Not Your Pinterest Wedding with Danielle Renshaw & Sara Shepherd

In today's episode, Danielle and Sara welcome John Rogers, a recently married half of a same-sex couple. John talks about planning a same-sex wedding and the challenges that come with it, covering such aspects as vendors, family and traditional concepts. John reminds vendors to be mindful of words they use and advises listeners on how you can find gay-griendly vendors that are accepting. He goes on to discuss how to handle friends and family that are not accepting of your marriage and how to incorporate traditional concepts in your wedding. John also discusses the dynamics of last names and highlights why you should focus on what really matters - your marriage. Finally, the group shares their hilarious wedding horror stories that illustrate why you should use professional vendors, and plan ahead for unforeseen circumstances. Make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening! Episode Highlights: Planning a same-sex wedding and the challenges that come with it Being mindful of your words as a vendor Navigating gay-friendly vendors Vendors needing to become more friendly and accepting Focusing on what really matters How to handle family and friends that are not accepting of your marriage Wedding parties and bridal parties for a same-sex wedding Last names in same sex marriages Wedding horror stories Quotes: “When my husband told me about picking a June date, I looked at him knowing about us in the wedding industry. I was like, no, because I'm working.” “As a vendor, you should think about your words.” “Marriage is not about what you want in life. It's more about what is more important to you” “I kept my last name, he kept his. We're married. That's all that matters to us.” “I think every wedding should do what is important to you.” Links: Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram) Danielle Ruffled Willow Floral Design websitehttp://www.ruffledwillow.com ( RuffledWillow.com) https://www.instagram.com/ruffledwillow/?hl=en (@RuffledWillow) on Instagram Sara Burdoc Farms, Weddings & Events websitehttp://www.burdocfarms.com ( BurdocFarms.com) https://www.instagram.com/burdocfarms/?hl=en (@BurdocFarms) on Instagram

In today's episode, we have Danielle and Sara all to ourselves as they share advice on how to prioritize your budget when beginning to plan your wedding. They discuss how to set up a budget and why you should book professionals ahead of time to get the dream wedding you've always wished for. Our hosts start by discussing the need to prioritize your budget according to what you want at your wedding, be it the photographer, venue, or dresses. They go on to offer their thoughts on how you can set up a budget and how to have hard conversations around your budget with your family. Danielle and Sara also encourage you to book vendors ahead of time and encourage your guests to RSVP, making this yet another episode filled with extremely valuable advice from these two undisputed experts in the field. They finish up by sharing more hilarious wedding venue horror stories that illustrate why you need to get vendors that you trust and professionals that have good reviews. Make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast on https://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ (Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company at https://www.ruffledwillow.com/ (RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening! Episode Highlights: Take the time to enjoy your engagement before starting to plan a wedding Give your children fun things on family trips Prioritize what you want at your wedding A guest list and a budget are very important If your family is pitching in, you need to have a conversation with them if they have preferences Decide on a realistic guest count and determine if you want a wedding planner or not Reach out to professionals ahead of time If vendors do not reply, find others Be sure to note in your invitations if you don't want children at your wedding Encourage your guests to RSVP Wedding horror stories Quotes: “80% of people get engaged between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day.” “Trips are really important for families.” “What you want people to say about your wedding, how you want to feel on your wedding day. That's important.” “Our goal is to help you get the dream wedding at a budget you can afford.” “We want you to be happy. The wedding is not about us. It's about you. And knowing your budget can let us direct you into where to go.” “The biggest thing is to prioritize. What is your priority? Is it the venue? Is it the photographer? Is it the dress? Is it the floral decor? Location? ” Links: Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast on https://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ (Instagram) Danielle Ruffled Willow Floral Design website http://www.ruffledwillow.com (RuffledWillow.com) https://www.instagram.com/ruffledwillow/?hl=en (@RuffledWillow) on Instagram Sara Burdoc Farms, Weddings & Events website http://www.burdocfarms.com (BurdocFarms.com) https://www.instagram.com/burdocfarms/?hl=en (@BurdocFarms) on Instagram

Madison Barger, co-founder of M & M Event Bartending, is Danielle and Sara's special guest on the podcast today. Serving primarily Clarksville and Middle Tennessee, M & M helps design cocktail menus and estimate necessary quantities for events, and works with wedding vendors on such topics as scheduling and champagne toasts. Drawing upon her experience in the industry, Madison talks about the ins and outs of hiring a bartending service for your events, and offers specific advice on why you should choose canned beers over kegs and over bottled beers. She also discusses how to create a drinks budget for your event, how many bartenders you should hire based on the number of guests you are expecting, and clarifies the difference between liquor liability insurance and liquor licenses. Other topics addressed are tips about hiring a bartending service, how cleanup is handled, and why you should verify the policies of your venue before booking them. Finally, the group shares their hilarious wedding venue horror stories that illustrate why you should trust your bartenders, watch your bridal party around alcohol, and take it easy on the alcohol the night before your wedding. To learn more about M & M Event Bartending, visit them onhttps://web.facebook.com/mmeventbartend?_rdc=1&_rdr ( Facebook). And make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening! Episode Highlights: It's booking season so book your vendors if you haven't done so Today's guest is Madison Barger, co-founder of M & M Event Bartending Liquor liability insurance helps your bartenders protect your events and guests Professionals help you curate your cocktail menu and give you a bar setup The issues with choosing kegs over canned beers Why canned beers over bottles? Creating a drinks budget for your event Typically, it's always beer and wine, and an open bar at weddings A liquor license is important if alcohol will be sold at your event Handling intoxicated guests Cutting someone off when they've had too much Do not make your couple signature drinks complicated The right bartender-to-guests ratio Let your venue know if you are bringing in your own liquor Tips and charges How to handle cleanup Wedding horror stories Quotes: “Don't do kegs, you're going to regret it .” “Eventually you're going to have to cut somebody off. ” “If you're having 300 guests, please do yourself a favor. Have at least two bartenders.” “Clean up the bar, wipe it down, take out the trash. And that's just something that I personally like to do.” “You have a professional bartender for a reason. Let me serve and make sure you're having a great time. Responsibly.” “Take it easy on the night before your wedding.” Links: Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram) Danielle Ruffled Willow Floral Design websitehttp://www.ruffledwillow.com ( RuffledWillow.com) https://www.instagram.com/ruffledwillow/?hl=en (@RuffledWillow) on Instagram Sara Burdoc Farms, Weddings & Events websitehttp://www.burdocfarms.com ( BurdocFarms.com) https://www.instagram.com/burdocfarms/?hl=en (@BurdocFarms) on Instagram M & M Bartending Event https://www.instagram.com/m_and_m_event_bartending/ (Instagram) https://web.facebook.com/mmeventbartend?_rdc=1&_rdr (Facebook)

