Wedding Planning Podcast
Kara Lamerato
Get ready to experience the ALL NEW WAY to thrive throughout your engagement by embracing who you are, prioritizing what you value, and ultimately designing an unforgettable wedding celebration of your dreams!
Welcome to the WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST, where we say “NO” to the $72 billion dollar wedding industry, and we say “YES” to a more joyful engagement season where your mindset, values & wedding strategy are all in perfect alignment with YOU.
Ready to get started?
16 Unexpected Wedding Expenses That Will Bust Your Budget
The little dollar bill emoji with flapping wings is a great one-tap summary of planning a wedding. Budgeting for expected expenses is hard enough, let alone all of the little unexpected stuff that sneaks in along the way! Today we’re going to shine a light on 16 annoying + unexpected expenses that couples don’t plan for, so that you can adjust your budget early on and not be taken by surprise in the coming months. Full blog post for toda
Tips for a Smooth Engagement Photo Shoot
Engagement photos are an incredible opportunity to capture you & your fiancé in your happiest moments, and to share those images across your save the dates, your wedding website, holiday cards, and as decorations throughout your wedding celebration. The thing is, choosing the perfect outfits, getting hair & make up just right so that you look incredible but still natural, and posing effortlessly can be much easier said than done! Choosing what you’re going to wear and struggling through a last m
Crafting Your Wedding Guest List: A Step-By-Step Guide + Q&A
Today we’re going to break down the complicated, sometimes messy process of crafting your wedding guest list. BONUS, I have lots of your guest list questions to share along the way! Tune in for a Wedding Guest List Step-By-Step guide that includes: An outline for getting started with your wedding guest list process, Smart Tips and benefits to running an "A List / B List" invitation tier system, How to manage non-invited Plus One's, Effective ways to trim your guest list, Managing family reques
Calculating Your Risk: Cheap Wedding Venue or Money Pit?
In today's bonus episode, we explore the risks of judging a wedding venue by the initial price tag. Lots of budget savvy couples see their venue selection as a great opportunity to control costs and set the stage for major savings down the road. This CAN be a great strategy … when approached the right way. The problem is that as we’re doing the research and gathering venue quotes, IMPULSE can take over. What seems like a great deal on the surface can quickly spiral into a total money pit if y
Finding Your Perfect Wedding Venue
Choosing your wedding venue is the most important decision you'll make throughout your wedding planning. No pressure! Not only is your wedding venue the centerpiece of your celebration, it's also likely the budget category where you'll invest the most money. So it's ultra-important to make a careful, well-informed decision. Tune in to today's show for a detailed conversation that covers: The key wedding checklist items that are directly related to your venue, How to set yourselves up for a
Setting A Realistic Wedding Budget That Works For You
Setting a realistic wedding budget that works for you is one of the first steps you’ll take after getting engaged - and ideally before making any big wedding decisions. So if you’re newly engaged (or maybe just need a wedding budget reset!), you’re in the right place. To streamline the process, today's show is a step-by-step guide on exactly how to create a realistic wedding budget that gives you plenty of space for all the things that you value the most. Let’s face it, a wedding planning expe
Bridesmaid Dress Shopping with Featured Brand: Lulus Weddings
Get ready to explore the beautiful world of bridesmaid dress shopping! Tune in & discover how you can enjoy a successful online bridesmaid dress shopping experience, including: Professional bridesmaid styling ideas, Struggling with piecing together colors or patterns in a mismatch dress situation? No worries! Lulus free bridal concierge service makes the process 100% stress-free. The 5 KEYS to creating a cohesive visual palette with mismatched dresses, The biggest benefits to mismatched bri
Engagement Starter Kit BONUS: 40 Uplifting Wedding Planning Affirmations
Trust me, I know that wedding planning can be stressful, overwhelming, and a complete PITA at times. That's why I compiled a list of 40 uplifting wedding planning affirmations for you to tune in to any time you need a mental wedding refresh: Our wedding celebration will be a perfect reflection of us. I commit my attention to our top priorities & tune out the rest. We cannot control the actions or inactions of others. A meaningful wedding is within reach. I chose love over anger. I
Engagement Starter Kit BONUS: Your Ultimate Engagement Checklist
Tune in to this bonus episode for a list of "10 Things To Do After Getting Engaged" - The days & weeks after saying "YES!" are a whirlwind of fun & excitement. From sharing the news with your loved ones, flashing that ring every chance you get, and dreaming of cakes and dresses, you're definitely at the start of an unforgettable time in your lives ... And I couldn't be more honored to be a part of it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me in your engagement journey. I LOVE sha
Engagement Starter Kit BONUS WORKSHOP: Clarifying Your Wedding Vision
In this bonus workshop, we'll explore exactly how to get started defining - and refining - your wedding vision. This is a valuable exercise that I would love for you & your partner to do separately, then come together to compare what each of you saw. I don't expect that anyone will have all the answers the first time, or see every single last detail in crystal clear focus. The point isn't to get it "right" on the first try, but rather to begin to clear your mental slate and give your imaginat
Engagement Starter Kit BONUS: Nightmare Wedding Planners, Renting A Mansion & DIY-Mania
From nightmare meetings with wedding planners, to renting a mansion & our "DIY" heavy approach, in this bonus episode you'll hear the full details of my own wedding planning journey. The couples who give up on the new approach to planning that we focus on here on the Wedding Planning Podcast will likely stay stuck exactly where I was in the story I'm sharing today, after meeting with the awful 3rd wedding planner. They’ll do exactly what most couples do, and freak out over how much there is to d
Engagement Starter Kit, PART 4: "Bringing It All Together"
Here inside the Engagement Starter Kit, you'll find everything you need to plan a simple, meaningful, and affordable wedding. The four episodes released this week - that's just the beginning! Coming up next week (available now to Apple Premium Subscribers), you'll enjoy four more "Engagement Starter Kit" Bonus Resources, carefully crafted to help you going forward: Bonus Workshop: Clarifying Your Wedding Vision A detailed version of my engagement story, including ALL the ups & downs we expe
Engagement Starter Kit, PART 3: "Your Wedding Planning Strategy"
You’re a couple who values informed choices, intentional decisions, and ACTIONS that are in complete alignment with who you are and what you value most. And at this point in the Engagement Starter Kit series, you know the importance of a well-defined wedding vision that honors your personal priorities and values. But how do you tie it all together within a carefully designed wedding planning strategy when it comes down to actually making important wedding decisions like hiring vendors, choosin
Engagement Starter Kit, PART 2: "Identifying Your Values & Priorities"
There's a very powerful shift that happens when your engagement season AND your wedding celebration centers around your values & priorities … and nothing else. Welcome to Part Two of the Engagement Starter Kit Bonus Series from the Wedding Planning Podcast! In this episode, discover exactly how to: CREATE A VIVID, SHARED VISION of your wedding celebration. INTENTIONALLY DISCUSS YOUR VALUES + PRIORITIES with your partner. TRANSLATE YOUR VALUES INTO ACTION for every single strategical deci
Engagement Starter Kit, PART 1: "Defining A Clear Wedding Vision"
Welcome to Part One of the Engagement Starter Kit Bonus Series from the Wedding Planning Podcast! There are 3 KEYS to a stress-free, joyful wedding planning experience ... ... and you won't find them anywhere on Google, TikTok, or Pinterest. The first key? DEFINING A CLEAR WEDDING VISION. Embracing a positive and empowering wedding mindset can magically free you from the endless cycle of stress, overwhelm & expense that so many couples are trapped in. In this episode, explore exactly how to:
The Vendor that 98% of Married Couples Regret NOT Hiring.
On the fence about hiring a wedding videographer? You’re certainly not alone! In my experience, hiring a videographer is the number one vendor that engaged couples are undecided about. It’s an important decision, and a really big investment. So you might be surprised to learn that in a post-wedding survey, 98% of couples asked reported that they regretted NOT having a video made of their wedding day. Because videography is such a huge topic to unpack, today I have an expert special guest j
Maximizing Quality & Value of Your Wedding Celebration
This week, we’re highlighting some clever ways to not only save money, but also to increase the QUALITY + VALUE on everything from decor, rental items, invitations, food & drinks, and even your venue. So many couples equate a higher price tag with a higher-quality end product or service, and that’s simply not always true. Worse, that mentality can add up to spending tens of thousands of dollars more than necessary to host a memorable and meaningful wedding celebration. The million dollar que
Keeping it Small? Here's Your Micro-Wedding Blueprint
Have you ever been to a small wedding reception with magical ambiance and thought, "wow, this is great but it would be so much more meaningful if there were 300 additional people here?" I’m guessing the answer is NO. So why do feel so much pressure to host a huge wedding, invite everyone we know, spend all the money on all the things, and stress ourselves out every step along the way? Small, intimate weddings have been on the Wedding Planning Podcast "trend report" for 4 years in a row, and fo
Design Your Wedding Reception Decor Like a Pro
“I’m struggling with imaging how all of my wedding reception decorations will look together - flowers, signs, decorations, tables, etc. Any tips for making sure all my little decisions fit together in the end?” If you’re like most of us, you're not a full service wedding or event designer (and hiring one isn't in the budget!). So how can we trust that the dozens of small wedding decor decisions we make along the way will ultimately work together as a whole? Today we’re going to explore 4 ways
Ultimate Guide to Wedding Cake & Desserts
Get answers to all of your wedding cake + dessert questions in today’s show! From everything to researching bakeries, booking cake tastings, hidden fees to be aware of, unique dessert alternatives, and budget-friendly cost saving tips, we're covering it all in today's sugar-coated show. Links mentioned in our convo: The complete blog post for today's show is linked here >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/cake TLC rounded up a group of experts to share the most popular wedding cake flavor combos for
Follow Up Wedding Q&A | The Value in Thinking Outside the Box
Happy Friday, and welcome to another BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "How To: DIY Appetizers & Charcuterie Board" show that aired on Wednesday Nov 20. Today is a mix of behind-the-scenes insight from me, your reception-related questions, and also a couple of hindsight wedding experiences to share from listeners who were recently married. There's a ton of value packed into this 20 minute bonus show, and I hope you love it! I'm running a follow up Q&A each Friday in Nove
How To: DIY Wedding Reception Appetizers & Charcuterie Board
The cost of food & drinks can be a huge source of frustration when planning your wedding. I can’t tell you how many messages I get from couples who are utterly horrified by the per person fee for dinner & drinks - and rightfully so! Today we’re going to explore setting up your own appetizer spread, and I think you’ll be blown away by the savings ... yes, up to 85% off the cost of a traditional wedding caterer. Tune in for my detailed roadmap to appetizer / happy hour menu planning, shopping, a
Follow Up Wedding Q&A | 4-6 Week Wedding Countdown
Happy Friday, and welcome to another BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "4-6 Week Wedding Countdown" show that aired on Wednesday Nov 13. Today we're finding answers to everything on your mind, including: Dis-inviting moms to final venue walk through? Last-minute doubts about decor and signage, do we need more? Do we have to tell our guests that we're already technically married? How to design a clean & crisp tablescape {link to Wedding Q&A Pinterest board here!} Wedding s
4-6 Week Wedding Countdown: Your Final Month To-Do List
Today we’re going to run through a 10-item wedding to-do list for when you reach the final 4-6 week countdown before your wedding day. While some of the items in today’s show are pretty standard, others are much less obvious - and sadly are not commonly discussed. Overlooking just one of these important action-items can tip the scales towards a stressful, frantic celebration - and I don't want that for you! For a complete recap of today's show, visit
Follow Up: Wedding Etiquette Q&A {original show dated 9.11.24}
Is it OK to ... ? I got lots of mail in response to the Wedding Etiquette show that aired on 9.11.24, and in this Friday Follow Up Q&A I'm opening my mailbox and sharing your questions! We'll talk through ... Inviting kids to the wedding, Requesting a specific dress code, A tiny wedding chappel that can't accomodate everyone, The etiquette surrounding your wedding parties, When to actually send Thank You notes, and lots more. Enjoy, And be in touch with your questions anytime at weddingplanni
Samantha + Sean's Wedding Recap: No Cell Service + A Hot Air Balloon
Samantha & Sean got married in September 2024 at a state park in New York, but this was no ordinary celebration ... Their stunning wedding weekend featured no cell service, just 6 electrical outlets, and a hot air balloon send off for the new bride and groom! Samantha is joining us this week to share the good, the challenges, the things she would do differently, and the things she wouldn’t change for the world. To view her beautiful wedding photos and a full recap of today’s show, visit weddingp
Follow Up Wedding Q&A | "Is This a Crazy Idea?"
