So, you want to attract your dream wedding clients—the ones who actually make you excited to shoot their big day, not the ones who treat you like a walking camera with zero creative freedom. I get it. But here’s the thing: they’re not just going to magically stumble upon your website while scrolling Instagram at 2 am (although, wouldn’t that be nice?).
Nope, you’re going to need a real marketing plan to get those dream clients to notice you—and actually book you. The good news? It’s not as scary as it sounds. The bad news? It’s going to take more than a couple of TikToks and posting Now Booking 2024 Weddings in Comic Sans. Don’t worry, though—I’ve got you covered.
Grab your iced coffee, let’s roll up our sleeves, and create a plan so solid that your inbox will be flooded with inquiries in no time.
As a wedding photography business coach, I am going to tell you the exact wedding photography marketing plan you need to attract dream weddings!
Wedding Photography Marketing Plan
- Finding Your Ideal Wedding Photography Clients
- Create a Portfolio That Makes Them Swoon
- Crush Social Media Without It Crushing You
- Networking Tips for Wedding Photographers Who Hate Networking
Finding Your Ideal Wedding Photography Clients
First things first, you can’t attract your dream clients if you don’t even know who they are. So, let’s figure that out, shall we? Think about the type of weddings you’d actually jump out of bed for. Is it the boho backyard soirée with flower crowns and string lights? Or maybe the black-tie affair at a fancy estate where the guests sip champagne like it’s water. Whatever your vibe is, own it—because if you’re trying to appeal to everyone, you’re going to end up with couples who don’t match your style, your energy, or your pricing.
Next, stalk (ahem, research) the type of couples you want to work with. Where do they hang out online? What’s their aesthetic—minimalist chic or color explosion? And, yes, what’s their budget? You can’t serve caviar if they’re on a boxed mac-and-cheese budget. Be honest with yourself about the kind of weddings you want to shoot and the type of couples who can actually pay you for it. Spoiler: If your dream clients love luxury, those $200 all-inclusive packages aren’t exactly sending the right message.
Once you know what makes them tick, you can create a wedding photography marketing plan and market to them in a way that makes them feel like you’re their person.
Create a Portfolio That Makes Them Swoon
Let’s talk about your portfolio—the thing that’s basically your first impression on potential dream clients. Spoiler alert: It needs to be good. Like, stop-them-in-their-scroll good. First, you need to ditch the show everything approach. Your portfolio isn’t your grandma’s photo album; it’s a highlight reel. Only include images that scream, This is the vibe I want to shoot all day, every day.
Focus on storytelling. Don’t just throw up a random gallery of first kisses and cake cutting; think about how to create an emotional connection. Show the intimate glances, the happy tears, and that wild moment when Aunt Karen hits the dance floor like it’s her personal stage. Basically, if it doesn’t make your dream clients feel something, it doesn’t belong there.
Also, let’s address the elephant in the room: your unique selling points. What makes you stand out? Maybe it’s your knack for capturing those candid, laugh-until-you-cry moments or your ability to make even the most camera-shy couple look like they’re straight out of a Vogue spread. Whatever it is, make sure it’s loud and clear in your portfolio.
Remember, your dream clients aren’t mind readers—you’ve got to show them why you’re the one they need so incorporate this into your wedding photography marketing plan.
Crush Social Media Without It Crushing You
Ah, social media—the love-hate relationship we all can’t escape. It’s basically your online dating profile for dream clients, so you better make it good. First, pick your platforms wisely. If your ideal couples are pinning DIY centerpieces and dress inspo, get yourself on Pinterest.
If they’re scrolling TikTok for #WeddingInspo, start filming those behind-the-scenes clips (yes, even if it makes you cringe). And Instagram? Non-negotiable. It’s basically the Holy Grail for showcasing your work, sliding into DMs, and low-key showing off.
Now, about that content: stop just posting your favorite shot from the day with a Congrats to this amazing couple! caption. Snooze. Show the chaos of getting the veil just right, the laughter between the vows, or the groom’s questionable dance moves at the reception. Stories? Use them. Reels? Learn them. Your dream clients want to see the magic and the messy behind-the-scenes moments that make their big day unforgettable.
And let’s talk engagement—because just posting and ghosting is not a strategy. Reply to comments like a human, not a robot. Slide into your followers’ DMs (not in a creepy way, obviously). Make them feel seen, heard, and like they absolutely need you snapping pics at their wedding. Social media isn’t rocket science; it’s just being social. Go figure.
Networking Tips for Wedding Photographers Who Hate Networking
Let’s talk about networking—aka making friends who just so happen to have the potential to send clients your way. Sounds easy, right? Except most photographers would rather spend 10 hours editing reception lighting than strike up a conversation at a vendor mixer. Here’s the deal: you’ve got to do it (it’s part of a successful wedding photography marketing plan), and no, liking a planner’s Instagram post doesn’t count as building a relationship.
First up, connect with other vendors—planners, florists, bakers, DJs, even that rental company with the 12-foot floral arch everyone’s obsessed with. These people are already in the wedding world trenches, and guess what? They love referring photographers they trust. Pro tip: Don’t make it all about you. Show some genuine interest in their work (yes, that means actually looking at their Instagram). Collaboration over competition is the name of the game.
Next, get your butt to networking events. Yes, you’ll have to make small talk, and yes, someone will inevitably mention how expensive their new camera is. Just smile and ask meaningful questions. People love talking about themselves—let them. Bonus points if you follow up later with a quick email or DM.
Finally, deliver. If you’re working with these vendors at weddings, send them galleries ASAP. Nothing screams we’re besties like sending over pro photos of their work before they even
Sealing the Deal with Dream Clients
So, there you have it—the exact wedding photography marketing plan you need to attract dream weddings. Know your audience, show off your best work, crush it on social, and network like a pro. Now, go make it happen!
Get in touch with me today to discuss wedding photography mentoring, with me.
