The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ashley C
Welcome to The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast! This podcast is for brides, grooms and anyone else who doesn't feel represented in mainstream wedding media. Haven't been dreaming of your big day since you were six? Don't care about chair covers or personalized napkins? Thinking about eloping, nixing the wedding party or only spending $5000? You're in the right place! From engagement to honeymoon and everything in between, join me as we plan weddings that are about what we really want - not what Instagram tells us we should want.
NEW EPISODE EVERY WEDNESDAY (if not sooner!)
In this week's episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast we're talking about semi or half destination weddings. So this would be a wedding where half or most of your guests are flying in, but it's local to you, or your guests are local, but you're flying into the destination. Most of the advice online for destination weddings imagine you and your guests all flying off to the Caribbean or Italy for a week. But what if it's just half your guests going from New Hampshire to Seattle?
Tune in as I discuss how to make life easy for your out of town guests (and yourselves!), some important things to consider when planning a semi-destination wedding and how to hold your boundaries when planning solo. And shout out to the listeners who requested this topic - thank you!
Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77
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Can you believe it? We've made it to 100 episodes of The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast! Thank you so much for being on this engagement and wedding journey with me for the last 1.5 years. Tune into today's special episode for an important announcement about where this podcast is going and what's coming up next.
Check out my new podcast: "Any Questions? A Podcast About Conception, Pregnancy & Realistic Motherhood"
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When it comes to wedding planning, there are a lot of decisions that you and your fiance will have to make as soon as you get engaged. But with those decisions comes a lot of opinions...and expectations...and judgment...from your family, your friends, society and even yourselves! On today's episode, I'm diving into five big wedding planning choices you will be making and how to not feel guilty about choosing what's right for you and your spouse-to-be!
Heads up: This is going to be a bit of a controversial episode! In this one, I'm coming for your koozies, your engraved tumblers and your custom, matching robes. IMHO a lot of traditional wedding party gifts are trash and as the incredible bride or groom that you are, I know you can do better. Give your closest loved ones something they actually want and take the stress out of this part of wedding planning!
Money is one of the biggest things couples fight over...both during wedding planning and marriage. And it's also the number one cause of divorce! Figuring out how you and your partner want to manage your money together and sort out your personal finances is so important. Tune in to hear my tips for the first money conversation you should have, the things to consider when deciding how to split your money, and why you need to have a monthly money meeting!
While I loved my wedding day, mistakes were definitely made in the planning process! Learn from my wedding planning mistakes so you can avoid them on your wedding day!
It's so easy to spend your entire wedding day in your head. After months and months of wedding planning, you may be too busy worrying about the reception or regretting your outfit choice to remember to stay present. But you want to be in the moment on your wedding day! Tune into this episode to hear my top tips for staying present and grounded on your wedding day so you don't miss a special moment!
Tired of the same old bridal showers? Don't know what the point of an engagement party is? Definitely don't want to go to Vegas for your bachelorette? Not sure you need a rehearsal dinner?
Then you're in the right place! Today's episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast is all about flipping all of your pre-wedding events on their heads. Throw out tradition, think creatively and host events that really feel like you.
The Post Wedding Blues: That sadness that sets in when you wake up the morning after your wedding and say, "That's it? It's just over?" The so-called 'best day of your life' has ended and now you're upset about it. So, how do you navigate your way through those post wedding blues? On today's episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning podcast I'm sharing 8 ways to help combat the PWBs and actually wake up with a smile on your face in a post-wedding world!
Is your partner dragging their feet when it comes to wedding planning? Has your fiance barely lifted a finger while you've been drowning under a mountain of wedding tasks? Are you starting to grow resentful of having to do it all yourself?
I believe both partners should be 100% responsible for planning their own wedding. After all, it's a day for both of you, so both of you should put in the work. But that looks different in every relationship. What kind of involvement are you looking for from your fiance? How do you have that conversation with them? What do you do if they don't want to be more involved in the wedding? Tune in to find out!
PS: Thanks to befan526 for suggesting this episode topic!
Are you an introvert planning a wedding? Do you hate attention, dread hanging out with large groups of people and shy away from the spotlight? Same. And while it may feel like the wedding industry is not geared towards people like us, there are lots of ways to create a wedding that is introvert-friendly and not spend your whole engagement worried about all of the people involved in your wedding day.