Happy Friday, and welcome to a BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "Is This a Crazy Idea?" that aired on Wednesday Oct 30. I'm running a follow up Q&A each Friday in November, and if you’re loving it, I’ll keep going - but to do so I do need YOUR questions, thoughts, and ideas about that week’s episode! Here’s how it works - follow the WPP wherever you listen, and I’ll send a free weekly episode to your device each Wednesday. After you enjoy the show, send me your thoughts,
5 Real Wedding Scenarios: "Is this a crazy idea?"
These listener scenarios that may seem a bit crazy on the surface … but in reality offer a great chance to maximize the quality AND the value of your wedding celebration! As you’re putting together plans for your wedding, there are endless creative opportunities for you to deploy a unique, offbeat solution to what may seem like a standard wedding checklist item. So many couples subconsciously equate a higher price tag with a higher-quality end product or service, and that’s simply not always tru
Communication Issues, Wedding Reception Floor Plan & More Wedding Q&A
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, tune in for my thoughts on some high-stakes wedding planning situations, including: Addressing communication issues with your fiance and fostering a spirit of compromise, Pro's & con's of a blank space venue with more versus less "do it yourself" requirements, Competing visions for stocking our bar, Ideal timing for our ceremony, We're having trouble conceptualizing our venue layout / floor plan ... what's the best way to approach setting up our tables
A Designer Wedding Dress ... at a fraction of the designer price tag!
Access a curated collection of second-hand designer gowns & expert stylists at a fraction of the designer price tag! Loved Twice Bridal was created to take the guesswork out of shopping online for a second hand, designer wedding dress. You’ll have access to an experienced team of stylists who are available to answer all of your questions, so that you can buy a once-worn designer dress with confidence. Unlike peer-to-peer marketplaces, Loved Twice Bridal gives you access to a curated collection o
Affordable Centerpiece Ideas & DIY Wedding Flower Tips
Looking for easy & affordable alternatives to hiring a professional florist ($$$$$) to decorate your wedding reception, table centerpieces, and bouquets? You're in the right place! In today's show, we’re going to discuss a creative variety of affordable wedding table decoration ideas. We're also going to review some actionable tips for doing your own wedding day flower bouquets & boutonnieres. It’ll take a little extra work on your part, and you may need to simplify things a bit ... but if
What to Look For in Your Wedding Venue Contract
Today’s convo is a wedding planning strategy GEM! We’re going to cover every single last little thing that should be included within your wedding venue contract. If you’ve already booked a venue and signed a contract, I’d suggest pulling out your actual document & sticking around for today's convo to be sure that all the key items are addressed. Your wedding venue is literally the centerpiece of your dream wedding celebration. It’s also likely the most expensive decision you’ll make throughou
6 Major Wedding Day Timeline Mistakes
We all know that having a detailed WEDDING DAY TIMELINE is critical to keeping the day organized, and flowing stress-free. The problem is that lots of us get incredibly overwhelmed by the process because, well, it’s really damn overwhelming! Today I’m going to highlight some of the top mistakes I see couples make as they’re building out their wedding day timeline, so that you can sidestep these major pitfalls and rest easy knowing that you’ve covered all the bases. I’ve been on six wedding st
8 Easy Ways to Save $3,650 on Your Wedding
Our goal this week on the Wedding Planning Podcast? To save YOU $3,650 on your final wedding bill! We could literally talk for hours about all the pretty things you see on Pinterest & Instagram that do not HAVE to be a part of your wedding celebration. In the interest of time, I’ve chosen EIGHT wedding elements that I would suggest skipping - or scaling waaaaaaaaay back on. I think you'll be shocked at how easy it is for us to save over $3,000 over the course of a 20 minute conversation! If yo
A Fresh Look at Wedding Etiquette & "Rules"
Are you drowning in wedding "etiquette guidelines"? Everyone has an opinion on invitation wording, cash bars, inviting kids, wedding day transportation, and what traditions absolutely SHOULD be included in the wedding day. There’s nothing like planning a wedding to suddenly have everyone you’ve ever known come out of the woodwork with their opinions, right? Where wedding planning gets overwhelming is when ideas of what a wedding “should” look like are in conflict with our budget, our wants, and
Building a Useful Wedding Gift Registry
Your wedding gift registry is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home & your lifestyle with practical gifts that you need and will use in the years to come. Tune in for an essential guide to creating a killer wedding gift registry including: Deciding what items to include and ... Items NOT to include on your registry, Various lifestyle "categories" to consider as you build your registry, Tips for creating cash gift funds, Your top wedding registry "wish list" items, And so much
10 Discussion Points to Review With Your Wedding Planner
A top-notch Wedding Planner / Day-Of-Coordinator is essential for any smooth and seamless wedding celebration. Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re reviewing 10 KEY POINTS to discuss with your planner so that you’re both on the same page and ready to tackle any planning, logistic, or execution challenges that may arise. A sampling of these key discussion points: Who are your assistants or other team members, what is their role in the planning phase, and also at the actual wedding celeb
Creative Catering, Food & Drink Options for Your Wedding Reception
Lucky for us, there are literally endless creative ways to treat your guests to a unique food & drink experience on your wedding day. In today’s BONUS WORKSHOP, we’re going to explore exactly how to: Conceptualize & research what to serve, Smart money-saving tips that many couples miss, And even some "do it yourself" options if you’re looking to get hands on - literally! Just a few of my favorite offbeat, wedding day food options: Made-to-order brick oven pizzas, A taco truck with variety o
Dress Alterations, Styling & Accessories, Post-Wedding Preservation & More
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re doing a thorough review of wedding dress alterations, styling & accessories, & post-wedding preservation ideas, and so much more. Our conversation covers the dress alterations process in detail, including pricing, money-saving tips, a timeline for when to get started, and alternative options for having your dress altered. We also cover: What's a bustle, do I need one, and how much does it cost? (article on bustling I mentioned in today's show can be
How to Advocate For Your Wedding Vision & Top Priorities
This week's featured wedding planning meeting is an overview of how to formulate a detailed wedding vision - and equally as important, learning how to articulate and advocate for that vision with those who are helping you plan. Here's an overview of the specific scenario we'll be discussing: "How can we reign in our wedding planner? Our venue includes a coordinator for the rehearsal and wedding day, and initially I was pleasantly surprised by how accommodating and informative she is. Since t
The Ultimate Engagement Checklist | 10 Things To Do First
Today I’m sharing AN ULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST, including 10 key "to-do's" to launch your wedding planning journey into action. CONGRATULATIONS! The days & weeks after saying "YES!" are a whirlwind of fun & excitement ... From sharing the news with your loved ones, flashing that ring every chance you get, and dreaming of cakes and dresses, you're definitely at the start of an unforgettable time in your lives. I’ve worked with thousands of engaged couples over the past 7 years of producing t
From Overwhelmed & Discouraged to DREAM WEDDING ... How We Did It
"When the initial excitement settled, we felt like planning an entire wedding seemed really expensive, overwhelming, and exhausting." Let me back up ... My now-husband John proposed in the summer of 2009, at the end of a 3-week trip we took through Europe. We were in Paris - our last stop - and we waited for hours to get to the lower platform of the Eiffel Tower, where he dropped to his knee with the sparking lights of the tower above us, and lit up city buildings & river boats in the distance.
