State of the Wedding Industry 2025: Hard Truths and Honest Insights

A candid, behind-the-scenes conversation with top wedding industry pros about what’s really going on in 2025 and how to move forward.

If you’ve been wondering whether the slowdowns, buyer shifts, or budget stalls are just you, you’re not alone.

This panel brings together five of the sharpest minds in the business to tackle the hard truths shaping today’s market. No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just real talk from people who are in it every day, with clear insights into what it takes to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, confused, or ready to pivot, this replay is your chance to get clarity and direction for the road ahead.

Panelists:

• Abby Jiu, Photographer, Abby Jiu Photography, Duet Social Media

• Daniel Kim, Photographer, Daniel Kim Photography

• Laura Ritchie, Principal Designer, Grit & Grace Inc.

• Eleanor Scola, Director of Sales, Nuage

• Kimberly Richmond, VP of Sales (Weddings), ALHI

• Sam Jacobson, Founder, Ideaction Consulting and Duet Social Media

What You’ll Hear:

• What’s really behind slower bookings and sales this year

• Why traditional marketing and sales tactics are falling flat, and what to do instead

• How top-tier vendors are adapting to buyer behavior shifts

• What to expect in 2026 and how to prepare your business now

• The biggest mistakes people are making and how to avoid them

Key Themes:

• Market contraction versus mindset traps

• Elevated expectations with lower lead quality

• Sales cycle realities and buyer psychology

• Recession-proofing your brand and offer