Moving to a new city is hard enough, so just imagine how much harder it can be to move your whole business.
When I moved to Seattle I hardly knew anyone. I was totally new to the Seattle Wedding market, as I was relocating my business from Colorado to Seattle. I’ll be honest – that first year I had to hustle hard! It’s tough, but it totally pays off. Thankfully, I learned a few things and was able to successfully relocate my business within the first year! Not to mention I made so many amazing new friends and connections. So what did I do that made a difference? I’d love to share a few things with you!
Styling by Amber of A. Renee Weddings 
Styling by Amber of A. Renee Weddings
Focus on Community
Making connections is probably the absolute most important thing. Take wedding planners for lunch! Ask them about their story and make sure to ask questions and try and limit the amount of time you talk about yourself. In this day in age, we are continuously focusing on ourselves with social media and technology. So I encourage you to shift the focus to the people you are genuinely wanting to get to know and I think you’ll actually be more memorable! Go to networking events and get face to face with other vendors! This is your time to show this wedding community that you are a vibrant new member excited to be a team player. I also highly recommend taking a pocket full of business cards everywhere you go – you never know if that barista at your new favorite coffee shop is engaged, or expecting!
Organize a Styled Shoot
You’re in a new city, and you’re going to want your portfolio to start reflecting that. What better way to get a feel for your new surroundings than to get out and shoot them! One easy marketing tip – share and post what you want to book. Whether you want to book weddings out in nature, or in a glam city venue – do a styled shoot that showcases that. Be intentional about asking vendors that are people you’d want to work alongside in the future (hello, making connections!)
Collaborate with Local Stores + Venues
This is a great opportunity to wrap my last two points all into one – making connections and beefing up your portfolio. For weddings, try collaborating with a bridal boutique or a venue you’re interested in. Plan a styled photoshoot of their space or their gowns. Once the images are ready, offer to print a small album or single prints – whatever would best serve them and their business. This will showcase their space or gowns and showcases your work for them to display! The same goes for engagement sessions.
At the end of the day, the biggest take away is to put yourself out there! And don’t forget to let your hometown clients know you’re moving – they might have connections in your new city!
Vendors in this blog:
Styled by: @newcreationswed
Cake: The Sweet Side @thesweetsideseattle
Linens: BBJ Linens @bbjlinen
Paper Goods: Sablewood Paper Company @sablewoodpaperco
Rentals: CORT Rentals @cortpartyrental
Photographer: Caroline Tran Photography @carolinetran
Photographer: Kelly Lemon Photography @kellylemon
Head Florist Designer: Alicia Schwede @flirtyfleurs
Video: Peter Kim @peakdigitalcinema
Venue: Pine Creek Nursery @eventsatpcn
Florals: Gwen Sayers @scatteredseedsaflowerfarm, @northwest_wholesale_florists
Hair Makeup Artists: Angie Evans: @makeupartist.angela
Gown: Blue Sky Bridal @blueskeybridal
Suit: @menswearhouse
Ribbons: Rose Mille @rosemillestudio
Vase: Floral Supply Syndicate: @floralsupplysyndicate
Moon Arch: Elaine @elainefloraldesign
