Wedding Industry Commissions – Why the World’s Top Planners are Turning to a and a Better Alternative
For years, commissions have been a quietly accepted practice in the wedding industry. Many wedding planners ask for or even expect a percentage from photographers and other vendors they refer to their clients. While this arrangement has been commonplace, it’s rarely discussed openly—clients are often unaware, and the topic remains taboo within the industry.
At Clane Gessel Studio, we’ve chosen a different path—one that we serves planners, vendors, and clients far better. Instead of paying commissions, we provide something of greater value: complimentary behind-the-scenes (BTS) and testimonial videos for planners who refer us weddings. Here’s why this approach is a game-changer and the world’s top planners love it.
The Problem With Wedding Industry Commissions
While commissions can seem like a fair exchange on the surface, they come with hidden drawbacks:
- Lack of Transparency: Most couples have no idea that a portion of their vendor fees might go back to their planner. This lack of transparency can create distrust if couples ever discover the practice.
- Added Costs for Couples: Vendors often need to raise their prices to accommodate commissions, passing the expense on to the client.
- Potential Conflicts of Interest: The planner’s recommendation could be influenced by financial incentives rather than the vendor’s fit for the couple’s needs.
Changing the Industry away from Wedding Industry Commissions to Something Much Better: BTS and Testimonial Videos
Rather than focusing on commissions, we’ve chosen to invest in tools that directly support planners and their businesses. For every wedding referral, we create free behind-the-scenes and testimonial videos. Here’s what that means:
- Behind-the-Scenes Videos: We document the incredible effort planners put into creating unforgettable events—capturing their vision, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. These videos highlight the value planners bring to their clients, showcasing their expertise in action.
- Testimonial Videos: We interview couples on their wedding day, asking them to share their experience working with the planner. These heartfelt testimonials are authentic marketing gold, helping planners build trust with future clients.
Why Planners Love This Approach More thank Wedding Industry Commissions
The feedback from planners who work with us has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s why they love our BTS and testimonial videos:
- A Lasting Marketing Asset: Unlike a one-time commission, these videos are reusable content that planners can share on their website, social media, and in presentations to potential clients.
- Authenticity and Trust: Clients respond to real stories and visuals. Seeing a planner’s work in action and hearing testimonials from happy couples builds credibility and trust far more effectively than any referral fee ever could.
- Cost-Free and Easy: Planners receive these videos as a gift, with no additional effort required on their part. It’s our way of saying thank you for trusting us with their clients.
- Better Client Relationships: By steering away from commissions, planners can build stronger relationships with their clients based on transparency and mutual respect.
A Shift Toward Collaboration and Integrity
The wedding industry is evolving, and so are the expectations of clients and vendors. Couples value authenticity, and they want to know that their vendors were chosen for the right reasons—not because of behind-the-scenes financial arrangements.
By offering BTS and testimonial videos instead of wedding industry commissions, we’re creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved. Planners get valuable marketing materials that elevate their brand, couples get transparency and trust, and we get the chance to work alongside the best planners in the industry.
Let’s Create Together
At Clane Gessel Studio, we believe in building partnerships based on integrity, collaboration, and shared success. If you’re a wedding planner looking to offer your clients the best photography experience while enhancing your own brand, let’s connect.
With our complimentary behind-the-scenes and testimonial videos, you’ll gain marketing tools that showcase your expertise, celebrate your work, and help you attract future clients—no commission required. Contact us today to see how we can work together.
Learn more about our free videos for wedding planners here.
