Wedding Planning Podcast: Recent Episodes
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?
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 stuff to be on the lookout for during Black Friday / Cyber Monday holiday sales?
- Is it too late to hire a month-of coordinator?
- Dealing with unwanted, uninvited "plus 1's" in our RSVPs
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, questions and ideas either in an email or a voicemail, and I’ll share those on Friday. It's a quick turnaround, I know, so you'll have to act fast!
Be in touch on our website, weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact OR you can send a DM on Instagram to @weddingplanningpodcast.
Enjoy the show!
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
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
- Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
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 weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact
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 weddingplanningpodcast.co/samantha.
And if you've ever dreamed about quitting your day job to pursue something you're truly passionate about, Samantha can relate 100%! Be sure to check out her wedding floral business venture, @golden.hour.flowers on Instagram
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
- Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
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, questions and ideas either in an email or a voicemail, and I’ll share those on Friday. It's a quick turnaround, I know, so you'll have to act fast!
Be in touch on our website, weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact OR you can send a DM on Instagram to @weddingplanningpodcast.
Enjoy the show!
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 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 how can we develop an instinct for when it makes sense to invest more money for a higher quality experience, and when taking a less expensive route will be just fine?
That’s what we’re going to highlight today with a few listener scenarios that may seem a little crazy on the surface … but in reality offer a great chance to maximize the quality AND the value of the end-result.
Tune in for inspiration from other Wedding Planning Podcast listeners who had a kinda-crazy sounding idea ... and hear what worked, and what didn't!
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
- Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
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 & dance floor?
Submit your wedding questions anytime by visiting our website >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact
Book a 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Call to get all of your questions answered AND a written recap of actionable next-steps - in just 30 minutes!
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
- Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
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 of designer gowns that have all been thoroughly evaluated and pre-screened for quality, with clear and reliable disclosures on measurements and alterations. This is a really unique opportunity to wear a designer gown at a fraction of the price tag, and today I've invited founder Sarah Gabbour to share the Loved Twice Bridal experience with you!
In this week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, you'll gain:
- Online wedding dress shopping tips, including details on how the "Try At Home" feature works,
- Advice for wedding dress sizing (it's very different than what you're used to!)
- Tips for consignment selling your second-hand designer wedding dress after your wedding,
- Wedding dress budgeting advice,
- Important information about altering a second-hand wedding dress,
- Biggest mistakes and missed opportunities when shopping for your wedding dress,
- And so much more!
To shop Loved Twice Bridal gowns and learn more about consignment options, visit www.lovedtwicebridal.com/weddingplanningpodcast
And as a reminder for my Los Angeles / Southern California brides, Loved Twice Bridal does have a showroom in Beverly Hills. You can book an appointment for dress shopping OR for designer dress consignment by visiting their "Book an Appointment" page at the website linked above.
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
- Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
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 you’re looking for a spot to save a ton of money, creating table centerpieces & bouquets on your own is a great place to start!
Enjoy my top tips for incorporating flowers into your table decor, and we also cover beautiful centerpiece ideas that incorporate creative materials OTHER than flowers.
We wrap up with some specific examples of complete table set up’s that you can do for less than $10 per table.
Full blog post for today's show:
www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/centerpiece
A very special thank you to today's show sponsors:
- Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 throughout the course of your engagement, so we need to be extra cautious in getting the details cemented just right.
A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors:
- Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
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 strategy calls this week, and 5 of them were focused primarily on wedding day timeline issues.
Today’s free show is a great starting point, but if you need more personalized help ironing out the details of your specific wedding day timeline, that’s an option -
Simply visit this link to book a 30-minute Wedding Strategy call with me.
I release just 12 calls each month, and they book very quickly, so reserve your October call today!
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 your goal is a simple, beautiful, and affordable wedding - then the sky is the limit on the millions of wedding details you can leave out.
A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for sponsoring today's episode. Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
Other partner links mentioned in today's show:
Wedding shoes on Amazon? Why not! Check out these beauties & more for a fraction of the price at a "wedding" retailer.
Support a small business AND shop high quality, low priced wedding accessories on Etsy.
An entire show dedicated to planning, shopping for & setting up your own APPETIZER SPREAD can be found in your podcast feed dated June 1, 2022.
Last word! A CLASSIC way to save? Purchase once-used decor & other wedding items from another couple on a resale site like Craigslist, Ebay, or Facebook Marketplace. 🙌🏼
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 our personalities.
And of course, an added layer of stress arises when you and your partner come from different backgrounds, and one of you thinks paying $10,000 for a photographer is completely reasonable, and the other wants to spend $10,000 total on the entire wedding.
But no matter where you’re from, I’m a firm believer in your wedding day being an expression and celebration of you & your partner. At the end of the day, you’re making a really special commitment to one another, and looking to celebrate the occasion with your loved ones. That’s it!
With that said, let’s look at some common “wedding etiquette rules” with a fresh set of eyes.
Spoiler alert, I don’t necessarily have a right / wrong, ok / not ok answer for every single piece of wedding etiquette, because look, there is just so much gray area here. I could sit here all day and say, it’s never ok to do that, it’s always better to do that, but that’s not actuality, that’s not the world we live in.
I thought it would be helpful to take a list of common etiquette and rules that are flying around out there, and have a critical conversation about each one so that you can decide what’s right for YOU. Which leads me perfectly into,
Please trust that you ALWAYS have the support from me to ditch what everyone else is doing, and craft your day, your way.
No this doesn’t mean being blatantly rude or disagreeable to your family, or sneaking behind your partner to sabotage something that you know they really want, or failing to honor your guests who are committing significant time & resources to participate in your wedding and support you. Obviously use common sense, compromise and understanding throughout your engagement.
But these commonly held wedding etiquette rules & beliefs can by all means be adjusted and updated to serve you and your unique priorities.
LINKS & RESOURCES mentioned in today's show:
Setting up a Facebook Group for your wedding guests
Some Couples Are Charging Their Wedding Guests to Attend
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
- Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
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 a complete written recap of today's show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/registry
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
-
Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
-
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
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 celebration? Having a crystal clear set of expectations for who will be answering your questions and exactly who will be your point-person is critical!
- Can you share firsthand reviews & testimonials from past couples you’ve worked with?
- Does your past experience / areas of expertise fit naturally within our overall wedding vision, venue, and our top priorities?
- What can we expect in terms of ongoing communication, both frequency and style?
- Tune in for so much more, and visit the blog post for today's show for a full written recap.
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
-
Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
-
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
-
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
-
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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 of meats, toppings and fixings,
- Pre-made bento boxes,
- Gourmet picnic bags,
- A really unique local food truck,
- Fondue style where guests simmer meats in oil and dip bread and veggies in melted cheeses.
- Extensive charcuterie board table with meats, gourmet cheeses, olives, local honey, olive oil tastings, and for dinner your favorite pasta and salad served family-style.
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
-
Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
-
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
-
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
-
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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 found here)
- Styling and shape wear options like bras, corsets, and compression garments,
- The importance of COMFORTABLE SHOES,
- Getting your dress home & last minute wrinkle patrol (the handheld steamer I mentioned can be found here)
- And some creative ways to preserve and / or repurpose your gown after the wedding.
I hope you love it, and congratulations on that beautiful dress!
Cheers, Kara
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
-
Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
-
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
-
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
-
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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 the initial relief and excitement of finding and booking the perfect venue, we’re starting to realize the huge task ahead of us in terms of booking EVERYTHING (the venue comes with nothing set up, so we need to choose tables, chairs, place settings, dance floor, bar, basically everything.)
At this point, I feel completely overwhelmed by her ideas & suggestions, and I’m starting to worry that the wedding she has envisioned for us does not line up with our vision OR our budget. How do I reign in our wedding planner and rest easy knowing that we are on the same page?"
In my years of experience, it’s not just the wedding planners who need to reigned in ... often times it's also the moms, bridesmaids, aunts, cousins ... feeling familiar?
We’re going to cover all these scenarios in today’s episode.
You'll also enjoy a sneak peek inside my digital wedding planning package with release of exclusive audio, "Creating Your Wedding Vision". This exercise alone is one of the most valuable wedding planning tools I have to helping you create a celebration that truly honors your priorities & values.
Tune in for so much more!
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
-
Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
-
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
-
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
-
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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 this podcast, and most of them are in autopilot mode already at this point in the planning process.
And unfortunately, those couples miss a much larger opportunity.
An opportunity to wait patiently for their ideal wedding vision to unfold BEFORE going out and making big, irreversible decisions that end up really limiting what’s possible for them ... and I don’t want that for you.
SO MUCH MORE inside today's free audio meeting!
Links & resources:
Is Engagement Ring insurance for you?
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
-
Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
-
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
-
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
-
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
"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.
We never even had dinner that night because it got so late, but you know how it is with the crazy excitement you felt on your engagement day - dinner didn’t even matter. We had just lived an incredibly powerful moment that was about to change our lives forever.
Within weeks, my ring was resized and fit perfectly. We had shared the news with literally everyone we knew, and we started discussions about potential venues and dates, and of course, the elephant in the room - how we would pay for everything.
Tune in for so much more!
PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:
-
Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.
-
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
-
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
-
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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 going to focus on the DAY-OF timeline first, and you’ll find specifics on creating your reception timeline in the second half of this meeting.
Here’s a link to the Pinterest Wedding Timeline examples that I mentioned in the show.
A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for making this episode possible!
Would you LOVE to take advantage of honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
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, shared WEDDING EXPERIENCE based on your values & priorities.
In this meeting, we’re covering an overview of creative wedding entertainment ideas, and highlighting some fun twists on tradition that you can plan to treat your guests to an unforgettable experience.
GATHERING INSPIRATION FROM PINTEREST
I know podcasts don’t always lend well to visual examples, and I don't like simply rattling off long lists during the show ... so here’s a list of search terms that you can simply copy / paste into Pinterest for instant wedding entertainment ideas & inspiration!
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creative wedding guest book ideas
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wedding seating chart ideas
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wedding place card table ideas
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DIY selfie station
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DIY wedding photo backdrop,
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Bouquet toss ideas
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Garder toss ideas
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Money dance ideas
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Creative wedding toast
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Dessert bar ideas,
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Unique first dance ideas
For easy tips on getting a private Facebook group up and running, you can visit this link.
A very special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for making this week's free episode possible!
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
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 scoop on airfare and the best times to buy,
- Behind-the-scenes, expert insights that couples overlook when planning their honeymoon,
- Hot destinations for 2023 and beyond,
- And she even has some honeymoon planning mistakes to highlight for you, so that you can sidestep the common issues she sees come up for couples time & time again.
Travel and new experiences are incredibly special to me, and I hope you and your soon-to-be husband or wife enjoy the trip of a lifetime to celebrate your honeymoon!
To schedule a completely free honeymoon consultation with Susan, simply click here or visit www.susanstravelservices.com.
Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your final booking.
Cheers to you & the trip of a lifetime!
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:
-
Start w/ your venue to guide your color selection,
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Get color inspiration for your Save the Dates & wedding website - the first design elements your guests will actually see! I've linked 78 Save the Date options with beautiful sample color palettes here.
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Tips for using Pinterest to your advantage,
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Consider your potential colors actually being worn by your wedding party,
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And of course, KEEP IT SIMPLE!
Enjoy the show!
PS - A huge thank you to this week's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services:
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 get in touch with your stories and questions by heading to weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact.
I can’t wait to hear from you!
A special thank you to our show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services. Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
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 two of us after the room has been cleared
- Mini after-party at hotel lobby bar,
- Keeping it early & chill - wrapped everything up by 9:30 pm
- The challenges of setting a wedding budget and knowing where the starting point is
- Trying on 50+ dresses before finding “The One”
- And so much more!
For a complete written recap and to see their absolutely gorgeous wedding photos, here's a complete article that features Emma and Drew’s incredible wedding celebration.
And to wrap up this week, I would LOVE to hear from you! Whether it’s about a planning challenge or question you’re facing, a post-wedding day recap that you’d like to share, or simply requests for upcoming show topics, you can send in a voicemail to the show by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact
In your message, please be sure to leave your name and email address so we can reach you for follow up. I would love to share more stories like Emma’s, but I need your participation, so please make it a priority to be in touch!
A special thank you to this week's show sponsor:
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 small, I have some solid practices that you can use right now to be able to adapt, improvise, and mentally overcome any unforeseen issues & challenges that are bound to arise.
Tune in for so much more!
-
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
-
If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit. I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience. Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm. This is a completely FREE gift from me to you, and I hope you love it!
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 helping you with your wedding plans!
For a complete written version of today's show, including lots of listener Q&A's, visit the blog post linked here.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com. Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 creating your wedding vows and ceremony flow, and so much more.
To learn more about working with Tanya, please visit The Vow Whisperer website linked here, and follow her on social media @thevowwhisperer.
A special thank you to today's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 your priorities, and make a list of your top goals for your day spent at the wedding fair.
This way you can MAXIMIZE your time spent with vendors and gathering inspiration, and minimize the stress & overwhelm factor of wandering through hundreds of booths full of noisy commotion.
After our time together today, when the 15th DJ asks you if you want to dance, and the 22nd wedding planner asks you to spin their "wheel o' fun" ...
... you can confidently smile, say no thanks, and keep walking.
To submit questions for an upcoming show, simply visit our website and leave me a voicemail!
Cheers to you!
Kara
A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for sponsoring today's show!
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 in some way that will make your life easier, more affordable, more relaxing, and overall, more enjoyable.
Often we find ourselves in the midst of a planning roadblock and the first instinct is to explore your options.
In the first example we’re going to talk about today - a couple who has family in 2 different places, many of whom don’t want to travel, you might consider … getting married in each place, what would that look like? Getting married where we live? Getting married on an island with just us?
In all the feelings and family dynamics and charged emotions that fly around throughout your engagement season, it’s sometimes easy to get lost in a million far-fetched options ... when the simplest, most streamlined option is left by the wayside.
On that note, today we’re going to explore some common wedding planning scenarios where things can escalate and become verrrrrrrrrry complicated, very quickly.
I’m going to do my best to point out some straightforward, simple solutions that I hope will make your engaged life EASIER, MORE AFFORDABLE, and put a stop to waking up in the middle of the night with your mind racing over how many passed appetizers there should be, how many people should be in your wedding party, and how much ice to buy for your welcome party.
Ready to get started? Tune into the full show for so much more!
Thank you for supporting this week's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services!
- Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
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 from dreaded to done!
Resources & links from today’s show:
- Find helpful online seating chart tool recommendations here,
- Search “wedding seating chart” on Etsy for lots of custom options,
- “Do It Yourself” seating chart signs here,
- Browse KVW custom place card holders here,
- And enjoy tons of creative seating chart ideas on this Pinterest board.
A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors:
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination 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 Podcast Checklists
A huge thank you to today’s show sponsors!
If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit. I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience. Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm.
This is a completely FREE gift from me to you, and I hope you love it!
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 the basics here too - but I LOVE digging down deeper to find the solutions and options that aren’t quite so obvious, and that might offer a really creative way to put a unique spin on your day, make your guests’ experience that much more incredible, or save you a ton of money by simply making a little adjustment or swap.
Today we’re going to cover EIGHT wedding planning “blind spots” - areas that past couples and listeners of the podcast have pointed out as things they wouldn’t necessarily have thought about during their planning, but that became clear after listening to an episode, or in some cases, after their actual wedding was over and done with (and it was too late …)
If you’re in the early stages of planning, hopefully we can catch a few things now, so that you don’t find yourself a year or two from now saying, "if only we knew then what we know now!"
I know you have literally millions of options in terms of wedding websites, blogs, magazines, and other podcasts, and I thank you from my whole heart for spending this time with me, and for including me in your wedding planning journey. It’s a huge honor, and a huge responsibility that I hold with endless respect and gratitude, thank you.
I’ll meet you here again next week, same time, same place!
Cheers,
xo Kara
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 started, and you’ll even receive a $50 credit towards your wedding stationery when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/website.
In today's show, we're covering what to include on your website, what not to include, and lots of priceless details on how to leverage this incredible tool to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER over the coming months.
I also have a really fun & interactive extension of your website that will make connecting with your guests a breeze between now & wedding day.
Even if you’ve already got a wedding website up & running, I hope you’ll stick around for today’s conversation -
I have lots of important website elements to share that many couples miss, and I want you to be able to leverage your wedding website to your FULL ADVANTAGE over the next few months ... making your life easier, and of course, your guests’ lives easier as well!
A quick outline of what we're going to cover in today's meeting:
- Home Page
- Events
- Travel & Accommodations
- FAQ Page
- Your Story
- Wedding Party
- RSVP Details
- Links to your registry
- & don't miss my BONUS TIP for keeping in close contact with your wedding guests throughout the coming months via a private Facebook Group! Here's a link that explains exactly how to set one up.
PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com .
Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 type, additional enclosures, wax seals, envelope liners, and more.
And if you’re on a budget and looking to keep your invites as minimal and affordable as possible, I’ve got some exclusive listener savings to share totaling over $300! See below for links & resources.
LINKS + SPECIAL OFFERS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW:
25% off Save the Date announcements >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted
830+ Wedding Invitations w/ matching website, Save the Dates, QR code & extras >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/invite
$50 stationery credit to use towards your save the dates and / or invitations when you create a wedding website >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/website
BONUSES!
Get a FREE Wedding Planning Journal from our friends at Minted when you click here
Redeem your FREE Wedding Invitation Sample Kit here
And of course, an extra special thank you to Susan's Travel Services:
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 should we allocate to making the bouquets & centerpieces in the day or two before the wedding?
- Downsides to ordering flowers online? Considering Costco but the prices seem too good to be true
- We definitely want to do flower bouquets for me & bridesmaid and a simple flower on the guys’ jacket, but do you have any ideas for creative centerpieces that are more affordable than flowers?
Additional resources mentioned in today's episode:
- Wedding Flowers by Season
- Wholesale Flowers from COSTCO
- Wholesale Flowers from FIFTY FLOWERS
- Creative Centerpieces, show dated July 2023 (I said "June" in the show, my apologies!)
A special THANK YOU to Susan's Travel Services for making today's episode possible!
