Wedding Planning Podcast | Your Online Wedding Planner | Free Advice from Engagement to Wedding Day from Kara Lamerato of KVW

Creating a simple, info-packed WEDDING WEBSITE is the easiest, most hassle free way to easily share information with your wedding guests.  Join me today for a detailed wedding planning workshop on exactly how to create an amazing wedding website - zero technical skills required!  To get started, choose your wedding website design from an incredible community of independent artists & designers when you visit Minted Weddings. FREE Minted wedding websites include all the tools you need to get started, and you'll even receive a $50 credit towards your wedding stationery when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/website. In today's show, we're covering what to include on your website, what not to include, and lots of priceless details on how to leverage this incredible tool to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER over the coming months.   I also have a really fun & interactive extension of your website that will make connecting with your guests a breeze between now & wedding day. Even if you've already got a wedding website up & running, I hope you'll stick around for today's conversation - I have lots of important website elements to share that many couples miss, and I want you to be able to leverage your wedding website to your FULL ADVANTAGE over the next few months ... making your life easier, and of course, your guests' lives easier as well! A quick outline of what we're going to cover in today's meeting: Home Page Events Travel & Accommodations FAQ Page Your Story Wedding Party RSVP Details Links to your registry & don't miss my BONUS TIP for keeping in close contact with your wedding guests throughout the coming months via a private Facebook Group!  Here's a link that explains exactly how to set one up.

Affordable & beautiful Save the Date announcements and wedding invitations - how hard can that be?? Well, if you've spent 3 hours on a Saturday getting lost down the rabbit hole of 9 different wedding invitation websites, then you know that finding a practical solution that fits your style and your budget is much easier said than done.   Today I'm sharing a complete guide to wedding stationery, from Save the Dates to invitations.  We'll even review all of those mysterious extras like fancy paper type, additional enclosures, wax seals, envelope liners, and more.  And if you're on a budget and looking to keep your invites as minimal and affordable as possible, I've got some exclusive listener savings to share totaling over $300!  See below for links & resources. LINKS + SPECIAL OFFERS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW: 25% off Save the Date announcements >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted 830+ Wedding Invitations w/ matching website, Save the Dates, QR code & extras >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/invite $50 stationery credit to use towards your save the dates and / or invitations when you create a wedding website >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/website Redeem your FREE Wedding Invitation Sample Kit here

This week, I have an inbox full of your wedding flower questions to share!  I also put together a list of the top wedding flower mistakes that I see couples make, to further help guide you to "DIY wedding flower SUCCESS". Today we're reviewing: How much should 5 relatively simple bouquets cost?  I'm being quoted over $1200, which feels so ridiculous. Visiting a flower farm to pick stems w/ my bridal party - how early should we pick & arrange them so that they are still fresh? How much time should we allocate to making the bouquets & centerpieces in the day or two before the wedding?   Downsides to ordering flowers online?  Considering Costco but the prices seem too good to be true We definitely want to do flower bouquets for me & bridesmaid and a simple flower on the guys' jacket, but do you have any ideas for creative centerpieces that are more affordable than flowers? From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered! Additional resources mentioned in today's episode: Wedding Flowers by Season Wholesale Flowers from COSTCO Wholesale Flowers from FIFTY FLOWERS  

Wedding flowers are high on the list of things that couples rate "not very" to "not at all" important to them.  So why spend thousands of dollars on elaborate, professional floral centerpieces and bouquets?  There are so many simple, beautiful & affordable alternatives - Today I have an 5-part formula for you to follow so that you can have beautiful, top quality flowers ... for an affordable price tag.   And the tips I'm sharing today don't have to be just for your wedding - you can use the same guidelines for any event, including engagement party, bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, or any special event you'll host between now & your wedding, and even beyond. Tune in and explore exactly how you can maximize the QUALITY AND VALUE of your wedding flowers using 5 simple guidelines.  PS:  From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!   RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW: Bulk Florals & Arrangements from Costco Wedding Flowers by Season Find a flower warehouse / wholesaler near you!  Simply search, "floral wholesaler near me" In San Diego?  Here's my favorite flower / decor wholesaler  

Creating your wedding reception seating chart can QUICKLY become one of wedding planning's biggest pains.  Between crazy family members, divorces, step-parents, hook-up's gone wrong, introverts, extroverts and lots of alcohol - your seating chart can quickly begin to feel like a jigsaw puzzle from hell. This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to review some easy tips & tactics for designing your reception seating chart.  Simple stuff that will ease the pain, and take this task from dreaded to done! Resources & links from today's show: Find helpful online seating chart tool recommendations here, Search “wedding seating chart” on Etsy for lots of custom options, “Do It Yourself” seating chart signs here, Browse KVW custom place card holders here, And enjoy tons of creative seating chart ideas on this Pinterest board. A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors: From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!

When you're in the thick of wedding planning, it can feel like this phase of life will go on forever. But believe it or not, at some point you WILL actually be married, and wedding planning will come to an end (insert cheering emoji / crying emoji here - take your pick!). I see a pretty split reaction to this, with half of us feeling thank universe, the wedding can't come soon enough ... having all that extra brain space back from planning and organizing a million tiny details will be amazing.   On the other hand, there are also plenty of us who absolutely love the engagement and planning phase, and are NOT looking forward to it ending.  Post wedding blues are a real thing, and we're going to talk about that today too. To start today off, I have some post-wedding takeaways and advice from past WPP couples (including myself!).  They share what they loved, and in all honesty, what could have been better. During the second half of today's show, I have an actionable checklist of things that will need to be handled after the wedding.  So if you're sad about it all coming to an end … don't worry - it doesn't actually end, there's still lots more to do! Check out our website for a checklist-style recap >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/after Cheers to you, Kara PS:  From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!    

