In these uncertain times, everyone is looking forward to 2021 in the hope that friends and loved ones can gather together to celebrate again. But if you’re working in the wedding industry, you may be fretting over what the future might bring. Of course, no one can guarantee anything – but if weddings do begin again next year, one thing is certain: there will be demand for wedding services like nothing before.
So how can you best prepare for the wedding bonanza that will no doubt arise once restrictions on gathering and socialising are lifted? As a wedding entertainer – whether you’re a live band, a DJ or a performance artist – there’s likely to be some stiff competition. But with the right approach, you can make sure that your CV is at the top of the pile.
First, make sure that you have cultivated a strong social media presence. Unfortunately, this is a little more complicated than just setting up a Facebook page. To really make yourself visible, you’ll need to be regularly updating Instagram and Twitter too, as well as cultivating relationships with other social media users. Fortunately, however, you don’t always need to post original material – any unique, shareable content that’s relevant to your business will help to boost your profile to potential clients.
Second, remember that it’s important to network, even in these strange times. And while you may not be able to attend your regular gigs and performances, you can still get your name out there for people to see. Why not contact your local venues about performing socially distanced gigs, or look into the world of virtual performances? Remember, while you might not secure any wedding bookings now, you want people to remember you when the time comes.
Finally, be ready to promote yourself once things get rolling again. When restrictions are lifted, events such as wedding fairs will likely be full to the brim – so make sure that you’re ready to get moving as soon as you can. This includes prepping any promotional material such as CDs or showreels, and reaching out to organisers well in advance of any planned events.
For wedding entertainers, these are difficult times – but with a bit of forward wedding planning, you can be ready to make the most of things in the months and years to come.