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 guidelines for any event, including engagement party, bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, or any special event you’ll host between now & your wedding, and even beyond.
Tune in and explore exactly how you can maximize the QUALITY AND VALUE of your wedding flowers using 5 simple guidelines.
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW:
Bulk Florals & Arrangements from Costco
Wedding Flowers by Season
Find a flower warehouse / wholesaler near you! Simply search, "floral wholesaler near me"
In San Diego? Here's my favorite flower / decor wholesaler
A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for making today's episode possible!
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 simply must know about your overall planning timeline, finding vendors, and making your guest list,
- The importance of setting REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS when working with overseas resorts and vendors,
- The truth behind "too good to be true" social media posts & videos that misrepresent appearance, quality & cost,
- And so much more!
Susan has personally helped me plan TWO unforgettable vacations, and I can guarantee there will be many more! Her genuine love of travel and new experiences - and wanting to SHARE that with her clients - is evident in every single step of working with her & her team.
For a FREE viritual consultation with Susan, visit her calendar linked here.
And don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast during your initial consultation for $200 off your destination wedding booking, or $50 off your honeymoon.
Cheers to you & the trip of a lifetime!
A note from Susan:
I am so excited to work with you and talk about a Destination Wedding! With over 28 years in the business and over 350 destination weddings planned, I have lots of insight and experience. It's a huge love for me!
Some things to know before we meet:
- Where are you thinking on getting married?
- When are you thinking on getting married?
- Will there be kids at your wedding (under 18)?
- What do you think your wedding budget is?
We will talk all about this, but just to get things started!
Thank you again!
Susan
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 alternatives to taking 50 of your closest friends & family out to eat at a nice restaurant ($$$). Beyond just saving money, we’ll also cover:
- When to start planning (hint - it might be earlier than you think!)
- Personality-packed options for location and food selection
- Tips for keeping the night on pace and organized
- And meaningful touches that will be remembered beyond the wedding day.
This topic is so dear to me - I remember our rehearsal dinner as one of the most special nights of my life. We grilled chicken, steak & veggies with our friends & family on the property where we got married, had all the fave drinks flowing, and a curated list of our favorite songs turned way up. We laughed, talked & celebrated long past sunset, and it was an absolutely magical night.
I wish all the same for you!
xo, Kara
PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
- If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit.
I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience. Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm.
This is a completely FREE gift from me to you, and I hope you love it!
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
- FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted
and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
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 questions here, or send me an email: k a r a {at} weddingplanningpodcast.co
Keep in touch on Instagram! Follow @weddingplanningpodcast
If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit. I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience. Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm.
This is a completely FREE gift from me to you, and I hope you love it!
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 big decisions.
It’s never too late for a heart-to-heart refresh + refocus on the core reasons why you’re planning this wedding in the first place!
FREE GIFT TIME!
I have ALL four parts of this magical series packaged up and ready for you to binge listen to after today’s show, along with lots of additional bonus resources and free gifts.
To access the full Engagement Starter Kit planning package right now, for FREE, simply CLICK HERE,
Or visit wedpodcast.com when you have a hands-free moment.
Yes signing up requires your email address, no I will not spam email you a hundred times a week, and no it does NOT require a credit card or any payment whatsoever.
Enjoy!
xo Kara
PS - Thank you for supporting this week's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 party at all, but I do. How to proceed?
- Rehearsal dinner options are way too expensive. Advice on making it more affordable?
- Should we hire a babysitter for our reception?
- Do we have to seat wedding party members with their dates?
SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING QUESTIONS HERE.
YES, it's totally annonymous, YES I really want to hear from you, and no - I won't use your name or voice on the show!
Thanks for being here, and we'll meet again next week!
Cheers, Kara
PS - An EXTRA special thank you for supporting today's show sponsors!
It's time to forget overpriced, unhealthy, and time-consuming takeout! Head to factormeals.com/wedding50 and use code wedding50 to get 50% off your first box and 2 free wellness shots per box while subscription is active.
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your FREE wedding website today when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 QUALITY service for the BEST VALUE.
You'll learn priceless wedding industry insights so that you have a deep understanding of the wedding vendor landscape and the things that go into package pricing, seasonal discounts, advertising expenses, and so much more.
A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors for making this wedding planning strategy meeting possible!
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Tap here to get started building your wedding website today & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 incredibly overwhelming and intimidating.
What roles are really necessary for us to hire? Where should we start in doing research and gathering referrals? What questions should we even be asking?
I’ve got an entire strategy call lined up for you on next week’s episode, full of the exact questions to ask, research tips to guide your search, and a whole list of checkpoints to ensure you’re getting the highest quality service for the absolute best value.
Today as a warm up, I’m sharing a conversation with a bride named Dee, who you met 2 weeks ago on the show all about surprising ways to save money on your wedding decor. Yes, she’s the gal who rented a uhaul to repurpose her existing, eclectic, and beloved decor from her own home, and share it with all of her wedding guests. If you missed it, be sure to hop back to the show dated 8.23.23 and have a listen!
Today Dee is back to share how she leaned into her genuine desire for good vibes, connection, and kindness when hiring her day of coordinator and photographer. She’s got a heart of gold, and the takeaways from this short & sweet conversation are absolutely priceless - enjoy!
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 wedding celebration.
The million dollar question is how can we develop an instinct for when it makes sense to invest more money for a higher quality experience, and when taking a less expensive route will be just fine - and we'll explore the answer in these two episodes!
Lucky for all of us, there are opportunities to simultaneously maximize quality AND value literally everywhere, and I’ve chosen these wedding planning elements to share with you as examples of how to think differently about the amount of money that’s really necessary to spend to acheive your end goal, which of course is a beautiful, unforgettable wedding celebration.
Cheers,
Kara
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 how can we develop an instinct for when it makes sense to invest more money for a higher quality experience, and when taking a less expensive route will be just fine - and that’s what we’re going to highlight in these two episodes.
Two of my ultimate priorities as a wedding professional are increasing QUALITY AND VALUE.
Lucky for all of us, there are opportunities to simultaneously maximize quality AND value literally everywhere, and I’ve chosen these wedding planning elements to share with you as examples of how to think differently about the amount of money that’s really necessary to spend to acheive your end goal, which of course is a beautiful, unforgettable wedding celebration.
For today, we’re focusing on one specific area where you can cut expenses and still maintain a beautiful end result, and it all starts with REUSING + REPURPOSING what you already have / own.
Tune in for so much more, and I'll be back next week with Part Two!
Cheers,
Kara
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 special thank you to this week's show sponsors:
Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
“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 that you can use professional design skills to create the cohesive, show-stopper look that you’re going for on your wedding day.
These design tips are suitable for all budgets, and no - you don’t need an advanced art or design degree to pull them off!
Tune in for easy tips on choosing your table linens, centerpiece flowers, favors, cocktail napkins, confetti, wedding party outfits, table settings, and so much more.
Links mentioned in today's show:
- We're also going to review 3 affordable reception decor ideas pulled straight from Pinterest to get your inspiration flowing.
- Beautiful bolts of tulle
- Affordable lanterns in various sizes & colors from Ikea
- Claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit here!
A special thank you to today's show sponsors!
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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, this topic is very near & dear to my heart. Today's show is inspired by my own experiences, and also by my friend Nick Loper, creator of the Side Hustle Nation blog and podcast.
Nick has 5 side hustle “business models” to share, and I’m going to elaborate on each one, and offer a few more ideas that I love.
For a full blog post & recap of today's show, AND a special video message from Nick, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/hustle.
Today's show is brought to you by these valued partners ...
Browse gorgeous paper products and complementary free wedding websites from our friends at Minted Weddings, AND save 25% off your Save the Dates with code WEDMINTED25 (offer expires 8.31.23)
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
Check out ethical, stunning, and one-of-a-kind wedding rings and bands at brilliantearth.com
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 for good reason! I’ve always been a huge fan of a simple, scaled back celebration ... and in today’s climate, that’s never been more appropriate.
Tune in to today's brand new episode for a complete "micro wedding" blueprint, designed to make planning a breeze. We'll cover everything you need to know to make your small celebration extra special.
From your tiny guest list, to invitations, splurge vs. save items, planning a larger reception to follow, and your TOP micro wedding questions - we'll cover it all in this encouraging & lighthearted overview.
I’ve been sharing my signature wedding planning advice on the podcast for 8 years now, and for the first time EVER, I’ve opened up my door to 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Calls.
Whether you’re looking for just one session to get your wedding plans started, or a series of ongoing support calls throughout your engagement, I’m here for you. Get the details & book your first call today when you visit wedpodcast.com .
Thank you for supporting today's show sponsors:
Browse gorgeous paper products and complementary free wedding websites from our friends at Minted Weddings, AND save 25% off your Save the Dates with code WEDMINTED25 (offer expires 8.31.23)
Get professional help planning your dream DESTINATION MICRO WEDDING when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $200 off your destination wedding booking, OR $50 off your honeymoon.
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 to save a ton of money, creating table centerpieces & bouquets on your own is a great place to start!
Enjoy my top tips for incorporating flowers into your table decor, and we also cover beautiful centerpiece ideas that incorporate creative materials OTHER than flowers.
We wrap up with some specific examples of complete table set up’s that you can do for less than $10 per table.
Full blog post for today's show:
www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/centerpiece
A very special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Check out ethical, stunning, and one-of-a-kind wedding rings and bands at brilliantearth.com
Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 wrong on your wedding day.
While I can’t buffer you against ALL mishaps like a global pandemic that spans years, a lipstick spot on your dress, swollen & hurting feet, or running out of vodka at the bar - the GOOD news is that you CAN protect yourself and your wedding from big disasters with a simple little thing called wedding insurance.
Wedding insurance is reasonably priced, and for just a couple hundred dollars can provide PRICELESS peace of mind.
Side note - Researching your wedding insurance options would be a PERFECT little task to delegate to someone who's been asking you "is there anything for the wedding I can help with?" ;)
Stick around for the second half of the show and we'll discuss your awkward, uncomfortable, and puzzling wedding questions.
Please feel free to share this valuable episode with your engaged friends, or anyone who's helping you plan. I appreciate your support of the Wedding Planning Podcast beyond words!
Cheers, Kara
I’ve been sharing my signature wedding planning advice on the podcast for 8 years now, and for the first time EVER, I’ve opened up my door to 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Calls!
Whether you’re looking for just one session to get your wedding plans started, or a series of ongoing support calls throughout your engagement, I’m here for you. Get the details & book your first call today when you visit wedpodcast.com .
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Browse gorgeous paper products and complementary free wedding websites from our friends at Minted Weddings, AND save 25% off your Save the Dates with code WEDMINTED25 (offer expires 8.31.23)
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 2023, and here’s a complete "sampling" of their list.
- CAKE TOPPERS on Etsy that are customizable, simple, and super affordable,
- Browse thousands of beautiful SUGAR FLOWER DECORATIONS from independent business owners on Etsy
- 30 Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Cake
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Affiliate shopping links from Amazon & Etsy support the show at no additional cost to you - thank you for your clicks!
Check out ethical, stunning, and one-of-a-kind wedding rings and bands at brilliantearth.com
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding.
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,
- Exactly when you should start planning this trip of a lifetime,
- The scoop on airfare and the best times to buy,
- Behind-the-scenes, expert considerations that couples overlook when planning their honeymoon,
- Hot destinations for 2023 and beyond,
- And she even has some honeymoon planning mistakes to highlight for you, so that you can sidestep the common issues she sees come up for couples time & time again.
Travel and new experiences are incredibly special to me, and I hope you and your soon-to-be husband or wife enjoy the trip of a lifetime to celebrate your honeymoon!
To schedule a completely free honeymoon consultation with Susan, simply click here or visit www.susanstravelservices.com.
Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your final booking.
Cheers to you & the trip of a lifetime!
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 celebration? Having a crystal clear set of expectations for who will be answering your questions and exactly who will be your point-person is critical!
- Can you share firsthand reviews & testimonials from past couples you’ve worked with?
- Does your past experience / areas of expertise fit naturally within our overall wedding vision, venue, and our top priorities?
- What can we expect in terms of ongoing communication, both frequency and style?
- Tune in for lots more!
For a complete recap of today's show, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co
Thank you to this week's show partners:
Brilliant Earth’s mission is to cultivate a more transparent, sustainable, compassionate, & inclusive jewelry industry. Check out all of their beautiful engagement + wedding bands at brilliantearth.com
Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 from dreaded to done!
Resources & links from today’s show:
- Find helpful online seating chart tool recommendations here,
- Search “wedding seating chart” on Etsy for lots of custom options,
- “Do It Yourself” seating chart signs here,
- Browse KVW custom place card holders here,
- And enjoy tons of creative seating chart ideas on this Pinterest board.
A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors:
Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful and affordable multi-day / multi-event wedding celebrations and you can do it too with Wedding Weekend By Design! Full details at weddingweekend.co
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
Brilliant Earth’s mission is to cultivate a more transparent, sustainable, compassionate, & inclusive jewelry industry. Check out all of their beautiful pieces at brilliantearth.com.
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 chew.
Otherwise, you risk finding yourself in a spot of pure overwhelm and chaos months into wedding planning, and I don't wish that upon anyone!
On today’s show, we’re going to explore 8 important considerations and red flags to carefully consider when hosting your wedding at a residential property like a backyard or a rental home.
Our conversation today is a perfect lesson in creating boundaries as you plan between what you can realistically handle yourself, what should be left to a paid professional, and how to rearrange your priorities if you're stuck feeling like the cheapest possible DIY route is your only option. (spoiler alert - it's not!!!)
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
- There are just 6 easy steps to planning an unforgettable wedding weekend experience. Access the proven formula when you visit weddingweekend.co.
- Check out beautiful wedding bands from our friends at brilliantearth.com.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 committing to an overpriced & underwhelming caterer,
- Not communicating clearly with your guests before, during, and after your wedding weekend experience,
- Getting OVERWHELMED and losing sight of your most important priorities,
- Relying on a DOC to organize and manage things that are not actually their responsibility
Today's highlighted planning mistakes come from couples who I've worked with inside Wedding Weekend By Design, my 6-STEP PLANNING FRAMEWORK that's incredibly easy to follow, and works with any budget, any timeline, and any hosting format.
Inside WWBD, I'll show you exactly how to:
- Design your master schedule,
- Budget for various events & pre-parties,
- Find the best venue to fit your vision,
- Uncover creative options & workarounds for food & drinks,
- Get and stay organized, and make an airtight communication plan,
- And you'll even have access to sample wedding weekend schedules & menus so that you can get inspired by what other couples have done!
I can’t wait to see you inside Wedding Weekend By Design!
Cheers,
Kara
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 guests in an order that makes sense?
- We’re torn between 2 very different "wedding weekend" visions - how do we decide?
- What are some tips for trying to pace events so we don’t feel overwhelmed?
- My fiance and I have totally different visions for how to stock our own bar. He wants to basically recreate a top-shelf situation with all the liquors and mixers, and I see more of a simplistic set up of beer, wine, maybe a signature cocktail. Your thoughts?
- How can I get over feeling like we need to please everyone?
Today's highlighted questions come from couples who have followed Wedding Weekend By Design, my 6-STEP PLANNING FRAMEWORK that's incredibly easy to follow, and works with any budget, any timeline, and any hosting format.
Inside WWBD, I'll show you exactly how to:
- Design your master schedule,
- Budget for various events & pre-parties,
- Find the best venue to fit your vision,
- Uncover creative options & workarounds for food & drinks,
- Get and stay organized, and make an airtight communication plan,
- And you'll even have access to sample wedding weekend schedules & menus so that you can get inspired by what other couples have done!
I can’t wait to see you inside Wedding Weekend By Design!
Cheers, Kara
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 go along with our conversation today, I‘m incredibly excited to introduce Wedding Weekend by Design, a digital planning package that walks you through a simple, 6-step framework to designing your perfect wedding weekend celebration ...
... so that when we flash forward a few months, you’re echoing what Kate just said - and not left feeling like you missed out, and it was all over in the blink of an eye.
To sign up for the Wedding Weekend By Design digital planning package, visit weddingweekend.co
The intuitive planning framework inside WWBD is designed to proactively steer you clear of the mistakes I see couples make over & over again, so that you can design your entire wedding weekend with CONFIDENCE + EASE.
You’ll enjoy a 6-STEP PLANNING FRAMEWORK that's incredibly easy to follow, and works with any budget, any timeline, and any hosting format.
I'll show you exactly how to:
- Design your master schedule,
- Budget for various events & pre-parties,
- Find the best venue to fit your vision,
- Uncover creative options & workarounds for food & drinks,
- Get and stay organized, and make an airtight communication plan,
- And you'll even have access to sample wedding weekend schedules & menus so that you can get inspired by what other couples have done!
I can’t wait to see you inside Wedding Weekend By Design!
xo, Kara
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 episode dated 5/4/22, "Hiring Your Wedding Vendors" for lots more on this topic)
- DIY flower recommendations - this is an item that’s not terribly high on our priority list, what are some of your top tips for doing our own flowers?
- Help evaluating pros and cons of venues with more or less DIY
- Is a videographer really worth it? Any alternate ways to capture video?
WEDDING QUESTIONS?
Planning a wedding celebration from start to finish comes with countless questions about logistics, feasibility, budgeting, etiquette concerns, just to name a few (I could go on, and on, and on ....)
Wouldn't it be nice to talk through your ideas & concerns with a down-to-earth, totally neutral 3rd party who has literally "seen it all" when it comes to weddings?
Now you can take advantage of personalized, 1-on-1 calls! Wedding Strategy Calls are available to book now when you visit wedpodcast.com.
Take advantage of flexible options including monthly subscription pricing, or simply book one call to clarify a few specific questions.
Talk soon!
Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 found here)
- Styling and shape wear options like bras, corsets, and compression garments,
- The importance of COMFORTABLE SHOES,
- Getting your dress home & last minute wrinkle patrol (the handheld steamer I mentioned can be found here)
- And some creative ways to preserve and / or repurpose your gown after the wedding.