Great news - you don't need to be a professional designer or natural-born artist to select a beautiful & cohesive color palette for your wedding celebration.  Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're running through 5 easy steps for choosing the colors to incorporate into your rehearsal, ceremony & reception.   I also have a bonus rundown of the top Wedding Color Palette MISTAKES that I see couples make, so be sure to stick around until the end! A lightening speed recap: 1. Start w/ your venue to guide your color selection, 2. Get color inspiration for your Save the Dates & wedding website - the first design elements your guests will actually see! I've linked 78 Save the Date options with beautiful sample color palettes here.​ 3. Tips for using Pinterest to your advantage, 4. Consider your potential colors actually being worn by your wedding party, 5. And of course, KEEP IT SIMPLE! Enjoy the show! PS - From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!

You've done months (maybe even YEARS) of wedding planning & preparation, and the big day is finally almost here! Last stop?  Rehearsal dinner. This week we're reviewing everything you need to know for planning & hosting this extra special night with your family & friends. We cover everything from the ceremony rehearsal itself to practical tips for hosting your loved ones afterwards. DETAILED BLOG POST HERE --> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/rehearsal Naturally, I have a ton of creative alternatives to taking 50 of your closest friends & family out to eat at a nice restaurant ($$$).  Beyond just saving money, we'll also cover: When to start planning (hint - it might be earlier than you think!) Personality-packed options for location and food selection Tips for keeping the night on pace and organized And meaningful touches that will be remembered beyond the wedding day. This topic is so dear to me - I remember our rehearsal dinner as one of the most special nights of my life.  We grilled chicken, steak & veggies with our friends & family on the property where we got married, had all the fave drinks flowing, and a curated list of our favorite songs turned way up.  We laughed, talked & celebrated long past sunset, and it was an absolutely magical night.  I wish all the same for you! xo, Kara PS:  From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!

You deserve wedding insurance that's fast and affordable, and protecting your investment in your wedding celebration literally couldn't be easier than a quick online visit to Brite.co/wedpod.  Today we're joined by a very special guest, Dustin Lemick.  Dustin is the CEO and founder of BriteCo.  BriteCo is a modern insurance company built for the digital age, and their goal is to simplify the process of securing jewelry and wedding insurance.   Well, mission complete, because streamline and simplify is exactly what BriteCo has done - with plans starting below $80, no hidden fees and up to 15% in discounts!  In today's episode, Dustin walks us through everything you need to know about wedding liability & cancellation coverage, and jewelry insurance.   We'll explore all of your wedding insurance FAQ's, including how much it costs (spoiler alert, it's shockingly affordable), what exactly is covered, how to determine what type of coverage you need, and even how to file a claim.   From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!

Get ready for a fun show today!  Here's a road map of where we're going: I have a recap of my brother-in-law's 3/30/25 wedding in Rochester, MI.  I'll share what was amazing, a detailed rundown of the venue / flow of events, how they took advantage of cost-saving opportunities, their solution to kids at the wedding, and lots more valueble takeaways! I also have an inbox full of your questions on everything from: How to blend "nostalgic elements" into our wedding celebration? Responding to requests to invite more people (ew) Managing pre-wedding stress Proactively planning how to spend our time throughtout our wedding weekend In the Detroit Metro area, and looking for an amazing venue?  We LOVED it: Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, MI Be in touch with your wedding questions and / or show requests anytime by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact. Talk soon!  PS:  From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!    

Today we're going to chat about a handful of ways when trying to "save" money on your wedding can totally BACKFIRE.  Aside of college educations, new homes and new cars, your wedding likely has one of the biggest price tags you've ever paid. You're spending tens of thousands of dollars - of course you're trying to save money when possible! You're not out there researching the most expensive venue in your area, or trying to find ways to spend more money on your invitations. When a potential photographer or caterer gives you a quote for services, you probably don't say “well that sounds OK, but do you have anything that costs more?” From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered! If you've been listening to the Wedding Planning Podcast for a while, I hope you know me well enough now to know that I'm NOT the wedding professional who's going to tell you NEVER to try to cut this corner, or don't DARE hire a friend to do x, y, z. I see this type of messaging a lot. If you do your own wedding day hair and makeup it will totally fail, and you should hire a professional to do it for you. If you skimp on a photographer, you will regret it for the rest of your life. The trouble is, professional service providers in pretty much any industry have an agenda - to sell their product or service. And whether you hear from a wedding professional on a podcast, read their articles on a blog, or see their posts on Instagram, their position is probably that hiring a professional is THE BEST way to go. "After all", they say, "this is your wedding - you can't afford to cut corners on the best day of your life." Well, for lots of this, I call BS. Sure, if you have a wedding budget in the 6-figures, then “hire a professional” is a great option for everything I just listed. But most of us DON'T have $100,000 to spend on our wedding, so making swaps and saves here and there is a necessary part of planning so that we don't go thousands of dollars into debt - NEVER a good idea. In today's show, let's explore some common areas of wedding planning where couples to try to cut a corner, save some money, leave something out, and then sadly have it backfire in terms of lost money, lost time, lost sanity - and sometimes all three. If you find yourselves at a cost-saving opportunity crossroads and you don't know which way to turn, I have some smart questions to ask yourselves, and potential vendors, that I hope will guide you towards making the best decisions for you and your wedding day. So when you find yourself wondering, hmmmmm ... should we cut that corner? What are the potential outcomes or pitfalls that might come of it? Hopefully after today's show, you'll have some solid answers to some of the most common situations, so that you can make the best decision for you. For one wedding, that might mean hiring a photographer off craigslist for $500. For another couple, that will NEVER be an option that's on the table. And you know what? Both sides are totally fine ;) Full blog post available at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-pitfall  

Your bachelorette party is a really fun engagement milestone AND it'll be a breeze to plan with these easy planning guidelines + sample itineraries!  Today's show also includes lots of your questions on party etiquette, gift giving, who plans what, and even a "tale of two parties" ... two very different bachelorette formats, each with their own pro's, and each guaranteed to result in an unforgettable night(s). Who plans the bachelorette party? Who should get invited? When should we start planning & schedule it? Honoring & accomodating everyone's financial circumstances, TWO sample bachelorette party itineraries, What are some creative bachelorette gift ideas?   From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!