Mapping Out Your Wedding Day Timeline
A universal truth? Your wedding day will FLY BY. Having a well-thought out, well-planned WEDDING DAY TIMELINE is critical to keeping the day organized, and flowing stress free. In this featured episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re actually reviewing & creating two separate timelines: The DAY-OF TIMELINE, including all the events between waking up, and the wedding reception beginning, The RECEPTION TIMELINE, including the events that will happen within the reception itself. We’re
Affordable + Personalized Reception Entertainment Ideas
If you’re looking for some CREATIVE + AFFORDABLE wedding reception entertainment options that go way beyond dinner, drinks & dancing, then this wedding planning workshop is perfect for you! Today’s wedding receptions feature creative entertainment ideas that are increasingly more personalized, more interactive, and more representative of your values, personal style and tastes. There are endless ways to reimagine classic wedding reception entertainment & activities, and create a memorable, shar
Expert Insights on Your DREAM HONEYMOON with Susan from Susan's Travel Services
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re joined by a very special guest and friend of the show, Susan from Susan’s Travel Services. Tune in for Susan's detailed process for planning the honeymoon of your dreams, including insider travel advice about flights, destinations, travel upgrades, and even her list of top travel mistakes to avoid. We cover: The detailed process for finding your ideal honeymoon destination, Exactly when you should start planning this trip of a lifetime, The scoo
5 Easy Steps to Choosing Your Wedding Colors
Great news - you don’t need to be a professional designer or natural-born artist to select a beautiful & cohesive color palette for your wedding celebration. Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re running through 5 easy steps for choosing the colors to incorporate into your rehearsal, ceremony & reception. I also have a bonus rundown of the top Wedding Color Palette MISTAKES that I see couples make, so be sure to stick around until the end! A lightening speed recap: 1. Start w/ your ven
Compromising on a $10,000 Honeymoon & All or Nothing Guest List
The theme of this week's show is COMPROMISE. We're exploring the importance of being on the same page with respect to finances, how you spend your free time, and of course, the ability to COMPROMISE - whether it's about your honeymoon or your wedding guest list. Tune in for so much more! I’m looking for new stories from you about your engagement, wedding planning milestones, questions, anxieties, and anything else you’d like to share. I’d love to feature your voice on the podcast, so please ge
"We Ditched the Traditions & Made Our Wedding Truly Personal" - A Real Bride's Planning Roadmap
Meet special guest Emma, who’s here to share the highlights, unique elements, and planning challenges from their beautiful wedding celebration at Hilton Lake Las Vegas. In this special episode, you'll hear lots more from Emma on: The pros of having NO wedding party Celebrating over a 3-day weekend in their hometown The endless benefits of a very chill wedding day / intentionally left lots of open time & space to relax Their "First Look" - and favorite part of the day! “Last Dance” w/ just the t
When Things Go Terribly Wrong ... Preparing for Unforeseen Wedding Mishaps
A LOT of our energy during the wedding planning process is centered around the fear that things will go wrong, and how we can avoid and prevent minor mistakes - and major disasters - on our wedding day. I’ve been deeply involved with weddings for over a decade, and candidly, it’s a universal truth - no matter how much you plan and prep and delegate and assign, something will go wrong and / or not according to plan at some point during your wedding celebration. The good news is that big or sm
Hosting, Etiquette & Planning Tips for an Unforgettable Bridal Shower / Wedding Shower
There are countless unique ways to celebrate your wedding / bridal shower (that don't involve sitting around and playing awkward games with your female friends & relatives!). In this week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're giving the "traditional" wedding shower some much-needed updates. Listen in for creative + modern twists that you're sure to fall in love with. In many cases you don’t plan your own shower, so please feel free to forward this episode along to anyone who's helpi
Crafting Your Wedding Vows, Featuring "The Vow Whisperer" | Tanya Pushkine
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re joined by a very special guest, Tanya Pushkine from The Vow Whisperer. Tanya offers professional vow writing support, officiant services, and even wedding ceremony production support, including public speaking coaching. Tanya will guide you through exactly how to put your heart into words, resulting in crafted wedding vows that are truly meaningful to you & you partner. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes tour of her process, best practices for creat
Maximizing Your Time at a Wedding Fair / Bridal Expo
Would you volunteer to host a party for 40 people and then rush out to the store with no menu planned & no shopping list? No way! You’d sit down and plan out what everyone was going to bring, make a menu of app's & drinks, look up some recipes, and then make a detailed list of exactly what you need to buy. So why on earth would you head out to a WEDDING FAIR / BRIDAL EXPO with absolutely no plan, and just "see what happens"? Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast we’re going to take inventory of
Streamline + Simplify: Wedding Transportation, 2 Receptions, Hosting A Multi-Event Wedding Weekend
STREAMLINE + SIMPLIFY has been a tagline for the WPP literally since I created the show way back in 2015. (Look closely, it's even on our old logo!) Not only are these two of my favorite words in the English language - that I try and live by in ALL aspects of my life - more specifically, they perfectly summarize my approach to wedding planning. Every situation you’ll encounter throughout your engagement can be examined through the lens of simplicity and potentially scaled back or streamlined
Creating Your Wedding Seating Chart
Creating your wedding reception seating chart can QUICKLY become one of wedding planning’s biggest pains. Between crazy family members, divorces, step-parents, hook-up’s gone wrong, introverts, extroverts and lots of alcohol - your seating chart can quickly begin to feel like a jigsaw puzzle from hell. This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re going to review some easy tips & tactics for designing your reception seating chart. Simple stuff that will ease the pain, and take this task fro
Last Minute Wedding Planning Checklist | 1-2 weeks before your wedding
Today we're doing a detailed review of critical LAST MINUTE wedding details that you’ll want to stay on top of in the 1-2 weeks leading up to your wedding day. Even if your wedding is still months away, this show is perfect for you to proactively make notes about some of the things you can anticipate in those final weeks before the big day! A detailed blog post / show recap of everything we reviewed can be found here. Links to the Pinterest boards mentioned in today’s show: Wedding Planning Pod
Anticipate These Eight Wedding Planning "Blind Spots"
Save yourself piles of unwanted stress when you proactively anticipate these 8 wedding planning "blind spots"! Over the past 8 years of producing the Wedding Planning Podcast, one of my favorite pieces of feedback from you is some variation of, “WOW, we never would have even thought of that!” I love sharing wedding planning ideas and strategies that go beyond what you might find if you simply google something, or browse through a quick article on a wedding website. Don’t get me wrong, we cover
Maximizing Your WEDDING WEBSITE
Creating a simple, info-packed WEDDING WEBSITE is the easiest, most hassle free way to easily share information with your wedding guests. Join me today for a detailed wedding planning workshop on exactly how to create an amazing wedding website - zero technical skills required! To get started, choose your wedding website design from an incredible community of independent artists & designers when you visit Minted Weddings. FREE Minted wedding websites include all the tools you need to get start
Beautiful & Affordable SAVE THE DATES + WEDDING INVITATIONS
Affordable & beautiful Save the Date announcements and wedding invitations - how hard can that be?? Well, if you’ve spent 3 hours on a Saturday getting lost down the rabbit hole of 9 different wedding invitation websites, then you know that finding a practical solution that fits your style and your budget is much easier said than done. Today I’m sharing a complete guide to wedding stationery, from Save the Dates to invitations. We'll even review all of those mysterious extras like fancy paper
My inbox is full of questions about Wedding Flowers!
This week, I have an inbox full of your wedding flower questions to share! I also put together a list of the top wedding flower mistakes that I see couples make, to further help guide you to "DIY wedding flower SUCCESS". Today we're reviewing: How much should 5 relatively simple bouquets cost? I’m being quoted over $1200, which feels so ridiculous. Visiting a flower farm to pick stems w/ my bridal party - how early should we pick & arrange them so that they are still fresh? How much time shou
Maximizing Quality + Value of Your WEDDING FLOWERS
Wedding flowers are high on the list of things that couples rate "not very" to "not at all" important to them. So why spend thousands of dollars on elaborate, professional floral centerpieces and bouquets? There are so many simple, beautiful & affordable alternatives - Today I have an 5-part formula for you to follow so that you can have beautiful, top quality flowers ... for an affordable price tag. And the tips I’m sharing today don’t have to be just for your wedding - you can use the same
Complete Guide to DESTINATION WEDDINGS | featuring Susan's Travel Services
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're joined by Susan from Susan's Travel Services to talk about the endless benefits and of hosting a Destination Wedding. Tune in for the full scoop on this ever-popular wedding hosting trend, including: The huge TIME, STRESS & MONEY-saving opportunities that this wedding format presents, The importance of having a TRUSTED ADVOCATE when planning such a high-stakes, international event, TOP WEDDING DESTINATIONS for 2024 & beyond, INSIDER INFO you sim
Hosting Tips for an Unforgettable REHEARSAL DINNER
You’ve done months (maybe even YEARS) of wedding planning & preparation, and the big day is finally almost here! Last stop? Rehearsal dinner. This week we’re reviewing everything you need to know for planning & hosting this extra special night with your family & friends. We cover everything from the ceremony rehearsal itself to practical tips for hosting your loved ones afterwards. DETAILED BLOG POST HERE --> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/rehearsal Naturally, I have a ton of creative alternativ
Casual Reception Hosting Tips, Keeping our Marriage a "Secret", Dress Code Suggestions | WEDDING Q&A
Tune in for answers to your wedding questions in a brand new episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast: Hosting tips for a casual micro-wedding the month after ceremony? We will already be technically married at our celebration - should we share this w/ our guests? What about the non-dancers at our reception? Additional activiites? Choosing bridesmaids dilemma Controversy over suggesting what your guests "should" wear to the wedding celebration >>> As always, you can submit your wedding questio
Welcome to the Engagement Starter Kit Bonus Series | PART ONE
Believe it or not, there is a specific formula to experiencing a streamlined, stress-free wedding planning journey - and it has just 3 KEY INGREDIENTS. Today in Part One of the Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit, you’re going to discover the FIRST KEY to streamlined, stress-free wedding planning. And what we’re talking about today can still apply to you ... even if you’ve been engaged for months (or years!), you've already started booking stuff, or maybe even finalized most of the
Rehearsal Dinner Rip-Off, Insane Price of Flowers, Guest Seating Guidelines & More | WEDDING PLANNING Q&A
Get ready for a jam-packed Wedding Q&A show, full of your planning questions & concerns! Here's a sampling of what's on the menu this week: How much alcohol to buy? >>> click here for one of my favorite hosting tools ever (and tune in to my full answer for lots more helpful tips on the topic!) What can we expect for the price of flowers? Who pays for the bridal shower, & should I offer to help? >>> click here for blog post "Practical Bridal Shower Gift Ideas" Fiance doesn't want any wedding pa
Money Saving "Opportunities" That Can Totally BACKFIRE
Today we’re going to chat about a handful of ways when trying to "save" money on your wedding can totally BACKFIRE. Aside of college educations, new homes and new cars, your wedding likely has one of the biggest price tags you’ve ever paid. You’re spending tens of thousands of dollars - of course you’re trying to save money when possible! FULL BLOG POST HERE >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-pitfall You’re not out there researching the most expensive venue in your area, or trying to fin
Misconceptions & FAQ's RE: Hiring a Wedding Planner / DOC
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to sort out some common misconceptions and FAQ's about wedding planners and day of coordinators. Today's show is a de facto "Part II" from last week's conversation, where we ran through a general overview of hiring a planner and / or DOC. When I got married, I wasted a lot of time researching and interviewing planners before I realized that A.) I didn’t HAVE to hire anyone, and B.) John and I had all the tools we needed to plan OUR perfect
Important Notes on Hiring a Wedding Planner / Day Of Coordinator
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Food Truck Logistics, Providing Meals For Vendors, Managing Anxiety & More | WEDDING PLANNING Q&A
Your wedding planning questions, answered! Tune in for answers to all of your tough wedding situations, including: We're having a hard time choosing a date that works best for our closest loved ones, how should we decide? What's the etiquette when inviting just a couple of people from a larger social group? Are we obligated to provide vendors a meal / include them in the final head count for catering? Recommended all-inclusive resort for a bachelorette party? Food truck wedding logistics - we
Tips For Crafting Your Wedding GUEST LIST
Need a little help decoding the complex, often frustrating process of creating your wedding GUEST LIST? Finalizing who will actually receive a wedding invitation is a process that will likely take some time, revisions, cuts, and LOTS of patience. In this week's featured wedding planning meeting, we’re uncovering the KEY CHECKPOINTS to crafting a guest list that honors your wedding vision & budget, and reflects your top priorities. Once your general wedding budget and a venue are decided on, com
Free Workshop! WEDDING BUDGET BASICS
This is not your average "wedding budget" conversation. Today's workshop-style meeting is designed to *magically* make possible ALL the wedding things that are most important to you ... regardless of how much money you actually have in your budget. Sounds amazing, right??? There are no percentage breakdowns on how much you "should" spend on what, no "average cost" conversations, and absolutely no judgement if you want to spend $5,000 on your wedding, and $10,000 on your honeymoon. It’s time
What to Do First After Getting Engaged | Your Wedding Planning Checklist
It all starts here! Welcome to your Engagement / Wedding Planning Checklist, including 10 key "to-do's" to launch your wedding planning journey into action. The days & weeks after saying "YES!" are a whirlwind of fun & excitement ... From sharing the news with your loved ones, flashing that ring every chance you get, and dreaming of cakes and dresses, you're definitely at the start of an unforgettable time in your lives. I’ve worked with thousands of engaged couples over the past 7 years of pro
Bachelorette Party Planning Guidelines + Sample Itineraries
Your bachelorette party is a really fun engagement milestone AND it'll be a breeze to plan with these easy planning guidelines + sample itineraries! Today's show also includes lots of your questions on party etiquette, gift giving, who plans what, and even the "tale of two parties" ... two very different formats, each with their own pro's, and each guaranteed to result in an unforgettable night(s)! A special THANK YOU for supporting the show by supporting our valued show partners: Get profess
Shopping Tips for Finding Your Perfect WEDDING VENUE
Tune in for a deep-dive into the wedding venue shopping process, including listener questions on everything from scheduling tours, budgeting, availability, all-inclusive options, and so much more! Your wedding venue is THE biggest decision you’ll make during your engagement - and that can feel like a lot of pressure. We're going to simplify & demystify the process in today's show so that you can confidently start shopping for the perfect venue to host your wedding celebration. Grab your free "V
Photography & Videography Masterclass + a FREE GIFT!