I hope you love it, and congratulations on that beautiful dress!
Cheers, Kara
PS - I’ve been sharing my signature wedding planning advice on the podcast for 8 years now, and for the first time EVER, I’ve opened up my door to 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Calls!
Whether you’re looking for just one session to get your wedding plans started, or a series of ongoing support calls throughout your engagement, I’m here for you. Get the details & book your first call today when you visit wedpodcast.com .
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 arises when you and your partner come from different backgrounds, and one of you thinks paying $10,000 for a photographer is completely reasonable, and the other wants to spend $10,000 total on the entire wedding.
But no matter where you’re from, I’m a firm believer in your wedding day being an expression and celebration of you & your partner. At the end of the day, you’re making a really special commitment to one another, and looking to celebrate the occasion with your loved ones. That’s it!
With that said, let’s look at these “wedding etiquette rules” with a fresh set of eyes. We're going to make a pledge to let go of what “everyone else is doing,” and open up the possibilities way beyond that.
Please know that you always have the support from me to ditch what everyone else is doing, and craft your day, your way!
PS - I’ve been sharing my signature wedding planning advice on the podcast for 8 years now, and for the first time EVER, I’ve opened up my door to 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Calls!
Whether you’re looking for just one session to get your wedding plans started, or a series of ongoing support calls throughout your engagement, I’m here for you. Get the details & book your first call today when you visit wedpodcast.com .
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 you have to automatically package up envelopes with 20% tips for every single wedding vendor you hire? Think again.
Today I’m gonna save you hours on google, and likely hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars over that crazed couple who just takes the advice out there on tipping at face value and doesn’t bother taking the time to explore the nuances and undercurrents that are actually at play.
So come along with me, and let’s uncover the TRUTH about tipping your wedding vendors!
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 a complete written recap of today's show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/registry
A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors:
Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
If you have the beginnings of a really creative wedding vision that you’d like to talk through to discuss overall feasibility, options, or pricing comparison, I have 1-on-1 wedding strategy calls available! You can book your call today when you visit wedpodcast.com.
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 back up.
Wedding programs are on your checklist. I mean, doesn’t every wedding have to have a ceremony program? And your mom chimes in about menus, and place cards, and invitations with 3 enclosures, and RSVP cards and save the dates … And you see 3 different deals on Instagram, Facebook, and in an email from that wedding website for free samples, 50% off your order, and beautiful all-in-one custom invitation suites that match every wedding theme perfectly!
Aaaaaaaannnnnd all of the sudden you realize that you’ve spent $1000 on paper products that you could really care less about - all because they were on the checklist, they were on sale, and let’s be real, you didn’t want to disappoint your mom.
Is following that free wedding checklist really a good idea?
Wouldn’t it have been much easier to press pause and acknowledge at the start that you don’t care about ceremony programs, and therefore you’re just going to skip them altogether? Same with the other $900 worth of paper products?
And that example was something pretty small, like wedding programs - what happens when you book a $6,000 videographer because that’s what everyone does right, you have to have a videographer - {you’re totally gonna regret it if you don’t have the most important day of your life on film - there’s a little voice in the back of your head that knows you could come up with a workaround, that you don’t really need or care if you have a cinematic movie theatre quality film of your wedding …. But you’re gonna go with the flow, because you only get married once in theory and this is just what everyone does.}
And that credit card statement just keeps on growing, full of stuff that doesn’t really matter to you, but the checklist said so, so you did it. Flowers. A fancy cake. Favors. Expensive place settings and charger plates, and chair slip covers and table linens.
Is this really where you want to be? Feeling pressured & judged by a free wedding checklist?
If you’re like me, and you want to keep things simple and affordable while at the same time pulling off an unforgettable wedding that’s FULL OF MEANING, then you know that driving yourself crazy trying to fulfill every single thing on that freebie wedding checklist isn’t the answer.
Ready for the new way? Tune in to today's full episode to learn exactly how to create your own PERSONALIZED wedding checklist that highlights ONLY your most important priorities ... and gain the freedom that comes when you say NO to everything else.
Our conversation today is just the beginning of creating a well-defined wedding vision that will be your north star compass throughout the rest of your engagement.
Formulating your wedding vision is a priceless investment of your time, and it sounds simple enough - but it’s not always easy to separate ourselves from feelings of judgment, doubt, and unrealistic expectations.
If you’d like some one-time help, OR ongoing guidance for bringing your wedding vision to life, visit wedpodcast.com for details on how we can work together in a personalized, 1-on-1 setting.
SUSAN'S TRAVEL SERVICES | Would you LOVE to take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
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 have a question 🙋🏼♀️ ... how is feeling overwhelmed & anxious about all that outside noise going to help YOU plan an unforgettable wedding experience that celebrates your marriage and your love in a once-in-a-lifetime event with all the people closest to you?
Your engagement season is too special to sit back & let it slip by in a cloud of overwhelm and frustration.
Right now, you have a choice.
You can continue down the rabbit hole of OVERWHELM - of “perfect weddings” on social media, a million wedding websites telling you to do a million different things, noisy chatrooms, crappy blogs, free checklists and timelines on Pinterest and DIY’ers on You Tube telling you how to plan your entire wedding for $100.00.
Honestly, that’s what most brides and grooms choose, and they stay stuck in a frenzy of anxiety & overwhelm all the way through the wedding day itself.
They miss a beautiful opportunity to connect with one another, to live their engagement season in lightness and joy, and love.
But YOU have a choice.
You can CHOOSE be the engaged couple who presses pause on all that noise, and gets your mindset and your values in alignment with the vision YOU have of your perfect wedding celebration .... so that you can create an engagement season AND a wedding celebration full of lightness, love and joy.
That sounds much better, right?
If that’s you, then tune in to today's show where I’m going to show you exactly how to EMBRACE who you are, PRIORITIZE what you value, and bring it all together in a life-changing wedding celebration for you & your loved ones.
It’s time to say “YES” to a more joyful engagement season, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it 🙏.
Cheers to you,
Kara
Our conversation today is just the beginning of creating a well-defined wedding vision that will be your north star compass throughout the rest of your engagement.
Formulating your wedding vision is a priceless investment of your time, and it sounds simple enough - but it’s not always easy to separate ourselves from feelings of judgment, doubt, and unrealistic expectations.
If you’d like some one-time help, OR ongoing guidance for bringing your wedding vision to life, visit wedpodcast.com for details on how we can work together in a personalized, 1-on-1 setting.
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 started, and you’ll even receive a $50 credit towards your wedding stationery when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/website.
In today's show, we're covering what to include on your website, what not to include, and lots of priceless details on how to leverage this incredible tool to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER over the coming months.
I also have a really fun & interactive extension of your website that will make connecting with your guests a breeze between now & wedding day.
Even if you’ve already got a wedding website up & running, I hope you’ll stick around for today’s conversation -
I have lots of important website elements to share that many couples miss, and I want you to be able to leverage your wedding website to your FULL ADVANTAGE over the next few months ... making your life easier, and of course, your guests’ lives easier as well!
A quick outline of what we're going to cover in today's meeting:
- Home Page
- Events
- Travel & Accommodations
- FAQ Page
- Your Story
- Wedding Party
- RSVP Details
- Links to your registry
- & don't miss my BONUS TIP for keeping in close contact with your wedding guests throughout the coming months via a private Facebook Group! Here's a link that explaings exactly how to set one up.
PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com .
Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 type, additional enclosures, wax seals, envelope liners, and more.
And if you’re on a budget and looking to keep your invites as minimal and affordable as possible, I’ve got some exclusive listener savings to share totaling over $300! See below for links & resources.
LINKS + SPECIAL OFFERS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW:
25% off Save the Date announcements - HURRY, OFFER ENDS 3/27/23 >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted
830+ Wedding Invitations w/ matching website, Save the Dates, QR code & extras >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/invite
$50 stationery credit to use towards your save the dates and / or invitations when you create a wedding website >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/website
BONUS!
Get a FREE Wedding Planning Journal from our friends at Minted when you click here
And of course, an extra special thank you to Susan's Travel Services:
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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:
-
Start w/ your venue to guide your color selection,
-
Get color inspiration for your Save the Dates & wedding website - the first design elements your guests will actually see! I've linked 78 Save the Date options with beautiful sample color palettes here.
-
Tips for using Pinterest to your advantage,
-
Consider your potential colors actually being worn by your wedding party,
-
And of course, KEEP IT SIMPLE!
Enjoy the show!
PS - I’ve been sharing my signature wedding planning advice on the podcast for 8 years now, and for the first time EVER, I’ve opened up my door to 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Calls!
Whether you’re looking for just one session to get your wedding plans started, or a series of ongoing support calls throughout your engagement, I’m here for you. Get the details & book your first call today when you visit wedpodcast.com.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.
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 your guest list,
- Top wedding destinations for 2023 & beyond,
- Seasonal travel volume & weather alerts to be aware of,
- Biggest mistakes couples make when planning a destination wedding,
- And so much more!
Susan has personally helped me plan TWO unforgettable vacations, and I can guarantee there will be many more! Her genunine love of travel and new experiences - and wanting to SHARE that with her clients - is evident in every single step of working with her & her team.
For a FREE viritual consultation with Susan, visit her calendar linked here.
And don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast during your initial consultation for $200 off your final destination wedding booking!
Cheers to you & the trip of a lifetime!
A note from Susan:
I am so excited to work with you and talk about a Destination Wedding! With over 27 years in the business and over 200 destination weddings, I have lots of insight and experience. It's a huge love for me!
Some things to know before we meet:
- Where are you thinking on getting married?
- When are you thinking on getting married?
- Will there be kids at your wedding (under 18)?
- What do you think your wedding budget is?
We will talk all about this, but just to get things started!
Thank you again!
Susan
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 talk through to discuss overall feasibility, options, or pricing comparison - I have 1-on-1 wedding strategy calls available.
Here are some sample topics from couples I spoke with this past week:
>>> "Our budget has ballooned since booking a venue, photographer, and planner - what are some ways we can get things back under control moving forward?"
>>> "We want to rent an Airbnb and host our wedding at a national park - is that even possible?"
>>> "I got quotes from 3 planners and 4 photographers, and I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the information and not sure how to make our final decision."
>>> "We have a unique wedding set up, and wondering what's better - a day-of, month-of, or full service wedding planner?"
>>> "I want to do our own flowers & bouquets, can you give me a simple roadmap for what to do and when?"
Visit wedpodcast.com today to book a single call / series of calls. Earliest available call dates start March 20th. Book now, they will fill up fast!
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, and instead of being able to buy 2 gallons of milk and 18 eggs at Costco for $8, now I have to choose one or the other.
In just one day, I had 3 calls with couples from very different parts of the US, but the theme was the same - holy sh!, are these quotes and prices we're getting back from vendors actually normal?!*
And I know that if 100% of the conversations I have in one single day are related to the economy and how damn expensive everything is right now, then this is something that’s on all of our minds in one way or another.
I’m not here to claim that I understand the issue at the deepest, most granular level, or that I have all the answers - I simply thought it would be helpful to describe the problem and some reasons why it’s happening, and more importantly to offer some actionable ways that we as wedding industry consumers can increase our spending power.
In my 1-on-1 calls Wedding Strategy Calls with members of my digital planning package, the majority of our conversations so far this year are centering around how to modify a professional product or service so that it’s more compatible with our overall budget and their priorities.
In other words, what are some easy ways that we can MAXIMIZE our budget so that we can have more of the things we want?
If you’re someone who’s looking for a professional, unbiased eye to evaluate some high-level cost-savings opportunities OR suggestions on how to really maximize your spending power, I DO still have 1-on-1 calls available for new members!
This rare bonus packs some seriously HUGE VALUE, and I will continue offering monthly 1-on-1 to new members for as long as possible ...
HOWEVER, spots are filling quickly, and I literally only have so many hours in the day, so you'll want to head to wedpodcast.com for complete details and book your first 1-on-1 wedding strategy call today.
Talk soon!
Cheers, Kara
THANK YOU to this week's supporting show sponsors:
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 engaged couples over the past 7 years of producing this podcast, and most of them are in autopilot mode already at this point in the planning process.
And unfortunately, those couples miss a much larger opportunity.
An opportunity to wait patiently for their ideal wedding vision to unfold BEFORE going out and making big, irreversible decisions that end up really limiting what’s possible for them ... and I don’t want that for you.
SO MUCH MORE inside today's free audio meeting!
THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors:
Welcome to The VAULT, a unique subscription-based planning tool for couples who are dreaming of an UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING CELEBRATION ... minus the crushing stress, expense, and overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
* NEW MEMBER BONUS * Get 1-ON-1 CALLS included for the lifetime of your membership! CLICK HERE for details.
Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
"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.
We never even had dinner that night because it got so late, but you know how it is with the crazy excitement you felt on your engagement day - dinner didn’t even matter. We had just lived an incredibly powerful moment that was about to change our lives forever.
Within weeks, my ring was resized and fit perfectly. We had shared the news with literally everyone we knew, and we started discussions about potential venues and dates, and of course, the elephant in the room - how we would pay for everything.
- SPOILER ALERT * These conversations weren’t very productive, and we didn’t have any breakthrough revelations other than feeling like planning an entire wedding seemed really expensive, overwhelming, and exhausting.
My mom, sister & best friends were incredibly excited, and couldn’t wait to start planning showers, parties, dress shopping trips, and fun wedding projects.
But underneath all the buzz and excitement? There was this nagging discomfort / doubt / anxiety that I just couldn't shake ...
It had started as a passing thought, but was starting to grow bigger and harder to ignore.
This is when I started to realize that John and I had never even discussed our actual wedding ideas before getting engaged, and the logistics and finances of planning and hosting everything were already incredibly overwhelming -
And we really HADN'T EVEN GOTTEN STARTED, which multiplied that feeling by 10x.
The cost of living in San Diego was sky high (as it still is, everywhere). We were working really hard to advance in our careers so that we could do and have ALL the fun things.
We had some money saved, but not a ton … and we definitely didn't "plan" to spill over onto credit cards to pay for our wedding (trust me, no one "plans" to).
So what did we do?
PIVOT.
We shifted into a completely different mindset. We STOPPED looking at our wedding through the lens of tradition and "what everyone else is doing", and we started thinking outside the box about ways we could create a truly unique experience for our loved ones that didn’t look like every wedding we had already been to. A wedding that wouldn’t be over in a matter of hours, and wouldn’t require tens of thousands of dollars or credit card debt to pay for.
Great, so we had made some progress, and we were SO EXCITED about the glimmer of a vision that was starting to come together ... but all of the actual logistics were still hanging over us, like a heavy cloud.
Having a vision is one thing, but we had no idea what to focus on first ....
- A venue?
- Food & drinks?
- How do you know if you can afford one thing if you have no idea how much everything else costs?
- How do you make one decision knowing that it hinges on 27 other things that you can't pin down right this moment?
Obviously I needed to find a wedding planner to help us sort out the next steps, because basic, you have to hire a wedding planner, right?
I met with a handful of planners who all walked confidently into the Starbucks or bistro bar, high heels clicking, portfolio ready to share - FFWD thru 3 days + 3 meetings, and none of them were LISTENING TO ME.
I talked about creative visions of fondue pots on small, intimate 4-top tables, renting a giant mansion for a long wedding weekend, hosting 3-4 separate parties & events, and having someone who could be there to organize and direct independently hired bartenders and servers and coordinate the weekend-of logistics for us.
And I was met with blank stare after blank stare.
Politely told that it wouldn’t work because of A, B, C reason, and had we considered cookie cutter venue D, E, and F which works with preferred vendors X, Y and Z?
The thought of paying someone thousands of dollars who clearly had no interest whatsoever in our wedding vision was clearly out of the question.
I came home literally crying after interviewing the third planner on my list - she cut me off repeatedly, actually laughed at my fondue idea saying it would be impossible, left me with a list of her preferred vendors and a deadline to decide by Friday or else she was booking another client.
Wow.
And the bow on top is that she came highly recommended to me by a friend, which made the entire experience even more disappointing.
If you’ve ever met with a pushy vendor who’s so obviously just trying to book up their calendar as fast as possible, you know exactly what it feels like to have your ideas dismissed and to be completely unheard.
In that moment, John and I were left with a choice.
We could have eventually found an affordable enough venue, chosen the cheapest meal option, and gone broke paying for a top shelf open-bar (which incidentally, was one of John’s "wedding non-negotiables").
We could have scrapped and saved and charged a few things on credit cards to bring it all together in a wedding that wouldn’t be the best of the best, and definitely wouldn’t be featured in any wedding magazines or blogs ... but hopefully our friends & family wouldn’t be too judge-y and would understand the financial constraints of treating 100 of your closest loved ones to a nice dinner, bottomless drinks, and dancing.
We’d check off all the boxes, run through all the traditions, and at the end of the day, we’d be married. After all, wasn’t that the whole point?
And in that critical moment, thank goodness we woke up and saw that NO -
That’s not ANYWHERE NEAR THE POINT.
And I’m here today sharing this all with you because it scares the hell out of me to think of how close we were to NOT following our vision, and to just going through the motions, and I don’t want that for you.
And at the same time, it breaks my heart to think of how many engaged couples every single day are in the same position that we were, but who DON’T find the right resources and support and encouragement to follow their dream vision, and who aren't lucky enough to go on to design the wedding that they truly want.
So back to the story - in this pivotal moment, John & I took a giant leap of faith, and committed to planning our wedding OUR WAY - to hell with narcissist wedding planners, cookie cutter checklists, outdated traditions, expectations, or worrying about what anyone else thought of our decisions.
We got on the same page with this mindset, and we had deep discussions about the things that were most important to us.
In the end, we rented a 7,000 square foot mansion, did our own catering - yes, we planned out, shopped for, and brought to life that giant fondue party that was so important to us - we spent 4 solid days hanging out with our 75 closest friends and family, eating, drinking, dancing, talking, staying up late, laughing, and we did it ALL for around $12,000 - for transparency sake, that was in 2010 so someone good at math and economics can adjust for inflation - or, you could trust the "inflation calculator" I found online and use the number $17,000 in today's world. EITHER WAY, for the overall value and priceless experience for everyone involved, I’m going to stand firm in saying that’s pretty damn good!!!
