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Wedding Planning Podcast

Get ready to experience an all new way to thrive throughout your engagement by embracing who you are, prioritizing what you value, and ultimately designing an unforgettable wedding celebration of your dreams! Welcome to the WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST, where we say “YES” to a more joyful engagement season where your mindset, values & wedding strategy are all in perfect alignment with YOU. Ready to get started?
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Wedding Planning Podcast
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Mar 13, 2024

Wedding flowers are high on the list of things that couples rate "not very" to "not at all" important to them.  So why spend thousands of dollars on elaborate, professional floral centerpieces and bouquets?  There are so many simple, beautiful & affordable alternatives -

Today I have an 5-part formula for you to follow so that you can have beautiful, top quality flowers ... for an affordable price tag.  

And the tips I’m sharing today don’t have to be just for your wedding - you can use the same guidelines for any event, including engagement party, bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, or any special event you’ll host between now & your wedding, and even beyond.

Tune in and explore exactly how you can maximize the QUALITY AND VALUE of your wedding flowers using 5 simple guidelines. 

 

RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW:

Bulk Florals & Arrangements from Costco

Wedding Flowers by Season

Find a flower warehouse / wholesaler near you!  Simply search, "floral wholesaler near me"

 

A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for making today's episode possible!

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Mar 6, 2024

Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're joined by Susan from Susan's Travel Services to talk about the endless benefits and of hosting a Destination Wedding.

Tune in for the full scoop on this ever-popular wedding hosting trend, including:

  • The huge TIME, STRESS & MONEY-saving opportunities that this wedding format presents,

  • The importance of having a TRUSTED ADVOCATE when planning such a high-stakes, international event,

  • TOP WEDDING DESTINATIONS for 2024 & beyond,
  • INSIDER INFO you simply must know about your overall planning timeline, finding vendors, and making your guest list,

  • The importance of setting REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS when working with overseas resorts and vendors,
  • The truth behind "too good to be true" social media posts & videos that misrepresent appearance, quality & cost,
  • And so much more!

Susan has personally helped me plan TWO unforgettable vacations, and I can guarantee there will be many more!  Her genuine love of travel and new experiences - and wanting to SHARE that with her clients - is evident in every single step of working with her & her team. 

For a FREE viritual consultation with Susan, visit her calendar linked here.

And don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast during your initial consultation for $200 off your destination wedding booking, or $50 off your honeymoon.

Cheers to you & the trip of a lifetime!

A note from Susan:

I am so excited to work with you and talk about a Destination Wedding! With over 28 years in the business and over 350 destination weddings planned, I have lots of insight and experience. It's a huge love for me!

Some things to know before we meet:

  • Where are you thinking on getting married?

  • When are you thinking on getting married?

  • Will there be kids at your wedding (under 18)?

  • What do you think your wedding budget is?

We will talk all about this, but just to get things started!

Thank you again!

Susan

Feb 28, 2024

You’ve done months (maybe even YEARS) of wedding planning & preparation, and the big day is finally almost here!

Last stop?  Rehearsal dinner.

This week we’re reviewing everything you need to know for planning & hosting this extra special night with your family & friends.

We cover everything from the ceremony rehearsal itself to practical tips for hosting your loved ones afterwards.

DETAILED BLOG POST HERE --> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/rehearsal

Naturally, I have a ton of creative alternatives to taking 50 of your closest friends & family out to eat at a nice restaurant ($$$).  Beyond just saving money, we’ll also cover:

  • When to start planning (hint - it might be earlier than you think!)
  • Personality-packed options for location and food selection
  • Tips for keeping the night on pace and organized
  • And meaningful touches that will be remembered beyond the wedding day.

This topic is so dear to me - I remember our rehearsal dinner as one of the most special nights of my life.  We grilled chicken, steak & veggies with our friends & family on the property where we got married, had all the fave drinks flowing, and a curated list of our favorite songs turned way up.  We laughed, talked & celebrated long past sunset, and it was an absolutely magical night. 

I wish all the same for you!

xo, Kara

 

PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

  • If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit.  

    I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience.  Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm.