PS: Thanks to Megan S for suggesting this podcast episode topic! Want to suggest a topic or leave me some feedback? Let me know in the Q&A box (only available on Spotify).
Want to have the best honeymoon ever after your epic wedding? Let me help you make that happen! We just got back from our 3-week honeymoon (want to know where we went? You'll have to listen to find out!), and it was awesome. But we definitely messed up on a few things. This week I'm sharing our honeymoon story plus 10 tips to help you have the most amazing honeymoon ever. Happy wedding planning and happy honeymoon planning!
I've talked a lot about wedding regrets on The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast and now... it's time to admit my own! On today's episode I'm sharing 12 regrets I have from my wedding day, looking back now that I'm married and the day is behind us. All in all, I loved my day and these regrets don't keep me up at night. But if I had to do it all again, there are a few things I'd change. I hope by sharing my regrets you don't make the same mistakes I did and learn from my advice!
Wedding planning can be STRESSFUL! And while I can't eliminate the stress entirely (unless you throw the whole plan out the window and go elope today which...I definitely considered!), I believe these 7 tips will help all engaged couples focus on what matters (hint: your marriage!), cut down on wed stress, and enjoy the wedding planning process a little bit more!
We made it down the aisle despite... my dress not fitting, needing to fire and hire a new officiant and photographer, getting a visit from Aunt Flo and 11 more disasters that all happened in the few weeks before our wedding day! Wedding planning is full of disaster-prone situations and odds are you'll face the toughest ones just before your wedding day. But you will make it through and still have the most incredible wedding! Plus, every disaster is just a funny story to tell afterwards, right?
On today's episode I'm sharing 10 things I wish I had known before my wedding day. And now that you know these things before your wedding day, you can learn from my mistakes and have an even more amazing day! Happy wedding planning to all of the engaged folks, brides and grooms to be, out there!
In today's episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm breaking down my actual wedding budget using the real numbers from my wedding! I'm sharing what I originally budgeted, how much I ended up spending, what I splurged on and where I saved, and how my numbers measure up to what wedding media tells us we "should" be spending. Whether you're planning a low budget wedding or something more luxurious, hearing the real numbers always helps. I think you'll find lots of money saving and money savvy tips in this episode!
We did it: WE'RE MARRIED! On today's episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm sharing our complete wedding story - from wedding weekend events to ceremony details we loved and everything in between. I know this is a longer episode but I hope you don't mind me gushing all about our big day. And I hope your big day is just as magical!
PS: Just because I'm married now doesn't mean the podcast is going anywhere. I've still got lots of great episodes to share with you!
The wedding comparison game: A fun little game all engaged couples play when they compare their wedding to every wedding they attend or see on social media in the months leading up to their big day. Toxic thoughts include: "Why didn't we get the 3-foot high centerpieces? They look so good" and "Thank god we went for the chicken instead of this awful fish" and "A sparkler exit? Now I want one!"
Whether your wedding "wins" or "loses" when you compare, it doesn't feel great. You're inviting in toxic thoughts and it's an ugly place to be leading up to your own wedding. Stop comparing your wedding to everyone else's with the six tips in today's episode!
This week on the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm back with 10 MORE wedding traditions you can skip. From parent/child dances to who pays for the wedding, this is a list of items that people are begging engaged folks to just retire already. I'll go through the list, give my take and hopefully give you something to think about. Do these traditions work for you? Will you be including them in your wedding?
This is part 2 of last week's episode. If you missed last week's, be sure to head back and listen to it!
Based on: https://www.buzzfeed.com/asiawmclain/people-are-confessing-wedding-traditions-they-hate
What wedding traditions are people so over that they are begging you to skip them? Find out in today's episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast! And find out whether I agree that these traditions should be skipped, plus some food for thought on whether you should skip them or include them.
Based on: https://www.buzzfeed.com/asiawmclain/people-are-confessing-wedding-traditions-they-hate
Stay tuned for part two next week!
Trying to make your wedding more feminist and inclusive? Tired of all this "man and wife" and "honor and obey" stuff? Refuse to wear a big white dress or call anyone your "bride tribe?" Then this episode is for you! And even if you are wearing white and changing your last name, there are still lots of things you can do to make your wedding more feminist and inclusive - which just means a more welcoming, equitable and loving environment for you, your spouse and all your loved ones!
