Lucky for us, there are literally endless creative ways to treat your guests to a unique food & drink experience on your wedding day.
In today’s BONUS WORKSHOP, we’re going to explore exactly how to:
- Conceptualize & research what to serve,
- Smart money-saving tips that many couples miss,
- And even some "do it yourself" options if you’re looking to get hands on - literally!
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
- FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
- Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Shopping for your wedding dress can come with lots of mixed emotions - both good AND not-so-good - and that’s 100% normal. It’s OK to go into wedding dress shopping feeling some confusion and doubt!
In pop wedding culture, saying “YES TO THE DRESS” is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone full of princess moments, fancy dress boutiques, and champagne.
In REALITY, dress shopping might come along with feelings of ...
- self-consciousness,
- pressing overwhelm,
- conflicting thoughts about who should come along,
- discomfort over being the center of attention,
- feeling lost in a totally uncomfortable situation,
... just to name a few.
In the first half of today's show, we run through some quick guidelines that will help demystify the wedding dress shopping process, and put you in full control of the way your experience unfolds.
In the second half of the show, we're heading inside David's Bridal to try on dresses. You'll hear live snippets of conversation on the pro's, the con's, the do's and the don'ts of finding your dream wedding dress.
You can find a full recap of today’s show in a blog post that’s at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/dress.
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
- FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
-
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
- Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
You’ve done months (maybe even YEARS) of wedding planning & preparation, and the big day is finally almost here!
Last stop? Rehearsal dinner.
This week we’re reviewing everything you need to know for planning & hosting this extra special night with your family & friends.
We cover everything from the ceremony rehearsal itself to practical tips for hosting your loved ones afterwards.
DETAILED BLOG POST HERE --> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/rehearsal
Naturally, I have a ton of creative alternatives to taking 50 of your closest friends & family out to eat at a nice restaurant ($$$). Beyond just saving money, we’ll also cover:
- When to start planning (hint - it might be earlier than you think!)
- Personality-packed options for location and food selection
- Tips for keeping the night on pace and organized
- And meaningful touches that will be remembered beyond the wedding day.
This topic is so dear to me - I remember our rehearsal dinner as one of the most special nights of my life. We grilled chicken, steak & veggies with our friends & family on the property where we got married, had all the fave drinks flowing, and a curated list of our favorite songs turned way up. We laughed, talked & celebrated long past sunset, and it was a magical night.
I wish all the same for you!
xo, Kara
PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
- Don't miss the Wedding Planning Podcast Photography & Videography mini-planning package! Get instant access AND save 75% when you visit wedpodcast.com.
- Design the perfect cheese board, every single time! Go to cheeselovershop.com and use code wedding to get a FREE mystery cheese at checkout.
-
Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership
- Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Today we’re exploring the TOP MISTAKES that couples make as they start to formulate options for wedding flowers, including centerpieces, bouquets & boutonnieres, garlands & ceremony decor.
ADDITIONAL LINKS & RESOURCES mentioned in today's show:
- A detailed guide on Wedding Flowers By Season
- Access 6 bonus meetings dedicated to DIY flowers & decor within my digital planning package, The Vault - lots more information here.
- I'm collecting your wedding questions & topic requests for new shows in 2023. Leave a voicemail with your questions here.
- Don't miss the Wedding Planning Podcast Photography & Videography mini-planning package. Get instant access AND save 75% when you visit wedpodcast.com.
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
- Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership
- I'm going to Cancun for Christmas this year, and I have Susan's Travel Services to thank for managing ALL of the research, booking & details of our trip! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
- Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com
Get started finding your perfect wedding photography team with the TIME + MONEY SAVING RESEARCH TIPS featured in today's show!
These are my top photography / videography search guidelines and are the perfect place to start ...
But you’ll quickly discover that there’s so much more that goes into finding your perfect photographer:
- Knowing intuitively when & how to NEGOTIATE PRICING + PACKAGE SPECIFICS,
- Photography CONTRACT ESSENTIALS,
- Creating a top-notch MASTER SHOT LIST,
- Preparing for your ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SHOOT,
- Should we do a "FIRST LOOK"?
- VIDEOGRAPHY specifics ,
- Is DIY PHOTOGRAPHY and/or videography an option - for your pre-wedding parties & events, rehearsal, or maybe even your wedding day?