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 just told, 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 do, how much things cost, and how complicated it feels to go off the beaten path …
They'll cave when someone is critical of a fun idea, and pull back when they feel judged for something that they did or didn't do. John and I faced skeptical, judge-y eyes too many times to count throughout our entire planning process - but that's another story, for another time.
And they’ll fall back to the status quo wedding planners, the big corporate websites, and the free checklists to plan a cookie cutter wedding for them, without ever even knowing the priceless opportunity that has slipped away.
The opportunity to design the wedding that YOU actually want, and to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your loved ones that leaves a lasting sense of love & connection for decades to come.
And to miss out on that, is quite simply, heartbreaking.
But here's the final, most important part of this very long email:
Unforgettable, life-changing weddings don't just "happen".
They don't just magically arise from the mountain of printouts and free checklists, and magazines, budget calculators and Pinterest boards and reels that you consume on loop.
And just having a wedding vision isn't enough, without continued support, encouragement, and ongoing direction.
The most meaningful & unforgettable wedding celebrations are planned carefully, ONE STEP AT A TIME using a 3-part framework that I've spent the past 12 years perfecting.
And the best part is that it's all available for you to enjoy inside my signature planning package, The VAULT .
The VAULT isn't like working with a traditional wedding planner, with contracts, deposits, balances due, and a set number of meetings and phone calls.
Membership unlocks access to a down-to-earth, easy to follow wedding master plan that gets to the heart of what truly makes a wedding UNFORGETTABLE and LIFE-CHANGING, for everyone involved.
And when you sign up today, you'll even enjoy a 1-on-1, 30-Minute Wedding Strategy call each month that you're a member.
I have literally NEVER offered this before, and I'm so excited to connect.
I can't wait to see you there, and to learn more about you & your wedding!
Cheers, Kara
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
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 going to focus on the DAY-OF timeline first, and you’ll find specifics on creating your reception timeline in the second half of this meeting.
Here’s a link to the Pinterest Wedding Timeline examples that I mentioned in the show.
A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you!
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
SUSAN'S TRAVEL SERVICES | Would you LOVE to take advantage of honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
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 with deep meaning and your personalities.
We’re also going to cover:
- Ceremony flow of events,
- Finding an officiant,
- Your wedding vows,
- And finally some additional ways to incorporate meaning and personality.
A well-crafted wedding ceremony will perfectly express your relationship as a couple. It should make your guests understand exactly why they are at the wedding, and may address the couples past, present and future.
We can be serious, lighthearted, traditional or a mix of all three - your ceremony doesn’t have to follow any script, and you’re free to personalize this portion of your day in any way you like!
ADDITIONAL LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE:
Claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit here!
LEAVE A VOICEMAIL with your questions, wedding stories, or planning concerns >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact
Sample Wedding Vows & Guide / Examples
Creative unity ceremony ideas
Take the guesswork & stress out of choosing the music for your special day! Visit MyWeddingSongs.com today to prepare your wedding music for FREE and enjoy over 600 custom wedding playlists.
For unique ceremony signage, wedding program inspiration & more, visit Pinterest.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
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, shared WEDDING EXPERIENCE based on your values & priorities.
In this meeting, we’re covering an overview of creative wedding entertainment ideas, and highlighting some fun twists on tradition that you can plan to treat your guests to an unforgettable experience.
GATHERING INSPIRATION FROM PINTEREST
I know podcasts don’t always lend well to visual examples, and I don't like simply rattling off long lists during the show ... so here’s a list of search terms that you can simply copy / paste into Pinterest for instant wedding entertainment ideas & inspiration!
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creative wedding guest book ideas
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wedding seating chart ideas
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wedding place card table ideas
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DIY selfie station
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DIY wedding photo backdrop,
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Bouquet toss ideas
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Garder toss ideas
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Money dance ideas
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Creative wedding toast
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Dessert bar ideas,
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Unique first dance ideas
For easy tips on getting a private Facebook group up and running, you can visit this link.
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
If you’re newly engaged and / or looking to kick off the new year with a fresh start on your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to check out my totally free Engagement Starter Kit.
I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that’s designed to unlock the essential keys to a down-to-earth, stress-free and JOYFUL wedding planning experience.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (and totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
A very special thank you to today’s show sponsors:
- Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 small, I have some solid practices that you can use right now to be able to adapt, improvise, and mentally overcome any unforeseen issues & challenges that are bound to arise.
Tune in to today's brand new episode for so much more!
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT
Redeem at allnew.wedding
If you’re newly engaged and / or looking to kick off the new year with a fresh start on your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to check out my totally free Engagement Starter Kit.
I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that’s designed to unlock the essential keys to a down-to-earth, stress-free and JOYFUL wedding planning experience.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (and totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances.Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership!
Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.
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, then you’ll definitely want to check out my totally free Engagement Starter Kit!
I’ve packaged up a 3-part bonus audio series that’s designed to unlock the essential keys to a down-to-earth, stress-free and JOYFUL wedding planning experience.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
- Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership
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 VENDORS,
- Identifying + incorporating your top VALUES into your celebration,
- Muting the noise + remaining laser-focused on a SMART PLANNING STRATEGY,
- ENHANCING YOUR RELATIONSHIP with your partner, your family + your loved ones,
- Monthly "Ask Anything" opportunities with your host, Kara
- And so much MORE!
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES >>> redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
ACCESS THE WPP DIGITAL WEDDING PLANNING PACKAGE
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding, minus the crushing stress, excess, and overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples. For more information + FREE 3-DAY TRIAL, visit wedpodcast.com.
There are absolutely no contracts, zero obligation, and you're free to cancel anytime - no questions asked. I can't wait to see you there!
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS FOR "ASK ME ANYTHING" SHOW SEGMENTS
To submit questions or topic requests for an upcoming show, simply FOLLOW @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram & send a DM (direct message) on the platform.
*VAULT Members have priority access to all "ASK ME ANYTHING" segments & bonus show materials.
Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to all messages, but every submission is carefully logged & tracked for consideration in upcoming episodes & bonus shows.
EMAIL RECAPS, IMPORTANT UPDATES & SPECIAL OFFERS
Sign up to receive weekly email recaps, important updates, and special offers from our partners by visiting www.weddingplanningpodcast.co
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 ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
- FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
- Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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 come along,
-
discomfort over being the center of attention,
-
feeling lost in a totally uncomfortable situation,
... just to name a few.
In the first half of today's show, we run through some quick guidelines that will help demystify the wedding dress shopping process, and put you in full control of the way your experience unfolds.
In the second half of the show, we're heading inside David's Bridal to try on dresses. You'll hear live snippets of conversation on the pro's, the con's, the do's and the don'ts of finding your dream wedding dress.
You can find a full recap of today’s show in a blog post that’s at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/dress.
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
- FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
- Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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 alternatives to taking 50 of your closest friends & family out to eat at a nice restaurant ($$$). Beyond just saving money, we’ll also cover:
- When to start planning (hint - it might be earlier than you think!)
- Personality-packed options for location and food selection
- Tips for keeping the night on pace and organized
- And meaningful touches that will be remembered beyond the wedding day.
This topic is so dear to me - I remember our rehearsal dinner as one of the most special nights of my life. We grilled chicken, steak & veggies with our friends & family on the property where we got married, had all the fave drinks flowing, and a curated list of our favorite songs turned way up. We laughed, talked & celebrated long past sunset, and it was a magical night.
I wish all the same for you!
xo, Kara
PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
-
Don't miss the Wedding Planning Podcast Photography & Videography mini-planning package! Get instant access AND save 75% when you visit wedpodcast.com.
-
Design the perfect cheese board, every single time! Go to cheeselovershop.com and use code wedding to get a FREE mystery cheese at checkout.
- Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 2023. Leave a voicemail with your questions here.
- Don't miss the Wedding Planning Podcast Photography & Videography mini-planning package. Get instant access AND save 75% when you visit wedpodcast.com.
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
- Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership
-
I'm going to Cancun for Christmas this year, and I have Susan's Travel Services to thank for managing ALL of the research, booking & details of our trip! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
-
Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com
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 ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SHOOT,
- Should we do a "FIRST LOOK"?
- VIDEOGRAPHY specifics ,
- Is DIY PHOTOGRAPHY and/or videography an option - for your pre-wedding parties & events, rehearsal, or maybe even your wedding day?
- Actionable tips for DIY VIDEOGRAPHY from a bride who pulled it off (AND has an amazing wedding video to show for it!)
- Is it OK to hire a "rookie" photographer who doesn’t have a ton of experience, or is that a horrible idea?
- What secrets & tips would a veteran wedding photographer share with you one on one, over coffee?
You’ll find the answers to all of those questions and so much more within the Wedding Planning Podcast Photography & Videography mini-planning package. Get instant access AND save 75% when you visit wedpodcast.com.
I'm going to Cancun for Christmas this year, and I have Susan's Travel Services to thank for managing ALL of the research, booking & details of our trip!
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
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, prices, and styles. The possibilities are endless, so it’s key that we go into the research process with a handful of streamlined search filters to dodge being overwhelmed with all the options.
In this workshop-style meeting, we'll review SIX important things to consider as you start shopping around for the perfect venue to host your wedding celebration.
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Minted Weddings features beautiful one-of-a-kind stationary designs by independent artists, not to mention top-notch quality & service. This is why I order our family holiday cards from them every single year! Request a FREE Save The Date or Wedding Invitation Sample Kit when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted.
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 a complete written recap of today's show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/registry
A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors:
Design the perfect cheese board, every single time! Go to cheeselovershop.com and use code wedding to get a FREE mystery cheese at checkout.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding! Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
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 of your top goals for your day spent at the wedding fair.
This way you can MAXIMIZE your time spent with vendors and gathering inspiration, and minimize the stress & overwhelm factor of wandering through hundreds of booths full of noisy commotion.
After our time together today, when the 15th DJ asks you if you want to dance, and the 22nd wedding planner asks you to spin their "wheel o' fun" ...
... you can confidently smile, say no thanks, and keep walking.
To submit questions for an upcoming show, simply visit our website and leave me a voicemail!
Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to each submission ... you'll receive a reply via email if your submission is queued for an upcoming episode.
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through exactly how to identify your top priorities & plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Cheers to you!
Kara
A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Minted Weddings features beautiful one-of-a-kind stationary designs by independent artists, not to mention top-notch quality & service. This is why I order our family holiday cards from them every single year! Request a FREE Save The Date or Wedding Invitation Sample Kit when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted.
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 helping you with your wedding plans!
For a complete written version of today's show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/podcast
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership
Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com. Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
ON-DEMAND wedding planning services anytime, anywhere? Yes, please! To sign up for what one VAULT members calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry” simply visit www.wedpodcast.com
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, compiling a finalized guest list is the next key step in the early stages of planning out your wedding celebration.
Family & friends are the centerpiece of our lives, and naturally you'll want to include your closest loved ones in this very special celebration.
That's the easy part ...
Planning your wedding involves a ton of strategic research & decision-making, yes - that’s the stuff you can look up on Google. How to book a wedding photographer. Cheap wedding invitations. Top wedding venues in my area.
But there’s an entirely separate dimension of your engagement & wedding planning journey, that you’ll hear me call “the all new way to plan your wedding” - and that’s all stuff that you can’t google.
No internet search engine in the world knows your priorities, your personal values, or can spit out a truly personalized road map to the wedding that YOU WANT by typing a few words into a box. You can’t google “how do I confidently sail through my engagement on-budget, stress-free, and loving the process?”
Computers can do a lot, but they can’t replace the priceless value of human connection and introspection … that’s what I’m here for, and that's the deeper work that I can help coach you & your fiance through.
Thousands of engaged couples ARE confidently sailing through their engagement on-budget, stress-free, and loving the process, and you can do it to inside my digital wedding planning package. If you’re curious to know more, head to wedpodcast.com to learn more.
I hope you love today’s workshop on crafting your wedding guest list!
ASK ME ANYTHING ...
Submit your wedding budget questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
"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 of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say no to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say YES to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 anything else you’d like to share.
I’d love to feature your voice on the podcast, so please get in touch with your stories and questions by heading to weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact.
I can’t wait to hear from you!
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Yes, please! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
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 much more on wedding flowers & decor inside my digital planning package that you can explore at wedpodcast.com.
Submit show topic requests here,
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
"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 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 two of us after the room has been cleared
- Mini after-party at hotel lobby bar,
- Keeping it early & chill - wrapped everything up by 9:30 pm
- The challenges of setting a wedding budget and knowing where the starting point is
- Trying on 50+ dresses before finding “The One”
- And so much more!
For a complete written recap and to see their absolutely gorgeous wedding photos, here's a complete article that features Emma and Drew’s incredible wedding celebration.
And to wrap up this week, I would LOVE to hear from you! Whether it’s about a planning challenge or question you’re facing, a post-wedding day recap that you’d like to share, or simply requests for upcoming show topics, you can send in a voicemail to the show by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact
In your message, please be sure to leave your name and email address so we can reach you for follow up. I would love to share more stories like Emma’s, but I need your participation, so please make it a priority to be in touch!
A special thank you to this week's show sponsors:
-
FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Yes, please! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
-
This week's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding. Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
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 Weekend."
Inside this totally free strategy session, we’ll review 6 EASY STEPS to designing an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime wedding celebration for you & your loved ones.
You’ll also get your hands on some PRETTY AMAZING BONUS RESOURCES, including ...
- A guided coaching session to help you design your overall wedding vision,
- 50 budget line items most couples forget about,
- A free wedding weekend sample itinerary,
- AND the chance to win some free swag in weekly drawings!
But you’ve gotta hurry, because “How to Plan an Unforgettable Wedding Weekend” is in its FINAL DAYS, and will not be available again until next year.
To sign up today and enjoy this free workshop and bonus planning resources, simply click here.
I can't wait to see you inside!
Cheers,
Kara
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 left her saying this:
"I always get to look back and say that it was the most incredible 4 days of my life."
To go along with our conversation today, I‘m incredibly excited to share a brand new, free wedding planning workshop on exactly how YOU can plan an unforgettable wedding weekend, so that when we flash forward a few months, you’re echoing what Kate just said … and not left feeling like you missed out, and it was all over in the blink of an eye.
To sign up for the "How To Plan An Unforgettable Wedding Weekend" FREE video workshop, visit weddingweekend.co
But you’ve gotta hurry, because this priceless planning guide is only available until Sept. 16th!
In addition to a 50 minute video planning session, you'll also enjoy a bunch of incredible bonus resources & free gifts that I've put together just for you:
- Bonus #1: "Walking Through Your WEDDING VISION" audio + pdf guide
- Bonus #2: "50 Budget Items Couples Fail to Plan For"
- Bonus #3: Detailed "Wedding Weekend" sample itinerary
- AND last but certainly not least, you can enter to win a sparkly wine tumbler gift set!
I can’t wait to see you inside "How To Plan An Unforgettable Wedding Weekend", and hope you enjoy the show!
xo, Kara
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 photographer or caterer gives you a quote for services, you probably don’t say “well that sounds OK, but do you have anything that costs more?”
If you've been listening to the Wedding Planning Podcast for a while, I hope you know me well enough now to know that I’m NOT the wedding professional who’s going to tell you NEVER to try to cut this corner, or don’t DARE hire a friend to do x, y, z.
I see this type of messaging a lot. If you do your own wedding day hair and makeup it will totally fail, and you should hire a professional to do it for you. If you skimp on a photographer, you will regret it for the rest of your life.
If you have your cousin make your cake, it will probably be a complete disaster, you should really hire a professional for that. If you take your dress to a neighborhood tailor instead of the big box bridal store where you bought it, it’s going to end up in shreds and you’ll have no dress to wear.
The trouble is, professional service providers in pretty much any industry have an agenda - to sell their product or service.
And whether you hear from a wedding professional on a podcast, read their articles on a blog, or see their posts on Instagram, their position is probably that hiring a professional is THE BEST way to go. "After all", they say, "this is your wedding - you can’t afford to cut corners on the best day of your life."
Well, for lots of this, I call BS. Sure, if you have a wedding budget in the 6-figures, then “hire a professional” is a great option for everything I just listed.
But most of us DON’T have $100,000 to spend on our wedding, so making swaps and saves here and there is a necessary part of planning so that we don’t go thousands of dollars into debt - NEVER a good idea.
Here’s a doozy for you - we hired our wedding photographer off craigslist for $500. True story.
And I’m NOT here to tell you that it was a horrible idea that backfired and you should never trust any wedding photographer who hasn’t shot 500 weddings and costs less than $5000. That’s not me, not my style.
BUT, I’m also not here to tell you that YOU should definitely hire a photographer off craigslist, and it will work out perfectly and there’s no risk involved and you can live happy ever after and sleep soundly knowing that you saved a couple thousand dollars!
To be clear - there’s no right or wrong, one-size-fits all solution to the myriad of wedding decisions you have to make over the next few months.
I’ll always encourage you to use your intuition, and use our weekly time together to review all the options you have available, and select what feels best for you and your unique situation.
I feel so strongly about what we’re talking about today, and I really want to set things up right.
The truth is, sometimes no matter how much research you do, or how many great reviews someone has, or how confident you feel that you’re making the right decision, things can just go wrong. You’ll probably have a wedding backfire, or two, or three over the course of getting everything lined up.
This is part of life, and definitely a part of wedding planning. I wish I could wave a magical wand that would shield you against anything bad happening, but of course - that’s not realistic.
Sooooo, the next best thing to that …
In today's show, let’s explore some common areas of wedding planning where couples to try to cut a corner, save some money, leave something out, and then sadly have it backfire in terms of lost money, lost time, lost sanity - and sometimes all three.
If you find yourselves at a cost-saving opportunity crossroads and you don’t know which way to turn, I have some smart questions to ask yourselves, and potential vendors, that I hope will guide you towards making the best decisions for you and your wedding day.
