Lessons from my own mistakes Photo by Cameron Clark In 2008, I wrote a series here on Think Splendid called "Lessons in Burnout" with insights gleaned from an experience in my previous career of not just burning out, but burning to an unrecognizable crisp. It is still – 16 years later – one of the most popular topics I've ever covered. Burnout is a slippery slope and one we often don't see coming until it's too late. Working in a high-touch, highly personalized industry like weddings  — where purchase decisions are driven more by emotion than in any other field — makes a person more ..read more

Separating fact from fiction so you can run your wedding business more effectively. Photo by Cameron Clark When it comes to the business of luxury weddings, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there. Some of it is valuable and backed by true expertise, some of it is based on narrow anecdotal experience or faulty assumptions, and some of it is just made up completely by people who have little-to-no experience with luxury at all. Today, we’re debunking seven common myths about working with luxury wedding clients and separating fact from fiction so that you can run your wedding business ..read more

High-end wedding planners are pushing film, even though I am an expert. Photography by Cameron Clark This question is from a luxury wedding photographer: I have been wanting to ask you a question that may be appropriate for many: There is a push right now by some high-end wedding planners and other photographers to use film. I understand why some may like this. I started with film and used 35 mm and medium format for over 20 years – I learned on film. But now, I choose to stick with digital – I am a better photographer with this medium and have much more control over what I can do with it. My ..read more

I am in a high-end, luxury market with very, very wealthy clients. Photo by Cameron Clark This question is from a designer who also offers boutique specialty rentals: First off, let me say how much I love all of your content. Thank you for everything you produced during 2020. I found it invaluable, and still follow your words regularly. I have another interesting topic I would love your take on: I am in a high-end, luxury market with very, very wealthy clients. Lately, they are all cutting their day-of wedding details like stationery or rentals. Several have told me this is due to rising co ..read more

Or the “top wedding photographers” lists? Real wedding photo by Cameron Clark This question is from a luxury wedding planner: Something was brought up by a few people in the last couple weeks and I wanted to get your insight. Are the "Top" and “Best of” lists from magazines and websites vetted and earned or are they marketed/PR'd onto? One of the "Top" lists came out recently that named a wedding planner to the list who has limited experience (less than five years in business, two of those while closed during Covid) and almost no social proof of planning work. It seems like this editor was lo ..read more

Everyone has lost their damn minds. Photo by Cameron Clark I’m answering questions from creative professionals around the world on the impact of Coronavirus (and now its variants) on their wedding businesses. This two-part question is from a luxury wedding planner in the United States: Part 1 What do you think about events this Fall? Are we headed toward another shut down in the US? I read your post from earlier this week and was feeling for that planner in England. I’m also wondering about ultimate responsibility from planners right now. Are we the ones that are fully responsible for tellin ..read more

If you’re focusing on Reels, you’re behind. Left to right: Lucy Camryn Films, Grit & Grace Events Co, Roselite Events For the past few years, I’ve been telling everyone in the wedding industry to start using TikTok for their businesses. Some people listened and have found success. Some pushed back and said it was just for tweens. Some created accounts and then did nothing with them (I include myself in this group because, hey, the cobbler’s children have no shoes). Some tried to treat it like Instagram and gave up when that didn’t work. When it comes to TikTok, too many people think of it ..read more

Stop self-sabotaging and step up your game. Photo by Cameron Clark Your ego is their competitive advantage. Your complacency is their competitive advantage. Your procrastination is their competitive advantage. Your impatience is their competitive advantage. Your laziness is their competitive advantage. Your inflexibility is their competitive advantage. Your jealousy and the decisions you allow it to make is their competitive advantage. Your bitterness from clinging to a grudge is their competitive advantage. Your glorification of busy is their competitive advantage. Your “no new friends” rule ..read more

Especially in stressful times. Photo by Cameron Clark My first job was in high school as a receptionist and shampoo girl at a hair salon. I learned many important skills while working there but the most valuable was learning how to listen to people on a deep level. It's a universal law that hair salons are a mysterious safe zone where people open up about their most vulnerable feelings while reading gossip magazines. As the professional, you're suddenly entrusted with a piece of their heart, whether you asked to be or not. It's like this in the weddings, too. If you expect everyone to be rat ..read more

Full-time, remote position with competitive salary & benefits Bahamas wedding by Cameron Clark Photography I’m hiring a senior management consultant for the tourism division of Think Splendid! This is a full-time, remote position with competitive salary and benefits. Up to 30% domestic U.S. and international travel will be required. I am specifically looking for someone with 5+ years experience in strategy consulting. They do NOT need to have prior wedding industry experience. The official LinkedIn job listing is below as well as details on how to apply. Please pass this along to anyone w ..read more