- Actionable tips for DIY VIDEOGRAPHY from a bride who pulled it off (AND has an amazing wedding video to show for it!)
- Is it OK to hire a "rookie" photographer who doesn’t have a ton of experience, or is that a horrible idea?
- What secrets & tips would a veteran wedding photographer share with you one on one, over coffee?
You’ll find the answers to all of those questions and so much more within the Wedding Planning Podcast Photography & Videography mini-planning package. Get instant access AND save 75% when you visit wedpodcast.com.
I'm going to Cancun for Christmas this year, and I have Susan's Travel Services to thank for managing ALL of the research, booking & details of our trip!
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.
The pressure + hype behind discovering your dream WEDDING VENUE is very real. In my professional opinion, your wedding venue is the most important strategic decision you'll make in the entire wedding planning process. Why is your venue such a big deal?
Multiple other wedding decisions are interdependent on the venue you choose. Once you solidify the WHERE, your complete wedding day vision can really start to unfold.
Complicating the process, wedding venues literally come in all sizes, prices, and styles. The possibilities are endless, so it’s key that we go into the research process with a handful of streamlined search filters to dodge being overwhelmed with all the options.
In this workshop-style meeting, we'll review SIX important things to consider as you start shopping around for the perfect venue to host your wedding celebration.
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Minted Weddings features beautiful one-of-a-kind stationary designs by independent artists, not to mention top-notch quality & service. This is why I order our family holiday cards from them every single year! Request a FREE Save The Date or Wedding Invitation Sample Kit when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted.
Would you volunteer to host Thanksgiving for 40 people and then rush out to the store with no menu planned & no shopping list?
No way!
You’d sit down and plan out a menu of app's & drinks, look up some recipes, and then make a detailed list of exactly what you need to buy.
So why on earth would you head out to a WEDDING FAIR / BRIDAL EXPO with absolutely no plan, and just "see what happens"?
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast we’re going to take inventory of your priorities, and make a list of your top goals for your day spent at the wedding fair.
This way you can MAXIMIZE your time spent with vendors and gathering inspiration, and minimize the stress & overwhelm factor of wandering through hundreds of booths full of noisy commotion.
After our time together today, when the 15th DJ asks you if you want to dance, and the 22nd wedding planner asks you to spin their "wheel o' fun" ...
... you can confidently smile, say no thanks, and keep walking.
To submit questions for an upcoming show, simply visit our website and leave me a voicemail!
Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to each submission ... you'll receive a reply via email if your submission is queued for an upcoming episode.
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through exactly how to identify your top priorities & plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Cheers to you!
Kara
A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Minted Weddings features beautiful one-of-a-kind stationary designs by independent artists, not to mention top-notch quality & service. This is why I order our family holiday cards from them every single year! Request a FREE Save The Date or Wedding Invitation Sample Kit when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted.
There are countless UNIQUE ways to celebrate your wedding / bridal shower (that don't involve sitting around and playing awkward games with your female friends & relatives!).
In this week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're giving the "traditional" wedding shower some much-needed updates. Listen in for creative + modern twists that you're sure to fall in love with.
In many cases you don’t plan your own shower, so please feel free to forward this episode along to anyone who's helping you with your wedding plans!
For a complete written version of today's show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/podcast
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership
Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com. Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
ON-DEMAND wedding planning services anytime, anywhere? Yes, please! To sign up for what one VAULT members calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry” simply visit www.wedpodcast.com
Need a little help decoding the complex, often frustrating process of creating your wedding GUEST LIST? Finalizing who will actually receive a wedding invitation is a process that will likely take some time, revisions, cuts, and LOTS of patience.
In this week's featured wedding planning meeting, we’re uncovering the KEY CHECKPOINTS to crafting a guest list that honors your wedding vision & budget, and reflects your top priorities.
Once your general wedding budget and a venue are decided on, compiling a finalized guest list is the next key step in the early stages of planning out your wedding celebration.
Family & friends are the centerpiece of our lives, and naturally you'll want to include your closest loved ones in this very special celebration.
That's the easy part ...