So when you find yourself wondering, hmmmmm ... should we cut that corner? What are the potential outcomes or pitfalls that might come of it? Hopefully after today’s show, you’ll have some solid answers to some of the most common situations, so that you can make the best decision for you.
For one wedding, that might mean hiring a photographer off craigslist for $500. For another couple, that will NEVER be an option that’s on the table. And you know what? Both sides are totally fine ;)
Full blog post available at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-pitfall
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.
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
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 you really need to hire a professional to help you with your wedding plans.
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 wedding day.
And side note, shocker - obviously, none of the wedding planners I interviewed ever mentioned to me, hey by the way, did you know that you could actually just do this on your own?
Thankfully I came around to that, but it took lots of wasted effort and stress to get there.
Flash forward to today - I literally created the Wedding Planning Podcast so that any engaged couple could tune in and use the episodes and the tools we review in the weekly shows to plan their own wedding - no professional or pricey wedding planner required.
Spoiler alert before we even dive in - I definitely DO NOT think you have to spend thousands of dollars to hire a professional wedding planner!
Some alternatives? Try checking out the sites we mentioned in today's show, including your local Craigslist postings, Thumbtack.com, taskrabbit.com and fiverr.com
I also know that there are countless wonderful wedding planning professionals out there, and for some couples it’s a really smart investment … and we’ll get into all of that that much more in today’s show.
Blog post for today's show, AND free "Day Of" Checklist here!
A special thank you for supporting our valued show sponsors:
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
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 will naturally occur throughout the course of your wedding day.
Malcolm Gladwell is a Canadian author, journalist, and producer of one of my favorite Podcasts, Revisionist History. In a recent episode he said, “It’s impossible to make a list of things that have not yet occurred to us” and I immediately knew I wanted to apply those wise words to your wedding plans.
Let’s roll through a dozen essential wedding details that may get overlooked in the planning process - tune in for so much more!
A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors:
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through exactly how to plan your dream wedding, from start to finish. Learn more and sign up for a totally FREE 3-DAY TRIAL trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
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 informative she is. Since the initial relief and excitement of finding and booking the perfect venue, we’re starting to realize the huge task ahead of us in terms of booking EVERYTHING (the venue comes with nothing set up, so we need to choose tables, chairs, place settings, dance floor, bar, basically everything.)
At this point, I feel completely overwhelmed by her ideas & suggestions, and I’m starting to worry that the wedding she has envisioned for us does not line up with our vision OR our budget. How do I reign in our wedding planner and rest easy knowing that we are on the same page?"
In my years of experience, it’s not just the wedding planners who need to reigned in ... often times it's also the moms, bridesmaids, aunts, cousins ... feeling familiar?
We’re going to cover all these scenarios in today’s episode.
You'll also enjoy a sneak peek inside my digital wedding planning package with release of exclusive audio, "Creating Your Wedding Vision". This exercise alone is one of the most valuable wedding planning tools I have to helping you create a celebration that truly honors your priorities & values.
Tune in for so much more!
A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors:
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally FREE 3-DAY TRIAL by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
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 suggestions?
- Should I hire a babysitter for the reception?
- What if there’s a pool at my venue? (Things to consider)
- I don’t necessarily want a traditional wedding cake - what are some fun dessert options for hot weather?
- What do you think about using an Air bnb as our venue? We found one that we love, and the owner agreed to let us host our wedding there, but I feel uneasy booking it for over a year away (Sept. 2022) - so many things could happen in a year. I would hate to get close to the wedding, have something happen to the house, and not have a venue.
- Family children ... how to involve them in the wedding so they feel like they have a special job / part in everything (my mom promised a cousin a role that I never actually “approved” of)
- Trying to host our wedding in a field (family land) and I have it mostly planned but there’s no electricity - is dancing completely out of the question? I thought we’d have it during the day but wouldn’t that be boring?
- How important is an MC? Venue includes a DOC but not the MC part - could I just have my brother or a friend do it?
- How do I reign in our wedding planner?
"Our venue includes a wedding coordinator for the rehearsal and wedding day, and initially I was pleasantly surprised by how accommodating and informative she is. Since the initial relief and excitement of finding and booking the perfect venue, we’re starting to realize the huge task ahead of us in terms of booking EVERYTHING (the venue comes with nothing set up, so we need to choose tables, chairs, place settings, dance floor, bar, basically everything.) At this point, I feel completely overwhelmed by her ideas & suggestions, and I’m starting to worry that the wedding she has envisioned for us does not line up with our vision OR our budget. How do I reign in our wedding planner and rest easy knowing that we are on the same page?"
There are so many layers to this one that we have a dedicated show coming up next week, all about your initial meetings with your wedding planner, venue, or anyone else who’s going to be helping you make your perfect wedding celebration come to life!
In my years of experience, it’s not just wedding planners who need to reigned in, but often times moms, wedding party members, aunts, cousins .... feeling familiar? We’re going to cover it all next week!
These questions were submitted by members of my digital wedding planning package, where one of my favorite benefits of membership is a fast track VIP pass to submit your wedding questions & show topic requests ... literally any time you think of them.
You’re invited to join us and take advantage of a FREE 3-day trial when you visit wedpodcast.com.
The digital format allows me to extend a full service planning experience for an incredibly affordable monthly subscription, plus there are no contracts & absolutely zero obligation. And of course, you can take advantage of that FREE 3-DAY TRIAL when you sign up today at wedpodcast.com.
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book. Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
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 your goal is a simple, beautiful, and affordable wedding - then the sky is the limit on the millions of wedding details you can leave out.
In my digital wedding planning package, couples are encouraged to make a detailed list of their priorities way early on in the engagement. They can then use that rock-solid road map over & over again, to check in throughout their engagement and be sure that priorities & values are being honored with every single decision.
Want to come behind the scenes for more in-depth guidance on setting an unshakable planning foundation that will bring you all the way through to your wedding day & beyond? Now you can try my revolutionary digital wedding planning package FREE for 3 days!
- NO CONTRACTS,
- A very small monthly subscription price that you’re 100% free to CANCEL ANYTIME,
- And a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL so you can even take a look around before committing!
In essence? You have absolutely NOTHING to lose, and everything to gain. Get started today at www.wedpodcast.com.
I'll see you there!
A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for sponsoring today's episode. Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
Other partner links mentioned in today's show:
Wedding shoes on Amazon? Why not! Check out these beauties & more for a fraction of the price at a "wedding" retailer.
Support a small business AND shop high quality, low priced wedding accessories on Etsy.
An entire show dedicated to planning, shopping for & setting up your own APPETIZER SPREAD can be found in your podcast feed dated June 1, 2022.
Last word! A CLASSIC way to save? Purchase once-used decor & other wedding items from another couple on a resale site like Craigslist, Ebay, or Facebook Marketplace. 🙌🏼
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 in some way that will make your life easier, more affordable, more relaxing, and overall, more enjoyable.
Often we find ourselves in the midst of a planning roadblock and the first instinct is to explore your options.
In the first example we’re going to talk about today - a couple who has family in 2 different places, many of whom don’t want to travel, you might consider … getting married in each place, what would that look like? Getting married where we live? Getting married on an island with just us?
In all the feelings and family dynamics and charged emotions that fly around throughout your engagement season, it’s sometimes easy to get lost in a million far-fetched options ... when the simplest, most streamlined option is left by the wayside.
On that note, today we’re going to explore some common wedding planning scenarios where things can escalate and become verrrrrrrrrry complicated, very quickly.
I’m going to do my best to point out some straightforward, simple solutions that I hope will make your engaged life EASIER, MORE AFFORDABLE, and put a stop to waking up in the middle of the night with your mind racing over how many passed appetizers there should be, how many people should be in your wedding party, and how much ice to buy for your welcome party.
Ready to get started? Tune into the full show for so much more!
Thank you for supporting this week's show sponsor:
- Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
- Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.
Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.
Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 3-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!
Visit www.longweddingweekend.com
to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.
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 last minute hair and makeup session an hour before you meet your photographer is not a great idea, to say the least.
Neither is waiting until you show up to find out that your fiancé has the worst stage fright, and looks like Chandler from "Friends" (season 7, episode 5, The One with The Engagement Picture) because they suddenly can’t smile.
Today on the WPP I have a handful of tricks and tips to make sure your engagement photo shoot is smooth, seamless, and yields those perfect shots that you’ve been dreaming of sharing with all of family, friends, and friends of friends.
Tune in for so much more, and head over to the blog post for today's show for a full written recap & links:
www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/engagement-photos
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 too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.
Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.
Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 16-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!
Visit www.longweddingweekend.com to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com
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 great solution for you if you’re feeling like wedding stuff is about to be the straw that broke your back, on top of all the other challenges life is serving up.
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to walk through planning your very own WEEKEND WEDDING PLANNING RETREAT. Whether you chose to staycation at a cheap hotel, hop in the car or board a plane, there is so much value in shaking things up a bit, getting away from home, and giving yourself the gift of TIME + FOCUS on wedding stuff, uninterrupted, for 48 hours.
- I know we’re all full of subscriptions to Netflix, Spotify, wine clubs, beauty boxes, meal kits, but I truly believe this is the BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK out there in terms of personalized wedding planning support. Membership is incredibly affordable (I wouldn’t have it any other way!), there’s a free 3-day trial, and you’re free to cancel your membership any time, zero questions asked. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
- Newly engaged & wondering where to begin with your wedding plans? Reveal the first THREE STEPS to simplifying the planning process, and ditch the paralyzing overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples! Visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/learnmore to claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit >>> my gift to you ;)
THANK YOU for supporting our show partners who make these free weekly episodes come to life!
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with **Minted Weddings** & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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, or browse through a quick article on a wedding website.
Don’t get me wrong, we cover the basics here too - but I LOVE digging down deeper to find the solutions and options that aren’t quite so obvious, and that might offer a really creative way to put a unique spin on your day, make your guests’ experience that much more incredible, or save you a ton of money by simply making a little adjustment or swap.
Today we’re going to cover TEN wedding planning “blind spots” - areas that past couples and listeners of the podcast have pointed out as things they wouldn’t necessarily have thought about during their planning, but that became clear after listening to an episode, or in some cases, after their actual wedding was over and done with (and it was too late …)
If you’re in the early stages of planning, hopefully we can catch a few things now, so that you don’t find yourself a year or two from now saying, if only we knew then what we know now …
Some of the tips from today’s show are very minor, simple pieces of advice while others are a pretty big deal - I’m going to point to a lot of full length episodes that are available to you to download for much more information - I made a blog post with all the show notes so you don’t miss a thing, and you don’t have to be frantically writing down notes while you listen. You can visit that post at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/blindspot
You have literally millions of options in terms of wedding websites, blogs, magazines, and other podcasts, and I thank you from my whole heart for spending this time with me, and for including me in your wedding planning journey. It’s a huge honor, and a huge responsibility that I hold with endless respect and gratitude, thank you.
I’ll meet you here again next week, same time, same place!
Cheers,
xo Kara
Newly engaged & wondering where to begin with your wedding plans?
Reveal the first THREE STEPS to simplifying the planning process, and ditch the paralyzing overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples. Visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/learnmore to claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit >>> my gift to you ;)
A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors:
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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 throughout the course of your engagement, so we need to be extra cautious in getting the details cemented just right.
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 too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.
Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.
Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 16-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!
Visit www.longweddingweekend.com
to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.
Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.
Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 16-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!
Visit www.longweddingweekend.com
to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 expect the total price tag to be for TWO different sample menu options.
Even if you are using a more traditional caterer for the main meal, doing your own appetizer spread is a wonderful way to customize the offering, UP the quality, AND save a ton of money.
Not allowed to bring outside food into your venue? This process for setting up a beautiful appetizer spread is also perfect for your bridal shower, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or any other party you host in the future.
Be sure to bookmark it, and share this episode with a friend who's helping you plan!
Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN, my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want an incredibly straightforward, complete guide to planning your multi-day wedding from start to finish … with absolutely zero guesswork!
Enjoy the full blog post: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/cheese
Discover endless cocktail hour inspiration! https://www.pinterest.com/karasvinwedding/wedding-cocktail-hour/
A very special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN, my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want an incredibly straightforward, complete guide to planning your multi-day wedding from start to finish … with absolutely zero guesswork!
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
- Would you LOVE to take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
- Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>>www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
- FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
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, uncomfortable, or worse - friendship-ending situation - in the months down the road.
ALL NEW! >>> Long Wedding Weekend by Design
If you’re someone who values quality time spent with the people you love, then you know that a multi-event wedding weekend is the best way to maximize your overall wedding experience and opportunity to truly connect with your guests.
Don’t be that couple who stresses out for the entire reception, trying to say a 5 second hello to 200 wedding guests … only to feel disappointed and guilty at the end that there wasn’t time to even have one meaningful conversation.
Take your wedding celebration to the next level with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN, my all new digital planning package that gives you access to an incredibly straightforward, complete guide to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish - WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK.
Relax knowing that you’ll create hours of quality time and a lifetime of memories with all the people you love most over the course of your long wedding weekend. Join us today when you visit www.longweddingweekend.com.
Thank you to our valued partners who made today's show possible!
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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 unforgettable memories over the course of your wedding celebration.
Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN, my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE the impact of their wedding celebration on the lives and relationships of their closest family & friends.
LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN is an incredibly straightforward, complete guide to planning your multi-day wedding from start to finish, with absolutely zero guesswork.
The first couples to register for this exciting new planning package will also enjoy some really exciting bonuses, including:
- Access to private, small group calls
- Long Wedding Weekend Q&A sessions
- Live feedback + strategy meetings with me - because I want your input on exactly how to make this the perfect planning tool for YOU.
If you’re someone who values meaningful opportunities to spend time hanging out with your loved ones, then you know that in most cases, a traditional 4-6 hour wedding ceremony & reception format with 100 or more guests is simply not going to deliver on that.
One of the most common things you’ll hear newlywed couples say is how fast everything went by, how quickly the wedding day came & went, "it was like we blinked and everything was over."
Lots of very intentional couples like you have realized this. They're shifting their wedding planning focus away from just one wedding day, to increasing the opportunities for meaningful time spent together by planning a wedding celebration that allows for 2, 3, 4 or more days spent hanging out with friends & family.
I’ve seen over & over again how incredibly special extended wedding celebrations are, and the lasting impact that it makes on a group of family & friends.
Especially in today’s world, where many of us have been kept apart from the ones we love - why not make your wedding a magical reason for everyone to gather, reconnect, and relax together?
And not just for one short happy hour, or one sit down dinner, but for multiple coffee meetup’s, casual breakfasts, a welcome party, a day at the lake, happy hours, lunch dates. None of these things are fancy, or expensive, or difficult to plan - and they allow you & your guests to make the ultimate investment in one another - your undivided TIME.
I know the logistics can feel impossible to navigate, especially when you’re working a job, finishing school, finding time for your family, your friendships, and of course, your relationship. It’s a lot, and it can all feel totally overwhelming ... but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN, my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE the impact of their wedding celebration on the lives and relationships of their closest family & friends.
LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN is an incredibly straightforward, complete guide to planning your multi-day wedding from start to finish, with absolutely zero guesswork.
I have detailed schedules, timelines, outlines, recommended tools and resources, rock solid budgeting advice, and creative + unique recommendations and workarounds to the most common challenges I’ve seen couples face time & time again.
The complete LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN planning package will be available on June 1st, in just a few short weeks.
In the meantime, you’re invited to take advantage of pre-sale pricing - aka HUGE SAVINGS - while I put the finishing touches on everything.
The first couples to register for this exciting new planning package will also enjoy some really exciting bonuses, including:
- Access to private, small group calls
- Long Wedding Weekend Q&A sessions
- Live feedback + strategy meetings with me - because I want your input on exactly how to make this the perfect planning tool for YOU.
If you’re even considering extending your wedding celebration out over multiple days, please don’t get caught up thinking that multiple events means quadruple the stress, triple the time, or an impossibly huge budget.
Hosting a long wedding weekend doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN is an incredibly easy to follow formula that I’ve broken down into a 90 minute, step-by-step action plan, so that we can take your multi-event wedding celebration from idea to reality.
Hurry hurry, because presale pricing and those incredible bonuses expire May 18, in just a few short days!
I can’t wait to see you there ❤️
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 going to share priceless wedding industry insights, so that you have a deep understanding of the wedding vendor landscape and the things that go into package pricing, seasonal discounts, advertising expenses, and so much more.
A WRITTEN RECAP of today's show is available to members of my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial when you visit www.wedpodcast.com
A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors for making this wedding planning strategy meeting possible!
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding. Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
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 back up.
Wedding programs are on your checklist. I mean, doesn’t every wedding have to have a ceremony program? And your mom chimes in about menus, and place cards, and invitations with 3 enclosures, and RSVP cards and save the dates … And you see 3 different deals on Instagram, Facebook, and in an email from that wedding website for free samples, 50% off your order, and beautiful all-in-one custom invitation suites that match every wedding theme perfectly!
Aaaaaaaannnnnd all of the sudden you realize that you’ve spent $1000 on paper products that you could really care less about - all because they were on the checklist, they were on sale, and let’s be real, you didn’t want to disappoint your mom.
Is following that free wedding checklist really a good idea?
Wouldn’t it have been much easier to press pause and acknowledge at the start that you don’t care about ceremony programs, and therefore you’re just going to skip them altogether? Same with the other $900 worth of paper products?
And that example was something pretty small, like wedding programs - what happens when you book a $6,000 videographer because that’s what everyone does right, you have to have a videographer - {you’re totally gonna regret it if you don’t have the most important day of your life on film - there’s a little voice in the back of your head that knows you could come up with a workaround, that you don’t really need or care if you have a cinematic movie theatre quality film of your wedding …. But you’re gonna go with the flow, because you only get married once in theory and this is just what everyone does.}
And that credit card statement just keeps on growing, full of stuff that doesn’t really matter to you, but the checklist said so, so you did it. Flowers. A fancy cake. Favors. Expensive place settings and charger plates, and chair slip covers and table linens.
Is this really where you want to be? Feeling pressured & judged by a free wedding checklist?