Wedding planning ain't easy. If you haven't had to make a hard decision as an engaged person planning a wedding...it's coming! Whether it's cutting your guest list, going over budget, changing venues, firing vendors or dealing with changing pandemic restrictions, hard decisions have to be made. Tune into this week's episode to listen to the story of my latest hard decision (finding a new officiant and photographer 27 days before our wedding!!!) and the lessons you can take with you for your next tough call.
After months (or years!) of planning, you've finally made it. Today is your wedding day!
If today is your wedding day, start the day off with this 12 minute episode that will get you in the perfect mindset for your big day ahead. Deep breath. You've made it. And you only have one job today: get married. As long as you do that, your day was a success! With this episode, I want you to be as present as possible for every moment of your big day. Happy wedding day!
PS: Even if you're not getting married today, give this episode a listen! It will remind you what your wedding day should feel like and help you make the right decisions in your wedding planning.
On today's episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast we're diving into live streaming! Even if you're not getting married in pandemic times, you may want to consider a live stream. It's a great way to connect with guests all around the world.
We're chatting about:
- Why you might want to live stream your wedding
- Free VS professional live stream options
- 3 big mistakes you don't want to make (that I've seen as a virtual guest!)
- How to share your virtual wedding with your guests
- Our DIY live stream wedding set up (that costs less than $100!)
- Last minute considerations on the big day
PS: I'm recording this episode about a month out from my own wedding. I'll record an update if our live stream doesn't go well!
Based on a recent Insider article, I'm breaking down 11 things the experts say you can skip at your wedding reception. Should you really skip them? What are the pros and cons? And what can you do instead? When it comes to your wedding reception, there really are no rules so at the end of the day, you do you!
Happy wedding planning, engaged couples!
Article: https://www.insider.com/things-you-should-never-have-at-your-wedding-reception-2021-8
We've talked budget saving tips on the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast before but today we're getting DRASTIC about it. If you want to have the ultimate budget wedding, tune in for these tips that are sure to save you a lot of money, but aren't for the faint of heart.
Whether you call it a bachelorette, a hen do or a stagette - or you're having a bachelor party, stag night or buck and doe - I think it's time we admit that these pre-wedding parties have gotten out of control. Remember when we used to just go out for drinks and dancing with our best friends? Now it's a week off work, flights to Mexico, five-star villas, all new outfits and more. These parties have become A LOT. While I'm all for having fun with friends, we need to reassess why we have these parties and figure out how to make them more affordable, less stressful and more true to us.
Don't worry - I'm not going all woo-woo on you.
Today's episode of TUWPP is all about wedding planning mantras. These are the things you should keep in mind while planning a wedding to help you focus on your goals, prioritize your marriage and ensure your planning aligns with your values. It's not all tablecloths and taffeta! Sometimes it's important to zoom out and focus on the aspects of a wedding and marriage that are most important to you.
AKA: How to actually spend time with your spouse on your wedding day! So many newlyweds say they barely got to see their spouse on their wedding day because they were too busy talking to the caterer, catching up with relatives, or getting ready with the wedding party. So I've found 10 moments throughout the wedding day for you and your spouse to actually spend some time together and celebrate your marriage, just the two of you.
Welcome back to a minisode (mini episode) of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast! Today we're answering the question: Do you need to have a wedding rehearsal and/or rehearsal dinner? Find out my thoughts on this week's episode!
Back in episode 50 I shared 9 common wedding planning regrets and how to avoid them. So for episode 70, I'm back with 11 more regrets you should watch out for on your wedding day. We're covering everything from long reception lines and uncomfortable heels to DJs who don't have your song and bad photographers. Tune in to make sure you avoid these wedding planning regrets!
Based on this article: https://www.buzzfeed.com/lizmrichardson/wedding-day-regrets
Back with part two of your wedding planning checklist and timeline. We're picking up where we left off with everything you're "supposed" to do from six months until the day of your wedding. Along the way I'm offering my advice and perspective, as well as where I'm at with my wedding planning so you can feel better about yours!
Welcome to your wedding planning checklist and timeline! On today's episode I'm taking you through what a typical wedding planning checklist and timeline says you should be doing, from 12 to 6 months out from your wedding. Along the way I'll let you know where I'm at with my planning and whether or not I think the regular wedding media has this checklist right or wrong.
This episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast is all about VOWS! From how to decide if you want to write your own to how to write them and delivery on the big day, this episode is going to cover it all. Grab your fiance or fiancee and listen up before you start writing your own wedding vows!
In this episode:
- How to decide whether you want personal vows or traditional vows
- Combo vows! Perfect for those who want vows that are personalized but not written from scratch
- When to write your vows
- Where to write your vows
- Vow writing date night
- The vow writing process + writing tips
- Why you need to practice your vows
- How to deliver your vows on the big day
- How to save your vows after your wedding
When your wedding planning just feels stressful, chaotic and like way too much work, it's time to focus on the FUN side of wedding planning. Tune in to hear 12 fun wedding planning tasks that you and your partner can do together! That's not to say your fiance is off the hook for the not so fun side of wedding planning, but you can reel them in with these fun tasks first!
Tune in to hear:
- 12 fun wedding planning tasks you two can do together, from cake tasting to practicing your first kiss!
- How to make all wedding planning tasks fun
- What to do when you just need a break
- And my soapbox rant about grooms who think it's okay to give an opinion but not help with the planning!
Going over your wedding budget and over-spending SUCKS and can make you feel super guilty. But we don't want to spend our entire wedding planning journey feeling horrible and guilty every time we have to pay a deposit or swipe our credit card. Tune in for four ways to help you deal with the guilt so you can enjoy your wedding planning experience, but still spend responsibly.
Hiring friends to be your wedding vendors (or friendors) isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sure, they know you well and will probably do it for a discount, but that comes at a cost. Tune in as I share the dangers of hiring friends for professional jobs for your wedding, and some tips if you still want to hire a friend or if you need help turning one down. Happy wedding planning!
In today's episode:
- 4 reasons why hiring your friends as vendors is a bad idea
- What happens if you're not happy with your friend's service?
- How to turn down a friendor
- Other ways to honor your friends
- The best way to still hire a friendor without ruining your wedding (or worse, your friendship!)
Planning a wedding is tough enough but now add in family dynamics? Yikes! What is the best way to involve your in-laws in your wedding planning? How do you work through differences and reach a compromise? When can you force your fiance to deal with it? Why is it easier to call your mom than your mother-in-law? Tune in and find out!
Turn down free money? Yeah, maybe. On today's episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm diving into 11 reasons why you should pay for your own wedding, even if it means turning down your parents' contribution. In case you're not totally convinced, I'm also sharing some budget wedding tips for how to compromise with your parents and work with them on planning your wedding budget. Listen up, engaged folks! Money problems are the #1 cause of divorce so this is a must-listen episode!
So you're planning to go on a honeymoon...congrats! As a big travel lover, the honeymoon is one of (the most?) important part of my wedding planning. On today's episode I'm sharing 15 things you need to know before you book a honeymoon. Whether you love travel or have never been on a plane, you'll want to listen to this episode. There's a perfect honeymoon out there for every engaged couple!
Uh oh! You made a decision about your wedding and now you've changed your mind. But it's too late! What do you do when you have wedding regrets?
Wedding planning is a tough job and you're likely going to make a call now that you will regret by the time your wedding day rolls around. But hindsight is 20/20! Whether you decided to postpone, downsize or go virtual and now regret it, or you bought a dress or booked a venue that you now hate, here's how to deal with wedding regrets.
Have you watched the latest wedding show on Netflix, Marriage or Mortgage? If so, you're going to want to tune in while I dish about the show - my overall thoughts on the premise, whether each couple made the right decision, and where the couples are now! I start off with a spoiler-free discussion of the show so if you're not sure if you want to watch, tune into this episode to get a little taste.
The big wedding planning question: to DIY or not to DIY? We've been told that DIY projects are what makes a budget bride and that if you want to save money and have a personalized wedding, you need to bust out the glue gun and get on Pinterest. But are DIY projects worth it? When is it a good time to DIY? And can you enlist your wedding party to help?
Trying to plan a wedding during a pandemic is no joke. But with restrictions changing almost daily, when do you decide to pull the plug? When do you make a call on whether your wedding is going forward as is? When do you decide to elope, downsize, postpone or change vendors? Tune into this episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast to find out!
This episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast is all about that awkward conversation...when you have to tell someone they're not invited to your wedding. Listen in as we chat about who you need to have this conversation with, how to stick to your guns, and exactly what to say. Seriously, you can copy this word for word! If you have to tell someone they're not invited to your wedding, listen to this episode for a confidence boost and practical tips. Good luck!
