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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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Now displaying: 2023
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!

 

Sep 27, 2023

 

On the fence about hiring a WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER?  You’re certainly not alone.

In my experience, videography is probably the number one item that engaged couples are undecided about.  It’s no doubt a big investment, and a huge topic to unpack - so today I have an expert special guest to help us do just that.

Today we're joined by Ken Foster, who is a lead shooter for Shutter and Sound.  

Shutter and Sound is a very small group of filmmakers dedicated to turning your big day into a work of art.  They help you relive the tremble in your partner's voice, the joyous applause, or that unexpected dance move during the reception. It's all there, woven into a high-end film that's uniquely yours.

Tune in to the full show for an Ultimate Guide to Wedding Videography, and learn why 98% of married couples recommend having a video of your wedding day:

  • We're on the fence - how to decide if we should hire a videographer
  • How I hired a videographer for my own wedding (at the 11th hour!)
  • Benefits of videography vs. still photography
  • Budgeting, packages, and pricing
  • Research tips for finding the perfect videographer
  • Wedding videography package options
  • Biggest mistakes & complaints couples have about videography
  • How to prepare for being in front of the camera
  • The MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO on your wedding day
  • Budgeting intentionally and honoring your personal priorities as you plan

And for those wondering about locations: Shutter & Sound has 14 major U.S. cities covered, including spots like Boston, New York, L.A. and D.C. Plus, they're all about adventure, and are more than willing to travel for your big day.

Simply visit shutterandsound.com, explore their beautiful website including detailed pricing information and sample videos, and be in touch via email with the “Contact Us” link.  

Cheers to you & a beautiful wedding celebration!

 

Sep 20, 2023

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:

  • 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 booking!

 

Sep 13, 2023

Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, you'll find an overview of universal questions and research tips that are designed to help you hire your dream team of WEDDING VENDORS. 

You’ll come away from today’s show ready to find the best product / service, at the best price, and from the vendor who you most naturally vibe with.  

Whether it’s an officiant, a wedding planner, or a photographer, I created these checkpoints to save you precious time & energy, and to empower you to uncover the HIGHEST QUALITY service for the BEST VALUE.

You'll learn priceless wedding industry insights so that you have a deep understanding of the wedding vendor landscape and the things that go into package pricing, seasonal discounts, advertising expenses, and so much more.

A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors for making this wedding planning strategy meeting possible!

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists?  Yes please!  Tap here to get started building your wedding website today & 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!

Sep 6, 2023

Today a 2023 bride shares how she leaned into her genuine desire for good vibes, connection, and kindness when hiring her day of coordinator and photographer. 

It’s a gem of a conversation that uncovers some surprising and unexpected ways to approach finding your dream team of wedding vendors!

This week and next, we’re going to focus on the enormous job of hiring your dream team of wedding vendors.  Now of course this is an exciting milestone in the wedding planning process, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming and intimidating.  

What roles are really necessary for us to hire?  Where should we start in doing research and gathering referrals?  What questions should we even be asking?

I’ve got an entire strategy call lined up for you on next week’s episode, full of the exact questions to ask, research tips to guide your search, and a whole list of checkpoints to ensure you’re getting the highest quality service for the absolute best value. 

Today as a warm up, I’m sharing a conversation with a bride named Dee, who you met 2 weeks ago on the show all about surprising ways to save money on your wedding decor.  Yes, she’s the gal who rented a uhaul to repurpose her existing, eclectic, and beloved decor from her own home, and share it with all of her wedding guests.  If you missed it, be sure to hop back to the show dated 8.23.23 and have a listen!

Today Dee is back to share how she leaned into her genuine desire for good vibes, connection, and kindness when hiring her day of coordinator and photographer.  She’s got a heart of gold, and the takeaways from this short & sweet conversation are absolutely priceless - enjoy!

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!

Aug 31, 2023

Our goal this week on the Wedding Planning Podcast?  To save YOU $3,650 on your final wedding bill!

We could literally talk for hours about all the pretty things you see on Pinterest & Instagram that do not HAVE to be a part of your wedding celebration.

