What I realised about business… at a wedding

by Angela Darar

Last week, Jas and I were at a wedding, one of those proper big celebrations filled with all the emotion, nerves, speeches, dodgy dancing, and the odd tear or two. It was a wonderful day.

And somewhere between the vows and the cake, it hit me: starting a business is a bit like getting married. (I know I’ve been obsessed with linking everything back to business these days.) But obviously, it’s a big commitment. One you don’t go into lightly (ideally). You need to know what you’re signing up for. You need to have had a bit of experience under your belt, maybe not a full trial run, but certainly enough to understand your own tendencies, your limits, your reactions under pressure. And you’ve got to be realistic: it won’t always be candlelit dinners and confetti!

Because whether it’s marriage or business, the truth is that there will be low points. There are going to be wobbles, misunderstandings, hard days, and the occasional “whose idea was this?” moment. But when it’s good, it’s brilliant. When it flows, when the teamwork is tight, when the purpose is clear, it can be one of the most fulfilling things you’ve ever done.

One of the big things that stuck out to me was this: just like in a healthy relationship, in business you also need someone in your corner. A proper cheerleader. Someone who’ll give you that little nudge when you’re overthinking, help you remember why you started in the first place, and pick you back up when things get tricky.

It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about having someone who reminds you that you’ve got what it takes. That your wobbles don’t define you. That your vision is still worth pursuing, even when you’re knee-deep in spreadsheets, supplier issues, or last-minute cancellations.

As business owners, we sometimes think we’ve got to figure it all out on our own. That needing support somehow makes us less capable. But actually, the strongest leaders I know are the ones who are open to challenge, willing to reflect, and brave enough to ask for help.

At REACH, we see our role a bit like the best man or maid of honour, not stealing the show, but helping you walk up the aisle (or the boardroom) with confidence, clarity, and a solid plan for the future. Because whether it’s a marriage or a business, what you’re building is (or should be) something deeply personal. Not just about the money but also creating something meaningful. Something you can be proud of. Something worth showing up for, day after day.

So here’s to commitments. To backing yourself. To doing the work, even when it’s hard. And to having the right people by your side—through the highs, the lows, and everything in between.