    This is a completely FREE gift from me to you, and I hope you love it!
  • Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

  • FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists?  Yes please!  Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted 

    and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Feb 21, 2024

Tune in for answers to your wedding questions in a brand new episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast:

  • Hosting tips for a casual micro-wedding the month after ceremony?
  • We will already be technically married at our celebration - should we share this w/ our guests?
  • What about the non-dancers at our reception?  Additional activiites?
  • Choosing bridesmaids dilemma
  • Controversy over suggesting what your guests "should" wear to the wedding celebration

>>> As always, you can submit your wedding questions here, or send me an email:  k a r a {at} weddingplanningpodcast.co

>>> Keep in touch on Instagram!  Follow @weddingplanningpodcast 

If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit.  
I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience.  Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm.

This is a completely FREE gift from me to you, and I hope you love it!

 

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Feb 14, 2024

Believe it or not, there is a specific formula to experiencing a streamlined, stress-free wedding planning journey - and it has just 3 KEY INGREDIENTS.

Today in Part One of the Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit, you’re going to discover the FIRST KEY to streamlined, stress-free wedding planning.  

And what we’re talking about today can still apply to you ... even if you’ve been engaged for months (or years!), you've already started booking stuff, or maybe even finalized most of the big decisions.  

It’s never too late for a heart-to-heart refresh + refocus on the core reasons why you’re planning this wedding in the first place!

FREE GIFT TIME!

>>> I have ALL four parts of this magical series packaged up and ready for you to binge listen to after today’s show, along with lots of additional bonus resources and free gifts. 

To access the full Engagement Starter Kit planning package right now, for FREE, simply CLICK HERE,

Or visit wedpodcast.com when you have a hands-free moment.

Yes signing up requires your email address, no I will not spam email you a hundred times a week, and no it does NOT require a credit card or any payment whatsoever.

Enjoy!

xo Kara

 

PS - Thank you for supporting this week's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Feb 7, 2024

Get ready for a jam-packed Wedding Q&A show, full of your planning questions & concerns!  Here's a sampling of what's on the menu this week:

  • How much alcohol to buy? >>> click here for one of my favorite hosting tools ever (and tune in to my full answer for lots more helpful tips on the topic!)
  • What can we expect for the price of flowers?
  • Who pays for the bridal shower, & should I offer to help? >>> click here for blog post "Practical Bridal Shower Gift Ideas"
  • Fiance doesn't want any wedding party at all, but I do.  How to proceed?
  • Rehearsal dinner options are way too expensive.  Advice on making it more affordable?
  • Should we hire a babysitter for our reception?
  • Do we have to seat wedding party members with their dates?

SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING QUESTIONS HERE.

YES, it's totally annonymous, YES I really want to hear from you, and no - I won't use your name or voice on the show!

Thanks for being here, and we'll meet again next week!

Cheers,
Kara

PS - An EXTRA special thank you for supporting today's show sponsors!

It's time to forget overpriced, unhealthy, and time-consuming takeout!  Head to factormeals.com/wedding50 and use code wedding50 to get 50% off your first box and 2 free wellness shots per box while subscription is active.

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists?  Yes please!  Get started building your FREE wedding website today when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Jan 31, 2024

Today we’re going to chat about a handful of ways when trying to "save" money on your wedding can totally BACKFIRE. 

Aside of college educations, new homes and new cars, your wedding likely has one of the biggest price tags you’ve ever paid. You’re spending tens of thousands of dollars - of course you’re trying to save money when possible!

FULL BLOG POST HERE >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-pitfall

In today's show, let’s explore some common areas of wedding planning where couples to try to cut a corner, save some money, leave something out, and then sadly have it backfire in terms of lost money, lost time, lost sanity - and sometimes all three.

If you find yourselves at a cost-saving opportunity crossroads and you don’t know which way to turn, I have some smart questions to ask yourselves, and potential vendors, that I hope will guide you towards making the best decisions for you and your wedding day.

So when you find yourself wondering, hmmmmm ... should we cut that corner? What are the potential outcomes or pitfalls that might come of it? Hopefully after today’s show, you’ll have some solid answers to some of the most common situations, so that you can make the best decision for you.

For one wedding, that might mean hiring a photographer off craigslist for $500. For another couple, that will NEVER be an option that’s on the table. And you know what? Both sides are totally fine ;)

Full blog post available at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-pitfall

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

Take advantage of expert travel 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.

Jan 24, 2024

This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to sort out some common misconceptions and FAQ's about wedding planners and day of coordinators. 

