Inside Scoop with Wedding Planner Gloria Schulz
Inside Scoop with Wedding Planner/ Business Owner Gloria Schulz
Gloria is also offering a 1- hour free consult AND her FREE PDF guide Five Wedding Planning Tips For Newlyweds for those who sign up on her website. Click here!
S- Talk a little about you!
G- We just clicked, and felt such a connection- we had so many things in common. I am all about women and empowering women in business, so congratulations on starting a podcast!
i do live in atlanta part time and inlet beach part time. I am a beach babe, so we’re very fortunate to be able to do both. i started a business about 1 year ago- been in the wedding business about 5 years ago. i thought i can do this, i know vendors and worked for planners as well. i have a passion for it, and love helping people! It’s been a great experience.
i’m all about taking care of myself and my health- i love to workout, run, and play tennis and it ties into my profession because i’m on my feet for 12 hours a day. you need constant endurance, and i love it!- i love to be moving, shaking, and taking care of people.
S- so how did you get into event planning and specifically wedding planning?
G- i got into wedding planning industry- that i want to help people, but i also helped my daughter plan her wedding about 5 years ago. i had a wedding planner help me during, but after the wedding she approached me and asked if she considered wedding planning and working for me. i enjoy the whole process, worked for her, and fell into it that way. it brings me joy to be able to help them on this important day in their life. i’ve been so fortunate to have such wonderful clients.
S- tell us a little deeper- it’s a passion
G- it’s a passion because most of my clients, haven’t been married before- don’t know the process and wondering what they do now- so i educate them. I want to help and serve people and gives me joy to serve people and it’s my joy and passion. I was in customer service for 19 years, and i always naturally did like to serve but not until i got into this industry i felt i knew i was in the right place. It’s the adrenaline rush.
S- i would love to hear about running a business in more than one location and tips and tricks for people wanting to!
G- 1- network. use instagram and facebook, email and get connected with vendors and just get to know them. Networking and meeting new vendors is number one in both locations of business. It’s really making those relationships and connections.
S- Looking back- what has been the most helpful to build a business in the wedding industry
G- the first thing is the website, and i had no idea what i was doing really but i need people to be able to find me. number 2 i turned my instagram into a business instagram and third and WIPPA became a part of their association and working with people in the industry. I also became a part of the planner’s vault. I sent an email to every vendor i knew and announce the business and amped up my instagram stories. when you want to do something- you figure it all out. you take those leaps of faith and research it.
S- i have noticed you amped up your instagram, talk about your growth
G- i get a lot of positive feedback from people and direct messages from people. I’ve gotten a few clients through it for sure and potential clients too. Because bridesmaids then follow me too. Now i try to spotlight different vendors and motivation monday.
S- do you notice traffic on your blog from instagram?
G- some do, and i’ll continue to do a little more and just trying to educate the clients i have now with a variety of subjects on wedding planning.
Start before you’re ready, just go for it. You are ready now, you’re just talking yourself out of it. That’s why i was going to do both places for business.
S- moving into weddings- what is something on trend now for 2020 that you love?
G- Right now sustainable things, environmentally friendly things. this age group is about experiences. We’re gonna see smaller micro weddings making a comeback 25-50 people- friends and family. A lot more elopements might start to pop up, and we’ll see a shift in how much people can spend.
S- what’s a trend that you can’t wait to see go away?
G- i think the rustic theme has seen its day. It’s pretty and everyone likes it, but i think it’s done. I’m all about less is more and we don’t need to have all this stuff.
S- A few tips for brides first planning?
G- 1- Make a budget, how much do you want or have to spend. That’s important, because you could go wild, and there’s no need to. Being a planner, my job is to help them save money. 2- make your guest list, this goes back to the budget too. 3- hire a planner. You need someone to help you take care of things you don’t know how to do and peace of mind you don’t have to worry about all the little details. The next level would be think of the 3 things you want on your wedding (the 3 HAVE to/splurges)
S- Marketing- how has your business seen growth?
G- i read, research, podcast, networking events, i also find that marketing wise emailing vendors, putting myself out there. Also i’m putting out my client referrals on website and instagram. Their words are out there because it’s not me saying i do a great job, it’s my past clients saying it.
S- how have you found to get featured online?
G- i was styled on style me pretty on the front page of their website for a wedding i did in vermont in last year. Because i worked with professional well known vendors and having that connection, and having that exposure has been amazing for me.
S- Any other favorite ways to connect with vendors?
G- Yes, i’m very social, and i love to meet new people. We talked about networking, but really just putting myself out there so people can find me. Reach out and email and offer to get together.
S- Any words for women who feel stuck or internal struggle words of advice?
G- Yes, this is what worked for me. Write it down. What is it that makes you happy (painting, photos, florals) what is your dream etc. Once you write it down, it becomes more real. You’re confirming that you can do this. next tell everybody- tell what you’ve been writing down. When you write it down and tell people and manifest it, it does work. the power of the universe works with you.
S- i fully agree, just that language from “i want to be” to “i am”
Anything else you. would love to share with brides or wedding vendors today?
G- Wedding planning is an emotional time and something you’ve probably dreamed about for years, but keep it into perspective. Let’s keep it fun, easy, simple. I’m here for you before, during, and after your wedding.
S- what are some your goals for this year?
G- I want to expand the wedding business- i offer 3 packages at the moment, but i want to offer the micro wedding package. I want to offer something that’s special and unique for the smaller weddings.
S- how can we find you?
G- Instagram