Today's episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast is all about wedding invitations. And because this isn't a podcast about etiquette or tradition, we're not going to go over how to formally invite people or how many inner envelopes you need to have. This episode is all about the point of invites, how to save money on your invites and how to modernize them. Plus, the one traditional aspect I actually think is worth keeping!
Sometimes wedding planning feels frivolous. Or silly. Or ridiculous. Or just unnecessary. Especially when something big and real and awful happens in our lives, it can be hard to muster the same enthusiasm for napkin colors or invitation font choices. So what do you do when you're dealing with something heavy in the middle of planning your wedding? Whether it's the death of a loved one or a lost job, it can be hard to keep going with your wedding plans when your life is shook up and put into perspective. Listen along for my tips on how to keep going, how to plan without guilt and why weddings really are meaningful. And if you are in this situation, my heart goes out to you!
If you're planning an unconventional or non-traditional wedding, sometimes you need to break the news to the people in your life ahead of time. How do you tell dad he won't be walking the bride down the aisle? How do you tell mom no one wants her hand-me-down veil? How do you let your best friend know you won't be having a bachelor party? Listen in for my tips on how to break the news of your unconventional wedding and how to stick to your guns and have the wedding you and your fiance want!
So what happens if you're a bride and you don't want your father to give you away? Do you have to have your dad walk you down the aisle and hand you to your groom? What if you're two brides or two grooms...then what do you do? Tune into this episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast to hear my reframe on the aisle walk and other options if the patriarchal idea of being "given away" just doesn't sit right with you. Plus, tips for how to break the news to your dad if he's always envisioned walking his little girl down the aisle!
This week's episode is a mini update on my own wedding planning: We set the date! I'm sharing where we're at with our wedding plans, when our wedding is (fingers crossed!) going to take place and how setting the date has totally reignited my wedding planning excitement. I hope you have something exciting to celebrate in your wedding planning this week!
On today's episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm diving into nine common wedding regrets from real brides and grooms. Are these wedding regrets legit? If so, how do you avoid them?
I'm back with another wedding planning episode all about budget weddings. Specifically, can you plan a wedding with a budget of only $5000? Spoiler alert: YES, YOU CAN! In today's episode I'm walking you through my actual wedding plans and sharing the exact numbers of how much everything costs. A budget wedding is possible and doesn't have to be tacky or something you compromise on. You can still have a beautiful wedding day without spending more than $5000.
Not technically a wedding planning episode but definitely a topic many engaged couples find themselves talking about: BABIES! Do you have baby fever? Are you thinking about start a family? Where do babies fit into your timeline? Has covid messed everything up? In this episode, I'm sharing all about my baby fever journey and where I'm at. Hopefully you can relate and not feel so alone the next time you tear up seeing a cute kid in a stroller!
Whether you're planning a budget wedding or a lavish wedding, whether you have a wedding party of 20 or no wedding party at all, whether you're having an elopement this spring or a big bash in 2022, these are the wedding planning truths you need to hear.
By this point in the pandemic, you probably have heard of Zoom weddings - or virtual weddings. You may have even attended one or two (or seven!). But is a live stream wedding right for you? Tune in as I go over the pros and cons of holding your own Zoom wedding and whether or not virtual weddings are here to stay!
So many engaged couples are having to deal with long engagements as their weddings get pushed out, postponed or downsized. In the before times, most couples were engaged just 12-18 months before their original wedding date. But nowadays, thanks to covid, many couples are finding themselves engaged for 2, 3, 4 or even five years before their big wedding comes around! So how do you handle it? How do you survive a long engagement? Listen in for my tips about how to make progress with wedding planning without spending your entire engagement glued to Pinterest.
Before you get married, make sure you're discussing these six things with your partner! From obvious ones like money and kids, to not so obvious topics like what happens if someone loses their job, these six categories of communication should be a must for all engaged couples during wedding planning. It's not about having one hard conversation and checking it off your list. It's about opening up communication and making plans for your life together.
If you just got engaged, congratulations! With the proposal behind you and wedding planning on the brain, you might be wondering how long this period should last. How long should couples be engaged before they get married? Listen in as I discuss the pros and cons of a long engagement and a short engagement, and reasons why you might pick each one. Does it matter if you want kids, plan to elope, have money saved up or have your heart set on a venue? What if you're planning a budget wedding or a destination wedding? I cover it all in this episode!
