Dear Wedding Pro, It’s Time to Talk About the Confidence Gap

Nov 8

Let’s talk about the Confidence Gap—the little voice that chimes in every time you hit “send” on a proposal, whispering, “Maybe I should drop the price a bit…” That’s the confidence gap, and it’s as sneaky as ever right now.

I see you. You’re the one staying up late, perfecting timelines and mood boards that were already great hours ago. You’re throwing in extras “just to be nice.” You’re secretly hoping your client will say, “Wow, you should really charge more!” (Spoiler: they never do!) You care deeply about what you do, and that’s beautiful. But somewhere along the way, you forgot that your time and talent are part of the magic. After 16 years in this business, I still experience this. It’s hard not to.

Here’s the truth: you’re not underqualified—you’re under-credited, mostly by yourself. This industry has a way of making even the best of us feel small. There’s always going to be someone who charges more, books faster, and posts prettier photos. But comparison is a liar. It doesn’t know the 16-hour days, the back-to-back load-ins, the family meltdowns you quietly smoothed over while smiling and carrying out a wedding simultaneously.

I am going to be blunt here. You’re not charging for hours. You’re charging for calm in chaos, for your ability to stay two steps ahead, and for knowing when to pivot. You’re charging for your expertise and your time. This isn’t a hobby—it’s a career built on heart and hustle. Yet too many pros are still out here pricing themselves like they’re doing favors. Discounting your rates doesn’t make you more likable or hirable; it just makes you more tired and angry.

This is about knowing and communicating your value for the work you deliver. It’s about demonstrating what sets you apart. Start a brag folder and fill it with every kind word, thank-you email, and glowing review you get. Replace apologies with gratitude: “Thank you for your patience” beats “Sorry for the delay.” Hold your boundaries—you’re not difficult, you’re professional. These are the habits I’m seeing this booking season.

You can’t be the backbone of a client’s dream day if you’re breaking your own in the process. Trust me, I still struggle with this too! You can’t run a business or attract your dream clients if you’re still trying to fit everyone else’s expectations. You also can’t be everything to everyone. My husband often says, 'If they don’t book with you, then they were not your match,' and over the years, I’ve found that to be true.

You’ve done the work. You’ve put in the hours. You’ve shown up again and again, even when it was messy, hard, or thankless. So maybe it’s time you start believing in the version of yourself everyone else already sees—the talented, capable, grounded professional who’s been quietly killing it all along.

You don’t need permission to own your worth—you already have proof. Charge confidently. Set boundaries. Enter client calls as the CEO you are. You built this business with heart, grit, and drive. Now is the time to value yourself fully, unapologetically, and without hesitation.

Just some thoughts.
— Jackie