Wedding Business Solutions
Alan Berg, CSP, Global Speaking Fellow
If weddings are all or part of your business, then the Wedding Business Solutions podcast is for you. You’ll hear ideas to help you sell more, profit more and have more fun doing it from Alan Berg CSP, FPSA. He’s the author of 13 books, who’s been included, for the 3rd year in a row, as one of the “Top 100 Speakers To Watch in 2025”, by Motivator Music on LinkedIn. He's also one of only 44 Global Speaking Fellows in the world! Whether it’s ideas for closing the sale, improving your website conversion or just plain common-sense ideas for your wedding business, the episodes here, whether monologue or dialogue are just the thing to get you motivated to help more couples have great weddings, and more profits for you . . . . . . . . . You can read full transcripts of each episode at podcast.AlanBerg.com . . . . . . . . . Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast so you'll know about the latest episodes. And if you have a question, comment or suggestion for topic or guest, please reach out at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com . . . . . . . . . And if you don't get his email updates for new episodes, as well as upcoming workshops and Master Classes, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com . . . . . . . . . If you'd like to find out about Alan's speaking, sales training, consulting or website review services, you can reach him at Alan@AlanBerg.com or visit Podcast.AlanBerg.com ------- Note: I invite my guests on for the value they provide to you, my listeners. Occasionally I have a guest on where I'm an affiliate or have a relationship that may involve compensation for me. My first priority is the value to you and therefore I don't sell placement or guest spots on my podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 30, 2025 • 11min
How do you handle leads for dates very far into the future?
How do you handle leads for dates very far into the future?What do you do when a couple wants to book you for a date 15 months out—or even two years from now? How should you manage pricing, contract clauses, or even hold a tentative booking if they don’t have a venue yet? In this episode, I share practical strategies and key questions to ask when booking far in advance, ways to protect yourself against rising costs, and how to clearly communicate expectations (and policies) for cancellations and deposits with your clients.Listen to this new 9-minute episode for insights on pricing, contracts, and conversations to help you confidently book clients—no matter how far out their event might be.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com
Jul 23, 2025 • 8min
Should you reply differently to leads from different sources?
Should you treat every lead the same way? What does someone already know about you before they reach out from a wedding expo, website, or a platform like Hitched? In this episode, I ask: does your follow-up need to change depending on where the lead came from—and if so, how? Find out why a “one size fits all” approach may not get you the best results, and discover smart ways to tailor your follow-up messages to increase your responses and bookings.Listen to this new 8-minute episode for practical strategies to improve your follow-up and convert more leads by understanding where they come from and what they know about you.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com
Jul 21, 2025 • 39min
Adam Tiegs - Ways wedding and event pros are using AI
Adam Tiegs - Ways wedding and event pros are using AIAre you letting AI do the heavy lifting in your business, or are you still resistant to these new tools? What would happen if you could create presentations, emails, playlists, or even marketing copy in a fraction of the time—while still sounding like yourself? In this episode, Adam Tiegs and I dive into how prompt engineering is the new superpower, why editing matters as much as the original AI output, and creative, practical ways wedding pros can start using AI right now to save time, polish their work, and stay ahead without losing that personal touch.Listen to this new episode for easy-to-implement ideas and conversation starters on using AI to elevate your workflow, plus insider tips on prompt-writing, personalizing content, and tools that make your business life easier.Adam is a seasoned DJ and AV professional with over 20 years of experience in weddings, parties, trade shows, and corporate events. Starting in the mid-90s, he turned a passion for music and electronics into a full-time career, founding Adam’s DJ Service in 2003 and later NW Event Lighting to enhance events with custom lighting. In 2023, he launched Adam’s AV Service, combining his expertise in audio, video, and lighting. Known for his versatility, Adam also freelances in event production and continues to bring energy and professionalism to every event he’s part of.Connect with Adam:www.adamsdjservice.comwww.adamsavservice.comIf you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com
Jul 16, 2025 • 7min
A brand is not a logo!
What do people really say about your business when you’re not in the room? Is your brand just your logo, your colors, and the fonts on your website? Or is it the promise and story you deliver every time you work an event? In this episode, I explore why your real brand lives in the words and expectations of your customers, and why what they say about you matters much more than any graphic design could.Listen to this new 6-minute episode for ideas on how to express your brand’s promise, why reviews truly shape your reputation, and how to make sure what people expect matches what you deliver.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com
Jul 9, 2025 • 10min
What are creative ways to get new inquiries?