If you’re like me, and you want to keep things simple and affordable while at the same time pulling off an unforgettable wedding that’s FULL OF MEANING, then you know that driving yourself crazy trying to fulfill every single thing on that freebie wedding checklist isn’t the answer.
Ready for the new way? Tune in to today's full episode to learn exactly how to create your own PERSONALIZED wedding checklist that highlights ONLY your most important priorities ... and gain the freedom that comes when you say NO to everything else.
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through specific wedding planning milestones and show you exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
So, what's on YOUR personalized wedding planning checklist, and what "traditional" wedding stuff did NOT make the cut? Tag me on Instagram @weddingplanningpodcast & tell me all about it!
PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:
SUSAN'S TRAVEL SERVICES | Would you LOVE to take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
THE WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST VAULT | Thousands of engaged couples have discovered the unseen elements to a joyful, confident, and intentional engagement season, and you can do it too with my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Learn more & sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial when you visit www.wedpodcast.com
ETSY | There’s no place quite like Etsy for personalized wedding gifts & decor. Make your wedding celebration as unique as you with custom signs, invitations, favors & more. Filter endless beautiful options by price point, color, free shipping, delivery date, style & more when you visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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 have a question 🙋🏼♀️ ... how is feeling overwhelmed & anxious about all that outside noise going to help YOU plan an unforgettable wedding experience that celebrates your marriage and your love in a once-in-a-lifetime event with all the people closest to you?
Your engagement season is too special to sit back & let it slip by in a cloud of overwhelm and frustration.
Right now, you have a choice.
You can continue down the rabbit hole of OVERWHELM - of “perfect weddings” on social media, a million wedding websites telling you to do a million different things, noisy chatrooms, crappy blogs, free checklists and timelines on Pinterest and DIY’ers on You Tube telling you how to plan your entire wedding for $100.00.
Honestly, that’s what most brides and grooms choose, and they stay stuck in a frenzy of anxiety & overwhelm all the way through the wedding day itself.
They miss a beautiful opportunity to connect with one another, to live their engagement season in lightness and joy, and love.
They say things like, "wow, our whole wedding day FLEW BY and we barely had a chance to enjoy it."
But YOU have a choice.
You can CHOOSE be the engaged couple who presses pause on all that noise, and gets your mindset and your values in alignment with the vision YOU have of your perfect wedding celebration .... so that you can create an engagement season AND a wedding celebration full of lightness, love and joy.
That sounds much better, right?
If that’s you, then tune in to today's show where I’m going to show you exactly how to EMBRACE who you are, PRIORITIZE what you value, and bring it all together in a life-changing wedding celebration for you & your loved ones.
It’s time to say “YES” to a more joyful engagement season, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it 🙏.
Cheers to you,
Kara
PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:
SUSAN'S TRAVEL SERVICES | Would you LOVE to take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
THE WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST VAULT | Thousands of engaged couples have discovered the unseen elements to a joyful, confident, and intentional engagement season, and you can do it too with my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Learn more & sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial when you visit www.wedpodcast.com
ETSY | There’s no place quite like Etsy for personalized wedding gifts & decor. Make your wedding celebration as unique as you with custom signs, invitations, favors & more. Filter endless beautiful options by price point, color, free shipping, delivery date, style & more when you visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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 going to focus on the DAY-OF timeline first, and you’ll find specifics on creating your reception timeline in the second half of this meeting.
A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:
SUSAN'S TRAVEL SERVICES | Would you LOVE to take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
THE WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST VAULT | Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through specific wedding planning milestones and show you exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
ETSY | There’s no place quite like Etsy for personalized wedding gifts & decor. Make your wedding celebration as unique as you with custom signs, invitations, favors & more. Filter endless beautiful options by price point, color, free shipping, delivery date, style & more when you visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
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! Welcome to WEEK 11 of the Engagement Season BONUS SERIES here on the Wedding Planning Podcast. This week's bonus wedding planning workshop is designed to focus on the most meaningful part of your wedding day - your wedding ceremony. 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 for a start-to-finish guide for infusing your ceremony with deep meaning and your personalities. Do yourselves a favor & start thinking about your wedding ceremony early ... don’t let this become a last-minute item on your wedding planning to-do list.
Your wedding ceremony is literally the WHY of the entire wedding day, and today we're going to review:
- Ceremony flow of events,
- Finding an officiant,
- Your wedding vows,
- And finally some additional ways to incorporate meaning and personality.
A well-crafted wedding ceremony will perfectly express your relationship as a couple. It should make your guests understand exactly why they are at the wedding, and may address the couples past, present and future.
We can be serious, lighthearted, traditional or a mix of all three - your ceremony doesn’t have to follow any script, and you’re free to personalize this portion of your day in any way you like!
Tune in for so much more, and be in touch with any stories, questions or thoughts by sending me a DM @weddingplanningpodcast
LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE:
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through specific wedding planning milestones and show you exactly how to plan your dream wedding. Learn more and sign up for a totally free, zero obligation 3-day trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Enjoy some really fun & creative unity ceremony ideas by visiting www.weddingplanningpodcast.com/unity
Take the guesswork & stress out of choosing the music for your special day! Visit MyWeddingSongs.com today to prepare your wedding music for FREE and enjoy over 600 custom wedding playlists.
Sample wedding vows & guide >>> https://apracticalwedding.com/wedding-vow-examples/
Past Episode - HIRING YOUR OFFICIANT - this episode has been archived and is only available to members of The VAULT.
CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING MUSIC episode dated March 17, 2021
For lots of unique unity ceremony, ceremony signage, wedding program inspiration & more, visit Pinterest
A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:
ETSY | There’s no place quite like Etsy for personalized wedding gifts & decor. Make your wedding celebration as unique as you with custom signs, invitations, favors & more. Filter endless beautiful options by price point, color, free shipping, delivery date, style & more when you visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
SUSAN'S TRAVEL SERVICES | Would you LOVE to take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email info@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
EVITE | Planning your wedding is overwhelming enough. Don’t stress over the invitations. Find amazing, beautiful one-of-a-kind designs in minutes – for free! >>> evite.com/wedding
THE WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST VAULT | Thousands of engaged couples have discovered the unseen elements to a joyful, confident, and intentional engagement season, and you can do it too with my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Learn more & sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial when you visit www.wedpodcast.com
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 looking for some CREATIVE, EASY + AFFORDABLE wedding reception entertainment options that go way beyond dinner, drinks & dancing, then today’s BONUS WEDDING PLANNING WORKSHOP is perfect for you. Welcome to WEEK 10 of the Engagement Season Bonus Series here on the Wedding Planning Podcast! It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond. So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
WEDDINGS HAVE CHANGED ... shouldn't your WEDDING PLANNER? Binge listen to the entire 12-week Bonus Series when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
Monthly membership to the Wedding Planning Podcast VAULT is a unique planning experience for couples who want to unlock the UNSEEN ELEMENTS to a JOYFUL, CONFIDENT & INTENTIONAL engagement season. What exactly does that look like? Unlock all the details at wedpodcast.com
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
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 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!
Welcome to WEEK 9 of the Engagement Season Bonus Series from the Wedding Planning Podcast! In this workshop-style meeting, enjoy unique, easy & affordable decoration ideas that you can implement for your ceremony and/or reception.
I have some extraordinary money-saving opportunities for you in today's show, and I'd love to hear more about the decor ideas YOU have planned for your special day! Be in touch anytime by sending a DM to @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram.
It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
BINGE-LISTEN ...
to the entire 12-week Bonus Series when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
ASK ME ANYTHING ...
Submit your wedding budget questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
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 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!
Welcome to WEEK 8 of the "12 Weeks of Engagement Season" BONUS SERIES of the Wedding Planning Podcast!
It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
BINGE-LISTEN ...
to the entire 12-week Bonus Series when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
ASK ME ANYTHING ...
Submit your wedding budget questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
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 started, and you’ll even receive a $50 credit towards your wedding stationary when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted. In today's show, we're covering what to include on your website, what not to include, and lots of priceless details on how to leverage this incredible tool to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER over the coming months.
I also have a really fun & interactive extension of your website that will make connecting with your guests a breeze between now & wedding day.
Even if you’ve already got a wedding website up & running, I hope you’ll stick around for today’s conversation -
I have lots of website elements to share that many couples miss, and I want you to be able to leverage your website to your FULL ADVANTAGE over the next few months ... making your life easier, and of course, your guests’ lives easier as well!
A quick outline of what we're going to cover in today's meeting:
- Home Page
- Events
- Travel & Accommodations
- FAQ Page
- Your Story
- Wedding Party
- RSVP Details
- Links to your registry
- & don't miss my BONUS TIP for keeping in close contact with your wedding guests throughout the coming months!
PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services!
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
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 your wedding planning to-do list - and it’s a biggie - finding the perfect WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER to capture this incredibly special day. Before you turn to google and online vendor guides, I have some very important info to share on hiring a photographer that most couples are NOT aware of ... and unfortunately, it’s costing them a ton of extra time & money. Most engaged couples will hit the internet and eventually wind up researching online vendor directories. Find out why that's a big mistake in today’s show -
Welcome to Week SEVEN of the "12 Weeks of Engagement Season" BONUS SERIES from the Wedding Planning Podcast!
It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
BINGE-LISTEN ...
to the entire 12-week Bonus Series when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
ASK ME ANYTHING ...
Submit your wedding budget questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
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 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! Welcome to Week SIX of the "12 Weeks of Engagement Season" BONUS SERIES from the Wedding Planning Podcast. 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 come along,
-
discomfort over being the center of attention,
-
feeling lost in a totally uncomfortable situation,
... just to name a few.
In the first half of today's show, we run through some quick guidelines that will help demystify the wedding dress shopping process, and put you in full control of the way your experience unfolds.
In the second half of the show, we're heading inside David's Bridal to try on dresses. You'll hear live snippets of conversation on the pro's, the con's, the do's and the don'ts of finding your dream wedding dress.
You can find a full recap of today’s show in a blog post that’s at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/dress.
It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
BINGE-LISTEN ...
to the entire 12-week Bonus Series when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
ASK ME ANYTHING ...
Submit your wedding budget questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
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 your wedding parties (bridesmaids / groomsmen / any variation of the terms that you choose) is an incredibly meaningful & exciting engagement season milestone! In today's workshop-style meeting, we'll review who to choose, who NOT to choose, and some other important guidelines to inform your decisions.
Welcome to Week FIVE of the "12 Weeks of Engagement Season" BONUS SERIES from the Wedding Planning Podcast!
It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
BINGE-LISTEN ...
to the entire 12-week Bonus Series when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
ASK ME ANYTHING ...
Submit your wedding budget questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
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 quote - simple rose & hydrangea centerpieces - and that didn’t even include bouquets!"
- "Went wedding dress shopping for the first time last weekend and literally the cheapest dress in the store was $2300."
- "We can’t find a photographer for under $4000"
- "$150 / person for beer, wine, and a simple plate of food is just ridiculous"
- "We went with a venue that doesn’t include anything, and just found out that simple lighting and a dance floor is a $1900 upcharge from our DJ!"
If you’re starting to feel like you either need to elope or have your reception in a rec center, you’re not alone.
95% of engaged couples I surveyed in 2021 choose “expensive” as the top 3 words that describe wedding planning. (The others, if you’re curious, were “overwhelming” and “exciting” - I guess it just depends on the day!)
The thing about EXPENSIVE is that it’s RELATIVE to you, your priorities, and your situation.
What if a cart at the mall was selling a bottle of water for $100? Ridiculous, right?
What if you were in the desert, just hours away from dying of dehydration, and someone showed up with a bottle of cold water for $100 - would that be expensive?
Tune in to today's quick-hit mini wedding planning meeting for so much more! And if you loved this perspective-shifting conversation, there's so much more:
FOLLOW Wedding Planning Podcast in your podcast player for a brand new episode each week,
FOLLOW us on Instagram for surveys, Q&A's, behind-the-scenes + more >>> @weddingplanningpodcast
VISIT our website for weekly show updates, membership to the WPP digital wedding planning package, and a library of past episodes >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com. Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
We'll be back next week with WEEK 5 of the Engagement Season Bonus Series! Look forward to a detailed planning workshop on choosing your wedding parties.
Enjoy instant access to binge the series when you subscribe to the Wedding Planning Podcast digital planning package - details here!
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.
Should you hire a WEDDING PLANNER / DOC? In today's workshop-style bonus 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. Welcome to Week FOUR of the "12 Weeks of Engagement Season" BONUS SERIES from the Wedding Planning Podcast! It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
BINGE-LISTEN ...
to the entire 12-week Bonus Series when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
ASK ME ANYTHING ...
Submit your wedding budget questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
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 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, compiling a finalized guest list is the next key step in the early stages of planning out your wedding celebration.
Family & friends are the centerpiece of our lives, and naturally you'll want to include your closest loved ones in this very special celebration.
That's the easy part ...
Today you'll hear the exact audio meeting on crafting your wedding guest list from inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Throughout the show, you’ll hear me reference various sections from within the VAULT, specifically exercises where we identify your top values and ways that we can integrate those values into your wedding celebration so that your wedding is a rich & beautiful reflection of you & your partner … not just a cookie cutter event crammed into 4 hours on a Saturday evening in a hotel event room. I purposely didn’t edit those pieces out so that you can experience firsthand the deeper levels that we touch on within the Wedding Planning Podcast membership package.
Planning your wedding involves a ton of strategic research & decision-making, yes - that’s the stuff you can look up on Google. How to book a wedding photographer. Cheap wedding invitations. Top wedding venues in my area.
But there’s an entirely separate dimension of your engagement & wedding planning journey, that you’ll hear me call “the all new way to plan your wedding” - and that’s all stuff that you can’t google.
No internet search engine in the world knows your priorities, your personal values, or can spit out a truly personalized road map to the wedding that YOU WANT by typing a few words into a box. You can’t google “how do I confidently sail through my engagement on-budget, stress-free, and loving the process?”
Computers can do a lot, but they can’t replace the priceless value of human connection and introspection … that’s what I’m here for, and that's the deeper work that I can help coach you & your fiance through.
Thousands of engaged couples ARE confidently sailing through their engagement on-budget, stress-free, and loving the process, and you can do it to inside my digital wedding planning package. If you’re curious to know more, head to wedpodcast.com and enjoy a FREE, 3-day trial to be sure it's the perfect fit for you & your wedding.
I hope you love today’s workshop on crafting your wedding guest list!
BINGE-LISTEN ...
to the entire 12-week Bonus Series when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
ASK ME ANYTHING ...
Submit your wedding budget questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
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-week Bonus Series when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
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 + 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, prices, and styles. The possibilities are endless, so it’s key that we go into the research process with a handful of streamlined search filters to dodge being overwhelmed with all the options.
In this workshop-style meeting, we'll review SIX important things to consider as you start shopping around for the perfect venue to host your wedding celebration.
It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to cookie-cutter, overpriced venues that cram in dozens of weddings in the same weekend.
It’s time to tune out overhyped websites, blogs & social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to fear of judgement, decision-fatigue, and overwhelm, and we say YES to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
BINGE-LISTEN ...
to the entire 12-week Bonus Series when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
ASK ME ANYTHING ...
Submit your WEDDING VENUE questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
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 how much everything is going to cost, and looking for ways to save as much money as possible - or, even worse, you’re sweeping the whole money convo under the rug, trying not to even think about it.
- You’re wondering how on earth your wedding can live up to the pictures we’re bombarded with on social media and big wedding websites.
- And if you’re drinking wine with your dog or your cat and in total despair because everything is way more expensive than you ever imagined it would be ...
... then you my friend are a walking case of budget stress and overwhelm, and we can’t have you going through life these next few months shouldering all of that!
This level of anxiety not only creates toxic stress in your daily life that’s bad for your physical health, but it’s also going to suck the fun out of your engagement - and it doesn’t have to be that way.
Yes, weddings cost money, but by ignoring your financial situation you’re setting yourselves up to be that couple a year from now who went waaaayyyy over budget, who had to use wedding gift money to pay off credit cards, and who - although they might not admit it to anyone out loud - looks back and realizes that in hindsight, there’s a whole laundry list of things that were completely unnecessary. (I have a story about this to share, coming up in one of our questions for today.)
Living in a place of overwhelm and judging yourself & your wedding decisions against staged photos and strangers on the internet isn’t serving anyone.
There are some very powerful shifts that I can offer to lift you up to a place where you confront your wedding budget head on - that’s the convo we had last week on Wednesday, in our Wedding Budget Workshop. You have the hard conversations, you’ve seen in black and white how much money you’re working with, you commit to your priorities, and then it’s DONE.
And that’s the point where you can move on to a more joyful place where choosing a photographer and a venue and a dress is FUN because you’re not constantly worried about how much it’s gonna cost. You KNOW you have enough money to cover your top priorities, it doesn’t matter if it’s going to look like the wedding you saw on tik tok this morning.
This is where you can confidently invest in your priorities, tune out and say NO to the stuff that’s not important to you, and you’re not even gonna recognize that girl who was alone and crying with her dog because everything is just too expensive and too overwhelming.
It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS!
What's on your mind? Get your specific questions answered when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
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 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??? Welcome to Week ONE of the "12 Weeks of Engagement Season" BONUS SERIES from the Wedding Planning Podcast!
Nope, 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 create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
BINGE-LISTEN ...
to the entire 12-week Bonus Series when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
ASK ME ANYTHING ...
Submit your wedding budget questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.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 VENDORS,
- Identifying + incorporating your top VALUES into your celebration,
- Muting the noise + remaining laser-focused on a SMART PLANNING STRATEGY,
- ENHANCING YOUR RELATIONSHIP with your partner, your family + your loved ones,
- Monthly "Ask Anything" opportunities with your host, Kara
- And so much MORE!
There's no chit chat, no co-hosts, no gabby guests, and no sponsors selling their services. Just me, you, and your dream wedding celebration coming to life in the coming months!
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES >>> redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
REVOLUTIONARY DIGITAL WEDDING PLANNING PACKAGE
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding, minus the crushing stress, excess, and overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples. For more information + FREE 3-DAY TRIAL, visit wedpodcast.com.