When it comes to your wedding, who gets a plus one? Do you have to give a plus one to all of your single wedding guests? What about the ones in relationships but where you don't know the partner? Or what if the partner is the worst? Listen in as I break down my rules for who should get a plus one and who really doesn't need one. I also provide some helpful tips on how to push back on guests who try to break your rules and want to bring a plus one anyway. Bottom line: No one needs to have their third date at your wedding!
If you are newly engaged or just starting your wedding planning journey, you'll want to listen to this episode! Before you book any wedding vendors or tour any venues, before you choose your wedding party and before you start spending any of your wedding budget, take a listen and ensure you and your fiance are starting wedding planning on the right foot. Happy planning!
Congratulations, fiance! You're engaged! If you're newly engaged (or have a proposal around the corner) or even if you've been engaged for a while, tune in for the seven things you'll want to do as soon as you're engaged and before you take your wedding planning to the next level. Congrats on your engagement and happy planning!
We always hear that your wedding day should be the best day of your life - that your wedding day is going to be perfect and you should go all out because it's all about you. But I disagree. Your wedding day should NOT be the best day of your life. Listen in as I explain why planning the best day of your life hurts your wedding budget, adds stress to your wedding planning and even makes your marriage suffer. Important listen for all brides, grooms and engaged couples planning a wedding. It won't be perfect and it won't be the best - and that's okay!
In this episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning podcast, we are breaking down the harmful stereotype that it is a woman's job to plan the wedding. NOT TRUE! Grooms, it's time to step up. The wedding is not the bride's day. Women are not born better at wedding planning. Tune in to hear why this stereotype is so harmful, what couples miss when they don't plan their wedding together, why grooms shouldn't just "help" (emotional labor, anyone?) and how to get your groom involved in planning his own wedding.
2020 has been the year of postponed weddings, downsized wedding, intimate weddings and elopements. A lot of couples who are choosing to elope this year are planning to host a wedding reception in 2021 or 2022. But do you have to? If you get married now do you have to plan a big party later? Especially if you're planning a budget wedding, is it mandatory to host a big reception? Tune in to this minisode to find out why receptions are NOT mandatory, why you might want to delay booking your reception and what the number one rule of wedding planning is!
Everything you ever wanted to know about wedding gifts! Should you have a registry? How much will people spend on your wedding gift? How can you ask for money? Who gets a thank you card? Listen in for some wedding gift giving etiquette that every engaged couple should know, with lots of modern advice!
It is totally normal to not be 100% jazzed about planning a wedding all of the time. Especially if you're a corona couple wedding planning during a global pandemic, it makes sense that you may have lost your wedding planning mojo. But before you throw in the towel and elope (unless that's what you want to do!), check out this episode for my tips on what to do when you hit a wedding planning lull, how to pull yourself out of a planning funk and when a wedding planning low might actually mean something more!
Are you planning a surprise wedding, a secret wedding or an elopement? Awesome! There are so many good reasons to get married in secret, elope or surprise your guests. But who should you tell about your wedding plans ahead of time? Who should be let in on the secret? When do you tell your guests and what do you actually tell them? Tune into this episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast to find out!
It's sad but it's true: people are going to judge your wedding. Wedding judgment is real and people are full of opinions if you're a bride or groom in the middle of wedding planning! Whether it's your wedding budget, your choice in flowers or what you decide to serve at the reception, people will judge you for it. So what do you do? How do you deal with wedding judgment, avoid it all together and stick to your decisions? Tune in to find out!
So your parents are contributing to your wedding, right? But how much money are they giving you? Or are they actually giving you any money at all? Before you begin wedding planning, you need to talk to your parents (or whoever might be contributing to your wedding) about what those numbers look like for your wedding budget and what strings are attached to that money. Tune in as I share what you need to do beforehand, when you should have this talk, the questions you need to ask and exactly what to say to your parents instead of, "Money, please!"
As soon as you get engaged, people come at you with questions. Everyone is all up in your business and wants to know all about your wedding planning - even if you just had your proposal ten minutes ago. Tune in to hear what questions are coming your way and how to answer them without sabotaging your wedding or your relationships. Plus, a bonus vent session for fiances/fiancees who are feeling the feels right now!