Planning your wedding involves a ton of strategic research & decision-making, yes - that’s the stuff you can look up on Google. How to book a wedding photographer. Cheap wedding invitations. Top wedding venues in my area.
But there’s an entirely separate dimension of your engagement & wedding planning journey, that you’ll hear me call “the all new way to plan your wedding” - and that’s all stuff that you can’t google.
No internet search engine in the world knows your priorities, your personal values, or can spit out a truly personalized road map to the wedding that YOU WANT by typing a few words into a box. You can’t google “how do I confidently sail through my engagement on-budget, stress-free, and loving the process?”
Computers can do a lot, but they can’t replace the priceless value of human connection and introspection … that’s what I’m here for, and that's the deeper work that I can help coach you & your fiance through.
Thousands of engaged couples ARE confidently sailing through their engagement on-budget, stress-free, and loving the process, and you can do it to inside my digital wedding planning package. If you’re curious to know more, head to wedpodcast.com to learn more.
I hope you love today’s workshop on crafting your wedding guest list!
ASK ME ANYTHING ...
Submit your wedding budget questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
"The more care & intention you put into your wedding plans throughout your engagement, the richer your wedding celebration & life beyond will be."
Should you hire a WEDDING PLANNER / Day of Coodinator?
In today's workshop-style meeting, we’re going to review a list of critical guidelines to keep in mind as you tackle this very important part of your engagement journey.
It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say no to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say YES to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Today's workshop-style meeting is designed to magically make possible all the wedding things that are most important to you, regardless of how much money you have in the budget.
Sounds amazing, right??? This is not your average wedding budget conversation. There are no percentage breakdowns on how much you "should" spend on what, no "average cost" conversations, and absolutely no judgement if you want to spend $500 on your wedding, and $10,000 on your honeymoon.
It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.
So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.
It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.
Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...
... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.
In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
The theme of this week's show is COMPOROMISE.
We're exploring the importance of being on the same page with respect to finances, how you spend your free time, and of course, the ability to COMPROMISE - whether it's about your honeymoon or your wedding guest list. Tune in for so much more!
Thank you again to everyone who was in touch with the show these past couple of weeks!
I’m pushing hard for new stories from you about your engagement, wedding planning milestones, questions, anxieties, and anything else you’d like to share.
I’d love to feature your voice on the podcast, so please get in touch with your stories and questions by heading to weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact.
I can’t wait to hear from you!
Take advantage of 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.
RE: wedding flowers, if you’re feeling ...
- Sticker shock from that $2500 florist quote,
- Having anxiety thinking about taking the DIY route,
- Or maybe even starting to wonder if flowers are actually necessary at all …
Not to worry - you’ve got options when it comes to your wedding flowers, and we’re going to explore them all in this episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast!
This show is a very general overview, and you can find so much more on wedding flowers & decor inside my digital planning package, The VAULT. Sign up for a free 3-day trial, and experience what one couple calls "a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry". >>> wedpodcast.com.
Submit show topic requests here,
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
"We Ditched the Traditions & Made Our Wedding Truly Personal" - Emma, February 2022 Bride
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, meet special guest Emma (& Drew) who’s here to share the highlights, unique elements, and planning challenges from their beautiful wedding celebration at Hilton Lake Las Vegas in February 2022.
In this special episode, you'll hear lots more from Emma on:
- The pros of having NO wedding party
- Celebrating over a 3-day weekend in their hometown
- The endless benefits of a very chill wedding day / intentionally left lots of open time & space to relax
- Their "First Look" - and favorite part of the day!
- “Last Dance” w/ just the two of us after the room has been cleared
- Mini after-party at hotel lobby bar,
- Keeping it early & chill - wrapped everything up by 9:30 pm
- The challenges of setting a wedding budget and knowing where the starting point is
- Trying on 50+ dresses before finding “The One”
- And so much more!
For a complete written recap and to see their absolutely gorgeous wedding photos, here's a complete article that features Emma and Drew’s incredible wedding celebration.
And to wrap up this week, I would LOVE to hear from you! Whether it’s about a planning challenge or question you’re facing, a post-wedding day recap that you’d like to share, or simply requests for upcoming show topics, you can send in a voicemail to the show by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact
In your message, please be sure to leave your name and email address so we can reach you for follow up. I would love to share more stories like Emma’s, but I need your participation, so please make it a priority to be in touch!