There are absolutely no contracts, zero obligation, and you're free to cancel anytime - no questions asked. I can't wait to see you there!
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To submit questions or topic requests for an upcoming show, simply FOLLOW @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram & send a DM (direct message) on the platform.
*VAULT Members have priority access to all "ASK ME ANYTHING" segments & bonus show materials.
Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to all messages, but every submission is carefully logged & tracked for consideration in upcoming episodes & bonus shows.
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Sign up to receive weekly email recaps, important updates, and special offers from our partners by visiting www.weddingplanningpodcast.co
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 conversation that will show you exactly how to get everything you want most our of your wedding celebration - no matter what your budget is.
I’m going to give you a foolproof formula for identifying your top priorities and giving yourselves permission to allocate most of your wedding budget to those key wedding elements.
I’m also going to give you FULL permission to KEEP IT SIMPLE.
And finally, we’re going to talk about the importance of keeping things in perspective. Knowing when to flex your money-saving muscles, and when it might be better to trade your time for dollars and pay a professional rather than trying to “do it yourself”.
In essence? Weddings cost money - A LOT of money - and for most of us, that can quickly become a topic of stress & frustration.
No one wants to be constantly bombarded by sticker shock over how much wedding vendors & services cost. Not to mention the disagreements with family (and maybe even your partner) over:
- How to spend the money,
- Feeling guilty that you need to value the opinions of those who contribute over those who don’t,
- Wondering if it’s worth it to save a few hundred dollars but spend hours trying to figure something out on your own …
Tune in for so much more, including your top 5 "sticker shockers" from Instagram over the past week!
To submit questions for an upcoming show, simply FOLLOW @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram, and send a DM (direct message) on the platform.
Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to each submission ... you'll receive a DM if your submission is queued for an upcoming episode.
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding! Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
An extra special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Evite is helping make my celebrations feel extra special and they can help you too! Head over to evite.com/wpp to choose from thousands of design options to create & send invitations for free.
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
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 top of today’s post: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/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.
In this brand new episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, you'll learn 12 key "to-do's" to launch your wedding planning journey into action. Tune in for a detailed ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST to guide you along the way!
FREE Engagement Starter Kit!
Newly engaged & wondering where to begin with your wedding plans? Reveal the first THREE STEPS to simplifying the planning process, and ditch the paralyzing overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples! Visit: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/learnmore to claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit >>> my gift to you ;)
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding! Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code within today's audio episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.
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 helping you with the wedding - it's the PERFECT project to delegate!
For a detailed shopping list, step-by-step instructions, and lots of "how-to" videos, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/pretzel
A very special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding! Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
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 alternatives to taking 50 of your closest friends & family out to eat at a nice restaurant ($$$). Beyond just saving money, we’ll also cover:
- When to start planning (hint - it might be earlier than you think!)
- Personality-packed options for location and food selection
- Tips for keeping the night on pace and organized
- And meaningful touches that will be remembered beyond the wedding day.
This topic is so dear to me - I remember our rehearsal dinner as one of the most special nights of my life. We grilled chicken, steak & veggies with our friends & family on the property where we got married, had all the fave drinks flowing, and a curated list of our favorite songs turned way up. We laughed, talked & celebrated long past sunset, and it was a magical night.
I wish all the same for you!
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free 3-day trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
xo, Kara
PS - A $50 FREE GIFT for you!
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 of your top goals for your day spent at the wedding fair.
This way you can MAXIMIZE your time spent with vendors and gathering inspiration, and minimize the stress & overwhelm factor of wandering through hundreds of booths full of noisy commotion.
After our time together today, when the 15th DJ asks you if you want to dance, and the 22nd wedding planner asks you to spin their "wheel o' fun" ...
... you can confidently smile, say no thanks, and keep walking.
To submit questions for an upcoming show, simply FOLLOW @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram, and send a DM (direct message) on the platform.
Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to each submission ... you'll receive a DM if your submission is queued for an upcoming episode.
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through exactly how to identify your top priorities & plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Cheers to you!
Kara
A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:
Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
Evite is helping make my celebrations feel extra special and they can help you too! Head over to evite.com/wpp to choose from thousands of design options to create & send invitations for free.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 airbrush?
- Addressing STD's and invitations,
- Pricing within a vendor contract,
- Should we DIY the music?
- How did you decide when to have children?
- And, more!
Monthly membership to The VAULT also includes a weekly bonus “off the record” chat where we can connect behind-the-scenes, and go deeper into select wedding topics covered in the free weekly shows.
Enjoy TWO featured OFF THE RECORD bonus shows when you sign up for a free 3-day trial of The VAULT.
There are zero contracts, no pre-payments or obligation, and you're free to cancel anytime ... although I certainly hope you'll recognize the value in this revolutionary, ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding, and that we can continue the journey together!
Cheers to you & your dream wedding celebration,
Kara
PS - Thank you for supporting today's show sponsors:
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code within today's episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.
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 from dreaded to done!
For members of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT, I have an in-depth "off-the-record" personal story to share about why wedding SEATING CHARTS (of all things) are so near & dear to my heart, and how this topic has literally changed my life in the years since I got married.
ACCESS THIS WEEK'S "Off the Record" bonus show intro here!
It all started with a second-hand used set of wine cork place card holders, and the rest is history 🥰
| the set of used wine cork place card holders that literally changed my life |
Resources & links from today’s show:
- Find helpful online seating chart tool recommendations here,
- Search “wedding seating chart” on Etsy for lots of custom options,
- “Do It Yourself” seating chart signs here,
- Browse KVW custom place card holders here,
- And enjoy tons of creative seating chart ideas on this Pinterest board.
To submit questions for an upcoming show, simply FOLLOW @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram, and send a DM (direct message) on the platform.
Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to each submission ... you'll receive a DM if your submission is queued for an upcoming episode.
And last but certainly not least, please enjoy these special gifts from this week’s show sponsors:
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your wedding that puts YOU, your values & priorities at the center of every single decision you confidently make. Sign up for my revolutionary digital wedding planning package here, and enjoy a FREE 3-day trial to be sure it's the perfect fit. Zero contracts, no obligation, cancel anytime >>> www.wedpodcast.com**
Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
Email susan@susanstravelservices for FREE help planning the exotic honeymoon of your dreams, AND get $50 off your booking when you mention the WPP!
“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 that you can use professional design skills to create the cohesive, show-stopper look that you’re going for on your wedding day.
These design tips are suitable for all budgets, and no - you don’t need an advanced art or design degree to pull them off!
Tune in for easy tips on choosing your table linens, centerpiece flowers, favors, cocktail napkins, confetti, wedding party outfits, table settings, and so much more.
Links mentioned in today's show:
- We're also going to review 3 affordable reception decor ideas pulled straight from Pinterest to get your inspiration flowing.
- Beautiful bolts of tulle
- Fun paper lanterns in various sizes & colors
- Claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit here!
A special thank you to today's show sponsors!
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your wedding inside my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To get started with a FREE 3-day trial, and the flexibility to cancel anytime, visit www.wedpodcast.com
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com. Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
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 for good reason! I’ve always been a huge fan of a simple, scaled back celebration ... and in today’s climate, that’s never been more appropriate.
Tune in to today's brand new episode for a complete "micro wedding" blueprint, designed to make planning a breeze. We'll cover everything you need to know to make your small celebration extra special.
From your tiny guest list, to invitations, splurge vs. save items, planning a larger reception to follow, and your TOP micro wedding questions - we'll cover it all in this encouraging & lighthearted overview.
To submit questions for an upcoming show, simply FOLLOW @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram, and send a DM (direct message) on the platform.
Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to each submission ... you will receive a message when your submission is queued for an upcoming episode.
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your wedding that puts YOU, your values & priorities at the center of every single decision you confidently make. Sign up for my revolutionary digital wedding planning package here, and enjoy a FREE 3-day trial to be sure it's the perfect fit. Zero contracts, no obligation, cancel anytime >>> www.wedpodcast.com
Thank you for supporting today's show sponsors:
Get professional help planning your dream DESTINATION MICRO WEDDING for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
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 FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! (Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.)
- Pros to an unplugged ceremony & tips for communicating your expectations to guests
- And so much more!
Monthly membership to The VAULT also includes a weekly bonus “off the record” chat where we can connect behind-the-scenes, and go deeper into select wedding topics covered in the free weekly shows.
Enjoy TWO featured OFF THE RECORD bonus shows when you sign up for a free 3-day trial of The VAULT.
There are zero contracts, no pre-payments or obligation, and you're free to cancel anytime ... although I certainly hope you'll recognize the value in this revolutionary, ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding, and that we can continue the journey together!
Cheers to you & your dream wedding celebration,
Kara
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 - 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 photographer or caterer gives you a quote for services, you probably don’t say “well that sounds OK, but do you have anything that costs more?”
If you've been listening to the Wedding Planning Podcast for a while, I hope you know me well enough now to know that I’m NOT the wedding professional who’s going to tell you NEVER to try to cut this corner, or don’t DARE hire a friend to do x, y, z.
I see this type of messaging a lot. If you do your own wedding day hair and makeup it will totally fail, and you should hire a professional to do it for you. If you skimp on a photographer, you will regret it for the rest of your life.
If you have your cousin make your cake, it will probably be a complete disaster, you should really hire a professional for that. If you take your dress to a neighborhood tailor instead of the big box bridal store where you bought it, it’s going to end up in shreds and you’ll have no dress to wear.
The trouble is, professional service providers in pretty much any industry have an agenda - to sell their product or service.
And whether you hear from a wedding professional on a podcast, read their articles on a blog, or see their posts on Instagram, their position is probably that hiring a professional is THE BEST way to go. "After all", they say, "this is your wedding - you can’t afford to cut corners on the best day of your life."
Well, for lots of this, I call BS. Sure, if you have a wedding budget in the 6-figures, then “hire a professional” is a great option for everything I just listed.
But most of us DON’T have $100,000 to spend on our wedding, so making swaps and saves here and there is a necessary part of planning so that we don’t go thousands of dollars into debt - NEVER a good idea.
Here’s a doozy for you - we hired our wedding photographer off craigslist for $500. True story.
And I’m NOT here to tell you that it was a horrible idea that backfired and you should never trust any wedding photographer who hasn’t shot 500 weddings and costs less than $5000. That’s not me, not my style.
BUT, I’m also not here to tell you that YOU should definitely hire a photographer off craigslist, and it will work out perfectly and there’s no risk involved and you can live happy ever after and sleep soundly knowing that you saved a couple thousand dollars!
To be clear - there’s no right or wrong, one-size-fits all solution to the myriad of wedding decisions you have to make over the next few months.
I’ll always encourage you to use your intuition, and use our weekly time together to review all the options you have available, and select what feels best for you and your unique situation.
I feel so strongly about what we’re talking about today, and I really want to set things up right.
The truth is, sometimes no matter how much research you do, or how many great reviews someone has, or how confident you feel that you’re making the right decision, things can just go wrong. You’ll probably have a wedding backfire, or two, or three over the course of getting everything lined up.
This is part of life, and definitely a part of wedding planning. I wish I could wave a magical wand that would shield you against anything bad happening, but of course - that’s not realistic.
Sooooo, the next best thing to that …
In today's show, let’s explore some common areas of wedding planning where couples to try to cut a corner, save some money, leave something out, and then sadly have it backfire in terms of lost money, lost time, lost sanity - and sometimes all three.
If you find yourselves at a cost-saving opportunity crossroads and you don’t know which way to turn, I have some smart questions to ask yourselves, and potential vendors, that I hope will guide you towards making the best decisions for you and your wedding day.
So when you find yourself wondering, hmmmmm ... should we cut that corner? What are the potential outcomes or pitfalls that might come of it? Hopefully after today’s show, you’ll have some solid answers to some of the most common situations, so that you can make the best decision for you.
For one wedding, that might mean hiring a photographer off craigslist for $500. For another couple, that will NEVER be an option that’s on the table. And you know what? Both sides are totally fine ;)
Full blog post available at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-pitfall
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
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 you really need to hire a professional to help you with your wedding plans.
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 wedding day.
And side note, shocker - obviously, none of the wedding planners I interviewed ever mentioned to me, hey by the way, did you know that you could actually just do this on your own?
Thankfully I came around to that, but it took lots of wasted effort and stress to get there.
Flash forward to today - I literally created the Wedding Planning Podcast so that any engaged couple could tune in and use the episodes and the tools we review in the weekly shows to plan their own wedding - no professional or pricey wedding planner required.
Spoiler alert before we even dive in - I definitely DO NOT think you have to spend thousands of dollars to hire a professional wedding planner!
Some alternatives? Try checking out the sites we mentioned in today's show, including your local Craigslist postings, Thumbtack.com, taskrabbit.com and fiverr.com
I also know that there are countless wonderful wedding planning professionals out there, and for some couples it’s a really smart investment … and we’ll get into all of that that much more in today’s show.
Blog post for today's show, AND free "Day Of" Checklist here!
A special thank you for supporting our valued show sponsors:
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code within today's episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.
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 recommend Minted Weddings)
- Processional - order, traditions, substitutions (detailed article >>> Processional Order)
- Online bridesmaid dress shopping (including my very recent personal experience & recommendations >>> azazie.com),
- A brief COVID update,
- And last but certainly not least, managing disagreeable vendors.
Monthly membership to The VAULT also includes a weekly bonus “off the record” chat where we can connect behind-the-scenes, and go deeper into select wedding topics covered in the free weekly shows.
The latest TWO featured OFF THE RECORD bonus shows are available to you for a sneak peek when you sign up for a free 3-day trial of The VAULT.
There are zero contracts, no pre-payments or obligation, and you're free to cancel anytime ... although I certainly hope you'll recognize the value in this revolutionary, ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding, and that we can continue the journey together!
Cheers to you & your dream wedding celebration,
Kara
PS - Thank you for supporting this week's show sponsors:
Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
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 arises when you and your partner come from different backgrounds, and one of you thinks paying $10,000 for a photographer is completely reasonable, and the other wants to spend $10,000 total on the entire wedding.
But no matter where you’re from, I’m a firm believer in your wedding day being an expression and celebration of you & your partner. At the end of the day, you’re making a really special commitment to one another, and looking to celebrate the occasion with your loved ones. That’s it!
With that said, let’s look at these “wedding etiquette rules” with a fresh set of eyes. We're going to make a pledge to let go of what “everyone else is doing,” and open up the possibilities way beyond that.
Please trust that you truly have the support from me to ditch what everyone else is doing, and craft your day, your way.
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your wedding, and I'm sharing a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package so that you can see for yourself what one bride calls, "a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry." See you there!
www.wedpodcast.com <<<
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
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 will naturally occur throughout the course of your wedding day.
Malcolm Gladwell is a Canadian author, journalist, and producer of one of my favorite Podcasts, Revisionist History. In a recent episode he said, “It’s impossible to make a list of things that have not yet occurred to us” and I immediately knew I wanted to apply those wise words to your wedding plans.
Let’s roll through a dozen essential wedding details that may get overlooked in the planning process - tune in for so much more!
A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors:
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through exactly how to plan your dream wedding, from start to finish. Learn more and sign up for a totally FREE 3-DAY TRIAL trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
"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 the initial relief and excitement of finding and booking the perfect venue, we’re starting to realize the huge task ahead of us in terms of booking EVERYTHING (the venue comes with nothing set up, so we need to choose tables, chairs, place settings, dance floor, bar, basically everything.)
At this point, I feel completely overwhelmed by her ideas & suggestions, and I’m starting to worry that the wedding she has envisioned for us does not line up with our vision OR our budget. How do I reign in our wedding planner and rest easy knowing that we are on the same page?"
There are so many layers to this question that we have a dedicated show to help answer it!
In my years of experience, it’s not just the wedding planners who need to reigned in ... often times it's also the moms, bridesmaids, aunts, cousins, and we’re going to cover all these scenarios in today’s episode.
You'll also enjoy a sneak peek inside my digital wedding planning package with release of exclusive audio, "Creating Your Wedding Vision". This exercise alone is one of the most valuable wedding planning tools I have to helping you create a celebration that truly honors your priorities & values.
Tune in for so much more!
A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors:
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally FREE 3-DAY TRIAL by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code within today's episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
This week I have a mailbox full of your wedding planning questions to answer, on everything from what the moms should wear, budgeting with $5000, using a rental property as a venue, and lots more popular topics that have come up in the past few weeks!
Most of these questions come from members of my digital wedding planning package, where one of my favorite benefits of membership is a fast track VIP pass to submit your wedding questions & show topic requests ... literally any time you think of them.
You have a standing invitation to join us and take advantage of this ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding celebration, including a FREE 3-day trial when you visit wedpodcast.com.
The digital format allows me to extend a full service planning experience for an incredibly affordable monthly subscription, plus there are no contracts, absolutely zero obligation and that FREE 3-DAY TRIAL when you sign up today at wedpodcast.com.
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book. Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
Is your happiness suffering during these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
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 your goal is a simple, beautiful, and affordable wedding - then the sky is the limit on the millions of wedding details you can leave out.
In my digital wedding planning package, couples are encouraged to make a detailed list of their priorities way early on in the engagement. They can then use that rock-solid road map over & over again, to check in throughout their engagement and be sure that priorities & values are being honored with every single decision.
Want to come behind the scenes for more in-depth guidance on setting an unshakable planning foundation that will bring you all the way through to your wedding day & beyond? Now you can try my revolutionary digital wedding planning package FREE for 3 days!
- NO CONTRACTS,
- A very small monthly subscription price that you’re 100% free to CANCEL ANYTIME,
- And a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL so you can even take a look around before committing!
In essence? You have absolutely NOTHING to lose, and everything to gain. Get started today at www.wedpodcast.com.
I'll see you there!
A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for sponsoring today's episode. Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
Other partner links mentioned in today's show:
Wedding shoes on Amazon? Why not! Check out these beauties & more for a fraction of the price at a "wedding" retailer.
Support a small business AND shop high quality, low priced wedding accessories on Etsy.