In today's episode, Danielle and Sara welcome Cari Holder, the owner of Eventfull by Cari, a business that does ‘a little bit of everything' including event planning, event coordination, and event design. They offer their clients full set up and take down service, and also have an ever growing inventory of rentals - almost 8000 square feet worth - ranging from the expected to the highly unique. The ‘rentals' aspect of Cari's business has certainly taken off over the years, and she is here today to share that story as well as the value that rentals provide when planning your special day. Cari talks about what you need to know about rentals, their impact on your events, and why you should rent rather than purchase as this saves you time and cost. She shares her insight on how to fill dead spaces, how you can elevate your events with photo backdrops and lounge areas, and, in particular, why you should hire professionals so you can enjoy your day to the fullest. Cari also talks about setting up your event tables with unique centerpieces and rentals that can transform the look of your setup. Finally, the group shares their hilarious wedding venue horror stories that illustrate why you should always choose your professionals for your events and to always be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. To learn more about Eventfull by Cari, visit them onhttps://web.facebook.com/eventfullbycari/?_rdc=1&_rdr ( Facebook). And make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening! Episode Highlights: Danielle talks about getting and treating COVID Today's guest is Cari Holder, the owner of Eventfull by Cari Eventful by Carrie offers event planning, event coordination, event design, and unique rentals Unique rentals elevate your wedding Change the look of an entire table by filling up dead spaces with chargers or napkins Tips and tricks for rentals Use your budget wisely Don't be afraid to mix colors and textures Design trends coming in 2022 Spandex chair covers, chair sashes, and mason jars are trends that need to fade out! Purchasing vs renting Purchasing rentals leaves you with more cost and less time to enjoy your day Candles are an important part of your wedding Ensure to check with venues to know their policy around candles Photo backdrops elevate your wedding and give your guests something cool to take pictures Carrie's wedding horror story Quotes: “I'm very particular about what I own, what I use in my weddings. And I love to be able to tell brides or any type of client, that what you see in my photos is available.” “Don't be afraid to mix textures and pull in your transitional colors.” “The more color, the better.” “I hate to tell y'all. I never liked the 70's.” “Your time is worth something. And this is the biggest event of your life. There are only a few big events in your life, and this is one of them.” “Candlelight in itself can completely change the mood of a reception.” “Trust your professionals. Always.” Links: Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast on https://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ (Instagram) Danielle Ruffled Willow Floral Design website http://www.ruffledwillow.com (RuffledWillow.com) https://www.instagram.com/ruffledwillow/?hl=en (@RuffledWillow) on Instagram Sara Burdoc Farms, Weddings & Events website http://www.burdocfarms.com (BurdocFarms.com) https://www.instagram.com/burdocfarms/?hl=en (@BurdocFarms) on Instagram Eventfull by Cari onhttps://web.facebook.com/eventfullbycari/?_rdc=1&_rdr ( Facebook)...

On today's episode, Danielle and Sara welcome Callie Foster, a wife, homeschool mom to four, and the owner of Callie Foster Dessert Design, her business which specializes in providing brides with their dream wedding cakes in Clarksville, TN. Callie comes from a family that cooks, bakes and generally loves food, and so it seems fitting that she went to culinary school, after which she gathered experience working many events, and eventually started her own business when a newly engaged friend asked her to make her a wedding cake.   Today, Callie shares some tips for couples when it comes to wedding cakes and desserts, identifies the three most popular flavors and cake decorating trends, and reveals some ways to save money on cakes. She also talks about the tallest cake she has ever made, her thoughts on dummy cakes regarding being cost-effective, and the fact that some people don't really want cake but do want that look for the photo. Callie also discusses single large cakes versus the smaller cakes, the cost involved, and how creative she would be when decorating a cake to make a statement in her industry. She finishes up by noting how hard it can be when trying to grasp what a couple means by a ‘simple and rustic' cake, and that, while Pinterest can prove helpful, it shouldn't be relied upon for inspiration.   Finally, the group recounts their own wedding cake horror stories that illustrate why you should not have a middleman between the cake artist and the bride, and why you should use digital images for reference. They also delve into the fear of recommending other service providers and conclude that you should not be liable for whatever outcome may result.   To learn more about Callie Foster Dessert Design, visit them onhttps://www.facebook.com/cfdessertdesign/ ( Facebook).   And make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening!   Episode Highlights:   ●  Today's guest is Callie Foster fromhttps://www.facebook.com/cfdessertdesign/ ( Callie Foster Dessert Design) in Clarksville, Tennessee ●  They specialize in providing brides with their dream wedding cakes ●  Callie started her business when her friend asked her to make her wedding cake ●  She gives her best tips on wedding cakes and desserts ●  Callie advises her clients to always book in advance to secure the date ●  Her three most popular flavors ●  Cake decorating trends are just like the clothing and hair trends ●  The naked cake is not going away soon ●  For large tiered cakes, keep them refrigerated ●  Fresh Flowers on the cake are unbeatable, beautiful, and will match everything else ●  Callie's tips on how to save money on cakes ●  Plan for 20% of people not eating cake ●  She shares her thoughts on dummy cakes and why people use them ●  Cost variations on large and small cakes ●  What her creative self would love to create ●  Pin lighting cake is cool and draws attention ●  Pinterest is a helpful tool ●  Use digital images for reference as opposed to taking pictures yourself    Quotes:   "I decided that the best way to be prepared for her wedding cake was to just start my own business."   "As soon as you know your wedding day and the venue, it's best to go ahead and get the cake done."   "A consult gives you a chance to meet on a more personal level.  You get to sit down with a couple and kind of form a relationship."   "The way you see clothes and hair - the '80s and...

