Frequently asked questions

Post Updated June 2025.

If you’re a wedding planner or creative looking to elevate your business—whether that means attracting luxury clients, increasing your visibility, or finally creating a strategy that actually works, you’re likely asking a few key questions. And you’re not alone.

This FAQ page answers the most common (and important) questions I get as a wedding business coach in the UK. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, you’ll find real, experience-backed insights here.

Don’t see your question below? You can always book a clarity call and let’s talk. Have a different question? Please do just drop me a line on hello@bernadettechapman.co.uk

What is the difference between coaching and consultancy?

This is such a big question there is a separate blog post all about it. I am a business consultant not a coach. Considering my career background it would be hard for me to sit back and not offer solutions to my clients. You can read more about it here.

What is the difference between a business coach and consultant?

Have I ran a business before?

In my opinion it is important a business coach has experience owning a business before going into coaching. Can they OR have they walked the walk before? You can read more about my journey here but in essence I was one of the first wedding planners to launch in 2002 and over 19 years I organised hundreds of weddings. I also founded an industry body for the wedding sector which included training courses, downloads, membership and directory – again I ran this for 19 years. So I have experience in B2C via my wedding planning PLUS B2B via my industry body.

What type of businesses do I work with?

I primarily work with wedding and creative solopreneurs or partnerships. I do not work with medium to large businesses; nor do I work with venue owners, I can recommend other consultants that may be more suited. My super strength is working with very creative business owners who struggle with strategy, productivity and profitability. In the past I have worked with:

• Wedding Planners
• Florists
• Stylists
• Cake Makers
• Photographers
• Musicians
• Caterers
• PR Coach
• Life Coach
• Private Tutor
• Bridal Coach

Do I only work with wedding businesses?

I work with all creative businesses; many of my clients are in the wedding industry because this is the sector I have worked in since 2002. The challenges that creative businesses face are very similar regardless of whether a wedding business, personal stylist, creative product based, graphic designer etc. Visibility, confidence and profitability are the same regardless of what specific sector. See above for some of the past non wedding clients I have worked with.

Can you guarantee me a 6 figure business?

The honest answer? No ethical coach can guarantee you a 6-figure business, because your results depend on many factors: your market, your commitment, and your ability to implement what we work on together. What I can promise is strategic, personalised support to help you build a profitable, sustainable business—one that isn’t just about revenue, but about actual profit. After all, there’s no point hitting £100k if your expenses are £90k.

Many of my clients have reached or surpassed the six-figure mark as a result of the work we’ve done together—but it’s never overnight. I focus on solid foundations, clear strategy, and growth that lasts. It’s not quick but it is sustainable.

Will you help me diversify my business?

Absolutely! Exploring additional revenue streams is something I love supporting clients with. Whether it’s introducing new services, creating passive income products, or monetising your expertise in new ways, we’ll look at what aligns best with your goals and audience. I have years of experience diversifying not just this business but my previous ones as well.

Diversifying your business not only adds profit potential—it also creates stability and freedom as you scale. Together, we’ll find smart, strategic ways to expand your income beyond your core offering. Without listening to the hype online. It’s important you know the pros and cons of some revenue streams.

Will you do the work for me?

I will provide strategy, solutions and suggestions as per my role as your consultant (more than coach). But I cannot and will not do the work FOR you because otherwise you will always struggle to step into the role of CEO. If you are wanting someone to do the work for you, it might be time to invest in:

• Social Media Manager
• Sales Consultant
• Graphic Designer
• PR Consultant

Can I wave a magic wand?

No and can anyone? I’d be charging considerably more if I could 😉 ! I am empowering you so you are a stronger strategic business owner. The change will come from YOU not me. It may not be instant or even during our time together – it might come after. It will require you to take action on the strategy we discussed together – this may sound obvious but I’ve lost count of the number of times a client doesn’t DO the work required to move the needle forward.

Can I pay in instalments?

Absolutely, should you wish to pay in instalments that is totally fine and most of my services will show this as an option. The exception being is my micro courses and Business Booster Calls as these are low cost – so additional instalment admin is not cost effective.