Your WEDDING CEREMONY is undoubtedly the most important part of your wedding day celebration - it's literally the WHY of every single thing we touch on here on the Wedding Planning Podcast! Unfortunately, many couples push the ceremony logistics to the very bottom of their wedding planning to-do list, and as a result, this critical piece of your wedding day misses getting the full attention & creativity that it deserves.  Tune in to the full show for a start-to-finish guide for infusing your ceremony with deep meaning and your personalities.  We're also going to cover: Ceremony flow of events, Who walks who down the aisle, and in what order? The role of your officiant / celebrant, Intentionally setting the desired vibe with ceremony music & decor, Signing your marraige license, Tips for finding an officiant,  Crafting your wedding vows,  And finally, some additional ways to incorporate meaning and personality. A well-crafted wedding ceremony will perfectly express your relationship as a couple.  It should make your guests understand exactly why they are at the wedding, and may address the couples past, present and future.  We can be serious, lighthearted, traditional or a mix of all three - your ceremony doesn't have to follow any script, and you're free to personalize this portion of your day in any way you like! ADDITIONAL LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE: From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered! LEAVE A VOICEMAIL with your questions, wedding stories, or planning concerns >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact Sample Wedding Vows & Guide / Examples  Creative unity ceremony ideas   

"What's really bothering me lately is I'm in a stress cycle over anticipating what might go wrong during our wedding weekend and wanting to proactively jump in and plan for those things.  What are some unexpected stress-points that we can be prepared for as much as possible?" Do yourselves a favor - plan to be caught off guard by something on your wedding day!  Next step, mentally prepare to brush it off in the moment so that you can be fully present and enjoy your wedding day.   Survey 100 couples in the week after their wedding, and 97 of them will have multiple stories of things that went off the rails and/or not according to "The Plan". The magic is in how you choose to react to the issue, combined with some tactical ways that you can be proactive and prepared.  Tune in for the rundown on 7 common wedding day surprises that are shockingly easy to proactively plan for.  And stick around 'til the end for a handful of listener questions on moms, dress codes & more. Cheers to being prepared!   PS:  From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo.  Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!

Enjoy a jam-packed show full of your wedding planning questions, including: What's an ideal wedding planning timeline? How can we include family members who want to “help” with the wedding? Managing wedding planning stress, Inviting kids to the wedding? Cost-effective dessert options, Helping a younger bridesmaid feel included w/ the older girls, Are Bridal Expos worth it?  Should we go to one? How to chose our wedding theme? And soooo many more! To submit questions for an upcoming show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.com Enjoy!    

The little dollar bill emoji with flapping wings is a great one-tap summary of planning a wedding.  Budgeting for expected expenses is hard enough, let alone all of the little unexpected stuff that sneaks in along the way!                                                         Today we're going to shine a light on 16 annoying + unexpected expenses that couples don't plan for, so that you can adjust your budget early on and not be taken by surprise in the coming months.   Full blog post for today's show can be found here. Thank you for sharing the show with someone who is helping you plan! Wedding questions, stories to share, or requests for a future episode?  I always have an open door and would love to hear from you >>> weddingplanningpodcast.com   Cheers to you! Kara

Engagement photos are an incredible opportunity to capture you & your fiancé in your happiest moments, and to share those images across your save the dates, your wedding website, holiday cards, and as decorations throughout your wedding celebration. The thing is, choosing the perfect outfits, getting hair & make up just right so that you look incredible but still natural, and posing effortlessly can be much easier said than done! Choosing what you're going to wear and struggling through a last minute hair and makeup session an hour before you meet your photographer is not a great idea, to say the least.   Neither is waiting until you show up to find out that your fiancé has the worst stage fright, and looks like Chandler from "Friends" (season 7, episode 5, The One with The Engagement Picture) because they suddenly can't smile.   Today on the WPP I have a handful of tricks and tips to make sure your engagement photo shoot is smooth, seamless, and yields those perfect shots that you've been dreaming of sharing with all of family, friends, and friends of friends.   Tune in for so much more, and head over to the blog post for today's show for a full written recap & links: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/engagement-photos

Today we're going to break down the complicated, sometimes messy process of crafting your wedding guest list.  BONUS, I have lots of your guest list questions to share along the way! Tune in for a Wedding Guest List Step-By-Step guide that includes: An outline for getting started with your wedding guest list process, Smart Tips and benefits to running an "A List / B List" invitation tier system, How to manage non-invited Plus One's, Effective ways to trim your guest list, Managing family requests (demands) when it comes to who is invited, And so much more! Blog post for today's episode, coming soon -  Thank you as always for inviting me to be a part of your engagement season! Wedding questions, show requests, or feedback to share?  Find me here.  

In today's bonus episode, we explore the risks of judging a wedding venue by the initial price tag. Lots of budget savvy couples see their venue selection as a great opportunity to control costs and set the stage for major savings down the road.  This CAN be a great strategy … when approached the right way.  The problem is that as we're doing the research and gathering venue quotes, IMPULSE can take over.  What seems like a great deal on the surface can quickly spiral into a total money pit if you're not careful. Fact: All-inclusive venues pack a major sticker-shock factor.  When you open that quote from an all-inclusive property and choke on your coffee - please know that you're not alone.   Maybe you're intrigued by the flexibility and creativity that a more blank space, non-traditional / DIY venue can offer.  Combine this with a much lower initial price tag, and we have a perfect recipe for a magical solution to your venue and budget needs ….  OR a situation where trying to save money on your venue can completely backfire and result in you spending more than you would have had you chosen the seemingly more expensive option to begin with.  Yes, this topic is rich in irony.   Tune in for a list of 6 major categories that you will need to have firm plans AND detailed pricing information for to determine if using a blank space wedding venue is actually worth it - or if you'd be better off going the all-inclusive route. Written recap >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/diyvenue Submit your wedding questions & future show requests by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact Talk soon!    

