519 TWB – BROOKE KEEGAN: Building a Dream Wedding Business

Andy is happy to be welcoming Brooke Keegan back to the show! Brooke is the visionary owner and creative director of Brooke Keegan Special Events, a leading firm specializing in custom, multi-day destination weddings, and since founding her company in 2009, she has garnered recognition from Harper's Bazaar and Brides as one of the world's top event planners! She is here with Andy in this episode to share, amongst other things, her invaluable insights from her years in the industry!

As Brooke and Andy catch up, Brooke reflects on challenges faced, particularly the significant downturn in wedding engagements attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the typical slow- down during election years. She discusses the evolving wedding landscape, highlighting how while low-budget and extravagant weddings continue to thrive, mid-range events are seeing a decline.

Brooke also shares her process for working with bridal couples, from initial consultations to curating a creative team tailored to each client's visio, and, emphasizing the importance of balance between creativity and business acumen, she sheds some light on how she navigates the complexities of managing a successful event planning company while prioritizing personal well-being.

Andy had such a great time talking with Brooke just as he did the first time and hopes that you enjoy listening to this conversation with her! If so, then please don’t keep it to yourself. Andy asks that you please share it with at least three colleagues you know who would benefit from hearing this episode. Also, be sure to leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps Andy and the show out!

 

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

 

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Time Stamps

[0:20] – We learn that this episode’s guest is returning guest Brooke Keegan!

[2:01] - Brooke discusses how the wedding industry activity has slowed, with fewer weddings and lighter-than-expected calendars this past year (2024).

[3:22] - Mid-range weddings have declined, but Brooke is optimistic for 2025.

[6:16] - Brooke tailors her planning process based on each client's engagement stage, preferences, and budget.

[9:57] - Creative partner teams are curated like recipes, combining complementary skills for each event.

[10:49] - Brooke adds that creative partner selection depends on investment, style, and personality.

[13:41] - Andy argues that balancing creativity with business structure is crucial for running successful events.

[14:23] - Brooke asserts that weddings are a business that require detailed budgets, transparency, and professionalism.

[17:01] - Surrounding herself with knowledgeable people and maintaining accountability drives personal and professional growth for Brooke.

[19:59] - How does Brooke balance personal life with business?

[21:00] - Brooke believes that prioritizing personal time and self-care is crucial for work-life balance and job satisfaction.

[24:22] - Establishing investment strategies and retirement plans is very important for long-term financial security in the industry.

[27:32] - Andy reveals where Brooke can be found online.

 

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