Welcome to the Wedding Photography & Videography Masterclass, where you'll find everything you need to know to capture stunning photos throughout your wedding celebration, AND even your pre-wedding events and parties! Your support of the Wedding Planning Podcast & all of our valued show sponsors means the world to me, and as a heartfelt thank you, I’m sharing totally free access to my Wedding Photography & Videography Masterclass. Sign up now, FOR FREE, when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcas
Your Creative Wedding Decor Projects + Wedding Decoration Q&A
Happy Thanksgiving! This week, get inspired by the creative wedding decor projects that other listeners are tackling, and stay tuned for your questions in a special Wedding Decor Q&A: Should we rent decor, or buy stuff + DIY? Tips for furniture rentals, like lounge couches & chairs? One-stop shopping rec's for decor items? With decorations, what's a good balance between too much & not enough? Is it ok NOT to decorate for the rehearsal dinner? How can we make our venue's low ceilings feel highe
10 Hidden Wedding Expenses Couples Fail to Plan For
Waaaayyyy too many engaged couples fail to plan for these ten sneaky little expenses that appear in the final months before the wedding! Today we’re going to cover TEN unexpected budget busters, so that you're not caught off-guard - stuck making impulsive last minute decisions out of stress or lack of information. Be sure to stick around until the end of the show for a quick "BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER WEEK" segment on how to save big on all things wedding on Etsy! To view my favorites, visit: wedd
Addressing Invitations, Separate Reception Dress, Hiring a DJ & More | Wedding Q&A
Submit your wedding questions & stories on our website! www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact In today's episode, I have an inbox full of your wedding planning questions, including: Are wedding fairs worth the time? How to pick a DJ? No idea where to start! My dress is very heavy, with a dramatic long train. Should I consider a separate reception dress for dancing? >>> My fave sites for reception party dresses >>> Shein & Lulus What are your thoughts on a NYE wedding? We love the symbolis
How To: Wedding Appetizers for Less Than $1 / Person
The cost of food & drinks can be a huge source of frustration when planning your wedding. I can’t tell you how many messages I get from couples who are utterly horrified by the per person fee for dinner & drinks - and rightfully so! Today we’re going to explore setting up your own appetizer spread, and I think you’ll be blown away by the savings ... yes, up to 85% off the cost of a traditional wedding caterer. Tune in for my detailed roadmap to appetizer / happy hour menu planning, shopping,
Tips for Maximizing Your ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SHOOT
Engagement photos are an incredible opportunity to capture you & your fiancé in your happiest moments, and to share those images across your save the dates, your wedding website, holiday cards, and as decorations throughout your wedding celebration. The thing is, choosing the perfect outfits, getting hair & make up just right so that you look incredible but still natural, and posing effortlessly can be much easier said than done! Choosing what you’re going to wear and struggling through a last m
Ask Me Anything! Wedding Planning Q&A
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're exploring your top wedding questions, including: Ideal number of wedding party members / pro’s & con’s of larger vs. smaller group? What are your thoughts on doing a first look vs. waiting for the more traditional moment when I walk down the aisle? Inviting kids to the wedding - does it have to be “all or nothing?” Babysitting options? OK to assign seats for the ceremony? Divorced parents on my side and want to keep them separated. Do you have a go
Your Ultimate Guide to Wedding Speeches & Toasts
Today we break down everything you need to know about speeches & toasts at your wedding reception. We'll cover: Who gives a speech / toast at the reception? Should we give direction about topic, tone, & length? When should the speeches take place? In what order? I’m worried about inappropriate content - what should we do? How many speeches is too many? What if someone has paralyzing stage fright & is terrified to speak? And stick around until the end for a quick convo on first dances! A s
"We Said YES ... to the VENUE!"
Today you’re going to meet the lucky couple who was chosen to star in “Say Yes to the Venue", a multi-part video series that highlights their process of choosing the perfect wedding venue in Southwest Louisiana. The premiere season features Lake Charles couple, Eloise and Grant, who visit 5 breathtaking venues, and they’re here this week to share their wedding venue shopping insights with you! Your wedding venue is a huge decision that’s going to set the scene for pretty much every other weddin
98% of Married Couples Recommend Doing THIS.
On the fence about hiring a WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER? You’re certainly not alone. In my experience, videography is probably the number one item that engaged couples are undecided about. It’s no doubt a big investment, and a huge topic to unpack - so today I have an expert special guest to help us do just that. Today we're joined by Ken Foster, who is a lead shooter for Shutter and Sound. Shutter and Sound is a very small group of filmmakers dedicated to turning your big day into a work of art.
10 Essential Elements Within Your WEDDING VENUE CONTRACT
Today’s convo is a wedding planning strategy GEM! We’re going to cover every single last little thing that should be included within your wedding venue contract. If you’ve already booked a venue and signed a contract, I’d suggest pulling out your actual document & sticking around for today's convo to be sure that all the key items are addressed. Your wedding venue is literally the centerpiece of your dream wedding celebration. It’s also likely the most expensive decision you’ll make throughou
Hiring Your Dream Team of Wedding Vendors | PART 2
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, you'll find an overview of universal questions and research tips that are designed to help you hire your dream team of WEDDING VENDORS. You’ll come away from today’s show ready to find the best product / service, at the best price, and from the vendor who you most naturally vibe with. Whether it’s an officiant, a wedding planner, or a photographer, I created these checkpoints to save you precious time & energy, and to empower you to uncover the HIGHEST Q
Hiring Your Dream Team of Wedding Vendors | PART 1
Today a 2023 bride shares how she leaned into her genuine desire for good vibes, connection, and kindness when hiring her day of coordinator and photographer. It’s a gem of a conversation that uncovers some surprising and unexpected ways to approach finding your dream team of wedding vendors! This week and next, we’re going to focus on the enormous job of hiring your dream team of wedding vendors. Now of course this is an exciting milestone in the wedding planning process, but it can also be i
5 More Surprising Ways to Increase Quality + Value on Your Wedding Plans
This week is Part Two of a special 2-part series, where we’re highlighting some clever ways to not only save money, but also to increase the QUALITY + VALUE on everything from decor, rental items, invitations, food & drinks, and even your venue. So many couples equate a higher price tag with a higher-quality end product or service, and that’s simply not always true. Worse, that mentality can add up to spending tens of thousands of dollars more than necessary to host a memorable and meaningful
Surprising Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding: DECOR + RENTAL ITEMS
This week starts a special 2-part series, where we’re going to highlight some clever ways to save money on everything from decor, rental items, invitations, food & drinks, and even your venue. So many couples equate a higher price tag with a higher-quality end product or service, and that’s simply not always true. Worse, that mentality can add up to spending tens of thousands of dollars more than necessary to host a memorable and meaningful wedding celebration. The $10,000 dollar question is
Final Month Countdown | 4-6 Week Wedding Planning To Do List
Today we’re going to run through a 10-item wedding to-do list for when you reach the final 4-6 week countdown before your wedding day. While some of the items in today’s show are pretty standard, others are much less obvious - and sadly are not commonly discussed. Overlooking just one of these important action-items can tip the scales towards a stressful, frantic celebration - and I don't want that for you! For a complete recap of today's show, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/countdown A
Design Your Wedding Reception Decor Like a Pro
“I’m struggling with imaging how all of my wedding reception decorations will look together - flowers, signs, decorations, tables, etc. Any tips for making sure all my little decisions fit together in the end?” If you’re like most of us, you're not a full service wedding or event designer (and hiring one isn't in the budget!). So how can we trust that the dozens of small wedding decor decisions we make along the way will ultimately work together as a whole? Today we’re going to explore 4 ways
"Side Hustle" Your Way to Wedding Budget Financial Freedom!