In the interest of time, I’ve chosen EIGHT wedding elements that I would suggest skipping - or scaling waaaaaaaaay back on.  I think you'll be shocked at how easy it is for us to save over $3,000 over the course of a 20 minute conversation!

If your goal is a simple, beautiful, and affordable wedding - then the sky is the limit on the millions of wedding details you can leave out.  

 In my digital wedding planning package, couples are encouraged to make a detailed list of their priorities way early on in the engagement.  They can then use that rock-solid road map over & over again, to check in throughout their engagement and be sure that priorities & values are being honored with every single decision.

Want to come behind the scenes for more in-depth guidance on setting an unshakable planning foundation that will bring you all the way through to your wedding day & beyond?  Check out my revolutionary digital wedding planning package!

  • NO CONTRACTS,
  • A small monthly subscription price that you’re 100% free to CANCEL ANYTIME,
  • PERSONALIZED 1-on-1 monthly calls are included for the lifetime of your subscription!

I'll see you there!

A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for sponsoring today's episode.  Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book!  Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.

Other partner links mentioned in today's show:

Why not! Check out & more for a fraction of the price at a "wedding" retailer.

Support a small business AND shop

An entire show dedicated to planning, shopping for & setting up your own APPETIZER SPREAD can be found in your podcast feed dated June 1, 2022.

Last word! A CLASSIC way to save? Purchase once-used decor & other wedding items from another couple on a resale site like Craigslist, Ebay, or Facebook Marketplace. 🙌🏼

Aug 30, 2023

This week is Part Two of a special 2-part series, where we’re highlighting some clever ways to not only save money, but also to increase the QUALITY + VALUE on everything from decor, rental items, invitations, food & drinks, and even your venue.  

So many couples equate a higher price tag with a higher-quality end product or service, and that’s simply not always true. 

Worse, that mentality can add up to spending tens of thousands of dollars more than necessary to host a memorable and meaningful wedding celebration. 

The million dollar question is how can we develop an instinct for when it makes sense to invest more money for a higher quality experience, and when taking a less expensive route will be just fine - and we'll explore the answer in these two episodes!

Lucky for all of us, there are opportunities to simultaneously maximize quality AND value literally everywhere, and I’ve chosen these wedding planning elements to share with you as examples of how to think differently about the amount of money that’s really necessary to spend to acheive your end goal, which of course is a beautiful, unforgettable wedding celebration.

Cheers,
Kara

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!

Aug 23, 2023

This week starts a special 2-part series, where we’re going to highlight some clever ways to save money on everything from decor, rental items, invitations, food & drinks, and even your venue.  

So many couples equate a higher price tag with a higher-quality end product or service, and that’s simply not always true.  Worse, that mentality can add up to spending tens of thousands of dollars more than necessary to host a memorable and meaningful wedding celebration. 

The $10,000 dollar question is how can we develop an instinct for when it makes sense to invest more money for a higher quality experience, and when taking a less expensive route will be just fine - and that’s what we’re going to highlight in these two episodes.

Two of my ultimate priorities as a wedding professional are increasing QUALITY AND VALUE. 

Lucky for all of us, there are opportunities to simultaneously maximize quality AND value literally everywhere, and I’ve chosen these wedding planning elements to share with you as examples of how to think differently about the amount of money that’s really necessary to spend to acheive your end goal, which of course is a beautiful, unforgettable wedding celebration.

For today, we’re focusing on one specific area where you can cut expenses and still maintain a beautiful end result, and it all starts with REUSING + REPURPOSING what you already have / own.

Tune in for so much more, and I'll be back next week with Part Two!

Cheers,
Kara

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!

 

Aug 16, 2023

Today we’re going to run through a 10-item wedding to-do list for when you reach the final 4-6 week countdown before your wedding day. 

While some of the items in today’s show are pretty standard, others are much less obvious - and sadly are not commonly discussed. 

Overlooking just one of these important action-items can tip the scales towards a stressful, frantic celebration - and I don't want that for you!

For a complete recap of today's show, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/countdown

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

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!

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.

Aug 9, 2023

“I’m struggling with imaging how all of my wedding reception decorations will look together - flowers, signs, decorations, tables, etc.  Any tips for making sure all my little decisions fit together in the end?”