For episode 30 I'm back with another edition of Wedding Planning Q&A. In this one, I'm answering questions about videography, MCs, wedding budgets, uninviting guests from your wedding, wedding photography and wedding themes. Listen in to get the answers engaged people are needing for their wedding planning dilemmas!
This one is for all the dog moms, cat dads and fish parents out there. If you have a fur baby (or a scale baby or a feather baby), this wedding planning podcast episode is for you! How do you actually involve your pet in your wedding day? Listen up, engaged couples! I have all of the ideas for you, as well as some practical tips on how to ensure your pet stays safe and happy!
Is a destination wedding for you or do you prefer to keep things local? What are the pros and cons of planning a destination wedding? Is it just like a long honeymoon? Listen in as I go over all the things you need to know about wedding planning for a destination party and whether that's the right move for you and your fiance!
How do you actually plan a honeymoon (or a minimoon) in the middle of a global pandemic? And how do you do it when all of your time and money are going into wedding planning? As a travel expert, I am so excited to share my tips with you about how to book, when to book, the type of trips to go on and how to plan the perfect honeymoon for you and your fiance/fiancee/fiancx!
If you decide to have a micro wedding, a surprise wedding, a secret wedding or an elopement, how do you actually share the news of your marriage? What if people get mad at you? Or what if someone lets it slip on Facebook first? Tune in for my advice, especially if you are planning to have a small wedding now and a big reception later!
Today we're tackling the big question: After the wedding, should you change your last name? And, if so, what should your married last name be? Are you keeping yours, taking your partner's, hyphenating or doing something totally different? Listen in as I go through the different last name options newlyweds will have to consider and share my own last name dilemma! Happy wedding planning, engaged folk!
Should you do a first look or wait to see your future spouse for the first time at your ceremony? Tune in for reasons why you should, why you shouldn't and some alternatives for brides and grooms who aren't quite ready to commit to the first look. Happy wedding planning!
I'm saying what we're all thinking: trying to plan a wedding during the coronavirus pandemic really sucks! Listen in if you need someone to commiserate and vent alongside you. This is for all of the brides, grooms and engaged couples going through it and trying to find a way to plan a wedding in 2020.
With the way 2020 is treating us, many engaged couples are starting to think, "Should we just give up on wedding planning and elope?" Elopements (or micro weddings or minimonies) are a great option. But are they right for you and your fiance? Maybe! Listen in to today's episode to find out why you should elope, why you should not, what it means for your wedding budget, elopements in the time of covid, and the bottom line on doing things your own way.
Congratulations, you're engaged! (Or you're planning on getting engaged soon!) This is a super exciting time for you and your fiance but before you embark on your wedding planning journey, you have to share your engagement news. Listen in for my top tips on how to share your news, who to share it with and when, how to manage your own expectations and the line you need to memorize for every time someone asks (and they will ask!), "What are your wedding plans?"
On this episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm answering some top wedding planning questions that many engaged couples find themselves baffled by. Tune in to hear all about save the dates, open bars, uneven wedding parties and more!
On this episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm talking ALL THINGS RINGS! We're discussing engagement rings, wedding rings, rings for ladies, gents and anyone else. And, because this is the unconventional podcast, we're talking about why it's okay to not have a diamond engagement ring, how to choose your ring with your partner and why you might want to skip wedding bands all together! Listen in if you're engaged, about to become a fiance, or dreaming of a proposal!
I'm back with the third and final episode in my series on budget weddings and budget wedding planning tips! Tune in to hear how to save money on your beauty appointments, favors, honeymoon, wedding cake and more - perfect for engaged couples on a budget. Happy wedding planning to all the brides, grooms and people getting married!
I'm back with part two of How to Cut Your Wedding Budget in Half! In this episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm talking all about how to save BIG on things like your music, your outfit and your decor. Must listen for engaged couples on a budget!
On this episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm diving into my tips for cutting your wedding budget in half. If you're trying to save money on your wedding, you'll want to listen into these big tips on everything from the guest count and venue to photography and videography. You don't have to spend $30,000+ on just one day! If you're engaged and stressed about wedding finances, this episode is for you. And stay tuned for part 2!
