Whitewed Advise: Pep Talk Time

Here at Whitewed, I work with engaged couples, wedding venues and suppliers alike, and 13 years in the industry and many thousands of contacts means I have a true and realistic view into how both sides of the industry react, perform, cope, and what their processes, challenges and wins are.

I know that times are difficult, the effects of Coronavirus feel like they're never-ending, especially with the 'Lockdown 2.0' announcement, and sometimes I'm sure you don't know how to take the next step - so I'm here to offer you a pep talk.  A pep talk that I gave myself only two weeks ago when everything felt very overwhelming...

Honestly, after collating the requested wedding sector requirement letter featuring nearly 1000 top signatures from across the country early October for presentation to Rt. Hon. Robert Buckland MP, I felt pretty flat - it was like I was coming down from a big high with very little in the pipeline to 'get me going' again!

Timing-wise, this tied in with a trip to my old office to collect some post, and the receptionist and manager both came out to say hello and were full of ‘poor you’ and sympathetic looks – so much so that I felt embarrassed and ashamed and left feeling very sad and deflated - I could have wept for all that our industry is suffering.

...but on reflection, their approach and attitude made me cross.

I’ve got nothing to feel embarrassed or ashamed about, and neither have you. 

I have acted quickly and made difficult decisions during a difficult time that I have no control over – but I have saved my business so that I haven't let you and all the people that use the platform down, and I have adapted my business and way of working accordingly. 

I haven't failed, I am still a success, I still hold all the same values, I still believe in all that I do.  As do, and are you.

I’m not a victim. I make my own destiny, Covid does not define me and my business, and I will not let it beat me. 

Yes, my business has had to change considerably, but I’m still here, I’m still offering the same service, support and more, and I’m still working hard every day and planning ahead for the future.

So my overriding message is to ‘hold your nerve’!  We are taking a constant battering - we are not being supported and we are being patronised, but remember that the business is on the books, it hasn't been cancelled in the main, just postponed. 

Don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed, tough it out – hold your head high and keep going.

Take heart that we will get through this.  Come up with strategies and see opportunities to keep you going and to maintain an income – even if it means a part time job just for now.

Remember that there are two camps of couples – those that say 'to hell with the restrictions, we’re getting married anyway'. Others will of course wait...but don’t ignore the couples that are actively still looking to go ahead, and planning for 2022 and beyond.

Keep posting, keep being active, keep being positive and optimistic – even if you don’t feel like it.

Catch up with fellow industry colleagues, those that understand, that do you good and keep you going – have a good catch up over coffee or something stronger (virtually too!). Get involved or instigate styled shoots for the New Year so that you’re still doing what you love and remember why you love it….and you'll also benefit from a whole set of fabulous images to use that will keep your socials fresh.

Those that are keeping going are doing well! Enquiries are still coming in and they’re generating an income.

Don’t let people or the situation bring you down. Limit your time on social media, avoid the news for a few days, take a break – don’t let the situation overwhelm you, and don’t let it define you.

You are not a failure, you're dealing with a very difficult situation - one that you have no control over - and that makes you a huge and continued success in my eyes!

Kindest, 

Natalie Lovett, Director of The Whitewed Directory