What are creative ways to get new inquiries?Are you making the most of the inquiries you already get, or are you chasing new leads without first maximizing what’s in front of you? Do you know if your responses, follow-up, and online profile are actually helping—or quietly hurting—your ability to convert interest into bookings? In this episode, I dive into creative strategies for getting more inquiries, but also challenge you to look first at how you’re nurturing the leads you currently receive, and how small tweaks to your approach can yield big results.Listen to this new 8-minute episode for practical ways to boost inquiries, improve your follow-up, and make your online presence work harder for you.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com
Jul 7, 2025 • 38min
Mark Caravaggio - Having the difficult conversations
Mark Caravaggio - Having the difficult conversationsHow do you handle difficult conversations with clients or fellow pros when plans go sideways? What happens when a customer comes at you with both barrels, or when conflicting expectations create tension behind the scenes? In this episode, I talk with Mark Caravaggio about practical ways to navigate confrontation, lead with empathy, and set clear boundaries, both before and during weddings. We explore why communicating expectations up front–and knowing when to walk away from the wrong fit–can actually strengthen your business and relationships.Listen to this new episode for real-world scripts and strategies to stay calm, respond with heart, and turn tricky conversations into opportunities for better collaboration and happier clients.About Mark: Hi, I’m Mark Caravaggio—Owner and Operator of inTUNE, a Wedding DJ, MC and Planning business born from a dream and built on purpose. After leaving behind a corporate life in 2011, I set out to create something radically different: a life and business rooted in connection, creativity, and intention. My spiritual awakening in 2019 reshaped everything, leading me to build inTUNE not just as a service, but as a movement of meaning-making moments.Contact Mark:Website: https://www.intune.events/Instagram: https://instagram.com/intune.eventsIf you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com
Jul 2, 2025 • 10min
The 4 Steps to More sales!
The 4 Steps to More sales!Are you missing out on bookings by skipping important steps? What if the reason you’re getting ghosted is because you’re rushing couples or communicating on your terms, not theirs? In this episode I break down the four-step sales cycle—getting attention, receiving an inquiry, starting the conversation, and finally making the sale. Could making small changes to how you follow up or begin conversations be the key to getting more “yes” answers?Listen to this new 8-minute episode for a clear roadmap to more sales and practical tips on how to move clients from inquiry to booking—without losing them along the way.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com
Jun 25, 2025 • 6min
Use Is, not Was in your reviews!
Have you ever wondered how the wording of your reviews impacts how clients perceive your business? Are you missing opportunities to make your services feel relevant and current just by using the wrong tense? In this episode, I explore why using “is” instead of “was” in your reviews can build more trust, show off your ongoing excellence, and even improve your marketing. What subtle shifts can you make in your review requests to ensure your reputation feels as fresh and vibrant as your service?Listen to this new 5-minute episode for actionable tips on updating your reviews and marketing language so couples and clients know you’re delivering excellence right now.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com
Jun 23, 2025 • 47min
Kevin Townsend - Weddings in New Zealand!
Kevin Townsend - Weddings in New ZealandWhat if your wedding business had to navigate strict lockdowns, shifting markets, and unique cultural expectations—would your sales process survive? How do you attract the right clients and keep your venue calendar full when economic tides turn? In this episode, I share what weddings are really like in New Zealand, including how refining inquiry forms, understanding cultural differences, and using data-driven decisions are helping venues thrive amidst challenge and change. Could your business habits use a Kiwi-style upgrade?Listen to this new episode for real-world strategies from New Zealand on qualifying leads, responding to economic shifts, and building a sales system that works—even in uncertain times.About Kevin: The marketing manager and director of New Zealand wedding company Simply Events. The company owns and manages two wedding venues in Auckland – Abel Estate and Tui Hills. Kevin comes from a background in journalism, media syndication and metadata. In 2028 he and his project-manager wife Ruth Carpenter went into the wedding industry, initially running a pop-up wedding business called Simply Wed before buying Tui Hills in 2019 and Abel Estate in 2021.Contact Kevinhttps://www.popupweddings.co.nz/ https://www.instagram.com/popupweddingsnz/ https://www.instagram.com/tuihills/ https://www.facebook.com/tuihillsauckland https://www.instagram.com/abelestatevenue/ https://www.facebook.com/abelestatevenueIf you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com
Jun 18, 2025 • 8min
My GPS gets me where I'm going, but I don't know where I am!
How often do you rely on a tool—like GPS or AI—to get you results without really understanding how you got there? Is it always okay to follow directions blindly, or are there times you need to know the “why” behind the answer? In this episode, I explore the risks and benefits of trusting our tools, the importance of understanding processes (at least a little), and when it’s safe to be hands-off versus when you need to dig deeper before you hit “go.”Listen to this new 7-minute episode for insights on finding the right balance between dependence on tech and informed decision-making in your business.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com