Choosing your wedding venue is the most important decision you'll make throughout your wedding planning.  No pressure! Not only is your wedding venue the centerpiece of your celebration, it's also likely the budget category where you'll invest the most money.  So it's ultra-important to make a careful, well-informed decision.  Tune in to today's show for a detailed conversation that covers: The key wedding checklist items that are directly related to your venue,  How to set yourselves up for a successful venue search, Important questions to ask potential wedding venues, And finally, a smart guide to researching venues near you For a written recap of today's episode, including printable guides to help you throughout your venue search, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-venue-101 Submit your wedding planning questions here.  I have an open door, and would love to hear from you! Loving the Wedding Planning Podcast?  Please share the show with anyone who's helping you plan, and any engaged friends & family ❤️ A huge thank you for your support, and thank you for inviting me to be a part of your engagement! Cheers, Kara  

Setting a realistic wedding budget that works for you is one of the first steps you'll take after getting engaged - and ideally before making any big wedding decisions.  So if you're newly engaged (or maybe just need a wedding budget reset!), you're in the right place.  To streamline the process, today's show is a step-by-step guide on exactly how to create a realistic wedding budget that gives you plenty of space for all the things that you value the most. Let's face it, a wedding planning experience without ANY financial stress is unlikely.   Investing thousands of dollars in anything naturally comes along with doubts and anxiety.  But I'm here to break things down into manageable pieces, so that you can have a stress-free financial plan in the months ahead! Complete blog post for today's show >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-budget Whether you're in the early stages of formulating your overall wedding vision, or you've got a specific wedding scenario you'd like to review, I have 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy calls available >>> Click here to learn more & book a call today

Get ready to explore the beautiful world of bridesmaid dress shopping! Tune in & discover how you can enjoy a successful online bridesmaid dress shopping experience, including: Professional bridesmaid styling ideas,  Struggling with piecing together colors or patterns in a mismatch dress situation?  No worries!  Lulus free bridal concierge service makes the process 100% stress-free. The 5 KEYS to creating a cohesive visual palette with mismatched dresses,  The biggest benefits to mismatched bridesmaid dresses, And 3 HOT WEDDING TRENDS to be on the lookout for as we enter 2025. Shop the 2025 Lulus Bridesmaid Collection here Get free, one-on-one assistance from our expert team of bridal stylists with Lulus Bridal Concierge My sister Kate's wedding, April 2022 - we coordinated our Lulus dresses from California, Maine, Canada, British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico - if we can do it, anyone can!!

Trust me, I know that wedding planning can be stressful, overwhelming, and a complete PITA at times.    That's why I compiled a list of 40 uplifting wedding planning affirmations for you to tune in to any time you need a mental wedding refresh: Our wedding celebration will be a perfect reflection of us. I commit my attention to our top priorities & tune out the rest. We cannot control the actions or inactions of others. A meaningful wedding is within reach. I chose love over anger. I let go of feeling judged by others. We are becoming a stronger couple throughout our engagement journey. We are worthy of a meaningful wedding celebration. A beautiful wedding does not have to cost a lot of money. I chose gratitude. We do not need to invite everyone we know to the wedding. Our decisions are perfect for us. I release all negative thoughts about our budget. There is no space for overwhelm in my engagement journey. Tune in for so many more! You made it all the way here??  You deserve a BONUS ... within the bonus!  Here's a list of 50 Budget Items Couples Fail To Plan For, so that you can have them on your radar as you move ahead into your engagement. I hope you LOVED the Engagement Starter Kit.  There's SO much more to come ;) We'll talk again soon! Cheers, Kara Need more?  Book a 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Call here.

Tune in to this bonus episode for a list of "10 Things To Do After Getting Engaged" - The days & weeks after saying "YES!" are a whirlwind of fun & excitement.  From sharing the news with your loved ones, flashing that ring every chance you get, and dreaming of cakes and dresses, you're definitely at the start of an unforgettable time in your lives ... And I couldn't be more honored to be a part of it.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me in your engagement journey. I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one.   That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered.   Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement:  

In this bonus workshop, we'll explore exactly how to get started defining - and refining - your wedding vision.  This is a valuable exercise that I would love for you & your partner to do separately, then come together to compare what each of you saw. I don't expect that anyone will have all the answers the first time, or see every single last detail in crystal clear focus.   The point isn't to get it "right" on the first try, but rather to begin to clear your mental slate and give your imagination the space to roam towards a wedding celebration that's perfect for the two of you. This means clearing all negative beliefs, expectations, or wedding experiences you've had up to this point.  IT'S TIME FOR A FRESH START! There's a PDF available for you to record your thoughts here >>> Your Wedding Vision.pdf It's no secret that weddings have changed A LOT over the past couple of years.  It's finally time to embrace an updated planning strategy that prioritizes & honors YOU. That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement.  I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered.   Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement:

From nightmare meetings with wedding planners, to renting a mansion & our "DIY" heavy approach, in this bonus episode you'll hear the full details of my own wedding planning journey. The couples who give up on the new approach to planning that we focus on here on the Wedding Planning Podcast will likely stay stuck exactly where I was in the story I'm sharing today, after meeting with the awful 3rd wedding planner. They'll do exactly what most couples do, and freak out over how much there is to do, how much things cost, and how complicated it feels to go off the beaten path … They'll cave when someone is critical of a fun idea, and pull back when they feel judged for something that they did or didn't do. John and I faced skeptical, judge-y eyes too many times to count throughout our entire planning process - but that's another story, for another time. And they'll fall back to the status quo wedding planners, the big corporate websites, and the free checklists to plan a cookie cutter wedding for them, without ever even knowing the priceless opportunity that has slipped away. The opportunity to design the wedding that YOU actually want, and to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your loved ones that leaves a lasting sense of love & connection for decades to come. And to miss out on that, is quite simply, heartbreaking. But here's the final, most important part of this very long email: Unforgettable, life-changing weddings don't just "happen". They don't just magically arise from the mountain of printouts and free checklists, and magazines, budget calculators and Pinterest boards and reels that you consume on loop. And just having a wedding vision isn't enough, without continued support, encouragement, and ongoing direction. So my wish for you is these three things: The patience to let your wedding vision fully unfold, The courage and confidence to trust in your vision, and let it guide all of your decisions, big & small, And the support and encouragement that I promise to bring each week to our time spent together. Thank you so much for being here today, and thank you for inviting me to be a part of such a special time in your lives - it means the world to me.   Cheers, Kara