Today's show is a de facto "Part II" from last week's conversation, where we ran through a general overview of hiring a planner and / or DOC.

When I got married, I wasted a lot of time researching and interviewing planners before I realized that A.) I didn’t HAVE to hire anyone, and B.) John and I had all the tools we needed to plan OUR perfect wedding day.

And side note, shocker - obviously, none of the wedding planners I interviewed ever mentioned to me, hey by the way, did you know that you could actually just do this on your own?  

Thankfully I came around to that, but it took lots of wasted effort and stress to get there.

Flash forward to today - I literally created the Wedding Planning Podcast so that any engaged couple could tune in and use the episodes and the tools we review in the weekly shows to plan their own wedding - no professional or pricey wedding planner required. 

Spoiler alert before we even dive in - I definitely DO NOT think you have to spend thousands of dollars to hire a professional wedding planner! 

Some alternatives?  Try checking out the sites we mentioned in today's show, including your local Craigslist postings, Thumbtack.com,  taskrabbit.com and fiverr.com

I also know that there are countless wonderful wedding planning professionals out there, and for some couples it’s a really smart investment … and we’ll get into all of that that much more in today’s show.

Click here for the full blog post from today's show.

A special thank you for supporting our valued show sponsors who made this week’s free episode possible!

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists?  Yes please! 

Get started building your free wedding website today when you visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted.  Even better?  You'll also receive a $50 credit towards wedding stationary when you use a Minted Weddings website - no code needed!

 

Jan 17, 2024

"The more thought & intention you put into your wedding plans throughout your engagement, the richer your wedding celebration will be."

Should we hire a WEDDING PLANNER / Day of Coodinator? 

In today's workshop-style meeting, we’re going to review a list of critical guidelines to keep in mind as you tackle this super important part of your engagement journey. 

A full show recap (AND a sneak peek into next week's episode!) can be found in this blog post >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/hiring-a-wedding-planner

 

A special thank you for supporting this week's show sponsors, who make these free wedding workshops possible!

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists?  Yes please! 

Get started building your free wedding website today when you visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted.  Even better?  You'll also receive a $50 credit towards wedding stationary when you use a Minted Weddings website - no code needed!

Jan 10, 2024

Your wedding planning questions, answered!

Tune in for answers to all of your tough wedding situations, including:

  • We're having a hard time choosing a date that works best for our closest loved ones, how should we decide?
  • What's the etiquette when inviting just a couple of people from a larger social group?
  • Are we obligated to provide vendors a meal / include them in the final head count for catering? 
  • Recommended all-inclusive resort for a bachelorette party?
  • Food truck wedding logistics - we love this idea but feel unclear about the best way to approach the set up to make sure our guests have a smooth experience.
  • Want small & intimate, but every event gets blown up and magnified out of control.  I feel shy, anxious, and uncomfortable in large crowds of people and would so much prefer a quieter, small group setting.  How can I manage these feelings through the next few months, and especially through our wedding itself?

To submit your wedding questions, please visit our website >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact

A special thank you to this week's show sponsors:

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Take the stress out of meal planning this New Year when you visit factormeals.com/wedding50 and use code wedding50 to get 50% off!

 

Jan 3, 2024

Need a little help decoding the complex, often frustrating process of creating your wedding GUEST LIST?  Finalizing who will actually receive a wedding invitation is a process that will likely take some time, revisions, cuts, and LOTS of patience.

In this week's featured wedding planning meeting, we’re uncovering the KEY CHECKPOINTS to crafting a guest list that honors your wedding vision & budget, and reflects your top priorities.

Once your general wedding budget and a venue are decided on, compiling a finalized guest list is the next key step in the early stages of planning out your wedding celebration.

Family & friends are the centerpiece of our lives, and naturally you'll want to include your closest loved ones in this very special celebration.

That's the easy part ...

Planning your wedding involves a ton of strategic research & decision-making, yes - that’s the stuff you can look up on Google.  How to book a wedding photographer.  Cheap wedding invitations.  Top wedding venues in my area.   

But there’s an entirely separate dimension of your engagement & wedding planning journey, that you’ll hear me call “the all new way to plan your wedding” - and that’s all stuff that you can’t google. 