So often couples feel ashamed or guilty if they're not spending $35,000+ on their weddings. But I'm here to tell you: IT'S OKAY TO BE CHEAP! It is okay to have a budget wedding and to not spend all of your savings (or go into debt!) for just one day. Listen to this episode to find out why it's okay (and maybe actually better) for you to not spend so much on your wedding and ways you can actually save money. Happy (cheap) wedding planning!
Ladies, we don't need to trick our men into proposing! But seriously, to anyone eagerly awaiting a proposal, whether in a hetero relationship or not, you do not need to drop hints, wait or trick your partner into proposing to you. You can actually just talk about your engagement! On this episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I walk you through exactly how to talk to your partner about proposing, why it's so important and why it won't actually ruin the surprise.
Do you actually need wedding stationary? I'm talking about anything that is printed: wedding invitations, save the dates, programs, menus, seating cards, table charts, etc. Are any of those things actually necessary? And, if you skip them, what are some alternatives? Find out on this episode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast!
On today's minisode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm answering the big question about wedding favors (or favours!): do you actually need wedding favors? And if you are going to have them, what should they be to ensure your wedding guests don't throw them away or forget about them? Spend a few engaged moments with me on this quick minisode!
I'm tackling a big one on the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast today: Should you postpone your wedding? This is something all corona couples are having to think about during the pandemic. Should you postpone? Should you downsize? When is it safe to postpone to? What does a micro wedding or elopement even look like? I'm diving deep into all of that today to help you feel confident about your decision and your wedding moving forward. Listen in, leave a review and tell a friend!
In this episode I'm sharing my journey shopping for a plus size and budget friendly wedding dress - from looking online to trying on in-store, deciding how much I wanted to spend and who to bring with me, and if I even wanted to wear white! If you secretly binge Say Yes To The Dress but are nervous about your own wedding outfit shopping, this episode is for you!
On this minisode of the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm answering the big question: Do you actually need to put together a shot list for your photographer? Tune in to hear my answer and the times when you will and won't want to have a list for your wedding photography.
It's the big one. It's BUDGET time. In this episode I'm talking all about how to set your wedding budget (and the important conversation you need to have first!), what to do about competing priorities, how to get out of the comparison trap and the very important reality check you need to give yourself whenever you're tempted to go over budget. Happy wedding planning, engaged friends!
In this minisode I'm tackling the big wedding planning question: Do you actually need to send save the dates? Tune in to hear my answer, learn how COVID is affecting save the dates and invites, and for my tips on save the date alternatives!
So many people want to fast forward the wedding ceremony so they can just get to the party. But if you throw out the traditions (no, you don't have to be given away by your father!) or religion and start from scratch, what would it look like to create a wedding ceremony that is actually personal and meaningful to you? Listen in as I explain why the ceremony is actually the most important part of the wedding and why it deserves your attention.
Had to cut your wedding guest list? Have a budget or a venue that won't let you invite every single person you've ever known? Yup, that's the harsh reality of wedding planning. And unfortunately, some people are going to be crushed they don't get to attend and have the honour of eating a $45 plate of cold chicken at your reception. Tune in to hear my tips on how to deal with upset wish-they-were guests and my golden rule: You are not responsible for someone else's feelings.
Tune in to hear my reasons for not having a wedding party - no bridesmaids, no groomsmen, no attendants - and why I think the role of wedding party member has gone from honor to JOB! We talk valuing relationships, cutting down on drama, not feeling like we should control our friends' budgets and how to have a version of the wedding party that makes sense for you.
We're talking all things surprise weddings on this episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast! I'll share my six reasons why engaged couples should consider having a surprise wedding (TL/DR: less stress and drama!), the major downsides (did someone say no gifts!?!) and my top tips for planning a surprise wedding of your own!
On this episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast I'm sharing my best tips for how to brutally cut your wedding guest list. Times are tough. COVID is here, budgets are tight and it's very likely your 300 person wedding now needs to get down to under 50. So what should you do? Listen for my tips on how to tier your guests, who should and should not receive plus ones, and my two-part rule for who NOT to invite.
On this episode of The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast, I'm sharing my wedding story. Or, what I hope will be my wedding story, since I'm in the middle of planning. I'll fill you in on my relationship, what I want out of a wedding and what my ideal wedding day looks like. Spoilers: It doesn't involve any chair covers.
Calling all brides, grooms and other wedding party people! Welcome to The Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast! Find out who this wedding planning podcast is for and why you should listen if you're engaged or planning a non-traditional and unconventional wedding.