What can a creative business coach / consultant help with?

A wedding business coach or consultant helps you grow your wedding business by offering expert guidance, strategy, and mindset support. Unlike a generic business coach, I bring 20+ years of experience in the UK wedding industry to help you navigate client journey, pricing, visibility, and scaling with confidence. I give real solutions to realtime problems you are experiencing. In practical terms here are some examples.

• Fine tune your ideal client and market positioning – with you
• Analyse your competitors
• Create a tailored on-boarding and off-boarding process
• Work on your profitability
• Reposition your subconscious mind (imposter syndrome, confidence, habit building, money blocks)
• Create a strategy for the life you truly want including goal setting
• Wedding Planning tips and tricks
• Productivity mastery
• Handling difficult clients
• Marketing messaging

Sometimes on calls I am “training you” , sometimes I am reviewing your work or brand identity. I am not just working with you ON the calls, I am checking in with you in between and at times reviewing your business.

How can coaching help when I feel overwhelmed and exhausted?

Running a business can be exhausting and at times we wonder is it worth it. When my clients are feeling like this we begin our time together with coaching, I work on their mindset before we begin working on their business. This is because my consultancy can be exhausting, especially if you are up-levelling . I also analyse your work flow to see if you are spending time on unnecessary tasks and don’t you worry I’ll be working on your profitability as well!

How does the Strategy Beyond the Pretty work?

This is for those clients really ready to up-level. It is intensive and I require commitment from you , I’ll be going all in and I expect clients to do the same. This is a very hands-on experience with ongoing 1:1 support from me, so if you’re ready to up-level your business and invest in some serious time and hard work, this is the perfect service for you. After our on-boarding call, I will closely analyse your business and produce a bespoke report, so that we are crystal clear on the areas that we need to work on together.

• 2 hour on boarding call to delve into your business
• 9 x 1 hour zoom calls (bi-weekly)
• Business Review audit report
• Free access to any products, trainings, templates, workbooks
• Energy healing if requested (not compulsory)
• 7 days a week Voxer support

How much access do I get from you with 1:1 services?

Quite a lot. As well as our calls you have unlimited access to me on the voice note app voxer. This is perfect for instant answers to your questions. I am also around to review your goal setting, proof reading, giving advice. I get very involved with my clients. If however you wanted additional zoom calls outside of the agreement this is an extra charge

What if I want to carry on working with you?

This is not unusual. Many clients either book an intensive day with me once a year or go onto a maintenance package, which is monthly calls after our time is up.

How much time do I need to commit?

I suggest between 2-3 hours per week for calls and doing the work in between the calls. We have 2 x 1 hour calls per month but of course there will be “homework” to do in between.

What if I need to move a session?

I completely understand what it is like to run a seasonal business. I know sometimes your well planned schedule goes a little wrong. So yes if you can’t make a session I am happy to move it. I just ask for as much notice as possible. If you are wanting to move every session we will have a talk about your commitment.

What if I can’t afford your 3/6 month service? Should I take out a loan?

I completely understand what it is like when choosing a new coach or consultant to work with. When handing over large sums of money you want to be clear it’s the right person for you. I want to make something clear, although I believe in order to up-level you need to seek guidance from experts to help you. Theres only so far you can go when working alone.

I never, ever want you to get into debt. Please do not take out a loan or use your overdraft to work with me. Look at my Strategise & Energise service instead. Or purchase one of my low cost trainings.

I’m a wedding planner, can you train me?

My consultancy service is more suited for planners who have been in business at least 1 year.

However I am able to include ad hoc wedding planner training within the consultancy for no additional charge. This is normally planners who did not train with me and who have gaps in their knowledge.

Can you provide a tailored service?

If my 1:1 services are not quite right then I will create a bespoke service for you instead to match your requirements and budget. Just book a call and we can discuss what you need to help you move to your next level.

I don’t want people to know I’ve hired you

Our time together is kept confidential unless you give me express permission to announce you as a client or when you provide me with a testimonial.