Wedding expenses adding up, and today we’re going to explore FIVE wedding "side hustles". Tune in and learn how to earn some extra cash to cover those mounting wedding costs ... and keep your credit cards in your wallet! A couple weeks back on Instagram stories, I asked if you would be willing to take on a side hustle to earn more money to invest in your wedding, and an overwhelming 83% of you said YES. As someone who has done the "side hustle" multiple times in my entrepreneurial journey, thi
The Perfect Micro Wedding Blueprint
Have you ever been to a small wedding reception with magical ambiance and thought, "wow, this is great but it would be so much more meaningful if there were 300 additional people here?" I’m guessing the answer is NO. So why do feel so much pressure to host a huge wedding, invite everyone we know, spend all the money on all the things, and stress ourselves out every step along the way? Small, intimate weddings have been on the Wedding Planning Podcast "trend report" for 4 years in a row, and
DIY Flower Ideas & Affordable Wedding Centerpieces
There are lots of easy & affordable alternatives to hiring a professional florist to create towering, elaborate centerpieces for your wedding reception tables. In today's show, we’re going to discuss a creative variety of affordable wedding table decoration ideas. We're also going to review some actionable tips for doing your own wedding day flower bouquets & boutonnieres. It’ll take a little extra work on your part, and you may need to simplify things a bit ... but if you’re looking for a spot
Insurance, Permits, Licensing & Tricky Wedding Situations Q&A
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re demystifying the world of wedding insurance, permits and licensing. It seems like an intimidating and complicated topic, so we're bringing it all down to very simple terms and easy tasks that you can check off your list - typically with a few simple phone calls or clicks! Visit the FULL BLOG POST with bonus links here >>> https://weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-insurance/ You’ve likely had nightmares about alllllll the things that can go wro
Ultimate Guide to WEDDING CAKE & DESSERTS
Get answers to all of your wedding cake + dessert questions in today’s show! From everything to researching bakeries, booking cake tastings, hidden fees to be aware of, unique dessert alternatives, and budget-friendly cost saving tips, we're covering it all in today's sugar-coated show. Links mentioned in our convo: The complete blog post for today's show is linked here >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/cake TLC rounded up a group of experts to share the most popular wedding cake flavor combos for
Your DREAM HONEYMOON Starts Here!
Today we're joined by a very special guest who wants to help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams! You may know a 60-second rundown of Susan from Susan's Travel Services from our weekly meetings. I believe in the value of her expertise so much that I am honored to share her services with you on literally every single show. Susan offers travel and honeymoon planning services to engaged couples like you, and today she’s going to share: The process for finding your ideal honeymoon destination
10 Discussion Points to Review w/ Your WEDDING COORDINATOR
A top-notch Wedding Planner or Day-Of-Coordinator is essential for any smooth and seamless wedding celebration. Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re reviewing 10 KEY POINTS to discuss with your planner so that you’re both on the same page and ready to tackle any planning, logistic, or execution challenges that may arise. A sampling of these key discussion points: Who are your assistants or other team members, what is their role in the planning phase, and also at the actual wedding cele
Create Your Wedding SEATING CHART w/ These Hassle-Free Tips
Creating your wedding reception seating chart can QUICKLY become one of wedding planning’s biggest pains. Between crazy family members, divorces, step-parents, hook-up’s gone wrong, introverts, extroverts and lots of alcohol - your seating chart can quickly begin to feel like a jigsaw puzzle from hell. This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re going to review some easy tips & tactics for designing your reception seating chart. Simple stuff that will ease the pain, and take this task fro
Important Considerations When Planning a BACKYARD WEDDING
There’s a really common misunderstanding in "wedding planning world" that doing things yourself is always a good way to save money. I get it - in some situations, you might have more time than money, and a cheap & easy DIY project makes perfect sense. I bet if you think back, you can remember a time when "doing it yourself" was NOT the answer. We have to be careful in drawing the line between a few manageable, simple wedding projects that make perfect sense, and biting off more than you can c
BONUS SHOW | 6 Wedding Weekend Planning Mistakes
This brand new BONUS show features the top wedding weekend planning mistakes I see couples make as they formulate the details of a multi-day, multi-event wedding celebration. In this episode, we highlight 6 common planning mistakes, including: Feeling intimidated by the COST of hosting multiple events, Trying to accommodate ALL of your guests perfectly (spoiler alert - it's not possible, so don't even try!) Failing to consider the endless creative possibilities for food & drinks before committ
BONUS SHOW | Wedding Weekend Planning Q&A
Over the course of 11 YEARS in the wedding industry, I've seen literally thousands of weddings unfold ... and all of them together have given me the priceless gift of HINDSIGHT. In wedding planning, hindsight is literally a super power - so I've packaged mine up to share with you in today's brand new show featuring your Wedding Weekend planning questions! We're going to unpack, decode, and get to the bottom of your questions, including: How should we go about offering onsite cabins / rooms to
The #1 BIGGEST NEWLYWED REGRET {and how to avoid it!}
I’m willing to bet that you’ve heard from all your newlywed friends & family that their wedding day "came and went in the blink of an eye." The beautiful news is that your wedding celebration doesn’t have to RUSH BY IN A TOTAL BLUR! Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, I’m bringing on a very special guest to share the details of exactly how she designed a wedding celebration that left her saying this: "I always get to look back and say that it was the most incredible 4 days of my life." To
Let's Talk Strategy! Wedding Planning Q&A
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, cozy up and enjoy a sampling of unique wedding scenarios, questions, and curiosities, including: Wedding "decision fatigue" and the priceless value of hindsight, "Conversations with my fiance have been frustrating recently. We can’t seem to agree on anything regarding our budget, guests, or priorities. What are some ways we can get back on the same page and embrace compromise?" Hiring a day of coordinator - what should we be looking for? (Visit the
Dress Alterations, Styling & Accessories, Post-Wedding Preservation & More
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re doing a thorough review of wedding dress alterations, styling & accessories, & post-wedding preservation ideas, and so much more. Our conversation covers the dress alterations process in detail, including pricing, money-saving tips, a timeline for when to get started, and alternative options for having your dress altered. We also cover: What's a bustle, do I need one, and how much does it cost? (article on bustling I mentioned in today's show can be
A Critical Look | WEDDING "ETIQUETTE & RULES"
Are you drowning in wedding "etiquette" & "rules"? Everyone has an opinion on invitation wording, cash bars, inviting kids, and what traditions absolutely SHOULD be included in the wedding day. Today, let’s take a step back, and reframe things ... starting with your WEDDING MINDSET. Where wedding planning can get overwhelming is when our expectations of what a wedding “should” look like conflict with our budget, our styles, and our personalities. And of course, an added layer of difficulty ari
Confused About TIPPING Your Wedding Vendors?
There’s A LOT of conflicting information + confusion out there about tipping your wedding vendors, and today we're going to get to the bottom of it! Tune in for a walk through exactly how to decide who should get a tip, how much, and even some extra special additional ways of saying thank you. Today’s show is Wedding Planning Podcast classic, and we’re going to take a close look at some very common misunderstandings that are flying around out there surrounding tipping your wedding vendors. Think
Building Your WEDDING GIFT REGISTRY
Your wedding gift registry is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home & your lifestyle with practical gifts that you need and will use in the years to come. Tune in for an essential guide to creating a killer wedding gift registry including: Deciding what items to include and ... Items NOT to include on your registry, Various lifestyle "categories" to consider as you build your registry, Tips for creating cash gift funds, Your top wedding registry "wish list" items, And so much
Your Personalized WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST
Lots of engaged couples are working with a small wedding budget and feeling completely overwhelmed, so they turn to free wedding checklists and timelines to stay organized … thinking all these freebie resources are the key to pulling off an incredible wedding for not a lot of money. But, what most couples never realize is that mindlessly following all those free guides and checklists will lead to you ultimately spending money on a bunch of crap that’s not even that important to you. Let me ba
How To Stop Feeling OVERWHELMED About Planning Your Wedding
Being the "Overwhelmed Engaged Couple" is not a ton of fun. They say things like, "wow, our whole wedding day FLEW BY and we barely had a chance to enjoy it." This couple feels panic every time a new vendor quote comes in. Overwhelmed every time they open their email or even think about all the items on their checklist. Dread over finding out how much the next thing is going to cost. Fear over being judged for what they choose - and don't choose - to include in their wedding celebration. Ahem, I
Making the Most of Your WEDDING WEBSITE
Creating a simple, info-packed WEDDING WEBSITE is the easiest, most hassle free way to easily share information with your wedding guests. Join me today for a detailed wedding planning workshop on exactly how to create an amazing wedding website - zero technical skills required! To get started, choose your wedding website design from an incredible community of independent artists & designers when you visit Minted Weddings. FREE Minted wedding websites include all the tools you need to get start
Beautiful & Affordable SAVE THE DATES + WEDDING INVITATIONS
Affordable & beautiful Save the Date announcements and wedding invitations - how hard can that be?? Well, if you’ve spent 3 hours on a Saturday getting lost down the rabbit hole of 9 different wedding invitation websites, then you know that finding a practical solution that fits your style and your budget is much easier said than done. Today I’m sharing a complete guide to wedding stationery, from Save the Dates to invitations. We'll even review all of those mysterious extras like fancy paper
Choosing Your WEDDING COLOR PALETTE in 5 Easy Steps
Great news - you don’t need to be a professional designer or natural-born artist to select a beautiful & cohesive color palette for your wedding celebration. Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re running through 5 easy steps for choosing the colors to incorporate into your rehearsal, ceremony & reception. A lightening speed recap: 1. Start w/ your venue to guide your color selection, 2. Get color inspiration for your Save the Dates & wedding website - the first design elements your guest
2023's Hottest Wedding Trend ... DESTINATION WEDDINGS
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're joined by Susan from Susan's Travel Services to talk all things DESTINATION WEDDING! Tune in for the full scoop on this HOT wedding hosting trend, including: The surprise average cost of a destination wedding - and the huge TIME, STRESS & MONEY-saving opportunities that this hosting format presents! Advice for choosing a destination + specific property for your destination wedding, Tips for your overall planning timeline, finding vendors, and making
Alternative Hosting Formats to Maximize Your Wedding Budget
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're exploring some basic modifications to "traditional" wedding hosting formats that will result in MAJOR DOLLARS SAVED! Tune in for easy ways to MAXIMIZE your wedding budget - aka get MORE of the things you want - simply by making a small adjustment here & there to your hosting format, timing, and/or season. ALL NEW! BOOK A 1-ON-1 WEDDING STRATEGY CALL www.wedpodcast.com If you have the beginnings of a really creative wedding vision that you’d like to
Maximizing Your Wedding SPENDING POWER in 2023-2024
Today we’re going to discuss what the post-covid economy means for YOUR WEDDING plans over the rest of 2023, and into 2024. Even more importantly, we're going to review some simple ways that you can MAXIMIZE YOUR SPENDING POWER to get everything you want most out of your wedding celebration. Disclaimer - I am not an economist. I have literally never had any formal education in economics beyond knowing that inflation affects me when the carwash is $1 more expensive today than it was last week,
Your Ultimate ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST!