On today's episode, Danielle and Sara welcome Angie Gibbs from The Studio 3s Performance & Event Venue in downtown Hopkinsville, KY. Angie goes over everything you need to know about hosting small events with a big impact, whether that be your wedding, bridal shower, birthday party, or holiday celebration. She shares her helpful insight for couples who like to plan events themselves, and also acknowledges that the best way to enjoy your event with as little stress and troubleshooting as possible is to hire experts who can take care of all the logistics for you while still working within your budget. Angie talks about giving yourself plenty of time to set up and break down your event, meeting with your venue ahead of time, confirming the number of guests attending, and renting linens. You'll also hear how COVID has impacted the wedding industry, what type of events Angie sees most often in her studio, and why it's so important to have a backup plan for your party. Finally, the group shares their hilarious wedding venue horror stories that illustrate why you should always choose your bridal party carefully, be considerate of your vendors' time, and use a staggered start for your sparkler display. To learn more about The Studio 3s Performance & Event Venue, visit them on https://www.facebook.com/TheStudio3s/ (Facebook).  And make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening!   Episode Highlights: Today's guest is Angie Gibbs from https://www.facebook.com/TheStudio3s/ (The Studio 3s Performance & Event Venue )in downtown Hopkinsville, KY They specialize in smaller events that make a big impact They have an intimate space where guests can relax and have fun Many of Angie's clients are fans of DIY and simply want to rent the space She gives her best tips to those who like to take on the event planning themselves Give yourself plenty of time to set up and break down Hire experts to make the planning process less stressful and rushed Consider renting linens Meet with your venue beforehand and walk through the logistics Confirm the number of guests you'll be having Alcohol restrictions and guidelines at The Studio 3s How COVID has changed the wedding industry Angie has not seen many elopements in her space They do a lot of rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, bridal showers, Christmas parties Current supply sourcing issues September/October is the busiest wedding season Always have a backup plan in case the weather does not cooperate Wedding horror stories Quotes: “Pretty much any smaller event that you can think of is perfect at the studio.” “The best advice I could give is to allot yourself extra time.” “Let the people that specialize in doing those things do those things for you. This is a special time for you.” “I would say linen rental is another thing that really is a no-brainer.” “We have a lot of little nooks and crannies in the studio that can be set up to meet your individual needs.” “That's literally our goal when we do event planning is to make you think everything went off without a hitch.” “You have got to be okay with the weather - whatever it is. If the wind is blowing, you've got to be okay with it. If it's raining, you've got to be okay with it. If it's hotter than Hell, you've got to be okay with it.” “I have had an inexperienced event planner literally come in with her folks while I had another event going on.” “The best way, honestly, is just to Facebook Message us.”  Links:   Not Your Pinterest Wedding...

On today's episode, we have Sara and Danielle all to ourselves as they break down the biggest trends they're seeing in the wedding industry right now, including the most striking color combinations, a resurgence of fun 70s aesthetic, and the heartwarming ways couples are paying homage to their families on the big day. Next, our hosts dive into the origins of some of our favorite wedding traditions, like why brides wear white, the bouquet and garter toss, bridal veils, and throwing rice at the happy couple.  You'll also hear which scents bring back wonderful (and not so wonderful) memories for Sara and Danielle, their hilarious take on the great dog versus cat debate, and why you should never smash a wedding cake into a beautiful bride's face on her special day - in case that wasn't clear. Finally, Danielle tells the sweet story of how she met her husband, and Sara shares the best marriage advice she ever received. Make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening!   Episode Highlights: Vibrant, iridescent colors, as well as warm tones are big right now When you're looking at Pinterest photos, be careful it's not a stylized shoot as these are always over the top 70s trends are making a comeback Modern, clean lines Couples are also incorporating their heritage into their weddings Queen Victoria made white wedding dresses the tradition we know today White was associated with wealth Origins of bridal bouquet and Danielle's use of fragrant flowers to create beautiful sensory memories Bridesmaids were originally used to protect the bride and her dowry as she walked to the groom's village Tradition of the veil Bouquet and garter toss Throwing rice as a symbol of fertility Bride and groom “First Looks” Average age of bride and groom How Danielle met her husband  Sara's favorite marriage advice from her dad Quotes: “I'm seeing a lot of that goldenrod, mustard, lots of arches.” “Be careful when you are looking at pictures that you're not looking at a stylized shoot, because it is always over the top.” “I'm seeing a lot of disco balls when I'm looking online.” “We have Queen Victoria to thank for having white dresses. Because pre-Queen Victoria, women couldn't afford white fabric.” “Brides used to wear red. Up until Queen Victoria, they wore red.” “Back in the day, the bridesmaids were used to literally send off or protect the bride as she was walking to the groom's village.” “The group of women, who were similarly dressed, were expected to intervene if venture people tried to hurt the bride or steal her dowry.” “It was common for the groom to take a bite of bread at the wedding, crumble the rest over the bride's head for good luck, and then people would scramble to her feet to pick up the crumbs in order to absorb some good luck.” “Originally brides wore veils to protect from evil, jealous spirits and to preserve their modesty.” “Past couples didn't wait until their honeymoon to consummate their marriage. They would often do the deed right after saying, I do, the bouquet toss was used as a distraction so the groom and the bride could go handle their business in order to consummate the marriage.” “I would say probably 80% of my brides have cut out the garter toss, and probably 50% with the bouquet toss.” “Rice is supposed to symbolize that the guests want the couples to be fertile and have lots of children.” “We just kind of hit it off. Our first date was on Halloween, and then not long after he proposed.” “I think that's a good thing. I think

Chef Teeka from Southern Belle Catering joins the show today to answer all of Danielle and Sara's questions about catering for your big day. Teeka explains what's included with a catering service, the pros and cons of hor d'oeuvres, buffets, and plated meals, and how she handles food allergies and dietary restrictions. She talks about her passion for Southern comfort food with a modern twist, and the sacrifice involved with being a small business owner in the wedding industry.  Next you'll hear about the latest trends in wedding catering, how you can enhance your guests' experience with food and displays, and Teeka's best tips for working with a tight budget. Teeka also shares her insight on what to do with leftover food after your wedding, being courteous by feeding your wedding staff and vendors, and of course, the show ends with everyone's favorite wedding catering horror stories.  For more information about Chef Teeka, visit the https://www.facebook.com/TheSouthernBelleCateringCo/ (Southern Belle Catering) or https://www.facebook.com/The-Southern-Belle-Deli-104995245155686 (Southern Belle Deli )Facebook groups. You can also call the Oak Grove location at 270-697-5098, or the Hopkinsville location at 270-874-5670, or email Teeka at chef.teeka@gmail.com. Make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening!   Episode Highlights: Today's guest is Chef Teeka from https://www.facebook.com/TheSouthernBelleCateringCo/ (Southern Belle Catering), which offers Southern comfort food with a modern twist Hor d'oeuvres tend to be more expensive than an actual meal Services provided by caterer Buffet versus plated meals Sacrifice and passion of small business owners in the wedding industry How Teeka deals with food allergies and dietary restrictions Teeka's early experience baking cakes and how it evolved into catering Biggest trends currently in wedding catering, like stations, charcuterie boards, and late-night snacks Using risers to display the food and add to the guests' experience Making sure your caterer can accommodate your vision and dietary needs Staying within budget for food and beverage Get a specific head count at least three weeks in advance Teeka likes to serve two meats to give guests options Provide “To Go” boxes for your guests  Be courteous by feeding staff/vendors Clarify whether your caterer is full service Wedding catering horror stories Having a community of vendors and the value of communicating with one another Quotes: “Basically my thing is Southern classics with a modern day twist. So I love all the Southern comfort foods that I grew up on, but I like to put that modern day twist on it.” “For us it's about making the guests feel special, so that's why we always want to serve.” “Shout out to all the small business owners because it's a lot of work. And a lot of people...just see the fluffy side… They don't see the long nights and they don't see when all the big bills are coming in.” “We can accommodate any type of food restriction, food allergy. Any type of diet that a person has, we can accommodate it.” “Stations are definitely coming back and different things. It's almost like a revolving door - stuff that we used to do back in the day is coming back to the forefront.” “Definitely risers are a big thing. Flowers, any type of decor that's pertaining to their particular theme. I think that's what makes everything pop and give it a little bit more of a Wow Factor - not only for the guests, but of course for the bride and groom because it's their big...