A special thank you to this week's show sponsors:
-
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
- This week's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding. Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Today we’re going to chat about a handful of ways when trying to "save" money on your wedding can totally BACKFIRE.
Aside of college educations, new homes and new cars, your wedding likely has one of the biggest price tags you’ve ever paid. You’re spending tens of thousands of dollars - of course you’re trying to save money when possible!
You’re not out there researching the most expensive venue in your area, or trying to find ways to spend more money on your invitations.
When a potential photographer or caterer gives you a quote for services, you probably don’t say “well that sounds OK, but do you have anything that costs more?”
If you've been listening to the Wedding Planning Podcast for a while, I hope you know me well enough now to know that I’m NOT the wedding professional who’s going to tell you NEVER to try to cut this corner, or don’t DARE hire a friend to do x, y, z.
I see this type of messaging a lot. If you do your own wedding day hair and makeup it will totally fail, and you should hire a professional to do it for you. If you skimp on a photographer, you will regret it for the rest of your life.
If you have your cousin make your cake, it will probably be a complete disaster, you should really hire a professional for that. If you take your dress to a neighborhood tailor instead of the big box bridal store where you bought it, it’s going to end up in shreds and you’ll have no dress to wear.
The trouble is, professional service providers in pretty much any industry have an agenda - to sell their product or service.
And whether you hear from a wedding professional on a podcast, read their articles on a blog, or see their posts on Instagram, their position is probably that hiring a professional is THE BEST way to go. "After all", they say, "this is your wedding - you can’t afford to cut corners on the best day of your life."
Well, for lots of this, I call BS. Sure, if you have a wedding budget in the 6-figures, then “hire a professional” is a great option for everything I just listed.
But most of us DON’T have $100,000 to spend on our wedding, so making swaps and saves here and there is a necessary part of planning so that we don’t go thousands of dollars into debt - NEVER a good idea.
Here’s a doozy for you - we hired our wedding photographer off craigslist for $500. True story.
And I’m NOT here to tell you that it was a horrible idea that backfired and you should never trust any wedding photographer who hasn’t shot 500 weddings and costs less than $5000. That’s not me, not my style.
BUT, I’m also not here to tell you that YOU should definitely hire a photographer off craigslist, and it will work out perfectly and there’s no risk involved and you can live happy ever after and sleep soundly knowing that you saved a couple thousand dollars!
To be clear - there’s no right or wrong, one-size-fits all solution to the myriad of wedding decisions you have to make over the next few months.
I’ll always encourage you to use your intuition, and use our weekly time together to review all the options you have available, and select what feels best for you and your unique situation.
I feel so strongly about what we’re talking about today, and I really want to set things up right.
The truth is, sometimes no matter how much research you do, or how many great reviews someone has, or how confident you feel that you’re making the right decision, things can just go wrong. You’ll probably have a wedding backfire, or two, or three over the course of getting everything lined up.
This is part of life, and definitely a part of wedding planning. I wish I could wave a magical wand that would shield you against anything bad happening, but of course - that’s not realistic.
Sooooo, the next best thing to that …
In today's show, let’s explore some common areas of wedding planning where couples to try to cut a corner, save some money, leave something out, and then sadly have it backfire in terms of lost money, lost time, lost sanity - and sometimes all three.
If you find yourselves at a cost-saving opportunity crossroads and you don’t know which way to turn, I have some smart questions to ask yourselves, and potential vendors, that I hope will guide you towards making the best decisions for you and your wedding day.
So when you find yourself wondering, hmmmmm ... should we cut that corner? What are the potential outcomes or pitfalls that might come of it? Hopefully after today’s show, you’ll have some solid answers to some of the most common situations, so that you can make the best decision for you.
For one wedding, that might mean hiring a photographer off craigslist for $500. For another couple, that will NEVER be an option that’s on the table. And you know what? Both sides are totally fine ;)
Full blog post available at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-pitfall
BONUS >>> Come behind the scenes with me in a bonus episode, "Taking a Chance on a Rookie Wedding Vendor", when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT.
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Take advantage of 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.