No internet search engine in the world knows your priorities, your personal values, or can spit out a truly personalized road map to the wedding that YOU WANT by typing a few words into a box.  You can’t google “how do I confidently sail through my engagement on-budget, stress-free, and loving the process?”  

Computers can do a lot, but they can’t replace the priceless value of human connection and introspection … that’s what the Wedding Planning Podcast is here for, and I hope you love today’s workshop on crafting your wedding guest list!  

A special thank you to this week's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services:

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Jan 1, 2024

Join thousands of INTENTIONAL + JOYFUL engaged couples who know that the wedding celebration of their dreams is possible ... even if right now, planning an entire wedding feels a *little bit* overwhelming!

Be sure to hit FOLLOW wherever you listen, and each Wednesday you'll enjoy a FREE, down-to-earth + straight-to-the-point wedding planning "meeting" where we explore everything from:

  • Hidden TIME + MONEY + STRESS savers,
  • Decoding the complex process of researching + hiring your team of IDEAL VENDORS,
  • Identifying + incorporating your top VALUES into your celebration,
  • Muting the noise + remaining laser-focused on a SMART PLANNING STRATEGY, 
  • ENHANCING YOUR RELATIONSHIP with your partner, your family + your loved ones,
  • Monthly "Ask Anything" opportunities with your host, Kara
  • And so much MORE!

I have an open door and love to hear your wedding questions, stories, thoughts & suggestions for upcoming episodes!  You can be in touch anytime by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact

And speaking of our website, it’s a great place to find past episode recaps, and special offers from our tight-knit community of incredible show sponsors.  They literally make these free shows possible, and by supporting them, you are supporting your favorite wedding planning podcast, for which I am incredibly grateful. 

If you’d like to go beyond the free weekly episodes and book a personalized 1-on-1 call, you can explore lots of flexible and affordable options by clicking here.

I know that you have literally millions of choices when it comes to online wedding planning content, and it’s a huge honor to be a part of such a special time in your lives. 

A huge congratulations on your engagement, and I can’t wait to get started in the next episode! 

Dec 27, 2023

This is not your average "wedding budget" conversation. 

Today's workshop-style meeting is designed to *magically* make possible ALL the wedding things that are most important to you ... regardless of how much money you actually have in your budget. 

Sounds amazing, right??? 

There are no percentage breakdowns on how much you "should" spend on what, no "average cost" conversations, and absolutely no judgement if you want to spend $5,000 on your wedding, and $10,000 on your honeymoon.  

It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.

So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone. 

It’s time to tune out the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda, and focus on a more fulfilled engagement season that centers around YOU.

THANK YOU for supporting this week's show sponsors!

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists?  Yes please!  Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Dec 20, 2023

It all starts here!  Welcome to your Engagement / Wedding Planning Checklist, including 10 key "to-do's" to launch your wedding planning journey into action.

The days & weeks after saying "YES!" are a whirlwind of fun & excitement ...

From sharing the news with your loved ones, flashing that ring every chance you get, and dreaming of cakes and dresses, you're definitely at the start of an unforgettable time in your lives.

I’ve worked with thousands of engaged couples over the past 7 years of producing this podcast, and most of them are in autopilot mode already at this point in the planning process.

And unfortunately, those couples miss a much larger opportunity. 

An opportunity to wait patiently for their ideal wedding vision to unfold BEFORE going out and making big, irreversible decisions that end up really limiting what’s possible for them ... and I don’t want that for you.  

SO MUCH MORE inside today's free audio meeting, and be sure to visit the full blog post / show recap here.

THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors:

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists?  Yes please!  Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon 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!

Dec 13, 2023

Your bachelorette party is a really fun engagement milestone AND it'll be a breeze to plan with these easy planning guidelines + sample itineraries! 

Today's show also includes lots of your questions on party etiquette, gift giving, who plans what, and even the "tale of two parties" ... two very different formats, each with their own pro's, and each guaranteed to result in an unforgettable night(s)!  

A special THANK YOU for supporting the show by supporting our valued show partners:

Get professional help planning your BACHELORETTE PARTY WEEKEND when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your final booking!

Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.

Gift your favorite bride 8 EASY + delicious meals when you visit factormeals.com/wedding50 and use code wedding50 to get 50% off!

 

Dec 6, 2023

Tune in for a deep-dive into the wedding venue shopping process, including listener questions on everything from scheduling tours, budgeting, availability, all-inclusive options, and so much more!