Here to tell Danielle and Sara about the wedding planning process from the perspective of someone who just went through it is newlywed Maggie Pelletier, who married her husband, Joe, in June of 2021. Maggie shares how long it took her to plan her wedding, what her dress shopping experience was like, and how her catering company added to the full experience of the day. As a self-proclaimed “DIY Budget Bride,” Maggie describes the ways she used family and friends as vendors to cut down costs, and encourages other brides to hammer out their budget from the start. Maggie also offers her thoughts on what she wishes she would have done differently in planning her wedding, including staying organized on her guest count, checking in on the reception before entering, and doing a private “First Look” before the ceremony. She talks about being clear and efficient in the planning process but not sweating the small stuff, balancing your own vision while respecting your parents' wishes, and hiring excellent vendors to make the most of your special day. Maggie wraps up with her advice about when to leave for your honeymoon, and of course, you'll hear some truly cringe-worthy wedding horror stories about questionable cake artists and misplaced wedding rings. Make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening!   Episode Highlights: Maggie is a newlywed who just married her husband, Joe, in June of 2021 It took them just over a year to plan their wedding Maggie's dress and catering were big priorities early on Maggie recommends talking about your budget from the beginning Don't rush into planning your wedding - soak up your engagement for a week or two  first Maggie and Joe used https://www.postable.com/ (Postable.com) to collect address information from guests Their biggest challenge was the amount of people to invite Remember that not everyone will stay for the reception or drink alcohol  Stay organized on your guest count Check out the reception before you enter so you can appreciate everything that went into the event Consider doing a private “First Look” before you walk down the aisle, so you can truly appreciate the moment before your nerves have set in This also carves out some special time for just the two of you Having an earlier wedding may also allow for more pictures and less stress Try not to sweat the small stuff - if something goes wrong, you probably won't even notice It helps to be organized and efficient in the planning process Bringing your own vision to light while also respecting the wishes of your parents Maggie used https://makenziemadefilms.wixsite.com/website?fbclid=IwAR0a86sQZvEWOJLhC9q011f9GoLWr7J3Dh40IA2uYwG6SW0khL5LyQI39CY (Makenzie Made Films) for her videographer and had an exceptional experience When deciding on a DJ versus a band, go with your personal preference If midnight seems too early to end the event, consider planning an after party Wait until Monday to leave for your honeymoon Hilarious wedding horror stories Remember, when things go wrong, hardly anyone will notice and it will make a fun story for the couple to tell their grandchildren Quotes: “ I knew what I wanted. I was like, I do not want any lace. I do not want any beads...I have a vision in my head.” “We had enough food to have another wedding the next night.” “We tried to use family members for vendors.” “Talk about the budget. That is something that we should have done from the start.” “I wish that we would have not jumped straight into planning our wedding and just soaked it up for a minute.”

Join hosts Sara and Danielle today as they speak with the extremely talented cosmetologist and makeup artist, Emmy Ward. Based out of Princeton, KY, Emmy works at The Q Salon and she specializes in bridal makeup. She talks about her passion for hair and makeup, and finding her path to this career. She then dives into all of her favorite tips and tricks for brides concerning hair and makeup on their big day, including doing a trial run beforehand, what to expect in terms of gratuities, and which types of foundations and products to use as a bride. She explains how to find a look that enhances your natural beauty rather than getting lost in the makeup, what to ask potential hair and makeup artists to make sure you're a good fit, and she describes her signature “soft glam” look. You'll also hear about Emmy's favorite makeup products, how she makes her brides stand out, and the typical budget for wedding hair and makeup services.  Follow Emmy on https://www.facebook.com/glambyemcat/ (Facebook) and https://www.instagram.com/glambyemcat/ (Instagram) to view her stunning work. And make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening!   Episode Highlights: Emmy Ward is a Hair and Makeup artist (HMA) based in Princeton, KY She works at The Q Salon in Princeton For weddings, she typically sticks to makeup only as it's rather hectic to do hair as well Emmy recommends having two separate professionals to do hair and makeup in the interest of time on the big day, especially with large bridal parties She recommends scheduling about one hour per person for both hair and for makeup She discovered this career during her sophomore year of college and has never looked back Her biggest recommendation is to do a trial run as this helps you narrow down your aesthetic and take the pressure off on your wedding day You can also do a test run for portraits on the same day you have your hair and makeup done Gratuities are never expected, always appreciated, especially for associates who may not own the business Thank-you notes also go a long way Which types of foundation and products to use so that you feel authentic to who you are rather than getting lost in the makeup Emmy likes to get to know the bride ahead of time and get a sense of the look they're going for Foundation also depends on the time of year and your skin type Emmy explains her process for keeping tools clean and sanitized She feels that getting licensed is important for cosmetologists, but there are also talented people out there who aren't licensed You want to make sure you're a good fit with your hair and makeup artist, and that you're on the same page with the look you're going for Emmy's signature look is a soft glam Her favorite lip product is https://www.charlottetilbury.com/ca/product/matte-revolution-lipstick-pillowtalk (Pillow Talk) by Charlotte Tilbury Emmy feels the bride should always stand out and have a different look from her bridesmaids - bridesmaids can have a similar look, but the bride should have a little extra Portrait trials can help you make sure your makeup aesthetic photographs nicely Always keep your lipstick with you so you can touch up as you eat and drink throughout the day Weddings bring an exceptional amount of tourism and income to the area Quotes: “I like to take an hour per person for makeup. And then same with hair.” “I always have been extremely girly and always into this stuff. I didn't necessarily know I wanted to make it a career until I was in college.” “This is too overwhelming. This is too much. And you're getting...