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to sort out some misconceptions and FAQ's about wedding planners and day of coordinators.
BONUS >>> Join me inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT for a special bonus meeting on training a friend or family member to act as your Day Of Coordinator. Sign up for your FREE 3-DAY TRIAL here!
Our goal today is to get really clear on the difference between a wedding planner and a day-of coordinator, and to determine whether or not you really need to hire a professional to help you with your wedding plans.
When I got married, I wasted a lot of time researching and interviewing planners before I realized that A.) I didn’t HAVE to hire anyone, and B.) John and I had all the tools we needed to plan OUR perfect wedding day.
And side note, shocker - obviously, none of the wedding planners I interviewed ever mentioned to me, hey by the way, did you know that you could actually just do this on your own?
Thankfully I came around to that, but it took lots of wasted effort and stress to get there.
Flash forward to today - I literally created the Wedding Planning Podcast so that any engaged couple could tune in and use the episodes and the tools we review in the weekly shows to plan their own wedding - no professional or pricey wedding planner required.
Spoiler alert before we even dive in - I definitely DO NOT think you have to spend thousands of dollars to hire a professional wedding planner!
Some alternatives? Try checking out the sites we mentioned in today's show, including your local Craigslist postings, Thumbtack.com, taskrabbit.com and fiverr.com
I also know that there are countless wonderful wedding planning professionals out there, and for some couples it’s a really smart investment … and we’ll get into all of that that much more in today’s show.
Blog post for today's show, AND free "Day Of" Checklist here!
A special thank you for supporting our valued show sponsors:
Take advantage of 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.
There are some incredibly simple steps to creating a crystal clear vision of exactly how you want your wedding celebration to unfold.
This week's featured meeting is a detailed overview of ways to cut through the noise, and stay focused on your priorities.
Here's an overview of the specific scenario we'll be discussing:
"How can we reign in our wedding planner? Our venue includes a coordinator for the rehearsal and wedding day, and initially I was pleasantly surprised by how accommodating and informative she is. Since the initial relief and excitement of finding and booking the perfect venue, we’re starting to realize the huge task ahead of us in terms of booking EVERYTHING (the venue comes with nothing set up, so we need to choose tables, chairs, place settings, dance floor, bar, basically everything.)
At this point, I feel completely overwhelmed by her ideas & suggestions, and I’m starting to worry that the wedding she has envisioned for us does not line up with our vision OR our budget. How do I reign in our wedding planner and rest easy knowing that we are on the same page?"
In my years of experience, it’s not just the wedding planners who need to reigned in ... often times it's also the moms, bridesmaids, aunts, cousins ... feeling familiar?
We’re going to cover all these scenarios in today’s episode.
You'll also enjoy a sneak peek inside my digital wedding planning package with release of exclusive audio, "Creating Your Wedding Vision". This exercise alone is one of the most valuable wedding planning tools I have to helping you create a celebration that truly honors your priorities & values.
Tune in for so much more!
A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors:
Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally FREE 3-DAY TRIAL by visiting www.wedpodcast.com
Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com
Take advantage of 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.
This week I have a mailbox full of your wedding planning questions to review!
Here's a full look at everything on our agenda this week:
- What’s a nice way of asking the moms to wear a certain style / color?
- Who to invite to your bachelorette party (just bridesmaids or others, too?)
- Having a hard time finding a venue that will allow a food truck, BYOB, in our area, for about $5000 budget. There will be about 50 - 100 guests. I’m about to say screw it and elope, but I know we’ll regret it, any suggestions?
- Should I hire a babysitter for the reception?
- What if there’s a pool at my venue? (Things to consider)
- I don’t necessarily want a traditional wedding cake - what are some fun dessert options for hot weather?
- What do you think about using an Air bnb as our venue? We found one that we love, and the owner agreed to let us host our wedding there, but I feel uneasy booking it for over a year away (Sept. 2022) - so many things could happen in a year. I would hate to get close to the wedding, have something happen to the house, and not have a venue.
- Family children ... how to involve them in the wedding so they feel like they have a special job / part in everything (my mom promised a cousin a role that I never actually “approved” of)
- Trying to host our wedding in a field (family land) and I have it mostly planned but there’s no electricity - is dancing completely out of the question? I thought we’d have it during the day but wouldn’t that be boring?
