Are you unintentionally making yourself sound outdated in your emails or client communications? Do you still use phrases like “PS,” “enclosed please find,” or “per my previous email” and wonder why your younger clients aren’t responding? In this episode, I share what happens when language and etiquette don’t keep up with the times, why Gen Z might be confused by some of your go-to phrases, and how small changes in wording can help you connect with today’s couples. Discover the subtle ways your language might be holding you back and what to use instead so you’re not accidentally putting a generational distance between you and your next booking.
Listen to this new 9-minute episode for practical phrases to use, tips on writing messages that connect, and ways to avoid sounding out of touch with younger clients.
If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com
Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com
View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/
Summary
In this episode, I dive into the subtle ways our language can instantly reveal our age or even create an unintentional distance between us and today’s wedding clients. The conversation focused on everyday phrases and writing habits that sound outdated or overly formal to younger generations, particularly Gen Z. One concept discussed was how terms like "P.S.", "enclosed please find", or "at your earliest convenience" come across as relics from another era. I shared how my own experiences, including a recent workshop interaction with a Gen Z attendee who did not know what "P.S." means, opened my eyes to the generation gap in communication styles.
A key theme that emerged was the importance of simplifying language to mirror how people actually talk and write now. The discussion explored practical swaps, encouraging the use of "BTW" instead of "P.S.", and replacing stiff sign-offs like "sincerely" or "cordially" with a simple "thanks". Several points were raised, including how emails should be short enough to fit on one screen, use easy-to-read formatting, and end with a clear, direct question. I also talked about keeping communication inclusive, for example, referring to "couples" or "partners" instead of just "bride and groom," and avoiding formal appointment language in favor of casual invites like "pick a time to chat".
The episode also addresses digital habits, such as making contact info prominent and current on social platforms, recognizing many younger clients might never visit a website, and understanding the frustration of difficult-to-navigate customer service. I encouraged the use of AI tools to analyze and refresh business messaging to better connect with Gen Z audiences. Ultimately, the episode aims to help all of us in the wedding industry sound more approachable and up-to-date so we can continue to build great relationships with clients of every generation.
Come to an AI workshop near you and learn how to use 5 or 6 different AI tools, in ways you've probably never thought of. Go to www.AIWorkshopTour.com to see the one nearest to you.
I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks.
Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site:
©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com