Here inside the Engagement Starter Kit, you'll find everything you need to plan a simple, meaningful, and affordable wedding.    The four episodes released this week - that's just the beginning!  Coming up next week (available now to Apple Premium Subscribers), you'll enjoy four more "Engagement Starter Kit" Bonus Resources, carefully crafted to help you going forward: Bonus Workshop: Clarifying Your Wedding Vision A detailed version of my engagement story, including ALL the ups & downs we experienced, An "Ultimate Engagement Checklist" with 10 steps to getting started with your plans And an audio version of 40 uplifting wedding affirmations / mantras for when things get stressful + overwhelming! And don't forget, there are over 50 free episodes of the Wedding Planning Podcast available to you anytime, anywhere your busy life takes you.  Simply visit your favorite podcast player, and be sure to follow the WPP for a new episode every Wednesday. It's no secret that weddings have changed A LOT over the past couple of years.  It's finally time to embrace an updated planning strategy that prioritizes & honors YOU. That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement.  I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered.   Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement: Thank you for being here, and thank you for your support of the Wedding Planning Podcast.  It's a huge honor to be a part of such a special time in your lives, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to help shape your dream wedding! Cheers, xo Kara

You're a couple who values informed choices, intentional decisions, and ACTIONS that are in complete alignment with who you are and what you value most. And at this point in the Engagement Starter Kit series, you know the importance of a well-defined wedding vision that honors your personal priorities and values.   But how do you tie it all together within a carefully designed wedding planning strategy when it comes down to actually making important wedding decisions like hiring vendors, choosing entertainment, and selecting your guests? In this episode, uncover how to: CONFIDENTLY MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS about all of your wedding elements, big & small.  Whether it's choosing something as big as your venue, or as small as guest favors, this new way of planning will guide you step-by-step to trust your intuition as you select the best options for YOU. SEE ALL OF YOUR OPTIONS CLEARLY when you adopt a "behind-the-scenes" point of view that shows you the inner workings of wedding product & service pricing, contracts, timelines, and more. USE THE 3 KEYS TO TAKE ACTION that is always in complete alignment with who YOU are, and what YOU value.  And yes, that includes saying NO to anything that doesn't align with your vision & priorities! It's no secret that weddings have changed A LOT over the past couple of years.  It's finally time to embrace an updated planning strategy that prioritizes & honors YOU. That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement.  I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered.   Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement:

There's a very powerful shift that happens when your engagement season AND your wedding celebration centers around your values & priorities … and nothing else.   Welcome to Part Two of the Engagement Starter Kit Bonus Series from the Wedding Planning Podcast! In this episode, discover exactly how to: CREATE A VIVID, SHARED VISION of your wedding celebration. INTENTIONALLY DISCUSS YOUR VALUES + PRIORITIES with your partner. TRANSLATE YOUR VALUES INTO ACTION for every single strategical decision you make throughout your engagement. PRIORITIZE CONNECTION AND SHARED EXPERIENCE over the never ending list of "stuff" that you find on traditional wedding checklists. It's no secret that weddings have changed A LOT over the past couple of years.  It's finally time to embrace an updated planning strategy that prioritizes & honors YOU. That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement.  I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered.   Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement:

Welcome to Part One of the Engagement Starter Kit Bonus Series from the Wedding Planning Podcast! There are 3 KEYS to a stress-free, joyful wedding planning experience ...  ... and you won't find them anywhere on Google, TikTok, or Pinterest. The first key?  DEFINING A CLEAR WEDDING VISION. Embracing a positive and empowering wedding mindset can magically free you from the endless cycle of stress, overwhelm & expense that so many couples are trapped in.   In this episode, explore exactly how to: IDENTIFY YOUR TOP WEDDING PRIORITIES, and commit to standing up for them. CONFIDENTLY MAKE WEDDING DECISIONS that reflect only the things you value most. TUNE OUT THE NOISY WEDDING INDUSTRY that's always buzzing in the background, clamoring for your time, attention, and money. SIMPLIFY EVERY SINGLE WEDDING DECISION YOU MAKE with an unbelievably simple formula. It's no secret that weddings have changed A LOT over the past couple of years.  It's finally time to embrace an updated planning strategy that prioritizes & honors YOU. That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement.  I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered.   Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement:

On the fence about hiring a wedding videographer?  You're certainly not alone!   In my experience, hiring a videographer is the number one vendor that engaged couples are undecided about.  It's an important decision, and a really big investment. So you might be surprised to learn that in a post-wedding survey, 98% of couples asked reported that they regretted NOT having a video made of their wedding day.   Because videography is such a huge topic to unpack, today I have an expert special guest joining us >>>  Meet Ken Foster, who is a lead shooter for Shutter and Sound.   Shutter and Sound is a very small group of filmmakers dedicated to turning your big day into a work of art.  They help you relive the tremble in your partner's voice, the joyous applause, or that unexpected dance move during the reception. It's all there, woven into a high-end film that's uniquely yours. Tune in to the full show for an Ultimate Guide to Wedding Videography, and learn why 98% of married couples recommend having a video of your wedding day: We're on the fence - how to decide if we should hire a videographer How I hired a videographer for my own wedding (at the 11th hour!) Benefits of videography vs. still photography Budgeting, packages, and pricing Research tips for finding the perfect videographer Wedding videography package options Biggest mistakes & complaints couples have about videography How to prepare for being in front of the camera The MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO on your wedding day Budgeting intentionally and honoring your personal priorities as you plan And for those wondering about locations: Shutter & Sound has 14 major U.S. cities covered, including spots like Boston, New York, L.A. and D.C. Plus, they're all about adventure, and are more than willing to travel for your big day. Simply visit shutterandsound.com, explore their beautiful website including detailed pricing information and sample videos, and be in touch via email with the “Contact Us” link.   Cheers to you & a beautiful wedding celebration!

