We’ve all seen the TikToks: brides getting their makeup done, bachelorettes dancing to trending sounds, and grooms making jokes with the wedding party. They’re funny and addictive, but who makes them?
New side hustle alert: wedding content creators. Wedding season has arrived! More and more couples want short-form content to share on their social media profiles. That’s where you come in.
Here’s everything you need to know about starting a wedding content creator business.
What is a wedding content creator?
Wedding content creators capture wedding photos and videos for social media (usually TikTok and Instagram Reels). Couples want fun content to share with their friends, families, and followers. Clients barely have enough time to get ready on their wedding day, much less film a Tiktok. They need a professional to help them out.
As a wedding content creator, you have to plan the content, set the scene, film, and edit. So, be prepared to look up trending sounds and direct members of the wedding party.
Wedding content creators also work pre-wedding events, like bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, or bachelorette parties.
What’s the difference between a videographer/photographer and a wedding content creator?
Wedding content creators don’t replace progressional wedding photographers and videographers. They offer a separate service for the happy couple.
Videographers and photographers capture everything from the big day, where wedding content creators get those fun, small moments in between. While traditional wedding photographers are experts at lighting and composition, wedding content creators have to be a bit more social media savvy. They may even post content in real-time rather than a few weeks after the event.
While a videographer hopes to capture the magic like a documentarian, a content creator consults with the couple and pitches an idea that is meaningful for this couple and that their community would celebrate on social media the next day.
The roles are very different. But some wedding photographers and videographers offer content creation as an add-on when clients book their services.
How much can I charge as a wedding content creator?
Wedding content creators are quickly gaining in popularity. People have found it works great as a side hustle or full-time gig. Wedding content creators make up to $150 per hour or around $2000 per event. Nice!
What do you need to start a wedding content creator business?
Here are four must-haves to start a wedding content creator business
#1 Qualification and Portfolio
The role of a wedding content creator is new, but couples still expect professional service. Before you open up your books, make sure you have the right qualifications and skills under your belt.
Many wedding content creators are self-taught. Chances are, you’ve made social media content for yourself or your friends and family. So, you don’t need formal training to get started. However, you may be competing with experienced photographers and videographers who offer wedding content creation as part of their services. So, it’s important to have a good grasp of lighting and editing techniques.
If you’re a total newbie, check out some local or online photo and video courses. It’ll give you an edge over your competition, and you’ll get some shots to add to your portfolio. A good content portfolio is key to landing a gig as a wedding content creator. Plus, you can use your own social media content as proof of your skills.
Important: Depending on where you live, you may need a business license to work as a wedding content creator. In general, you should check your state laws to see what requirements traditional photographers and videographers need.
#2 Insurance
It’s almost time for your first gig. So, be sure to protect your new business with insurance. As a wedding content creator, traditional photographer insurance is your best bet.
Your content may be short-form, but a lot of time and money goes into running a business. Photographer insurance helps you pay for damages, medical bills, and equipment replacements if an accident occurs while you’re on the job.
An insurance policy gives you peace of mind as you create content like a pro. (Insurance may be required by your state to operate a business).
Note: Wedding content creation is typically a solo gig, but if you have a team or employees, you may need workers’ comp insurance.
#3 Marketing Plan
You can’t forget to promote your wedding content creator business. Marketing is key to landing a high-paying gig.
First things first: You need to create an online presence where clients can learn about your services and view your portfolio. You can create a website for your business, but more and more people are using social media for this.
A dedicated social media page for your business goes a long way. High-quality social media content will cause your business to skyrocket. Clients are hiring you to create social media contact, so feel free to show off. It’s important to show you understand why contact is trendy and how to recreate those trends for the couple. Try a few different platforms like Facebook or Instagram. And be sure to list your business on Google!
Even with a stellar social media profile, make sure to spend time on other marketing channels, such as blog content or email marketing, if you want to grow your income.
Wedding content creators are a relatively new niche. So, referrals are extra important to make a good impression. Don’t be afraid to reach out to past clients or other wedding vendors for a recommendation.
#4 Booking app
Clients want an easy way to get in touch with you and purchase your services. To maximize your bookings, you’ll need business software or a booking app that can handle the nitty-gritty of running your wedding content creator business.
Ideally, a booking app should help you :
- Book clients and schedule appointments
- Accept multiple payment types and receive quick payouts
- Send contracts, forms, and personalized communications to your clients
- Create bundles and subscriptions, or sell products, to earn more money
Business software makes it easy to manage clients, so you can focus on doing what you love.
The Bottom Line
Wedding content creators are quickly becoming a staple in the wedding vendor industry. You can get in on the rewards. Whether you’re new to the wedding industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll need a great booking app to make it as a wedding content creator.
PocketSuite has all the tools you need to grow a high-earning wedding content creator’s business.