Last word! A CLASSIC way to save? Purchase once-used decor & other wedding items from another couple on a resale site like Craigslist, Ebay, or Facebook Marketplace. 🙌🏼
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 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 in some way that will make your life easier, more affordable, more relaxing, and overall, more enjoyable.
Often we find ourselves in the midst of a planning roadblock and the first instinct is to explore your options.
In the first example we’re going to talk about today - a couple who has family in 2 different places, many of whom don’t want to travel, you might consider … getting married in each place, what would that look like? Getting married where we live? Getting married on an island with just us?
In all the feelings and family dynamics and charged emotions that fly around throughout your engagement season, it’s sometimes easy to get lost in a million far-fetched options ... when the simplest, most streamlined option is left by the wayside.
On that note, today we’re going to explore some common wedding planning scenarios where things can escalate and become verrrrrrrrrry complicated, very quickly.
I’m going to do my best to point out some straightforward, simple solutions that I hope will make your engaged life EASIER, MORE AFFORDABLE, and put a stop to waking up in the middle of the night with your mind racing over how many passed appetizers there should be, how many people should be in your wedding party, and how much ice to buy for your welcome party.
Ready to get started? Tune into the full show for so much more!
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through specific wedding planning milestones and show you exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com.
Thank you for supporting this week's show sponsors:
- Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
- Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price. Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP10".
- Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
This week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast is designed to focus on the most critical part of your wedding day - your wedding ceremony.
In the midst of wedding planning chaos, the ceremony can get pushed to the end and miss getting the full attention and creativity it deserves.
Do yourselves a favor & start thinking about your wedding ceremony early ... don’t let this become a last-minute item on your wedding planning to-do list!
Your wedding ceremony is literally the WHY of the entire wedding day, and today we're going to review:
- Ceremony flow of events,
- Finding an officiant,
- Your wedding vows,
- And finally some additional ways to incorporate meaning and personality.
A well-crafted wedding ceremony will perfectly express your relationship as a couple. It should make your guests understand exactly why they are at the wedding, and may address the couples past, present and future.
We can be serious, lighthearted, traditional or a mix of all three - your ceremony doesn’t have to follow any script, and you’re free to personalize this portion of your day in any way you like!
Tune in for so much more, and be in touch with any stories, questions or thoughts by sending me a DM @weddingplanningpodcast !
LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE:
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through specific wedding planning milestones and show you exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Enjoy some really fun & creative unity ceremony ideas by visiting www.weddingplanningpodcast.com/unity
Take the guesswork & stress out of choosing the music for your special day! Visit MyWeddingSongs.com today to prepare your wedding music for FREE and enjoy over 600 custom wedding playlists.
Sample wedding vows & guide >>> https://apracticalwedding.com/wedding-vow-examples/
HIRING YOUR OFFICIANT episode dated March 6, 2020
CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING MUSIC episode dated March 17, 2021
For lots of unique unity ceremony, ceremony signage, wedding program inspiration & more, visit Pinterest
A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:
Train your loved one to deliver your ceremony like a pro with the Unboring Officiant training package! Listeners enjoy 50% off when you visit www.unboringofficiant.com/weddingplanningpodcast
Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
Would you LOVE to take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP10".
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 great solution for you if you’re feeling like wedding stuff is about to be the straw that broke your back, on top of all the other challenges life is serving up.
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to walk through planning your very own WEEKEND WEDDING PLANNING RETREAT. Whether you chose to staycation at a cheap hotel, hop in the car or board a plane, there is so much value in shaking things up a bit, getting away from home, and giving yourself the gift of TIME + FOCUS on wedding stuff, uninterrupted, for 48 hours.
- I know we’re all full of subscriptions to Netflix, Spotify, wine clubs, beauty boxes, meal kits, but I truly believe this is the BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK out there in terms of personalized wedding planning support. Membership is incredibly affordable (I wouldn’t have it any other way!), there’s a free 3-day trial, and you’re free to cancel your membership any time, zero questions asked. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
- Newly engaged & wondering where to begin with your wedding plans? Reveal the first THREE STEPS to simplifying the planning process, and ditch the paralyzing overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples! Visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/learnmore to claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit >>> my gift to you ;)
THANK YOU for supporting our show partners who make these free weekly episodes come to life!
- Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code WPP10.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
- Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re demystifying the world of wedding insurance, permits and licensing.
It all seems like a big, scary 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 wrong on your wedding day.
While I can’t buffer you against ALL mishaps like a global pandemic that spans years, a lipstick spot on your dress, swollen & hurting feet, or running out of vodka at the bar - the GOOD news is, you CAN protect yourself and your wedding from big disasters with a simple little thing called wedding insurance.
Wedding insurance is reasonably priced, and for just a couple hundred dollars can provide PRICELESS peace of mind.
Side note - Researching your wedding insurance options would be a PERFECT little task to delegate to someone who's been asking you "is there anything for the wedding I can help with?" ;)
Stick around for the second half of the show to hear your wedding questions, answered!
Please feel free to share this valuable episode with your engaged friends, or anyone who's helping you plan. I appreciate your support of the Wedding Planning Podcast beyond words!
Cheers, Kara
PS - Please enjoy these generous gifts from today's show sponsors:
Enjoy a FREE 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package when you sign up today at wedpodcast.com
Save 21% on awesome wedding bands in just about every type of material imaginable when you visit: www.ManlyBands.com/wedding
Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP10".
Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, enjoy an all-new Wedding Q&A featuring your questions from email & Instagram!
Topics we're discussing include:
- Venue deposits & shopping help,
- Advice for a second wedding,
- Booking hotel room blocks,
- Receiving line alternatives,
- Alternatives to expensive wedding DJ,
- & so much more!
To submit questions for an upcoming show, simply FOLLOW @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram, and send a DM (direct message) on the platform.
Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to each submission ... you will receive a message when your submission is queued for an upcoming episode.
Members of my digital wedding planning package have front-of-the-line, VIP access to weekly Wedding Q&A shows, bonus "off the record" chats, and so much more! Enjoy a FREE 3-day trial when you sign up today at www.wedpodcast.com
A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:
- Would you LOVE to take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
- Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP10".
- Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code in today's episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.
If you’re the type of couple who values connection and meaningful time spent with the people you love the most, then a 3-5 day DESTINATION WEDDING might be the perfect set up for you!
Close your eyes and imagine a packed ballroom with blaring music, flashing lights, and going around to 30 different tables saying a quick hello to each one of your wedding guests.
Now, I love an amazing party just as much as the next person, and for some couples that’s how they chose to celebrate - a traditional reception, with a DJ, hundreds of guests, and a laundry list of wedding to do’s. Cut the cake, first dance, toss the bouquet, that sort of thing.
I bet you love a good party too ... but if you're like me, then truly connecting with your loved ones in meaningful ways throughout your wedding celebration takes absolute top priority over pretty much everything else.
And I truly believe that the best way to maximize your opportunity for connection is to design a celebration that gives you TIME and SPACE to spend time with people in a more intentional & meaningful way ... and a distraction free, unplugged 3-5 day destination wedding is just the ticket.
You’re going to hear a lot of really valuable info from Susan of Susan’s Travel Services today, and if you’d like to schedule a totally FREE informational call with her to get your destination wedding OR honeymoon plans underway, she’s just an email away! Contact her any time at susan@susanstravelservices.com
And with that, enjoy today’s show!
PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
- Download the free BACH app & get ready to elevate your bachelor or bachelorette party experience! Just look for “BACH” in the app store.
- It’s no secret that I LOVE a nice glass of wine for happy hour, and right now I am LOVING Usual Wines. Your first glass is on us when you use promo code “PLANNING” for $8 off your first order!
You’ve found the perfect wedding dress - congratulations!!!
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re doing a thorough review of all the "post-dress shopping" to-do items.
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 found here)
- Pre-wedding weight loss & gain,
- Styling and shape wear options like bras, corsets, and compression garments,
- The importance of COMFORTABLE SHOES,
- Getting your dress home & last minute wrinkle patrol (the handheld steamer I mentioned can be found here)
- And some creative ways to preserve and / or repurpose your gown after the wedding.
I hope you love it, and congratulations on that beautiful dress!
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
David’s Bridal is your one-stop dress shop! Shop gorgeous dresses at affordable prices, make an in-store or virtual appointment, and view the most current discounts and specials offers when you visit wedpodcast.com/db
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
There’s A LOT of conflicting information out there about tipping your wedding vendors, and I want you to forget all of it!
In today’s episode, we’re going to 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 you have to automatically package up envelopes with 20% tips for every single wedding vendor you hire? Think again.
Today I’m gonna save you hours on google, and likely hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars over that crazed couple who just takes the advice out there on tipping at face value and doesn’t bother taking the time to explore the nuances and undercurrents that are actually at play.
So come along with me, and let’s uncover the TRUTH about tipping your wedding vendors!
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding! Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
- It’s no secret that I LOVE a nice glass of wine for happy hour, and right now I am LOVING Usual Wines. Your first glass is on us when you use promo code “PLANNING” for $8 off your first order!
- Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
- Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code in today's episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.
Micro weddings are here to stay, and for good reason! Today we’re going to highlight some of the HUGE freedoms that come along with hosting a small & intimate wedding.
I also have a guest bride Q&A segment to share where we cover some wonderful questions on working with wooden flowers, bridal makeup, crafting a simple gift registry, and so much more.
We spend an awful lot of time talking about how to cut through the noise, and streamline & simplify your wedding planning journey.
And though all of those conversations - about the best ways to save time, and the easiest ways to save money, and the hidden ways to avoid feeling overwhelmed - it’s easy to miss a life sized pink elephant in the room.
The absolutely most obvious and hands down easiest way to save time, money, overwhelm & stress throughout your engagement has nothing to do with strategy.
It has EVERYTHING to do with the absolutely most simple piece of advice I can imagine -
keeping your wedding small.
There have been some pretty incredible changes in the way we think about weddings over the past year.
If we rewind to one year ago, spring of 2020, the outlook was grim for couples with weddings coming up in spring, summer, fall, and turns out, even winter, even the NEXT spring.
Now that the pandemic clouds have cleared, there’s a feeling of relief that finally things can get back to normal.
Maybe you’re starting to go back to the office, and feeling excited about getting dressed for an actual reason, looking forward to sharing morning coffee with someone other than your dog. There’s traffic again on the freeway. Things we used to take for granted, like traveling or having happy hour with friends are no longer taboo. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to a close friend’s backyard gate this past year for backyard drinks and apps, and felt like I was illegally sneaking into a speak easy, being judged by the neighbors.
And for the purposes of our conversation, weddings can go back to “normal” - thousands of couples are feeling a million pound weight off their shoulders, with the 200, 300, 400 person celebration back on for later this year.
TRUST ME. I’m THRILLED to turn the corner into normal life, as thrilled as anyone out there. The past year has been awful, and I can’t wait to close the chapter.
But as awful as it was, there were so many miraculous seedlings of hope and creativity that I want to hang on to. The SURGE of micro weddings and really intimate celebrations is something that I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to …. And actually, I’d like to keep that small legacy of the pandemic around as we move back into “normal”.
We’ve talked a lot over the past couple of weeks about feeling overwhelmed with wedding stuff. About how to intentionally approach your wedding plans with your priorities front & center. So much of that has nothing to do with wedding strategy or how-to.
It’s nothing the best wedding planner in the world could help you figure out. Rather it has everything to do with your mindset, and the way you choose to see the next few months - or maybe years - between now and your wedding day.
I’ve been ½ of that overwhelmed couple, and went through a hell of a lot of struggle and drama and screw ups to realize the things that I share with you here each week.
In a nutshell? Your engagement is a priceless season of love, transformation, happiness, joy, and connection. Connecting with your partner, your family & your friends on a deeper level than ever before. Ultimately creating an unforgettable wedding experience that’s full of meaning and leaves a legacy of love, fun, and priceless memories with all of your guests. That, my friend, is your number one priority from now to wedding day.
When couples put their attention here, there’s a magical effect. This mindset allows you to focus purely on what you value most, and how you can integrate those values & priorities into this transformational season of your life, and even beyond.
It allows your guests to experience a wedding celebration unlike any they’ve been to, and to walk away from your wedding experience saying to themselves, that was the most unforgettable wedding we’ve ever been to. It wasn’t a wedding where we downed 6 drinks and a plate of so so food, said hi to the new couple for 30 seconds, ate some cake, and went home. It was an experience that literally left a legacy of love & connection with your closest loved ones.
The mainstream wedding industry wants so badly for things to go back to “normal” - to pack venues with 300 people, 300 plates of overpriced food, and thousands of overpriced cocktails. To run up products and services and price gauge for things that cost a fraction when the word “wedding” isn’t in front.
But what if we all collectively choose connection over mindless excess.
What if we choose our priorities over the generic wedding checklist’s priorities.
What if we said no to 300 person capacity ballrooms, and YES to rustic cabin retreats, where our very closest friends and family could gather for 3-5 DAYS of wedding celebration, instead of 3-5 hours?
What if we spent days, or even a WEEK, connecting with our loved ones, instead of a few seconds in a receiving line outside the church before being whisked away in a limo to pictures, a reception, some speeches, dinner, drinks, and dancing that you didn’t even enjoy because it was all such a blur?
What if we took a pledge and said NO to the old way, and said YES to our values, our priorities, and turned our full focus & attention on our wedding experience leaving a lasting legacy on everyone involved?
If that’s you, then you’re in the right spot my friend - coming up in the second half of today's show, you’ll meet a bride who’s hosting an 18 person micro wedding at a rustic cabin retreat in Maine and who is 100% dialed in on exactly what her & her fiance value the most. I’m going to share a Q&A session we did on everything from wedding day makeup, gift registry, working with wood Sola flowers, delegating tasks, forming connections, and so much more.
Ready for the new way to plan your dream wedding celebration? Tune in to today's full episode for so much more!
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through specific wedding planning milestones and show you exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Photos of Kate's SOLA wood flowers >>> Follow @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram
A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:
- Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code in today's episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
- Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP".
Wedding expenses adding up? 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, this topic is very near & dear to my heart. Today's show is inspired by my own experiences, and also by my friend Nick Loper, creator of the Side Hustle Nation blog and podcast.
Nick has 3 side hustle “business models” to share, and I’m going to elaborate on each one, and offer a few more ideas that I love. For a full blog post & recap of today's show, AND a special video message from Nick, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/hustle.
VAULT members, your weekly bonus is a detailed checklist to follow if you’re interested in getting a “wedding side hustle” up & running, and generating you some CASH!
Today's show is brought to you by these valued partners ...
Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP".
Would you LOVE to take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code within audio episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.
Today I'm thrilled to share a totally FREE resource designed to deliver unique wedding music & song ideas for your wedding day playlists right to your inbox!
Matt is the creator of myweddingsongs.com, and he’s joining us to share his priceless advice to couples for crafting their perfect wedding day playlists - no professional DJ required.
Even if you do decide to hire a professional to help with the songs and announcements, crafting your own unique playlists for other events like you engagement party or rehearsal dinner is always a really nice, personalized touch.
To sign up for exclusive song ideas delivered right to your inbox for free, visit myweddingsongs.com and look for the red subscribe button at the top of the page.
And as always, a special thank you to these additional show sponsors:
Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
Would you LOVE to take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP".
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, I 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 the basics here too - but I LOVE digging down deeper to find the solutions and options that aren’t quite so obvious, and that might offer a really creative way to put a unique spin on your day, make your guests’ experience that much more incredible, or save you a ton of money by simply making a little adjustment or swap.
Today we’re going to cover TEN wedding planning “blind spots” - areas that past couples and listeners of the podcast have pointed out as things they wouldn’t necessarily have thought about during their planning, but that became clear after listening to an episode, or in some cases, after their actual wedding was over and done with (and it was too late …)
If you’re in the early stages of planning, hopefully we can catch a few things now, so that you don’t find yourself a year or two from now saying, if only we knew then what we know now …
Some of the tips from today’s show are very minor, simple pieces of advice while others are a pretty big deal - I’m going to point to a lot of full length episodes that are available to you to download for much more information - I made a blog post with all the show notes so you don’t miss a thing, and you don’t have to be frantically writing down notes while you listen. You can visit that post at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/blindspot
You have literally millions of options in terms of wedding websites, blogs, magazines, and other podcasts, and I thank you from my whole heart for spending this time with me, and for including me in your wedding planning journey. It’s a huge honor, and a huge responsibility that I hold with endless respect and gratitude, thank you.
I’ll meet you here again next week, same time, same place!
Cheers,
xo Kara
@weddingplanningpodcast
Newly engaged & wondering where to begin with your wedding plans?
Reveal the first THREE STEPS to simplifying the planning process, and ditch the paralyzing overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples. Visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/learnmore to claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit >>> my gift to you ;)
Please enjoy these special offers from today's show sponsors:
Would you LOVE to take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP".
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I think it's safe to say that running away to a beautiful beach in the tropics is on all of our minds right now!
Today I have a very special guest joining us, friend of the show SUSAN GREEN from Susan’s Travel Services. Susan packs 26 years of travel planning experience, and today you’re invited to soak up Susan’s expertise on everything from:
- Honeymoon planning logistics,
- destination wedding tips,
- choosing your perfect destination,
- some common honeymoon planning pitfalls,
- sample trips across a variety of budgets,
- the PRICE TAG of stress,
& so much more!
The best part?
Susan’s travel planning services are TOTALLY FREE to you as a listener of the podcast!
Yes, you heard me right, and no, there’s not a catch!
To learn how Susan can help YOU plan your dream honeymoon to Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean & beyond, simply shoot her an email - susan@susanstravelservices.com and let her know that the WPP sent you for $50 off your final booking.
In addition, tune in to LIVE travel updates from Susan on Facebook & Instagram!
And with that, grab your daiquiri, imagine yourself on a beautiful beach, and enjoy today’s show ;)
A special THANK YOU to today's valued show sponsors:
Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code within audio episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.
Take the guesswork & stress out of choosing the music for your special day! Visit MyWeddingSongs.com today to prepare your wedding music for FREE and enjoy over 600 custom wedding playlists.