- How important is an MC? Venue includes a DOC but not the MC part - could I just have my brother or a friend do it?
- How do I reign in our wedding planner?
"Our venue includes a wedding coordinator for the rehearsal and wedding day, and initially I was pleasantly surprised by how accommodating and informative she is. Since the initial relief and excitement of finding and booking the perfect venue, we’re starting to realize the huge task ahead of us in terms of booking EVERYTHING (the venue comes with nothing set up, so we need to choose tables, chairs, place settings, dance floor, bar, basically everything.) At this point, I feel completely overwhelmed by her ideas & suggestions, and I’m starting to worry that the wedding she has envisioned for us does not line up with our vision OR our budget. How do I reign in our wedding planner and rest easy knowing that we are on the same page?"
There are so many layers to this one that we have a dedicated show coming up next week, all about your initial meetings with your wedding planner, venue, or anyone else who’s going to be helping you make your perfect wedding celebration come to life!
In my years of experience, it’s not just wedding planners who need to reigned in, but often times moms, wedding party members, aunts, cousins .... feeling familiar? We’re going to cover it all next week!
These questions were submitted by members of my digital wedding planning package, where one of my favorite benefits of membership is a fast track VIP pass to submit your wedding questions & show topic requests ... literally any time you think of them.
You’re invited to join us and take advantage of a FREE 3-day trial when you visit wedpodcast.com.
The digital format allows me to extend a full service planning experience for an incredibly affordable monthly subscription, plus there are no contracts & absolutely zero obligation. And of course, you can take advantage of that FREE 3-DAY TRIAL when you sign up today at wedpodcast.com.
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Take advantage of 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!
STREAMLINE + SIMPLIFY has been a tagline for the WPP literally since I created the show way back in 2015. (Look closely, it's even on our old logo!)
Not only are these two of my favorite words in the English language - that I try and live by in ALL aspects of my life - more specifically, they perfectly summarize my approach to wedding planning.
Every situation you’ll encounter throughout your engagement can be examined through the lens of simplicity and potentially scaled back or streamlined in some way that will make your life easier, more affordable, more relaxing, and overall, more enjoyable.
Often we find ourselves in the midst of a planning roadblock and the first instinct is to explore your options.
In the first example we’re going to talk about today - a couple who has family in 2 different places, many of whom don’t want to travel, you might consider … getting married in each place, what would that look like? Getting married where we live? Getting married on an island with just us?
In all the feelings and family dynamics and charged emotions that fly around throughout your engagement season, it’s sometimes easy to get lost in a million far-fetched options ... when the simplest, most streamlined option is left by the wayside.
On that note, today we’re going to explore some common wedding planning scenarios where things can escalate and become verrrrrrrrrry complicated, very quickly.
I’m going to do my best to point out some straightforward, simple solutions that I hope will make your engaged life EASIER, MORE AFFORDABLE, and put a stop to waking up in the middle of the night with your mind racing over how many passed appetizers there should be, how many people should be in your wedding party, and how much ice to buy for your welcome party.
Ready to get started? Tune into the full show for so much more!
Thank you for supporting this week's show sponsor:
- Take advantage of 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.
-
Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.
Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.
Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 3-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!
Visit www.longweddingweekend.com
to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.
Engagement photos are an incredible opportunity to capture you & your fiancé in your happiest moments, and to share those images across your save the dates, your wedding website, holiday cards, and as decorations throughout your wedding celebration.
The thing is, choosing the perfect outfits, getting hair & make up just right so that you look incredible but still natural, and posing effortlessly is actually much harder than it looks!
Choosing what you’re going to wear and struggling through a last minute hair and makeup session an hour before you meet your photographer is not a great idea, to say the least.
Neither is waiting until you show up to find out that your fiancé has the worst stage fright, and looks like Chandler from "Friends" (season 7, episode 5, The One with The Engagement Picture) because they suddenly can’t smile.
Today on the WPP I have a handful of tricks and tips to make sure your engagement photo shoot is smooth, seamless, and yields those perfect shots that you’ve been dreaming of sharing with all of family, friends, and friends of friends.
Tune in for so much more, and head over to the blog post for today's show for a full written recap & links:
www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/engagement-photos
A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors:
Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.
Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.
Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 6-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!
Visit www.longweddingweekend.com to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com
Please, save yourself the stress & avoid these TEN wedding planning "blind spots" at all costs!
FULL BLOG POST & links from today's episode available here:
www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/blindspot
Over the past 4 years of producing the Wedding Planning Podcast, one of my favorite pieces of feedback from you is some variation of, “WOW, we never would have even thought of that!”
I love sharing wedding planning ideas and strategies that go beyond what you might find if you simply google something, or browse through a quick article on a wedding website.
Don’t get me wrong, we cover the basics here too - but I LOVE digging down deeper to find the solutions and options that aren’t quite so obvious, and that might offer a really creative way to put a unique spin on your day, make your guests’ experience that much more incredible, or save you a ton of money by simply making a little adjustment or swap.
Today we’re going to cover TEN wedding planning “blind spots” - areas that past couples and listeners of the podcast have pointed out as things they wouldn’t necessarily have thought about during their planning, but that became clear after listening to an episode, or in some cases, after their actual wedding was over and done with (and it was too late …)
If you’re in the early stages of planning, hopefully we can catch a few things now, so that you don’t find yourself a year or two from now saying, if only we knew then what we know now …
Some of the tips from today’s show are very minor, simple pieces of advice while others are a pretty big deal - I’m going to point to a lot of full length episodes that are available to you to download for much more information - I made a blog post with all the show notes so you don’t miss a thing, and you don’t have to be frantically writing down notes while you listen. You can visit that post at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/blindspot
You have literally millions of options in terms of wedding websites, blogs, magazines, and other podcasts, and I thank you from my whole heart for spending this time with me, and for including me in your wedding planning journey. It’s a huge honor, and a huge responsibility that I hold with endless respect and gratitude, thank you.
I’ll meet you here again next week, same time, same place!
Cheers,
xo Kara
Newly engaged & wondering where to begin with your wedding plans?
>>> Reveal the first THREE STEPS to simplifying the planning process, and ditch the paralyzing overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples. Visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/learnmore to claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit >>> my gift to you ;)
A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors:
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Today’s convo is a wedding planning strategy GEM! We’re going to cover every single last little thing that should be included within your wedding venue contract.
If you’ve already booked a venue and signed a contract, I’d suggest pulling out your actual document & sticking around for today's convo to be sure that all the key items are addressed.
Your wedding venue is literally the centerpiece of your dream wedding celebration. It’s also likely the most expensive decision you’ll make throughout the course of your engagement, so we need to be extra cautious in getting the details cemented just right.
A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors:
Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.
Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.
Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 16-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!
Visit www.longweddingweekend.com
to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Most engaged couples fail to plan for the sneaky little expenses that start to appear in the final months before the wedding.
Today we’re going to cover a sampling of these unexpected budget busters, so that you're not caught off-guard - stuck making impulsive last minute decisions out of stress or lack of information.
A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors:
Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.
Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.
Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 16-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!
Visit www.longweddingweekend.com
to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
The cost of food & drinks can be a huge source of frustration when planning your wedding. I can’t tell you how many messages I get from couples who are utterly horrified by the per person fee for dinner & drinks - and rightfully so!
Today we’re going to explore setting up your own appetizer spread, and I think you’ll be blown away by the savings.
Tune in for my detailed roadmap to menu planning, shopping, and setting it all up.
We'll review how much to buy, where to shop, and what you can expect the total price tag to be for TWO different sample menu options.
Even if you are using a more traditional caterer for the main meal, doing your own appetizer spread is a wonderful way to customize the offering, UP the quality, AND save a ton of money.
Not allowed to bring outside food into your venue? This process for setting up a beautiful appetizer spread is also perfect for your bridal shower, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or any other party you host in the future.
Be sure to bookmark it, and share this episode with a friend who's helping you plan!
Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN, my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want an incredibly straightforward, complete guide to planning your multi-day wedding from start to finish … with absolutely zero guesswork!
Enjoy the full blog post: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/cheese
Discover endless cocktail hour inspiration! https://www.pinterest.com/karasvinwedding/wedding-cocktail-hour/
A very special thank you to today's show sponsors:
Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!