options. It’s not about squeezing clients—it’s about staying sustainable and delivering the same quality experience without compromising your business. Staying profitable in a shifting market When the landscape shifts, the most successful pros are the ones who stay nimble. Instead of relying on one supplier or sticking rigidly to past processes, many are turning to more resilient strategies. Peterman says, “Build strong relationships with multiple suppliers so you’re not stuck if one brand or shop gets hit harder by tariffs. Also, try to stay flexible; clients care about results, not what problems you are having behind the scenes. Focus on delivering incredible work and adapt behind the scenes as needed.” Other small business owners are taking a similar approach by staying alert and making mindful decisions. “For now, as a small business, I’m personally just trying to stay
mindful, keeping an eye on costs, planning ahead for gear upgrades, and being thoughtful about how this might be affecting both my business and my couples,” explains Pamela Tatz, Owner & Lead Photographer of Pamela Tatz Photography. “We’re all navigating this in real time, and I think that staying adaptable is key.” It’s also about mindset. Rather than panicking, vendors should focus on being resourceful and continuing to provide standout service. What (and how) to share with clients Most clients don’t want to know about tariffs or production delays. Instead, they want a seamless celebration. That’s why many vendors are handling behind-the- scenes hurdles quietly, keeping the client experience front and center. Peterman confesses, “Honestly, we don’t bring up tariffs at all. Clients come to us for a stress- free experience, and they don’t want to hear about supply chain problems. Instead, we frame
everything around quality: that we’re committed to using the best tools and tech available, and that’s why they’re getting top-tier photos and films. We manage rising costs quietly on our side.” Tariffs are just one more curveball in an industry that’s always evolving. While we can’t control rising costs, we can control how we respond—by staying adaptable, transparent, and focused on delivering great work. The more we support each other and keep the client experience at the top of our lists, the better equipped we’ll all be to weather these shifts together! Editor’s note: For this article, Ely referred to The Comprehensive Guide to Tariffs for Wedding Pros by industry consultant Think Splendid ® and recommends other event pros read it as well. Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
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SPECIAL EVENTS SUMMER 2025
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