Your wedding venue is THE biggest decision you’ll make during your engagement - and that can feel like a lot of pressure.  We're going to simplify & demystify the process in today's show so that you can confidently start shopping for the perfect venue to host your wedding celebration.

Grab your free "Venue Shopping Checklist" when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/wv

Thank you for supporting our valued show sponsors, who make these free weekly episodes a reality!

Factor is America’s #1 ready-to-eat meal delivery service, and I’m LOVING that I can skip the meal-planning, shopping, prepping, and clean up this holiday season.  You can try for yourself when you visit FACTOR MEALS and use code wedding50 to get 50% off.  

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!

 

Nov 29, 2023

Welcome to the Wedding Photography & Videography Masterclass, where you'll find everything you need to know to capture stunning photos throughout your wedding celebration, AND even your pre-wedding events and parties!

Your support of the Wedding Planning Podcast & all of our valued show sponsors means the world to me, and as a heartfelt thank you, I’m sharing totally free access to my Wedding Photography & Videography Masterclass.  

Sign up now, FOR FREE, when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/gift

We’re going to do an overview of this incredible resource today here on the podcast in audio format, but to gain access to over 12 bonus resources, including pdf guides, checklists, a video meeting and more, you’ll want to visit that link above. 

Yes it requires your email address, no I will not spam email you a hundred times a week, and no it does NOT require a credit card or any payment whatsoever.

Go ahead and mark "researching videographers" off your wedding to-do list, and check out Shutter & Sound Films at shutterandsound.com.  Let your wedding day be a cinematic masterpiece you'll revisit time and again!

Now you've got all the tools to take pro-quality photos wherever you go ... including YOUR HONEYMOON!  Get professional help planning your dream trip 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.

Nov 22, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving!  This week, get inspired by the creative wedding decor projects that other listeners are tackling, and stay tuned for your questions in a special Wedding Decor Q&A:

  • Should we rent decor, or buy stuff + DIY?
  • Tips for furniture rentals, like lounge couches & chairs?
  • One-stop shopping rec's for decor items?
  • With decorations, what's a good balance between too much & not enough?
  • Is it ok NOT to decorate for the rehearsal dinner?
  • How can we make our venue's low ceilings feel higher?

Questions about decor, your wedding plans, or stories to share?  Be in touch! >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact

A HUGE thank you to today's show sponsors:

It's not just videography - it's cinematic artistry.  Get in touch with Shutter & Sound Films at shutterandsound.com, and let your wedding day be a cinematic masterpiece you'll revisit time and again.

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!

Nov 15, 2023

Waaaayyyy too many engaged couples fail to plan for these ten sneaky little expenses that appear in the final months before the wedding!

Today we’re going to cover TEN unexpected budget busters, so that you're not caught off-guard - stuck making impulsive last minute decisions out of stress or lack of information.  

Be sure to stick around until the end of the show for a quick "BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER WEEK" segment on how to save big on all things wedding on Etsy! 

To view my favorites, visit: weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

Thank you for supporting this week's valued show sponsors:

My husband John is already loving the look & feel of his skin after just a couple of weeks of using "The Regimen" from men's skincare line, Caldera Lab.  Use code "WEDDING" for 20% off!

Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Nov 8, 2023

Submit your wedding questions & stories on our website!  www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact

In today's episode, I have an inbox full of your wedding planning questions, including:

  • Are wedding fairs worth the time?
  • How to pick a DJ?  No idea where to start!
  • My dress is very heavy, with a dramatic long train.  Should I consider a separate reception dress for dancing? >>> My fave sites for reception party dresses >>> Shein & Lulus
  • What are your thoughts on a NYE wedding?  We love the symbolism of beginning our lives together at the start of a new year, but the logistics of actually planning for NYE seems hard. 
  • Struggling with creating a core wedding vision and building out from there.  I feel like we have so many ideas, but none of them are cohesive or go together.  Our wedding is set for Fall 2025.  Is there an easy place to start that I am simply missing?
  • What’s a quick list of things to prioritize when shopping for venues?
  • What are “hidden fees” to look out for with any venue or vendors?
  • How do I specify number of people invited to the wedding when addressing the invitation envelope?