In this brand new episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, I’m sharing AN ULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST, including 10 key "to-do's" to launch your wedding planning journey into action. CONGRATULATIONS! The days & weeks after saying "YES!" are a whirlwind of fun & excitement ... From sharing the news with your loved ones, flashing that ring every chance you get, and dreaming of cakes and dresses, you're definitely at the start of an unforgettable time in your lives. I’ve worked with thousands of
From Overwhelmed + Discouraged to DREAM WEDDING: How We Did It
"When the initial excitement settled, we felt like planning an entire wedding seemed really expensive, overwhelming, and exhausting." Let me back up ... My now-husband John proposed in the summer of 2009, at the end of a 3-week trip we took through Europe. We were in Paris - our last stop - and we waited for hours to get to the lower platform of the Eiffel Tower, where he dropped to his knee with the sparking lights of the tower above us, and lit up city buildings & river boats in the distance.
Crafting Your WEDDING DAY TIMELINE
A universal truth? Your wedding day will FLY BY. Having a well-thought out, well-planned WEDDING DAY TIMELINE is critical to keeping the day organized, and flowing stress free. In this featured episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re actually reviewing & creating two separate timelines: The DAY-OF TIMELINE, including all the events between waking up, and the wedding reception beginning, The RECEPTION TIMELINE, including the events that will happen within the reception itself. We’re
Designing an Unforgettable WEDDING CEREMONY & VOWS
Your WEDDING CEREMONY is undoubtedly the most important part of your wedding day celebration - it's literally the WHY of every single thing we touch on here on the Wedding Planning Podcast! Sadly most couples push the ceremony logistics to the very bottom of their wedding planning to-do list, and as a result, this critical piece of your wedding day misses getting the full attention & creativity that it deserves. Tune in to the full show for a start-to-finish guide for infusing your ceremony wit
Updated & Personalized WEDDING RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT Ideas
If you’re looking for some CREATIVE, EASY + AFFORDABLE wedding reception entertainment options that go way beyond dinner, drinks & dancing, then this wedding planning workshop is perfect for you! Today’s wedding receptions feature creative entertainment ideas that are increasingly more personalized, more interactive, and more representative of your values, personal style and tastes. There are endless ways to reimagine classic wedding reception entertainment & activities, and create a memorable
Preparing for Unforeseen WEDDING ISSUES, MISTAKES & MISHAPS
A LOT of our energy during the wedding planning process is centered around the fear that things will go wrong, and how we can avoid and prevent minor mistakes - and major disasters - on our wedding day. I’ve been deeply involved with weddings for over a decade, and candidly, it’s a universal truth - no matter how much you plan and prep and delegate and assign, something will go wrong and / or not according to plan at some point during your wedding celebration. The good news is that big or sm
Simplifying Your Wedding RECEPTION + CEREMONY DECOR
There are a million directions we could take a conversation on wedding reception & ceremony decor, but for the sake of keeping it simple … let’s keep it simple! Tune in for some extra-simplified TIME, STRESS, AND MONEY-SAVING OPPORTUNITIES in today's featured wedding planning workshop, all about decorating your special day. FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES Redeem at allnew.wedding If you’re newly engaged and looking to kick off the new year with a fresh start on your wedding plans, the
Welcome to the Wedding Planning Podcast!
Join thousands of INTENTIONAL + JOYFUL engaged couples who know that the wedding celebration of their dreams is possible ... even if right now, planning an entire wedding feels a *little bit* overwhelming! Be sure to hit FOLLOW wherever you listen, and each Wednesday you'll enjoy a FREE, down-to-earth + straight-to-the-point wedding planning "meeting" where we explore everything from: Hidden TIME + MONEY + STRESS savers, Decoding the complex process of researching + hiring your team of IDEAL
Wedding Day CATERING, FOOD + DRINKS
Lucky for us, there are literally endless creative ways to treat your guests to a unique food & drink experience on your wedding day. In today’s BONUS WORKSHOP, we’re going to explore exactly how to: Conceptualize & research what to serve, Smart money-saving tips that many couples miss, And even some "do it yourself" options if you’re looking to get hands on - literally! FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES Redeem at allnew.wedding There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ... ...
The Truth about WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING
Shopping for your wedding dress can come with lots of mixed emotions - both good AND not-so-good - and that’s 100% normal. It’s OK to go into wedding dress shopping feeling some confusion and doubt! In pop wedding culture, saying “YES TO THE DRESS” is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone full of princess moments, fancy dress boutiques, and champagne. In REALITY, dress shopping might come along with feelings of ... self-consciousness, pressing overwhelm, conflicting thoughts about who should com
Hosting Tips for an Unforgettable REHEARSAL DINNER
You’ve done months (maybe even YEARS) of wedding planning & preparation, and the big day is finally almost here! Last stop? Rehearsal dinner. This week we’re reviewing everything you need to know for planning & hosting this extra special night with your family & friends. We cover everything from the ceremony rehearsal itself to practical tips for hosting your loved ones afterwards. DETAILED BLOG POST HERE --> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/rehearsal Naturally, I have a ton of creative alternativ
Top Mistakes & Mishaps re: Your WEDDING FLOWERS
Today we’re exploring the TOP MISTAKES that couples make as they start to formulate options for wedding flowers, including centerpieces, bouquets & boutonnieres, garlands & ceremony decor. ADDITIONAL LINKS & RESOURCES mentioned in today's show: A detailed guide on Wedding Flowers By Season Access 6 bonus meetings dedicated to DIY flowers & decor within my digital planning package, The Vault - lots more information here. I'm collecting your wedding questions & topic requests for new shows in 202
Photography + Videography 101 | Get started w/ these TIME + MONEY SAVING SEARCH TIPS!
Get started finding your perfect wedding photography team with the TIME + MONEY SAVING RESEARCH TIPS featured in today's show! These are my top photography / videography search guidelines and are the perfect place to start ... But you’ll quickly discover that there’s so much more that goes into finding your perfect photographer: Knowing intuitively when & how to NEGOTIATE PRICING + PACKAGE SPECIFICS, Photography CONTRACT ESSENTIALS, Creating a top-notch MASTER SHOT LIST, Preparing for your ENGA
Finding Your Dream WEDDING VENUE
The pressure + hype behind discovering your dream WEDDING VENUE is very real. In my professional opinion, your wedding venue is the most important strategic decision you'll make in the entire wedding planning process. Why is your venue such a big deal? Multiple other wedding decisions are interdependent on the venue you choose. Once you solidify the WHERE, your complete wedding day vision can really start to unfold. Complicating the process, wedding venues literally come in all sizes, price
Creative + Useful WEDDING GIFT REGISTRY Options
Your wedding gift registry is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home & your lifestyle with practical gifts that you need and will use in the years to come. Tune in for an essential guide to creating a killer wedding gift registry including: Deciding what items to include and ... Items NOT to include on your registry, Various lifestyle "categories" to consider as you build your registry, Tips for creating cash gift funds, Your top wedding registry "wish list" items, And so much more! For
Maximizing Your Day at a WEDDING FAIR / BRIDAL EXPO
Would you volunteer to host Thanksgiving for 40 people and then rush out to the store with no menu planned & no shopping list? No way! You’d sit down and plan out a menu of app's & drinks, look up some recipes, and then make a detailed list of exactly what you need to buy. So why on earth would you head out to a WEDDING FAIR / BRIDAL EXPO with absolutely no plan, and just "see what happens"? Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast we’re going to take inventory of your priorities, and make a list
Unique Ideas For Your BRIDAL / WEDDING SHOWER
There are countless UNIQUE ways to celebrate your wedding / bridal shower (that don't involve sitting around and playing awkward games with your female friends & relatives!). In this week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're giving the "traditional" wedding shower some much-needed updates. Listen in for creative + modern twists that you're sure to fall in love with. In many cases you don’t plan your own shower, so please feel free to forward this episode along to anyone who's helpi
Smart Tips for Crafting Your Wedding GUEST LIST
Need a little help decoding the complex, often frustrating process of creating your wedding GUEST LIST? Finalizing who will actually receive a wedding invitation is a process that will likely take some time, revisions, cuts, and LOTS of patience. In this week's featured wedding planning meeting, we’re uncovering the KEY CHECKPOINTS to crafting a guest list that honors your wedding vision & budget, and reflects your top priorities. Once your general wedding budget and a venue are decided on, com
Free Workshop! Hiring a WEDDING PLANNER / Day of Coordinator
"The more care & intention you put into your wedding plans throughout your engagement, the richer your wedding celebration & life beyond will be." Should you hire a WEDDING PLANNER / Day of Coodinator? In today's workshop-style meeting, we’re going to review a list of critical guidelines to keep in mind as you tackle this very important part of your engagement journey. It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center
5 Simple Steps to a Rock Solid WEDDING BUDGET
Today's workshop-style meeting is designed to magically make possible all the wedding things that are most important to you, regardless of how much money you have in the budget. Sounds amazing, right??? This is not your average wedding budget conversation. There are no percentage breakdowns on how much you "should" spend on what, no "average cost" conversations, and absolutely no judgement if you want to spend $500 on your wedding, and $10,000 on your honeymoon. It’s time for a NEW WAY to c
All / Nothing + The Art of COMPROMISE
The theme of this week's show is COMPOROMISE. We're exploring the importance of being on the same page with respect to finances, how you spend your free time, and of course, the ability to COMPROMISE - whether it's about your honeymoon or your wedding guest list. Tune in for so much more! Thank you again to everyone who was in touch with the show these past couple of weeks! I’m pushing hard for new stories from you about your engagement, wedding planning milestones, questions, anxieties, and an
You've Got Options | WEDDING FLOWERS
RE: wedding flowers, if you’re feeling ... Sticker shock from that $2500 florist quote, Having anxiety thinking about taking the DIY route, Or maybe even starting to wonder if flowers are actually necessary at all … Not to worry - you’ve got options when it comes to your wedding flowers, and we’re going to explore them all in this episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast! This show is a very general overview, and you can find so much more on wedding flowers & decor inside my digital planning pa
"We Ditched the Wedding Traditions" | Planning & Wedding Day Recap w/ Emma, Hilton Lake Las Vegas
"We Ditched the Traditions & Made Our Wedding Truly Personal" - Emma, February 2022 Bride This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, meet special guest Emma (& Drew) who’s here to share the highlights, unique elements, and planning challenges from their beautiful wedding celebration at Hilton Lake Las Vegas in February 2022. In this special episode, you'll hear lots more from Emma on: The pros of having NO wedding party Celebrating over a 3-day weekend in their hometown The endless benefits o
BONUS SHOW | Your WEDDING WEEKEND Planning Questions, Answered!
