements 37:10 - Curating Supplier Lists: The Key to Venue Success 45:00 - The Importance of Supplier Relationships in Weddings 51:13 - Innovating the Wedding Industry

July 23, 202625 min

Surviving the summer as a wedding business owner

Show notes: Summer is here, the wedding season is in full swing, and for many of us in the UK, the school holidays have officially arrived too. Whether you're juggling children at home, working back-to-back weddings, or simply trying to carve out some time to recharge, this time of year can feel incredibly full. A few years ago, I recorded an episode all about surviving the school summer holidays as a wedding business owner, but so much has changed since then. My business has grown, my children are older, and I've learned a lot about what works (and what definitely doesn't!). In this episode, I'm sharing the practical strategies I use in my own business to help me navigate busy seasons without burning out. Even if you don't have children, these tips will help you manage your workload, protect your time and build a business that supports the life you actually want to live! Becca x Time stamps: 00:19 - Surviving the Summer Holidays: An Update 05:31 - Preparing for Summer Holidays in Wedding Business 08:03 - The Power of Outsourcing and Time Management 15:45 - Finding Balance: Enjoying Time Off with Family 19:39 - Navigating Business During School Holidays 23:02 - Tips for Managing Time Off and Work Balance

July 16, 202652 min

Where is all your money going? With Sally O'Gara

Show notes: In this week's episode, I'm joined by Sally O'Gara, a wedding business financial coach and chartered accountant who's on a mission to help wedding pros stop avoiding their numbers and start feeling confident about them. Now, before you switch off because we're talking about finances... stick with me. This isn't an episode full of complicated accounting jargon. It's a practical, honest conversation about why so many wedding business owners feel like they're working incredibly hard without seeing the financial rewards. And, more importantly, what you can actually do about it. Together we chat about why being fully booked doesn't necessarily mean you're profitable, how to work out which of your services are really making you money, and the simple financial habits that can completely change the way you run your business. Sally's LinkedIn Sally's Instagram Free Guide - Where is the money going? Time stamps: 00:09 - Managing Your Finances: The Importance of Professional Help 04:30 - The Journey to Financial Coaching in the Wedding Industry 09:49 - Understanding Profitability in Business 16:55 - Managing Business Finances: A Holistic Approach 20:02 - Understanding Your Business Numbers 26:42 - Understanding Profit Margins and Business Costs 32:56 - Planning for Financial Success 36:36 - Managing Cash Flow in Seasonal Businesses 46:21 - Building Financial Foundations: A Coaching Blueprint 48:23 - Gaining Clarity and Confidence in Business Finance Mentioned in this episode: Club 150 - Wedding Pro Members Lounge A private membership for wedding business owners and venues who are ready to invest in their growth. Weekly coaching from Becca, monthly guest masterclasses, and a full on-demand training vault, all inside a community capped at just 150 members. Find out more Wedding Pro Members Lounge

July 9, 202656 min

What will set your wedding business apart? With Lee Russell

Show notes: For over 20 years, Lee Russell has been entertaining couples across the South of England, building one of the region's most respected wedding entertainment businesses. But his success didn't happen overnight. In this episode, Lee shares how he transitioned from working as a catering manager to becoming a full-time wedding DJ, the lessons he's learned from two decades in the industry, and why networking has become the single biggest driver of his business growth. We also dive into how the wedding industry has evolved, why social media is only one part of a successful marketing strategy, and how creating unforgettable guest experiences leads to more bookings through word of mouth. Lee's Instagram LR Disco Entertainment Time stamps: 04:14 - The Journey to Becoming a DJ 10:47 - Assumptions and Realizations in Wedding Planning 12:00 - Transitioning to Full-Time DJing 20:15 - The Importance of Networking in the Wedding Industry 29:34 - Mistakes in the Wedding Industry 37:26 - The Impact of Technology on DJing and Events 40:06 - The Evolution of DJ Technology 46:51 - The Importance of Continuous Learning in the Industry 51:32 - The Importance of Networking in the Wedding Industry Mentioned in this episode: Club 150 - The Wedding Pro Members Lounge If you're tired of running your wedding business alone, this is the community for you. An intimate, supportive membership capped at just 150 members, with weekly coaching, expert masterclasses, and a private group of wedding pros who genuinely want to see you succeed. Find out more now! Wedding Pro Members Lounge