The Ultimate Bridal Business Toolkit: Books, Podcasts and More that You Can't Miss
As boutique owners, you’ll know better than anyone else that your job requires you to wear many hats: fashion expert, accountant, manager, interior designer, therapist…
The list could go on. With that in mind, you may think that the suggestion of finding time for self development and learning is wild, but we actually think that being inspired and adapting your knowledge is the key to thriving in this industry. We wanted to make empowering and informative resources as easy as possible for you to access, so here’s some of our top picks.
Must-Read Books for Bridal Entrepreneurs
1. Smart Retail: Winning Ideas and Strategies from the Most Successful Retailers in the World (4th edition) by Richard Hammond
This book discusses what makes retailers super successful and gives you access to their secrets. Read this to see how you can implement their key ideas strategies and tactical thinking.
2. Building and Marketing Your Wedding Business by Vanessa Joy
A comprehensive guide that delves into effective marketing techniques and business-building strategies specific to the wedding industry.
3.Dare To Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts by Brené Brown
This iconic tome offers a different way to look at leadership. Forget about power and status, this focusses on helping you recognise the potential and talents of your team and how you can flourish together.
Podcasts to Inspire and Educate
1. I’ll Marry You – Hosted by Olivia Coleman
Offers valuable insights into the evolving UK wedding landscape. While rooted in storytelling and planning advice, it’s also a rich resource for bridal retailers looking to better understand today’s couples—their expectations, values, and buying behaviours. With guest interviews ranging from planners to suppliers, the podcast sheds light on industry trends, modern ceremonies, and what truly resonates with clients—making it a smart listen for those wanting to stay commercially relevant and customer-focused in bridal retail.
2. Amanda Wakeley Style – DNA Hosted by British fashion designer Amanda Wakeley
This podcast features weekly conversations with celebrity guests exploring their personal style journeys. Guests share their best and worst fashion moments and answer quirky questions like "What do they wear in bed?" Guests include Trinny Woodall, James Blunt, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, David Furnish, and Yasmin Le Bon.
3.The Aisle-Conic Podcast – Co-hosted by Cathleen Jia and Sarah Tippett
This Podcast is designed for modern wedding business professionals. It dives into honest conversations about the highs and lows of working in the bridal industry. It covers real-world experiences, sustainable business practices, and the ever-evolving challenges creatives face while running a business in the wedding space. It’s an insightful listen for anyone navigating the bridal world, from designers to boutique owners.
4. The Run-through with Vogue – Hosted by Chioma Nnadi and Chloe Malle,
A weekly fashion and culture podcast that brings listeners behind the scenes of Vogue’s world. Each episode features conversations with designers, celebrities, industry insiders, and Vogue editors, unpacking the biggest fashion stories of the moment—from red carpet coverage to global style trends. It’s an engaging listen for those who want a deeper look into fashion’s most influential voices.
5. WIN/WIN Women in Innovation – Hosted by Zoia Kozak
WIN/WIN features candid interviews with women leaders driving innovation across industries — from tech and design to policy and entrepreneurship. The podcast explores each guest’s career journey, challenges they’ve faced, and how they approach innovation and leadership. It’s an empowering and insightful resource for professionals looking to make an impact through creative, strategic thinking.
Other Useful Resources
1.Done is Better than Perfect by Becca Pountney
A renowned wedding business marketing strategist who helps wedding professionals grow their visibility and bookings. Through her website, podcast, and coaching services, she shares practical tips on how to effectively network, market, and convert leads in the competitive wedding space. For bridal retailers, her content is especially valuable—covering topics like Instagram strategy, pricing, lead generation, and industry collaboration. Her approach is grounded in real-world success and tailored to those looking to build a sustainable, standout wedding business.
2. The Edwardians: Age of Elegance exhibition at The King’s Gallery
Offers bridal business owners an inspiring look into vintage trends, showcasing royal fashion from the Edwardian era. With a focus on opulent dresses and traditional coronation attire, this exhibition highlights the elegance and craftsmanship of the time, making it a fantastic opportunity for bridal designers to draw inspiration for gowns and accessories. Key pieces include Queen Alexandra’s golden coronation dress and King Edward VII’s coronation mantle, both of which reflect the rich British heritage and luxurious detailing that could influence upcoming bridal trends.
3.TED Talk Why Joy and Flexibility Are Good for Business by Rosie Sargeant
Emphasises the value of creating a joyful and flexible work culture, which is especially crucial for bridal business owners. By implementing strategies like flexible schedules, team bonding, and prioritizing well-being, you can enhance creativity, boost morale, and improve customer service. Embracing these practices can help reduce stress, increase employee satisfaction, and ultimately drive success in the wedding industry.
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