This week, we're highlighting some clever ways to not only save money, but also to increase the QUALITY + VALUE on everything from decor, rental items, invitations, food & drinks, and even your venue.   So many couples equate a higher price tag with a higher-quality end product or service, and that's simply not always true.  Worse, that mentality can add up to spending tens of thousands of dollars more than necessary to host a memorable and meaningful wedding celebration.  The million dollar question is how can we develop an instinct for when it makes sense to invest more money for a higher quality experience, and when taking a less expensive route will be just fine - and we'll explore the answer in today's show. Lucky for all of us, there are opportunities to simultaneously maximize quality AND value literally everywhere.  I've chosen these wedding planning elements to share with you as examples of how to think differently about the amount of money that's really necessary to spend to acheive your end goal, which of course is a beautiful, unforgettable wedding celebration. Cheers to you, Kara   PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. Browse gorgeous paper products and complementary free wedding websites from our friends at Minted Weddings.

Have you ever been to a small wedding reception with magical ambiance and thought, "wow, this is great but it would be so much more meaningful if there were 300 additional people here?"  I'm guessing the answer is NO.  So why do feel so much pressure to host a huge wedding, invite everyone we know, spend all the money on all the things, and stress ourselves out every step along the way? Small, intimate weddings have been on the Wedding Planning Podcast "trend report" for 4 years in a row, and for good reason!  I've always been a huge fan of a simple, scaled back celebration ... and in today's climate, that's never been more appropriate. Tune in to today's brand new episode for a complete "micro wedding" blueprint, designed to make planning a breeze.  We'll cover everything you need to know to make your small celebration extra special.  From your tiny guest list, to invitations, splurge vs. save items, planning a larger reception to follow, and your TOP micro wedding questions - we'll cover it all in this encouraging & lighthearted overview.  PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists?  Yes please!  Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

“I'm struggling with imaging how all of my wedding reception decorations will look together - flowers, signs, decorations, tables, etc.  Any tips for making sure all my little decisions fit together in the end?” If you're like most of us, you're not a full service wedding or event designer (and hiring one isn't in the budget!). So how can we trust that the dozens of small wedding decor decisions we make along the way will ultimately work together as a whole?   Today we're going to explore 4 ways that you can use professional design skills to create the cohesive, show-stopper look that you're going for on your wedding day.  These design tips are suitable for all budgets, and no - you don't need an advanced art or design degree to pull them off!  Tune in for easy tips on choosing your table linens, centerpiece flowers, favors, cocktail napkins, confetti, wedding party outfits, table settings, and so much more. Links mentioned in today's show: We're also going to review 3 affordable reception decor ideas pulled straight from Pinterest to get your inspiration flowing. Beautiful bolts of tulle Affordable lanterns in various sizes & colors from Ikea Claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit here! A special thank you to today's show sponsors: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.

Get answers to all of your wedding cake + dessert questions in today's show!  From everything to researching bakeries, booking cake tastings, hidden fees to be aware of, unique dessert alternatives, and budget-friendly cost saving tips, we're covering it all in today's sugar-coated show. Links mentioned in our convo: The complete blog post for today's show is linked here >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/cake TLC rounded up a group of experts to share the most popular wedding cake flavor combos for last year, and here's a complete "sampling" of their list. CAKE TOPPERS on Etsy that are customizable, simple, and super affordable, Browse thousands of beautiful SUGAR FLOWER DECORATIONS from independent business owners on Etsy Best way to save the top layer for our one year anniversary?  Here's a link to a very simple "cake saver" from Amazon. 30 Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Cake A special thank you to today's show sponsors: Affiliate shopping links from Amazon & Etsy support the show at no additional cost to you - thank you for your clicks! Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding.

Happy Friday, and welcome to another BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "How To: DIY Appetizers & Charcuterie Board" show that aired on Wednesday Nov 20. Today is a mix of behind-the-scenes insight from me, your reception-related questions, and also a couple of hindsight wedding experiences to share from listeners who were recently married.   There's a ton of value packed into this 20 minute bonus show, and I hope you love it! I'm running a follow up Q&A each Friday in November, and if you're loving it, I'll keep going - but to do so I do need YOUR questions, thoughts, and ideas about that week's episode. Here's how it works - follow the WPP wherever you listen, and I'll send a free weekly episode to your device each Wednesday.  After you enjoy the show, send me your thoughts, questions and ideas either in an email or a voicemail, and I'll share those on Friday.  It's a quick turnaround, I know, so you'll have to act fast!  Be in touch on our website, weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact OR you can send a DM on Instagram to @weddingplanningpodcast. Enjoy the show!