On today's episode, Danielle and Sara discuss all things floral, from Danielle's start in the industry, to design fees, to Danielle's new studio in Hopkinsville! Having helped with the floral side of over 1000 weddings, Danielle shares the best practices when it comes to working with your florist to maximize the impact and beauty of your arrangements while fitting into your overall wedding budget. The duo dives deep into changing floral trends, which family members actually need flowers, and how most wedding horror stories start from a single place: miscommunication. Between these topics and a preview of what's in store for future Not Your Pinterest Wedding shows, this episode is not to be skipped! Make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening!   Episode Highlights: How Danielle transitioned from the Banking industry to the Floral industry after the 2008 recession Danielle started Ruffled Willow in 2019, but has done floral arrangements for over a thousand weddings  How floral trends have changed from compact arrangements to bespoke garden-gathered feel Working backwards from what a bride doesn't like is often easier to help them discover what they do like in floral arrangements No matter what your budget is, be upfront about it with your florist, so they can work with you to make your arrangements beautiful Danielle takes Sara step-by-step through what goes into creating a floral arrangement Industry standard rates for florists and design fees Why you should book your florist as early as possible, especially during COVID The professional florist community is very tight-knit and always looking to help one another Pastel colors are great choices for bridal bouquets to keep the focus on the bride and her dress  Don't ask your florist for “scraps” that you can use on the cake - those usually end up on the floor! Let your florist know you'd like to have matching flowers for the cake and they'll order accordingly Danielle discusses her new studio and workshop in Hopkinsville, and how it is laying the groundwork for a retail space in the future People may not realize how much the wedding industry contributes to the local economy Send in your questions for an upcoming roundtable discussion, or Q&A episode! Most wedding horror stories start with miscommunication Wedding planners are almost always worth investing in, DIY weddings can be very tricky to execute at the level you want! Quotes: “Styles are ever changing. And it's all based on a personality. So even though that something's in style right now, somebody else can take bits and pieces of different trends and different styles and make them their own which is so great about floral is because you can take a blank space and literally transform it.” “We definitely try to help guide them into ‘let's look at the big picture'. When you walk into your reception, what do you want to see? What's going to be your vision there?” “When we go to the wholesaler sometimes to pick up our orders, there will be something like really cool and unique. And I'll be like, ‘I have to have it because that's gonna be awesome in her bouquet.' Most of my clients know and trust me enough to know that I can give them what they need, and to have that creativity to do that.” “I think that we've built our brand to kind of morph into what our clients needs. Because at the end of the day, our clients are who we are servicing. Regardless if we love it or not, you know if they're happy with it at the end of the day, that is our 110% priority.” “I just felt like...

Today's guest is DJ Mike Emrick of ‘We Bring the Party Events,' a premier event entertainment company providing wedding and event DJ services in Middle Tennessee. Mike tells Danielle and Sara about using his expertise, knowledge, and passion to help couples make their event amazing while also easing their stress on the big day. He shares his story of launching ‘We Bring the Party Events' with his wife, Ellen, in 2012 after a disappointing experience at their own wedding, beginning with a photo booth and since growing to offer reception DJ services, lighting, and pro audio. Mike shares his insights about having a fun wedding reception with or without alcohol, the pivotal role that couples play in setting the tone and energy for an event, and his process behind choosing prelude and ceremony music. Danielle and Sara ask Mike about the importance of having an indoor and outdoor sound equipment setup, which questions couples should ask their DJ ahead of time, and his best tips and tricks to get the party going and maintain a fun atmosphere throughout the night. Mike talks about reading the room and choosing music accordingly, making sure he knows what level of “corniness” couples are comfortable with, finding the balance between audience requests and managing the expectations of the bride and groom, and which two songs are absolutely crushing it on the dance floor right now. Finally, they share their cringe-worthy wedding DJ horror stories, and Mike reflects on turning a bad catering situation around into one his most memorable events yet. To find out how Mike and his team can ‘bring the party' to your event, visit https://webringthepartyevents.com/ (WeBringThePartyEvents.com).   Make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening!   Episode Highlights: Today's guest is Mike Emrick of ‘https://webringthepartyevents.com/ (We Bring the Party Events)' He launched ‘We Bring the Party Events' with his wife in 2012 after a disappointing experience at their own wedding They started by offering a photo booth for weddings, which has since grown to include reception DJ, lighting, and pro audio for all different kinds of events Weddings can be fun without alcohol, and in fact, it can make the event a little too silly or messy With a dry wedding in particular, guests will look to the bride and groom to set the tone of the event and the focus will be on them Try to schedule events of the day to limit interruptions, as it's hard to get that momentum back It's important to be flexible and also listen to the professionals who are there to guide you ‘We Bring the Party Events' provide references for playlists, top Father/Daughter songs, etc. Ceremony and prelude music Having an indoor and outdoor sound equipment setup limits downtime between transitions, and also ensures that backup equipment is always available A professional, reputable company should have an updated and current website/social media presence  Being able to read reviews, positive or negative, is very helpful Before you leave a bad review, make sure to reach out to the vendor first so they can address it and make it right Mike's best tip for getting the party going is for the couple and their bridal party to be active Keep activities close together and near the dance floor to maintain a fun atmosphere throughout the night Some people just aren't going to dance, and that's okay Games and anniversary dances are becoming less popular Talk to your DJ ahead of time about what level of “corniness” you're comfortable with Mike tries to avoid “cheat songs” that are...