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

It's not just videography - it's cinematic artistry.  Get in touch with Shutter & Sound Films at shutterandsound.com, and let your wedding day be a cinematic masterpiece you'll revisit time and again.

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!

Browse gorgeous paper products and complementary free wedding websites from our friends at Minted Weddings, AND save 25% off your Save the Dates with code SHINE23 (offer expires 11.11.23)

 

Nov 1, 2023

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:

It's not just videography - it's cinematic artistry.  Get in touch with Shutter & Sound Films at shutterandsound.com, and let your wedding day be a cinematic masterpiece you'll revisit time and again.

My husband John is already loving the look & feel of his skin after just a couple of weeks of using "The Regimen" from men's skincare line, Caldera Lab.  Use code "WEDDING" for 20% off!

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!

Oct 25, 2023

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

A huge thank you to this week's show sponsors:

It's not just videography - it's cinematic artistry.  Get in touch with Shutter & Sound Films at shutterandsound.com, and let your wedding day be a cinematic masterpiece you'll revisit time and again.

Now that you've got your engagement photos back, it’s time to share them with the world on gorgeous, high quality save the date and holiday cards from Minted WeddingsSave 25% off Save The Dates and 15% off ALL wedding stationary when you visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and use code WEDDING23.  Hurry, offer ends 10.30.23!

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Oct 18, 2023

Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're exploring your top wedding questions, including:

  • Ideal number of wedding party members / pro’s & con’s of larger vs. smaller group?
  • What are your thoughts on doing a first look vs. waiting for the more traditional moment when I walk down the aisle?
  • Inviting kids to the wedding - does it have to be “all or nothing?”  Babysitting options?
  • OK to assign seats for the ceremony?  Divorced parents on my side and want to keep them separated.
  • Do you have a good resource for a full wedding planning countdown / timeline? 
  • Best resource for planning our honeymoon?
  • Easy & convenient tuxedo / suit rentals?
  • Including family & friends who want to help, but I don’t really know what to ask them to do.  What are some easy items to delegate?
  • Etiquette involved w/ planning at the same time as my close friend?  Things are already overlapping and I’m feeling really frustrated

Please consider our valued show partners when selecting services for your special day!

My husband John is already loving the look & feel of his skin after just a couple of weeks of using "The Regimen" from men's skincare line, Caldera Lab.  Use code "WEDDING" for 20% off!

Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

 

Oct 11, 2023

Today we break down everything you need to know about speeches & toasts at your wedding reception. 

We'll cover:

  • Who gives a speech / toast at the reception?
  • Should we give direction about topic, tone, & length?
  • When should the speeches take place? 
  • In what order?
  • I’m worried about inappropriate content - what should we do?
  • How many speeches is too many?
  • What if someone has paralyzing stage fright & is terrified to speak?
  • And stick around until the end for a quick convo on first dances!

 

 A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

  • Get in touch with Shutter & Sound Films at shutterandsound.com, and let your wedding day be a cinematic masterpiece you'll revisit time and again.  It's not just videography - it's cinematic artistry

  • Would you LOVE to take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book?  Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
Oct 4, 2023

Today you’re going to meet the lucky couple who was chosen to star in “Say Yes to the Venue", a multi-part video series that highlights their process of choosing the perfect wedding venue in Southwest Louisiana. 

The premiere season features Lake Charles couple, Eloise and Grant, who visit 5 breathtaking venues, and they’re here this week to share their wedding venue shopping insights with you!

Your wedding venue is a huge decision that’s going to set the scene for pretty much every other wedding element and decision that you’ll make over the course of your engagement.  

Eloise & Grant are a lovely couple, and they have some pretty incredible insights to share with you - not only about their venue shopping process, but also their top advice on cutting the overwhelm factor as you plan, managing relationships with your family & friends, creative ways for finding the best vendors, and lots more wedding planning gems.  

So, which venue did they choose???

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL SERIES

PS - Thank you for supporting our valued show partners:

  • It's not just videography - it's cinematic artistry.  Get in touch with Shutter & Sound Films at shutterandsound.com, and let your wedding day be a cinematic masterpiece you'll revisit time and again.
  • My husband John is already loving the look & feel of his skin after just a couple of weeks of using "The Regimen" from men's skincare line, Caldera Lab.  Visit www.calderalab.com and use code "WEDDING" for 20% off!
  • 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!

 

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