The cost of food & drinks can be a huge source of frustration when planning your wedding.  I can't tell you how many messages I get from couples who are utterly horrified by the per person fee for dinner & drinks - and rightfully so!  Today we're going to explore setting up your own appetizer spread, and I think you'll be blown away by the savings ... yes, up to 85% off the cost of a traditional wedding caterer. Tune in for my detailed roadmap to appetizer / happy hour menu planning, shopping, and setting it all up. We'll review how much to buy, where to shop, and what you can expect the total price tag to be for TWO different sample menu options. We even cover the details that are often overlooked, so that your plan is airtight and nothing is missed. Even if you are using a more traditional caterer for the main meal, doing your own appetizer spread is a wonderful way to customize the offering, UP the quality, AND save a ton of money.  What's not to love? Not allowed to bring outside food into your venue?  This process for setting up a beautiful appetizer spread is also perfect for your bridal shower, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or any other party you host in the future.  Be sure to bookmark it, and share this episode with a friend who's helping you plan! Enjoy the full blog post:  www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/cheese Discover endless cocktail hour inspiration!  https://www.pinterest.com/karasvinwedding/wedding-cocktail-hour/ A very special thank you to today's show sponsors: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Happy Friday, and welcome to another BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "4-6 Week Wedding Countdown" show that aired on Wednesday Nov 13. Today we're finding answers to everything on your mind, including: Dis-inviting moms to final venue walk through? Last-minute doubts about decor and signage, do we need more? Do we have to tell our guests that we're already technically married? How to design a clean & crisp tablescape {link to Wedding Q&A Pinterest board here!} Wedding stuff to be on the lookout for during Black Friday / Cyber Monday holiday sales? Is it too late to hire a month-of coordinator? Dealing with unwanted, uninvited "plus 1's" in our RSVPs I'm running a follow up Q&A each Friday in November, and if you're loving it, I'll keep going - but to do so I do need YOUR questions, thoughts, and ideas about that week's episode! Here's how it works - follow the WPP wherever you listen, and I'll send a free weekly episode to your device each Wednesday.  After you enjoy the show, send me your thoughts, questions and ideas either in an email or a voicemail, and I'll share those on Friday.  It's a quick turnaround, I know, so you'll have to act fast!  Be in touch on our website, weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact OR you can send a DM on Instagram to @weddingplanningpodcast. Enjoy the show!

Today we're going to run through a 10-item wedding to-do list for when you reach the final 4-6 week countdown before your wedding day.  While some of the items in today's show are pretty standard, others are much less obvious - and sadly are not commonly discussed.  Overlooking just one of these important action-items can tip the scales towards a stressful, frantic celebration - and I don't want that for you! For a complete recap of today's show, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/countdown PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.

Is it OK to ... ? I got lots of mail in response to the Wedding Etiquette show that aired on 9.11.24, and in this Friday Follow Up Q&A I'm opening my mailbox and sharing your questions! We'll talk through ... Inviting kids to the wedding, Requesting a specific dress code,  A tiny wedding chappel that can't accomodate everyone, The etiquette surrounding your wedding parties, When to actually send Thank You notes, and lots more. Enjoy, And be in touch with your questions anytime at weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact

Samantha & Sean got married in September 2024 at a state park in New York, but this was no ordinary celebration ... Their stunning wedding weekend featured no cell service, just 6 electrical outlets, and a hot air balloon send off for the new bride and groom! Samantha is joining us this week to share the good, the challenges, the things she would do differently, and the things she wouldn't change for the world. To view her beautiful wedding photos and a full recap of today's show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/samantha. And if you've ever dreamed about quitting your day job to pursue something you're truly passionate about, Samantha can relate 100%!  Be sure to check out her wedding floral business venture, @golden.hour.flowers on Instagram   PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.

Happy Friday, and welcome to a BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "Is This a Crazy Idea?" that aired on Wednesday Oct 30. I'm running a follow up Q&A each Friday in November, and if you're loving it, I'll keep going - but to do so I do need YOUR questions, thoughts, and ideas about that week's episode! Here's how it works - follow the WPP wherever you listen, and I'll send a free weekly episode to your device each Wednesday.  After you enjoy the show, send me your thoughts, questions and ideas either in an email or a voicemail, and I'll share those on Friday.  It's a quick turnaround, I know, so you'll have to act fast!  Be in touch on our website, weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact OR you can send a DM on Instagram to @weddingplanningpodcast. Enjoy the show!

These listener scenarios that may seem a bit crazy on the surface … but in reality offer a great chance to maximize the quality AND the value of your wedding celebration! As you're putting together plans for your wedding, there are endless creative opportunities for you to deploy a unique, offbeat solution to what may seem like a standard wedding checklist item. So many couples subconsciously equate a higher price tag with a higher-quality end product or service, and that's simply not always true.  Worse, that mentality can add up to spending tens of thousands of dollars more than necessary to host a memorable and meaningful wedding celebration.  The $10,000 dollar question is how can we develop an instinct for when it makes sense to invest more money for a higher quality experience, and when taking a less expensive route will be just fine? That's what we're going to highlight today with a few listener scenarios that may seem a little crazy on the surface … but in reality offer a great chance to maximize the quality AND the value of the end-result.   Tune in for inspiration from other Wedding Planning Podcast listeners who had a kinda-crazy sounding idea ... and hear what worked, and what didn't!   PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.  

This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, tune in for my thoughts on some high-stakes wedding planning situations, including: Addressing communication issues with your fiance and fostering a spirit of compromise, Pro's & con's of a blank space venue with more versus less "do it yourself" requirements, Competing visions for stocking our bar, Ideal timing for our ceremony, We're having trouble conceptualizing our venue layout / floor plan ... what's the best way to approach setting up our tables & dance floor? Submit your wedding questions anytime by visiting our website >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact Book a 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Call to get all of your questions answered AND a written recap of actionable next-steps - in just 30 minutes!   PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.

Access a curated collection of second-hand designer gowns & expert stylists at a fraction of the designer price tag! Loved Twice Bridal was created to take the guesswork out of shopping online for a second hand, designer wedding dress. You'll have access to an experienced team of stylists who are available to answer all of your questions, so that you can buy a once-worn designer dress with confidence. Unlike peer-to-peer marketplaces, Loved Twice Bridal gives you access to a curated collection of designer gowns that have all been thoroughly evaluated and pre-screened for quality, with clear and reliable disclosures on measurements and alterations.  This is a really unique opportunity to wear a designer gown at a fraction of the price tag, and today I've invited founder Sarah Gabbour to share the Loved Twice Bridal experience with you! In this week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, you'll gain: Online wedding dress shopping tips, including details on how the "Try At Home" feature works, Advice for wedding dress sizing (it's very different than what you're used to!) Tips for consignment selling your second-hand designer wedding dress after your wedding, Wedding dress budgeting advice, Important information about altering a second-hand wedding dress, Biggest mistakes and missed opportunities when shopping for your wedding dress, And so much more! To shop Loved Twice Bridal gowns and learn more about consignment options, visit www.lovedtwicebridal.com/weddingplanningpodcast And as a reminder for my Los Angeles / Southern California brides, Loved Twice Bridal does have a showroom in Beverly Hills. You can book an appointment for dress shopping OR for designer dress consignment by visiting their "Book an Appointment" page at the website linked above. PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.