This week the conversation is all about venues and, of course, we don't need to look far for an expert in the field. On today's episode, Danielle interviews Sara to sort out all the facts and aspects to consider when looking into a wedding venue. With her vast amount of experience and wisdom, you know that Sara has a lot of information, advice and, above all, riveting stories, to offer about this all important wedding component, and she shares it all here today.   She begins by sharing the types of venues she has available at Burdoc Farms, how they got started, and the packages they offer there. Sara goes on to share questions to ask when considering or touring venues, information about venue capacities and vendors, and her insider tips and tricks for preparing the space for the big day. The interview concludes today with the pros and cons of having a liquor license at a venue, insurance considerations, and, of course, some horror stories. Filled not only with valuable information and even more valuable advice, but also some laugh out loud moments, today's interview with Sara is as entertaining as it is educational, and is a must listen for brides, grooms, and their families alike.   Make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast onhttps://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ ( Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company athttps://www.ruffledwillow.com/ ( RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale athttps://burdocfarms.com/ ( BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening!   Episode Highlights: Burdoc's different types of venues How the venues started The packages they offer Questions to ask when looking for a venue Venue capacities Vendors Tips and tricks for preparing venues Pros and cons of a venue having a liquor license Insurance considerations Venue horror stories Quotes:    “A lot of venues will piecemeal all the amenities to you…we're a flat fee.”   “This is truly a family owned and run business...what you see is what you get.”   “I even discouraged a bride from booking here.”   “We're honestly not in this for the money because we would have picked a different career.”   “Don't be opposed to a Sunday, or a weekday wedding.”    “We do micro-weddings, elopements, and all-inclusives, and I'm telling you, those micro-weddings I've been doing have been so much fun.”   “I decided a long time ago, I'm not getting blamed because your vendor screwed up.”   “If you are going to do a ‘one day', have an army of people.”   “If you don't have a wedding planner…find your best ‘Type A' friend, and, like, let them run it.”   “It's nice to know that, you know, you as a venue and several other venues around here, too, will let you just come in and kind of tour this space and look at it and decorate it in your mind before the actual day.”   “I've quoted out things before and I'm like, ‘Crap I'm going to eat that', because I didn't realize how big it is.”   “We had two women fighting in the parking lot, rolling in the gravel in dresses.”   “Not only do you get staff that work your wedding, you get staff that are going to work the bar, if you're having a bar, and they make sure that people are safe.”   “I think a venue that does have a liquor license is a better deal.”   “Just make sure you know what all their policies are - ask what all the do's and don'ts are.”   “Know what you're paying for. Know what you're getting. Know the kind of people you are working with.”   “That contract is gold. Keep it, read it, know it, you know, all that stuff.”   “So don't think that $500 barn in the middle of nowhere with nothing is such a smart idea when you can really get more bang for your buck having the things and amenities and the chairs...

Wedding videographers Hunter Ezell and Logan Ferrell, of Ezell Film Company, join Danielle and Sara today to talk about filming weddings and how their ‘Run and Gun' style sets them apart from the rest. Hunter and Logan are passionate about telling the love story of every couple, and capturing their most intimate wedding moments through film. Hunter and Logan talk about creating a time capsule for their clients that they can relive and share with their families for years to come, what it's like to work together as a couple themselves, and how their style has evolved over the years.  Hunter and Logan share their best advice for couples who are looking for a videographer, their dream wedding to shoot, and the benefits of working with vendors who all know each other. Hunter discusses his musical background and how it helps him select the perfect background track for each couple's film, as well as his viral video, ‘This is Eclipseville.' Hunter and Logan also tell Danielle and Sara one of their biggest wedding horror stories, and Logan gives brides an excellent tip to do away with the bra on their big day to avoid unsightly indentations for their photos and videos. To learn more about these talented wedding filmmakers, visit http://www.ezellfilmcompany.com (www.EzellFilmCompany.com). Make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast on https://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ (Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company at https://www.ruffledwillow.com/ (RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale at https://burdocfarms.com/ (BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening! Episode Highlights: Hunter and Logan approach their videography similar to photography - ‘Run and Gun' style Hunter is the primary film editor, and handles all of the post-wedding day production Logan is the social media manager, and helps families feel comfortable in front of the camera on the big day They're passionate about filmmaking and telling the love story of your wedding day by capturing the most intimate moments They encourage couples to write letters to one another Creating a time capsule for couples that they can rewatch and experience again for years to come Hunter started by filming a solar eclipse in 2017, and began with weddings shortly after His style has evolved over the years Logan helps keep Hunter in check, and they make a great team Filming weddings has been really helpful in planning their own upcoming nuptials in October 2022 They film 30-45 weddings per year, sometimes back-to-back They have two additional shooters - Brian and Martin Sometimes they have to divide and conquer, and film separate weddings on the same day One of their most popular wedding films has been viewed 35,000 times Advertising algorithms target 18-35 female age group, and they also receive a lot of referrals Work/life balance Their advice to watch videographer's videos before booking Their biggest complaint from clients is that they thought the video would be longer - watching videographer's films ahead of time can clarify exactly what you're paying for Hunter and Logan like to condense the entire day into a 5-9 minute video that shows all the best highlights With all your vendors, make sure you are clear about everything they do and don't do, so that you are not left with any gaps you thought someone else would be taking care of Their dream wedding to shoot is an upcoming Vegas chapel They use a royalty-free music streaming service called https://www.musicbed.com/ (Music Bed) for their background tracks They choose music that they feel best suits the day Hunter's musical background as a drummer  Logan works in Marketing full-time, and also works on illustrations Their long-term goal to be a large-scale, collective wedding creative house Advantages to working with vendors who all

On today's episode, Danielle and Sara talk to the very talented wedding planner Courtney Smith. Courtney has owned and operated All Things Prim & Proper Events with her husband, Cory, since 2015. They are a turn-key wedding planning business that plans, decorates, coordinates rentals, and takes care of everything you need so that you can enjoy your big day to the fullest. Courtney uses her creativity and eye for detail to design one-of-a-kind events for her clients, and is passionate about making sure each wedding is a unique reflection of the couple. Courtney shares some of her best tips and tricks for both brides and vendors, and explains why hiring a professional wedding planner is so important. She talks about the pros and cons of a backyard wedding, using Pinterest to inspire ideas rather than trying to replicate the pictures exactly, and why you should never sacrifice your vision to accommodate a large guest list. Courtney describes her dream wedding to plan, and reminds listeners to give their guests an experience to remember by including fun features like live music, bouncy castles, and food trucks. Courtney's husband, Cory, joins the show to help tell their wedding planning horror story, and they talk to Danielle and Sara about their experiences being ghosted by both clients and vendors. Today's conversation highlights the importance of having open communication with your vendors, and using a professional to help enhance your wedding vision in ways you never thought possible, all while getting to enjoy your special day completely stress-free. You can learn more about Courtney, Cory, and All Things Prim & Proper by visiting http://www.primandproperevents.com (www.PrimAndProperEvents.com). And make sure to follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast on https://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ (Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. You can also check out Danielle's Floral Design company at https://www.ruffledwillow.com/ (RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale at https://burdocfarms.com/ (BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening! Episode Highlights: All Things Prim & Proper Events is a turn-key wedding planning business that began in 2015 Courtney and her husband, Cory, plan, decorate, coordinate rentals, and take care of whatever you need They pay close attention to the details and want to make sure your wedding is different from everyone else's She has worked at all different kinds of venues, including a football field and cow pasture Pros and cons of backyard wedding - weather can be unpredictable, but wedding planner can help you pivot when the unexpected happens Backyard weddings involve a lot more amenities and logistics than people realize Wedding planners have the knowledge and experience to know where you want to spend your money, which details to take care of - some you may never have thought about A lot of couples who decide to have a backyard wedding want to incorporate a sentimental piece of land It also allows you to use the venue for multiple days National average cost for a wedding is $35,000 Don't sacrifice the wedding you want just to accommodate a large guest list Breaking down the cost per guest (usually $100/person) helps you narrow down whether you really need to invite certain people Hiring a wedding planner allows you and your family to fully soak in your day and not worry about the stress leading up to the event What to do if bride doesn't want to relinquish control Courtney sees herself as an artist who can not only bring a couple's wedding vision to life, but also elevate it in ways they would never have thought possible Pinterest can help inspire ideas, but Courtney does not want to copy Pinterest Courtney's dream wedding to plan, and focusing on the experience for your guests Having a gorgeous setting or backdrop for your guests to take pictures is a great...