Over the course of 11 YEARS in the wedding industry, I've seen literally thousands of weddings unfold ... and all of them together have given me the priceless gift of HINDSIGHT. In wedding planning, hindsight is literally a super power - so I've packaged mine up to share with you in today's brand new show featuring your Wedding Weekend planning questions! Today's highlighted questions come from couples who have enjoyed my brand new free video workshop, "How to Plan an Unforgettable Wedding Weeke
How To Avoid the #1 BIGGEST NEWLYWED REGRET
I’m willing to bet that you’ve heard from all your newlywed friends & family that their wedding day "came and went in the blink of an eye." The beautiful news is that your wedding celebration doesn’t have to RUSH BY IN A TOTAL BLUR! Click here to sign up for a brand new free video planning workshop, HOW TO PLAN AN UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING WEEKEND. Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, I’m bringing on a very special guest to share the details of exactly how she designed a wedding celebration that
When Trying to "Save" Money on Your Wedding Totally Backfires ...
Today we’re going to chat about a handful of ways when trying to "save" money on your wedding can totally BACKFIRE. Aside of college educations, new homes and new cars, your wedding likely has one of the biggest price tags you’ve ever paid. You’re spending tens of thousands of dollars - of course you’re trying to save money when possible! You’re not out there researching the most expensive venue in your area, or trying to find ways to spend more money on your invitations. When a potential photo
Do We Really Need a $1500 Wedding Day-of-Coordinator / DOC?
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to sort out some misconceptions and FAQ's about wedding planners and day of coordinators. BONUS >>> Join me inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT for a special bonus meeting on training a friend or family member to act as your Day Of Coordinator. Sign up for your FREE 3-DAY TRIAL here! Our goal today is to get really clear on the difference between a wedding planner and a day-of coordinator, and to determine whether or not y
Prepping for 12 UNPLANNED Wedding Day Details + Scenarios
A fun piece of feedback I hear from you, especially after our wedding Q&A shows, is “wow, we never even would have thought of that!” Today I 'm revealing a list of 12 wedding details that are really easy to overlook ... and being on top of them can literally change the course of your wedding day. These little "aha moments" can stack up quickly and mean the difference from frantically skirting a bunch of mini disasters, to proactively being prepared for all the little hiccups and bumps that wi
"Need help - Our wedding planner is OUT OF CONTROL."
There are some incredibly simple steps to creating a crystal clear vision of exactly how you want your wedding celebration to unfold. This week's featured meeting is a detailed overview of ways to cut through the noise, and stay focused on your priorities. Here's an overview of the specific scenario we'll be discussing: "How can we reign in our wedding planner? Our venue includes a coordinator for the rehearsal and wedding day, and initially I was pleasantly surprised by how accommodating and
Renting air bnb Wedding Venue, Working w/ a $5000 Budget, Hiring a Babysitter for Reception?
This week I have a mailbox full of your wedding planning questions to review! Here's a full look at everything on our agenda this week: What’s a nice way of asking the moms to wear a certain style / color? Who to invite to your bachelorette party (just bridesmaids or others, too?) Having a hard time finding a venue that will allow a food truck, BYOB, in our area, for about $5000 budget. There will be about 50 - 100 guests. I’m about to say screw it and elope, but I know we’ll regret it, any
Eight Ways to SAVE $3,650 on Your Wedding!
Our goal this week on the Wedding Planning Podcast? To save YOU $3,650 on your final wedding bill! We could literally talk for hours about all the pretty things you see on Pinterest & Instagram that do not HAVE to be a part of your wedding celebration. In the interest of time, I’ve chosen EIGHT wedding elements that I would suggest skipping - or scaling waaaaaaaaay back on. I think you'll be shocked at how easy it is for us to save over $3,000 over the course of a 20 minute conversation! If yo
STREAMLINE + SIMPLIFY These Common Wedding Planning Scenarios
STREAMLINE + SIMPLIFY has been a tagline for the WPP literally since I created the show way back in 2015. (Look closely, it's even on our old logo!) Not only are these two of my favorite words in the English language - that I try and live by in ALL aspects of my life - more specifically, they perfectly summarize my approach to wedding planning. Every situation you’ll encounter throughout your engagement can be examined through the lens of simplicity and potentially scaled back or streamlined
Tips for Maximizing Your Engagement Photo Shoot
Engagement photos are an incredible opportunity to capture you & your fiancé in your happiest moments, and to share those images across your save the dates, your wedding website, holiday cards, and as decorations throughout your wedding celebration. The thing is, choosing the perfect outfits, getting hair & make up just right so that you look incredible but still natural, and posing effortlessly is actually much harder than it looks! Choosing what you’re going to wear and struggling through a
The Ultimate Guide to a CHEAP + EASY "Staycation" Wedding Planning Retreat
How are you supposed to manage all the stress of daily life ON TOP OF trying to plan a wedding on our own, with a million different opinions, options, and outside factors pulling me in a million different directions? While I cannot send your future mother in law to therapy, or predict the future of an ever-evolving pandemic virus that has put life into a tailspin for coming up on two years now, or convince your boss to let you have a week off to plan your wedding uninterrupted, I DO have a
Ten BLIND SPOTS in Your Wedding Plans
Please, save yourself the stress & avoid these TEN wedding planning "blind spots" at all costs! FULL BLOG POST & links from today's episode available here: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/blindspot Over the past 4 years of producing the Wedding Planning Podcast, one of my favorite pieces of feedback from you is some variation of, “WOW, we never would have even thought of that!” I love sharing wedding planning ideas and strategies that go beyond what you might find if you simply google something, o
Venue Contract Essentials
Today’s convo is a wedding planning strategy GEM! We’re going to cover every single last little thing that should be included within your wedding venue contract. If you’ve already booked a venue and signed a contract, I’d suggest pulling out your actual document & sticking around for today's convo to be sure that all the key items are addressed. Your wedding venue is literally the centerpiece of your dream wedding celebration. It’s also likely the most expensive decision you’ll make throughou
Top 10 Wedding Expenses That Couples Fail to Plan For
Most engaged couples fail to plan for the sneaky little expenses that start to appear in the final months before the wedding. Today we’re going to cover a sampling of these unexpected budget busters, so that you're not caught off-guard - stuck making impulsive last minute decisions out of stress or lack of information. A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors: Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it t
My Recipe for a Cheap & Easy Wedding Appetizer Spread
The cost of food & drinks can be a huge source of frustration when planning your wedding. I can’t tell you how many messages I get from couples who are utterly horrified by the per person fee for dinner & drinks - and rightfully so! Today we’re going to explore setting up your own appetizer spread, and I think you’ll be blown away by the savings. Tune in for my detailed roadmap to menu planning, shopping, and setting it all up. We'll review how much to buy, where to shop, and what you can ex
Ultimate Guide to Wedding Reception Speeches & Toasts
Today's show is THE ultimate guide to wedding reception speeches! Together we'll review: Who gives a speech / toast at the reception? Should we give direction about topic, tone, & length? When should the speeches take place? In what order? I’m worried about inappropriate content - what should we do? How many speeches is too many? What if someone has paralyzing stage fright & is terrified to speak? ALL NEW! >>> Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-even
Should We Work w/ Friends for Wedding Services?
Today we're reviewing SIX important guidelines for working with your friends and/or family members who are offering their skills & talents for your wedding. Your cousin bakes cakes. Your neighbor is a photographer. Your co-worker plans weddings "on the side". Your roommate from college is a DJ. So, should you rely on their services for your wedding? Maybe. There are some key questions to consider before committing to working with friends so that you’re not caught in an awkward, uncomforta
Mistakes Couples Make When Planning a Long Wedding Weekend
Hosting a multi-day, multi-event WEDDING WEEKEND is hands down the best way to host a UNIQUE and MEANINGFUL wedding celebration that’s full of opportunities to connect and spent QT with your closest loved ones. Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re going to highlight 3 major mistakes that couples make when planning a long wedding weekend celebration, so that you can stay focused on what matters most - maximizing every single minute of face time with your loved ones, and creating unforgett
Insider Guide to Researching & Hiring Your Wedding Vendors
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re doing an overview of universal questions and research tips that are designed to help you hire your dream team of WEDDING VENDORS. You’ll come away from today’s show ready to find the best product, at the best price, and from the vendor who you most naturally CLICK with. Whether it’s an officiant, a wedding planner, or a photographer, I created these checkpoints to save you precious time & energy, and to empower you to uncover the BEST DEALS. I’m g
A Truly Personalized Wedding Planning CHECKLIST
Lots of engaged couples are working with a small wedding budget and feeling completely overwhelmed, so they turn to free wedding checklists and timelines to stay organized … thinking all these freebie resources are the key to pulling off an incredible wedding for not a lot of money. But, what most couples never realize is that mindlessly following all those free guides and checklists will lead to you ultimately spending money on a bunch of crap that’s not even that important to you. Let me ba
A Guide to Overcoming Wedding Planning OVERWHELM
Being the "Overwhelmed Engaged Couple" is not a ton of fun. They say things like, "wow, our whole wedding day FLEW BY and we barely had a chance to enjoy it." This couple feels panic every time a new vendor quote comes in. Overwhelmed every time they open their email or even think about all the items on their checklist. Dread over finding out how much the next thing is going to cost. Fear over being judged for what they choose - and don't choose - to include in their wedding celebration. Ahem, I
Mapping Out Your Wedding Day Timeline | Week 12 Bonus Workshop
The "Wedding Day Timeline" BONUS workshop has been archived and is available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. >>> A universal truth?
Designing an Unforgettable WEDDING CEREMONY | Week 11 Bonus Workshop
The "Designing Your Wedding Ceremony" BONUS workshop has been archived and is available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. >>> Your WEDD
Creative RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS | Week 10 Bonus Workshop
The "Wedding Reception Entertainment" BONUS workshop has been archived and is available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. >>> If you’re
Easy & Affordable Wedding RECEPTION + CEREMONY DECOR | Week 9 Bonus Workshop
The "Wedding Reception & Ceremony Decor" BONUS workshop has been archived and is available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. >>> There
Wedding Day CATERING, FOOD + DRINKS | Week 8 Bonus Workshop
The "Wedding Day Catering" BONUS workshop has been archived and is available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. >>> Lucky for us, there
HOW TO | Customize Your Wedding Website in Minutes!