If you’re like most of us, you're not a full service wedding or event designer (and hiring one isn't in the budget!).

So how can we trust that the dozens of small wedding decor decisions we make along the way will ultimately work together as a whole?  

Today we’re going to explore 4 ways that you can use professional design skills to create the cohesive, show-stopper look that you’re going for on your wedding day. 

These design tips are suitable for all budgets, and no - you don’t need an advanced art or design degree to pull them off! 

Tune in for easy tips on choosing your table linens, centerpiece flowers, favors, cocktail napkins, confetti, wedding party outfits, table settings, and so much more.

Links mentioned in today's show:

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 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!

Aug 2, 2023

Wedding expenses adding up, and today we’re going to explore FIVE wedding "side hustles".  Tune in and learn how to earn some extra cash to cover those mounting wedding costs ... and keep your credit cards in your wallet!

A couple weeks back on Instagram stories, I asked if you would be willing to take on a side hustle to earn more money to invest in your wedding, and an overwhelming 83% of you said YES. 

As someone who has done the "side hustle" multiple times in my entrepreneurial journey, this topic is very near & dear to my heart.  Today's show is inspired by my own experiences, and also by my friend Nick Loper, creator of the Side Hustle Nation blog and podcast.

Nick has 5 side hustle “business models” to share, and I’m going to elaborate on each one, and offer a few more ideas that I love. 

For a full blog post & recap of today's show, AND a special video message from Nick, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/hustle.

Today's show is brought to you by these valued partners ...

Browse gorgeous paper products and complementary free wedding websites from our friends at Minted Weddings.  Enjoy 25% off save the dates, 20% off wedding stationery. Code: NCOWED22

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!

Check out ethical, stunning, and one-of-a-kind wedding rings and bands at brilliantearth.com

Jul 26, 2023

Have you ever been to a small wedding reception with magical ambiance and thought, "wow, this is great but it would be so much more meaningful if there were 300 additional people here?" 

I’m guessing the answer is NO.  So why do feel so much pressure to host a huge wedding, invite everyone we know, spend all the money on all the things, and stress ourselves out every step along the way?

Small, intimate weddings have been on the Wedding Planning Podcast "trend report" for 4 years in a row, and for good reason!  I’ve always been a huge fan of a simple, scaled back celebration ... and in today’s climate, that’s never been more appropriate.

Tune in to today's brand new episode for a complete "micro wedding" blueprint, designed to make planning a breeze.  We'll cover everything you need to know to make your small celebration extra special. 

From your tiny guest list, to invitations, splurge vs. save items, planning a larger reception to follow, and your TOP micro wedding questions - we'll cover it all in this encouraging & lighthearted overview. 

I’ve been sharing my signature wedding planning advice on the podcast for 8 years now, and for the first time EVER, I’ve opened up my door to 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Calls.

Whether you’re looking for just one session to get your wedding plans started, or a series of ongoing support calls throughout your engagement, I’m here for you. Get the details & book your first call today when you visit  wedpodcast.com .

Thank you for supporting today's show sponsors:

Browse gorgeous paper products and complementary free wedding websites from our friends at Minted Weddings.  Enjoy 25% off save the dates, 20% off wedding stationery. Code: NCOWED22

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

Jul 19, 2023

There are lots of easy & affordable alternatives to hiring a professional florist to create towering, elaborate centerpieces for your wedding reception tables.

In today's show, we’re going to discuss a creative variety of affordable wedding table decoration ideas. 

We're also going to review some actionable tips for doing your own wedding day flower bouquets & boutonnieres.

It’ll take a little extra work on your part, and you may need to simplify things a bit ... but if you’re looking for a spot to save a ton of money, creating table centerpieces & bouquets on your own is a great place to start!

Enjoy my top tips for incorporating flowers into your table decor, and we also cover beautiful centerpiece ideas that incorporate creative materials OTHER than flowers. 

We wrap up with some specific examples of complete table set up’s that you can do for less than $10 per table.

Full blog post for today's show:

www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/centerpiece

A very special thank you to today's show sponsors:

Check out ethical, stunning, and one-of-a-kind wedding rings and bands at brilliantearth.com

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!

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