Kayla Eaton is the owner of Lavender Park Bridal, a bridal shop in Clarksville, Tennessee that caters exclusively to brides and makes their shopping experience all about them. Today Kayla chats with Danielle and Sara about opening her business in 2019, her best advice for brides while shopping for their dress, and her favorite bridal lines and trends, including colored dresses and clean lines. She explains why Pinterest may give brides an unrealistic vision for their dress, how to get creative with your veil to really make your gown stand out, and why you should never trust bridal alterations to your quilting grandma.  Kayla talks about her goals to make sure Lavender Park Bridal was size inclusive, offered unique styles, and gave brides an experience to cherish and remember when she opened up her shop. You'll also hear why she recommends only bringing three people with you to shop for your dress, how Kayla, Danielle, and Sara deal with ‘Momzillas,' and of course, they end by sharing their bridal gown horror stories. To book an appointment with Lavender Park Bridal, or learn more about the memorable experience they offer while helping brides find their dream dress, visit https://lavenderparkbridal.com/ (LavenderParkBridal.com) or follow them on https://www.instagram.com/lavenderparkbridal/ (Instagram). You can also follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast on https://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ (Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. And check out Danielle's Floral Design company at https://www.ruffledwillow.com/ (RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale at https://burdocfarms.com/ (BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening! Episode Highlights: Kayla Eaton is the owner of Lavender Park Bridal, which caters exclusively to the bride and makes the entire shopping experience about her She opened her shop in 2019 Kayla's advice to start shopping for a dress early - at least six months in advance, to allow your dress to come in and leave time for alterations Average national cost for a wedding dress is $2000 Kayla likes to provide a high end experience for brides of all price points She loves the bridal line https://www.watters.com/wtoo/ (WToo), which features classic, clean lines with whimsy and high end lace Importance of listening to her brides to help bring their vision to life Her favorite question to ask is, What is your aesthetic? Always ask for adjectives to help brides pinpoint what they are looking for Pinterest makes Kayla's job more difficult because brides get attached to dresses that are out of their price range or are very high end, limited designs Dresses on Pinterest do not have price tags She loves colored dresses, because the details show beautifully in photographs Helping brides choose a dress color based on skin tone and veering away from pure white in favor of ivory, which is warmer and more flattering Clean lines are the biggest trend in bridal right now Getting creative with your veil Average cost for alterations is $600 to $800 Wearing undergarments or shapewear to your fitting - whatever you will be most comfortable wearing on your big day Lavender Park Bridal is size inclusive, offers unique designs, and is 100% ‘Team Bride' Kayla's love for opera and theatre, and how it ties into her passion for everything bridal She suggests only bringing 3 people with you when shopping for your dress so that you don't let everyone's opinions cloud your vision ‘Momzillas' are much worse than ‘Bridezillas,' and how to handle situations when families are not supportive of bride's choices Bridal shop horror stories Quotes: “What makes us different is that we do everything kind of exclusively for the bride. So what that means is that when she comes in, she has a suite to herself. She has the floor to herself. She has a consultant to herself. The whole experience is about her.”

This week Danielle and Sara share their best advice for working within your budget while planning your dream wedding. From getting married on a weekday to choosing seasonal florals that you can find locally, asking about less expensive options to knowing exactly who's footing the bill, our hosts break down their many tips and tricks to make the most of your wedding budget while still having the amazing experience you deserve. They discuss the importance of listing your top takeaways for the big day and prioritizing what you want to spend your money on, using a spreadsheet, and being upfront with your vendors about what you're willing to pay.  Danielle and Sara discuss industry standards and avoiding the word “cheap” as you seek out quotes, clarifying whether you are getting full service so you can plan accordingly, and leaving room in your budget for certain conveniences so you can enjoy your day to the fullest. Remember that there is no price tag on Pinterest, and the photos you see are usually the most luxurious, opulent options, which may not be realistic for what you want to spend. However, if you're honest with your vendors, they can often find a way to bring your vision to life without breaking the bank. Danielle and Sara end with their wedding budget horror stories, and remind listeners that it's okay to ask for a refund if something goes wrong. Follow Not Your Pinterest Wedding Podcast on https://www.instagram.com/notyourpinterestweddingpodcast/ (Instagram), where you can ask questions, share stories, and suggest topics for future episodes. And check out Danielle's Floral Design company at https://www.ruffledwillow.com/ (RuffledWillow.com), as well as Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale at https://burdocfarms.com/ (BurdocFarms.com). Thanks for listening! Episode Highlights: Asking couples three words that they want people to take away from their wedding (flowers, food, guest experience, entertainment) Their answer tells you what's important to them as you plan your budget If food is not important to you, you can schedule a brunch or early afternoon wedding Using a budget spreadsheet There is a misconception that finger foods are less expensive, which is not the case Price per piece versus price per plate Sara's tip to list your wedding priorities, then start at the top as you allocate funds from your budget and work your way down Venues, photographers, and DJs might have a discount for an off day (Sunday and weekdays) Some vendors offer discount if you pay in cash or pay upfront Be upfront about your budget Keep in mind that there is no price tag on Pinterest, and weddings featured are usually luxury events at their best Choose seasonal florals that you can find locally to save on your budget Focus your floral budget on grand scale arrangements and go smaller on bridesmaids bouquets or centerpieces Skip personals and focus on your bridal bouquet instead Ask about affordable, less expensive options but make sure you are still getting full service Having your family help and serve the food is not the way to save money as you want them to actually enjoy the day Danielle and Sara's wedding budget horror stories Do not be afraid to ask for a refund if something goes wrong Quotes: “Budget's a hard one, but it's a necessary conversation that needs to happen.” “When I do planning with my clients, the first thing I always ask them is, give me three words that you want someone to take away from your wedding.” “I always ask, Do you know who's paying for the wedding? ...Because if they know who's paying for it, then they probably know their budget.” “What is your number one priority? Is it the venue? Is it the photographer? Is it the floral and decor? Is it the food? You put that at the top and then you make everything fit under, knowing what your budget is.” “Talk to your vendors and tell them what your budget is, because I've lost clients because they were not upfront with

