Why Inquiries Feel Weird Right Now (And How to Adapt)
If you’ve been staring at your inbox, wondering why that couple hasn’t replied… you’re not alone. Ghosting is up. Inquiries feel slower. And photographers everywhere are asking: What’s going on?
It’s not just you!
Booking behavior has changed, and it’s not personal. If you’re marketing the same way you did 3–5 years ago, this shift may feel jarring. But it’s also full of opportunity. Let’s break down what’s really happening with modern couples (especially Gen Z), and how you can adapt your marketing so you can fill your calendars with dreamy wedding bookings!
The Booking Timeline Has Shifted
Couples are now taking 30–40% longer to book after inquiring. Instead of booking within a few days or a week, many are waiting 3–5 weeks or more. Part of that is the economy. People want to be sure before they spend. According to Bloomberg, more couples are cutting wedding costs and delaying vendor commitments due to financial uncertainty.
The result? A shorter inquiry window and a longer decision timeline.
What to do:
You can’t control when someone’s ready to book, but you CAN control what they see before they reach out. That’s where blogging and Pinterest matter. A blog post that shows your expertise, approach, and personality gives them something tangible to come back to while they’re thinking. Pins help them find you earlier in the process.
They’re Overwhelmed and Cautious
Couples are facing decision fatigue like never before. Rising prices, contradictory advice, and pressure to have the “perfect” day make it harder to feel confident in vendor decisions. It’s about trying to make the right choice when every choice feels high stakes. And if 10 photographers are saying basically the same thing (“timeless, natural, storytelling”)… the couple tunes out.
The Knot 2025 Trends Report confirms that inflation and economic anxiety are causing couples to slow their roll.
What to do:
Tell real stories on your blog and use client language. Be honest and transparent about your process and packages. You need to be clear and not feel like another overwhelming decision.
Gen Z Buys Differently
Here’s some stats about Gen Z couples:
They’re most active at night (8 PM–1 AM)
They use Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Google to search—often before your website
They prefer long-tail search terms (like “Palm Springs indie elopement photographer”) because they want to find someone who matches their vibe fast
They don’t read long emails or PDFs—they skim
They expect fast replies, mobile-friendly content, and visuals that feel aligned with their identity.
Brides and WeddingPro both highlight Gen Z’s values: transparency, vibe alignment, fast digital communication, and mobile-first content.
What to do:
Your blog and Pinterest strategy should mirror this. Optimize for long-tail phrases. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly. Keep your tone human, not formal. And above all—let your vibe shine. Show them who you are, not just what you offer.
They’re Doing Deep Comparisons
Modern couples research HARD. Especially after so much wedding vendor drama and complaints they see online. We are in a major trust recession, so people want to make sure they spend their hard-earned money wisely and hire the right people for one of the biggest days of their lives!
They’re comparing 5–10+ vendors per category, and often doing it late at night, on their phones. That means they might be scrolling your blog, IG, or Pinterest before they’ve even inquired.
What to do:
Share your client reviews! And make it easy to understand what sets you apart. Show off your best work, but also explain your values, approach, and client experience. And keep your pricing/inquiry process clear and low-pressure. The more they trust you upfront, the more likely they’ll reach out and follow through.
They Don’t Trust the Wedding Industry (Yet)
You’ve seen the Reddit threads. “Wedding tax.” Horror stories. Vendor rants. You see how other vendors talk about their clients on Threads, and couples see it too. There’s real skepticism out there. People assume vendors will overcharge or be pushy until proven otherwise.
What to do:
Trust is the new currency. Show your face on stories and “talking head” reels and TikToks, show BTS from your shoots, share testimonials. Stay consistent in your marketing. Think about how you show up online!
The photographers who’ll stay booked in this new era aren’t the ones posting the most (although marketing strategy and consistency IS important). They’re the ones building the most TRUST. If you want help doing that with blogging and Pinterest, that’s what I do. :)