Looking for easy & affordable alternatives to hiring a professional florist ($$$$$) to decorate your wedding reception, table centerpieces, and bouquets?   You're in the right place!  In today's show, we're going to discuss a creative variety of affordable wedding table decoration ideas.  We're also going to review some actionable tips for doing your own wedding day flower bouquets & boutonnieres. It'll take a little extra work on your part, and you may need to simplify things a bit ... but if you're looking for a spot to save a ton of money, creating table centerpieces & bouquets on your own is a great place to start! Enjoy my top tips for incorporating flowers into your table decor, and we also cover beautiful centerpiece ideas that incorporate creative materials OTHER than flowers.  We wrap up with some specific examples of complete table set up's that you can do for less than $10 per table. Full blog post for today's show: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/centerpiece A very special thank you to today's show sponsors: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Today's convo is a wedding planning strategy GEM!  We're going to cover every single last little thing that should be included within your wedding venue contract.  If you've already booked a venue and signed a contract, I'd suggest pulling out your actual document & sticking around for today's convo to be sure that all the key items are addressed. Your wedding venue is literally the centerpiece of your dream wedding celebration.  It's also likely the most expensive decision you'll make throughout the course of your engagement, so we need to be extra cautious in getting the details cemented just right.   A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.

We all know that having a detailed WEDDING DAY TIMELINE is critical to keeping the day organized, and flowing stress-free.  The problem is that lots of us get incredibly overwhelmed by the process because, well, it's really damn overwhelming!  Today I'm going to highlight some of the top mistakes I see couples make as they're building out their wedding day timeline, so that you can sidestep these major pitfalls and rest easy knowing that you've covered all the bases.  I've been on six wedding strategy calls this week, and 5 of them were focused primarily on wedding day timeline issues.  Today's free show is a great starting point, but if you need more personalized help ironing out the details of your specific wedding day timeline, that's an option - Simply visit this link to book a 30-minute Wedding Strategy call with me. I release just 12 calls each month, and they book very quickly, so reserve your October call today! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!  

Our goal this week on the Wedding Planning Podcast?  To save YOU $3,650 on your final wedding bill! We could literally talk for hours about all the pretty things you see on Pinterest & Instagram that do not HAVE to be a part of your wedding celebration. In the interest of time, I've chosen EIGHT wedding elements that I would suggest skipping - or scaling waaaaaaaaay back on.  I think you'll be shocked at how easy it is for us to save over $3,000 over the course of a 20 minute conversation! If your goal is a simple, beautiful, and affordable wedding - then the sky is the limit on the millions of wedding details you can leave out.   A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for sponsoring today's episode.  Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book!  Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started. Other partner links mentioned in today's show: Wedding shoes on Amazon? Why not! Check out these beauties & more for a fraction of the price at a "wedding" retailer. Support a small business AND shop high quality, low priced wedding accessories on Etsy. An entire show dedicated to planning, shopping for & setting up your own APPETIZER SPREAD can be found in your podcast feed dated June 1, 2022. Last word! A CLASSIC way to save? Purchase once-used decor & other wedding items from another couple on a resale site like Craigslist, Ebay, or Facebook Marketplace.

Are you drowning in wedding "etiquette guidelines"? Everyone has an opinion on invitation wording, cash bars, inviting kids, wedding day transportation, and what traditions absolutely SHOULD be included in the wedding day.  There's nothing like planning a wedding to suddenly have everyone you've ever known come out of the woodwork with their opinions, right? Where wedding planning gets overwhelming is when ideas of what a wedding “should” look like are in conflict with our budget, our wants, and our personalities.  And of course, an added layer of stress arises when you and your partner come from different backgrounds, and one of you thinks paying $10,000 for a photographer is completely reasonable, and the other wants to spend $10,000 total on the entire wedding. But no matter where you're from, I'm a firm believer in your wedding day being an expression and celebration of you & your partner.  At the end of the day, you're making a really special commitment to one another, and looking to celebrate the occasion with your loved ones.  That's it! With that said, let's look at some common “wedding etiquette rules” with a fresh set of eyes.   Spoiler alert, I don't necessarily have a right / wrong, ok / not ok answer for every single piece of wedding etiquette, because look, there is just so much gray area here.  I could sit here all day and say, it's never ok to do that, it's always better to do that, but that's not actuality, that's not the world we live in.   I thought it would be helpful to take a list of common etiquette and rules that are flying around out there, and have a critical conversation about each one so that you can decide what's right for YOU.  Which leads me perfectly into, Please trust that you ALWAYS have the support from me to ditch what everyone else is doing, and craft your day, your way.  No this doesn't mean being blatantly rude or disagreeable to your family, or sneaking behind your partner to sabotage something that you know they really want, or failing to honor your guests who are committing significant time & resources to participate in your wedding and support you.  Obviously use common sense, compromise and understanding throughout your engagement.   But these commonly held wedding etiquette rules & beliefs can by all means be adjusted and updated to serve you and your unique priorities.    LINKS & RESOURCES mentioned in today's show: Setting up a Facebook Group for your wedding guests Some Couples Are Charging Their Wedding Guests to Attend   PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.   Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.

Your wedding gift registry is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home & your lifestyle with practical gifts that you need and will use in the years to come.  Tune in for an essential guide to creating a killer wedding gift registry including: Deciding what items to include and ... Items NOT to include on your registry, Various lifestyle "categories" to consider as you build your registry, Tips for creating cash gift funds, Your top wedding registry "wish list" items, And so much more! For a complete written recap of today's show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/registry PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.     Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.