On today's episode, Danielle and Sara talk with Raegan Garnett of Raegan Garnett Photography. Raegan is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based out of Kentucky. After being gifted with her dream camera by her husband on their wedding day, Raegan was inspired to chase her dreams and began her business in 2017. She tells Danielle and Sara about her early passion for photography, working with her husband as a second shooter, and she gives her best advice for couples when looking for a wedding photographer. Raegan discusses the importance of connecting with photographers in person or over the phone to make sure your personalities and visions are aligned, and she shares the story of what happened when she found herself not meshing well with a client. Raegan explains her passion for genuinely connecting with clients versus simply booking work for the sake of it, and tells couples what questions to ask photographers when they meet for the first time. Sara and Danielle ask Raegan to share a wedding photography horror story, and they remind brides to consider how certain colors will be photographed when deciding on their color schemes. You can learn more about Raegan and view her beautiful work at http://raegangarnett.com/ (RaeganGarnett.com). Check out Danielle's Floral Design company at https://www.ruffledwillow.com/ (RuffledWillow.com). And visit https://burdocfarms.com/ (BurdocFarms.com) to see Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale. Thanks for listening! Episode Highlights: Raegan's passion for photography from a young age Being gifted with her dream camera by her husband on their wedding day, and his encouragement for Raegan to chase her dreams Working with her husband as a second shooter Her best advice when searching for a wedding photographer Connecting with your photographer in person or over the phone to make sure your visions and personalities click before the big day Raegan's story of not meshing well with a client Her passion for connecting with couples rather than just booking work for the sake of it Not everyone is going to be your ideal client or be a good fit for you Doing a mini session is a great way to see if you click with a photographer Reading reviews and asking vendors for recommendations is also important Core questions to ask photographers when meeting for the first time, and letting them know which moments are most important for you to capture Raegan's favorite and most memorable wedding she's photographed Her goal to photograph in every state Sara, Danielle, and Raegan share their wedding photography horror stories Quotes: “I've always kind of had a camera in my hand, since I was little. I was the girl that had my friends over in middle school and we did photoshoots outside.” “For my wedding, my husband actually gifted me with my dream camera and said, It's time to hit the ground running and chase your dreams. So I went for it!” “I always tell my husband, You get a great catered meal out of it, and you get to watch the great dancing that happens.” “So you would suggest, when couples are looking at photographers… Not only look at the colors they use and the editing, but the posing, and how they frame their pictures, and the backgrounds they use.” “They're with you on such a big day, so you want to make sure you have that connection with them as well, because it's something you want to look back on and be excited about.” “Just even 10 minutes with them, you can easily see - and I can also see - if they're a good match for me as a photographer, and I'm a good match for them as a photographer as well.” “I think sometimes so many of us just want to book everything through email and not ever have that human connection, because you're just wanting to check another thing off your list. But I would say that's the one vendor that is truly by your side for 8-10 hours on your wedding day - I think you definitely want to have that connection and build that trust as...

Welcome to Not Your Pinterest Wedding! On today's episode, Danielle and Sara discuss their backgrounds working in the wedding industry, their inspiration to start this podcast together, and their passion for bringing your wedding vision to life while still being cost effective. They clarify that Pinterest can be a great tool to give you ideas and direction, but that trying to replicate your Pinterest board exactly is not only unrealistic, but may even take the fun and creativity out of your day! Your wedding should be a unique celebration of your love story, and Danielle and Sara are here to give you practical tips on how to make it the event you've always dreamed of without breaking the bank. They also share hilarious stories of their past wedding fails, and give listeners a sneak peek at their incredible shows and guests to come!  You can learn more about Ruffled Willow, Danielle's Floral Design company, at https://www.ruffledwillow.com/ (RuffledWillow.com), or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ruffledwillow/?hl=en (@ruffledwillow). And visit https://burdocfarms.com/ (BurdocFarms.com) or follow https://www.instagram.com/burdocfarms/ (@BurdocFarms) on Instagram to see Sara's gorgeous barn wedding locale. Thanks for tuning in! Episode Highlights: Welcome from hosts Danielle Renshaw and Sara Shepherd as they share their experience working in the wedding industry Sara's family has owned https://burdocfarms.com/vendors/lodging/ (Burdoc Farms) since 1946 and they began hosting weddings in 2012 Danielle's floral design company is https://www.ruffledwillow.com/ (Ruffled Willow), where she specializes in unique, bold arrangements They're passionate about supporting other women-owned businesses Anemone flowers are Danielle's favorite and can now be found year round   They share the story of how they came up with the podcast while working at a wedding together Their goal is to give realistic advice and make your wedding fun It should be based on your love story, and not necessarily what Pinterest tells you (although they love Pinterest!) Pinterest operates like a revolving door, and you really only see the ideas that everyone else sees It can help inspire you and give you direction, but you also need to keep in mind that a lot of the ideas are very expensive When planning your wedding, consider different types of things that inspire you, like art and home decor Be inspired by your Pinterest board, but don't try to replicate it exactly You don't have to go into debt for your wedding - there is a way to bring your vision to life while still being cost effective Danielle and Sara end by each telling a wedding horror story Quotes: “You invented the barn wedding!” “We have such a passion for floral design, and that's really where our heart is and that's really what we see, that makes us unique and where our vision is for our business.” “We say our style is organic romance with a touch of whimsy.” “Usually when you are buying a bouquet from me, you have about four other women who are benefiting from that bouquet - four other women-owned businesses.” “We knew we wanted it to be fun and not uptight. We wanted to give realistic advice. Not only just to brides, but to vendors, and to everybody. Because your wedding should be fun! It should not be an uptight version of what your mom wants… It should be your wedding, and it should be based on your love story, and not what Pinterest tells you. Although we love Pinterest!” “The things that get Pinned the most are the things that you're being shown the most… You're never really getting to those unique, really cool things. You're getting to the - what everybody sees.” “It can be good to inspire you and give you direction and ideas, and help you to narrow down what your vision is.” “You don't want your wedding to be like everybody else's.” “Let your Pinterest board inspire you, don't try to be that Pinterest...

Weddings are one the most important events that brings together friends and family for one of the biggest celebrations in a couple's life, but you don't have to break the bank to have the wedding of your dreams. Join wedding experts with over 45 years of experience, floral designer Danielle Renshaw and venue owner Sara Shepherd as they talk about ways to save money as well as interview experts in the wedding industry. If you are one of those couples that want to have it all but can't afford it all, listen in to get practical wedding planning advice and tips on how to have the wedding you have always dreamed of having and save money at the same time.