Creating a simple, info-packed WEDDING WEBSITE is the easiest, most hassle free way to easily share information with your wedding guests. Join me today for a detailed wedding planning workshop on exactly how to create an amazing wedding website - zero technical skills required! To get started, choose your wedding website design from an incredible community of independent artists & designers when you visit Minted Weddings! FREE Minted wedding websites include all the tools you need to get start
Wedding PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY | Week 7 Bonus Workshop
The "Wedding Photography + Videography" BONUS workshop has been archived and is available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. >>> Next on
Zero Stress WEDDING DRESS Shopping | Week 6 Bonus Workshop
The "Wedding Dress Shopping" BONUS workshop has been archived and is available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. >>> Shopping for your
Choosing Your WEDDING PARTY | Week 5 Bonus Workshop
The "Choosing Your Wedding Party" bonus workshop has been archived and is only available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. *** Choosing
Ready to Turn Off Wedding STICKER SHOCK?
When’s the last time you hosted an event for 100 of your closest friends & family, and YOU footed the entire bill? If you like most of us, probably NEVER - until now. Ahhhhh yes, weddings, are, so, expensive. But your engagement season doesn’t have to be a nonstop feeling of dread everytime you look at your bank account, or constant gross feelings of sticker shock. No doubt, weddings cost a lot of money. Here’s a quick list of some items that are keeping you up at night: "$5000 florist q
Hiring a WEDDING PLANNER / Day of Coordinator | Week 4 Bonus Workshop
The Hiring a Wedding Planner BONUS WEDDING PLANNING WORKSHOP has been archived and is available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. >>> S
Finalizing Your Wedding GUEST LIST | Week 3 Bonus Workshop
This BONUS WEDDING PLANNING WORKSHOP has been archived and is available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. >>> Need a little help decodi
Ask Me Anything >>> WEDDING VENUE CONTRACT ESSENTIALS | Week 2 Bonus Q&A
In today's 20 minute BONUS Q&A, we're reviewing 10 basic items to look for within your wedding venue contract. This meeting is a follow up to our January 19th BONUS WORKSHOP on shopping for your dream wedding venue. Missed it? Be sure to go back & have a listen! Now of course, every couple, every wedding, and every planning scenario very unique - this conversation is meant to be a general guideline, and may not be all-inclusive depending on your situation. BINGE-LISTEN ... to the entire 12-w
Finding the Perfect WEDDING VENUE | Week 2 Bonus Workshop
The Wedding Venue BONUS WEDDING PLANNING WORKSHOP has been archived and is available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. >>> The pressure
Ask Me Anything >>> WEDDING BUDGET | Week 1 Bonus Q&A
Today's BONUS WEDDING Q&A show is designed to show you exactly how to have all the wedding things that are most important to you, regardless of how much money you actually have in the bank. Sounds pretty amazing, right??? Let's face it, you’re overwhelmed & struggling with your wedding budget if any one, two, or maybe even three of these sound familiar: If you get a pit in your stomach even thinking about your wedding budget (let alone talking about it). If you’re constantly worried about h
Not Your Average WEDDING BUDGET Convo | Week 1 Bonus Workshop
The Wedding Budget BONUS WORKSHOP has been archived and is available to members inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial for the planning resource that one bride calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry”, simply visit www.wedpodcast.com There are no contracts to sign, no ongoing obligation, and if The VAULT isn’t the perfect planning resource for you? You’re free to cancel anytime, zero questions asked. >>> Today's workshop-style meeti
Your Dream Wedding Celebration BONUS SERIES Starts January 12th!
Hey there, it’s Kara, Producer & Host of the WPP, and a HUGE congratulations on your engagement! First things first - I would LOVE to see photos of your ring and that special moment when you said YES, so please follow & tag me - @weddingplanningpodcast - on Instagram, I can’t wait to “meet” you, your partner, and take a look at all those fun memories! I also can’t wait to share the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding celebration. We’re kicking off the New Year with 12 WEEKS OF BONUS EPISODE
The ALL NEW WAY to Plan Your Wedding
Join thousands of INTENTIONAL + JOYFUL engaged couples who know that the wedding celebration of their dreams is possible ... even if right now, planning an entire wedding feels a *little bit* overwhelming! Be sure to hit FOLLOW wherever you listen, and each Wednesday you'll enjoy a FREE, down-to-earth, straight-to-the-point wedding planning "meeting" where we explore everything from: Hidden TIME + MONEY + STRESS savers, Decoding the complex process of researching + hiring your team of IDEAL VEN
Be the BOSS of Your Wedding Budget
You want to host THE MOST meaningful, fun, unforgettable wedding that any of your friends & family have ever been to. Simple enough, right? Riiiiight. The trouble is, sometimes our "champagne dreams" really clash with our beer budget. Most couples don’t have a 6-figure wedding budget, can’t afford to hand over a blank checkbook to a full service event planner, and are faced to make really difficult sacrifices and swaps throughout their engagement. Today we’re going to walk through a detailed
Your ULTIMATE Engagement Checklist
Today we’re going to review your Ultimate Engagement Checklist, packed with 12 super fun “must do’s” to launch into your wedding planning journey! I mention lots of links to more info and past show titles / dates in today’s convo, and I put together a complete wrap up of everything in this jam-packed post on our website. Want to automatically receive these recaps via email each week so you have everything on-demand, at your fingertips? Simply enter your name & email address in the box at the to
DIY Wedding Favor "How To" | Custom Color Gourmet Pretzel Sticks
Delicious & beautiful wedding favors for just $0.50 each??? Yes, please! Today we're hitting the road for a quick shopping trip and meeting in my kitchen for a really fun, affordable & easy wedding DIY project. At the end of today's show, you'll know exactly how to make professional-quality, hand dipped gourmet pretzel sticks to share with your wedding guests, at your bridal shower, or to tuck into thank you gift boxes. Not a "DIY"-type? Forward this episode to your friends & family who are he
An Unforgettable REHEARSAL DINNER
You’ve done months (maybe even YEARS) of wedding planning & preparation, and the big day is finally almost here! Last stop? Rehearsal dinner. This week we’re reviewing everything you need to know for planning & hosting this extra special night with your family & friends. We cover everything from the ceremony rehearsal itself to practical tips for hosting your loved ones afterwards. DETAILED BLOG POST HERE --> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/rehearsal Naturally, I have a ton of creative alternativ
Maximizing Your Time at a WEDDING FAIR / BRIDAL EXPO
Would you volunteer to host a holiday party for 40 people and then rush out to the store with no menu planned & no shopping list? No! You’d sit down and plan out a menu of app's & drinks, look up some recipes, and then make a detailed list of exactly what you need to buy. So why on earth would you head out to a wedding show / bridal fair with absolutely no plan, and just "see what happens"? Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast we’re going to take inventory of your priorities, and make a list o
ASK ME ANYTHING | Eloping, Having Children, Shopping Seasonal Sales, Wedding Location & More
This week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast is a collection of wedding questions & situations submitted by members of my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Membership includes the priceless benefit of submitting your wedding questions for feature on these monthly "Ask Me Anything" shows, and this week we're discussing in detail: The particulars of ELOPING Shopping seasonal sales for great deals on wedding stuff (Etsy sales are EVERYWHERE right now!) To airbrush, or not to a
Create Your Wedding SEATING CHART w/ These Hassle-Free Tips
Creating your wedding reception seating chart can QUICKLY become one of wedding planning’s biggest pains. Between crazy family members, divorces, step-parents, hook-up’s gone wrong, introverts, extroverts and lots of alcohol - your seating chart can quickly begin to feel like a jigsaw puzzle from hell. This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re going to review some easy tips & tactics for designing your reception seating chart. Simple stuff that will ease the pain, and take this task fro
Designing Your Wedding Reception Decor Like a PRO
“I’m struggling with imaging how all of my wedding reception decorations will look together - flowers, signs, decorations, tables, etc. Any tips for making sure all my little decisions fit together in the end?” If you’re like most of us, you're not a full service wedding or event designer (and hiring one isn't in the budget!). So how can we trust that the dozens of small wedding decor decisions we make along the way will ultimately work together as a whole? Today we’re going to explore 4 ways
When Less is MORE | 5 Micro Wedding Planning Tips
Have you ever been to a small wedding reception with magical ambiance and thought, "wow, this is great but it would be so much more meaningful if there were 300 additional people here?" I’m guessing the answer is NO. So why do feel so much pressure to host a huge wedding, invite everyone we know, spend all the money on all the things, and stress ourselves out every step along the way? Small, intimate weddings have been on the Wedding Planning Podcast "trend report" for 4 years in a row, and fo
ASK ME ANYTHING | Seating Chart, Drink Tickets, Honeymoon Planning, Unplugged Ceremony & More
This week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast is a collection of wedding questions & situations submitted by members of my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Membership includes the priceless benefit of submitting your wedding questions for feature on these monthly Q&A shows, and this week we're discussing in detail: Should we bother creating a seating chart? How much alcohol should we buy for 100 guests? Are "drink tickets" rude? Budgeting for dress alterations Details on FR
We Tried to Save Money ... and it Totally BACKFIRED
Today we’re going to chat about a handful of ways when trying to save money on your wedding can totally BACKFIRE. BONUS >>> Come behind the scenes with me in a bonus episode, "Taking a Chance on a Rookie Wedding Vendor", when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Aside of college educations, new homes and new cars, your wedding likely has one of the biggest price tags you’ve ever paid. You’re spending tens of thousands of dollars - o
Do We Really NEED a Day-Of Wedding Coordinator?
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to sort out some misconceptions and FAQ's about wedding planners and day of coordinators. BONUS >>> Join me inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT for a special bonus meeting on training a friend or family member to act as your Day Of Coordinator. Sign up for your FREE 3-DAY TRIAL here! Our goal today is to get really clear on the difference between a wedding planner and a day-of coordinator, and to determine whether or not y
ASK ME ANYTHING | DIY Invitations, Online Bridesmaid Dresses, Disagreeable Vendors & A Covid Update
This week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast is a collection of wedding questions & situations submitted by members of my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Membership includes the priceless benefit of submitting your wedding questions for feature on these monthly Q&A shows, and this week we're discussing in detail: DIY Invitations - is this really a good way to save money? (If you're interested in HIGHER quality, much MORE for your $$$ and VERY similar end-game pricing, I'd