Creating your wedding reception seating chart can QUICKLY become one of wedding planning’s biggest pains.
Between crazy family members, divorces, step-parents, hook-up’s gone wrong, introverts, extroverts and lots of alcohol - your seating chart can quickly begin to feel like a jigsaw puzzle from hell.
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re going to review some easy tips & tactics for designing your reception seating chart. Simple stuff that will ease the pain, and take this task from dreaded to done!
Resources & links from today’s show:
Find helpful online seating chart tool recommendations here,
Search “wedding seating chart” on Etsy for lots of custom options,
Browse KVW custom place card holders here,
And enjoy tons of creative seating chart ideas on this Pinterest board.
A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors:
Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful and affordable multi-day / multi-event wedding celebrations and you can do it too with Wedding Weekend By Design! Full details at weddingweekend.co
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!
Brilliant Earth’s mission is to cultivate a more transparent, sustainable, compassionate, & inclusive jewelry industry. Check out all of their beautiful pieces at brilliantearth.com.
There’s a really common misunderstanding in "wedding planning world" that doing things yourself is always a good way to save money.
I get it - in some situations, you might have more time than money, and a cheap & easy DIY project makes perfect sense.
I bet if you think back, you can remember a time when "doing it yourself" was NOT the answer. We have to be careful in drawing the line between a few manageable, simple wedding projects that make perfect sense, and biting off more than you can chew.
Otherwise, you risk finding yourself in a spot of pure overwhelm and chaos months into wedding planning, and I don't wish that upon anyone!
On today’s show, we’re going to explore 8 important considerations and red flags to carefully consider when hosting your wedding at a residential property like a backyard or a rental home.
Our conversation today is a perfect lesson in creating boundaries as you plan between what you can realistically handle yourself, what should be left to a paid professional, and how to rearrange your priorities if you're stuck feeling like the cheapest possible DIY route is your only option. (spoiler alert - it's not!!!)
A special thank you to today's show sponsors:
This brand new BONUS show features the top wedding weekend planning mistakes I see couples make as they formulate the details of a multi-day, multi-event wedding celebration.
In this episode, we highlight 6 common planning mistakes, including:
Today's highlighted planning mistakes come from couples who I've worked with inside Wedding Weekend By Design, my 6-STEP PLANNING FRAMEWORK that's incredibly easy to follow, and works with any budget, any timeline, and any hosting format.
Inside WWBD, I'll show you exactly how to:
Design your master schedule,
Budget for various events & pre-parties,
Find the best venue to fit your vision,
Uncover creative options & workarounds for food & drinks,
Get and stay organized, and make an airtight communication plan,
And you'll even have access to sample wedding weekend schedules & menus so that you can get inspired by what other couples have done!
I can’t wait to see you inside Wedding Weekend By Design!
Cheers,
Kara
Over the course of 11 YEARS in the wedding industry, I've seen literally thousands of weddings unfold ... and all of them together have given me the priceless gift of HINDSIGHT.
In wedding planning, hindsight is literally a super power - so I've packaged mine up to share with you in today's brand new show featuring your Wedding Weekend planning questions!
We're going to unpack, decode, and get to the bottom of your questions, including:
Today's highlighted questions come from couples who have followed Wedding Weekend By Design, my 6-STEP PLANNING FRAMEWORK that's incredibly easy to follow, and works with any budget, any timeline, and any hosting format.
Inside WWBD, I'll show you exactly how to:
Design your master schedule,
Budget for various events & pre-parties,
Find the best venue to fit your vision,
Uncover creative options & workarounds for food & drinks,
Get and stay organized, and make an airtight communication plan,
And you'll even have access to sample wedding weekend schedules & menus so that you can get inspired by what other couples have done!
I can’t wait to see you inside Wedding Weekend By Design!
Cheers,
Kara
I’m willing to bet that you’ve heard from all your newlywed friends & family that their wedding day "came and went in the blink of an eye."
The beautiful news is that your wedding celebration doesn’t have to RUSH BY IN A TOTAL BLUR!
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, I’m bringing on a very special guest to share the details of exactly how she designed a wedding celebration that left her saying this:
"I always get to look back and say that it was the most incredible 4 days of my life."
To go along with our conversation today, I‘m incredibly excited to introduce Wedding Weekend by Design, a digital planning package that walks you through a simple, 6-step framework to designing your perfect wedding weekend celebration ...
... so that when we flash forward a few months, you’re echoing what Kate just said - and not left feeling like you missed out, and it was all over in the blink of an eye.
To sign up for the Wedding Weekend By Design digital planning package, visit weddingweekend.co
The intuitive planning framework inside WWBD is designed to proactively steer you clear of the mistakes I see couples make over & over again, so that you can design your entire wedding weekend with CONFIDENCE + EASE.
You’ll enjoy a 6-STEP PLANNING FRAMEWORK that's incredibly easy to follow, and works with any budget, any timeline, and any hosting format.
I'll show you exactly how to:
I can’t wait to see you inside Wedding Weekend By Design!
xo, Kara
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, cozy up and enjoy a sampling of unique wedding scenarios, questions, and curiosities, including:
WEDDING QUESTIONS?
Planning a wedding celebration from start to finish comes with countless questions about logistics, feasibility, budgeting, etiquette concerns, just to name a few (I could go on, and on, and on ....)
Wouldn't it be nice to talk through your ideas & concerns with a down-to-earth, totally neutral 3rd party who has literally "seen it all" when it comes to weddings?
Now you can take advantage of personalized, 1-on-1 calls! Wedding Strategy Calls are available to book now when you visit wedpodcast.com.
Take advantage of flexible options including monthly subscription pricing, or simply book one call to clarify a few specific questions.
Talk soon!
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!
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re doing a thorough review of wedding dress alterations, styling & accessories, & post-wedding preservation ideas, and so much more.
Our conversation covers the dress alterations process in detail, including pricing, money-saving tips, a timeline for when to get started, and alternative options for having your dress altered.
We also cover:
I hope you love it, and congratulations on that beautiful dress!
Cheers,
Kara
PS - 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 .
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!
Are you drowning in wedding "etiquette" & "rules"?
Everyone has an opinion on invitation wording, cash bars, inviting kids, and what traditions absolutely SHOULD be included in the wedding day.
Today, let’s take a step back, and reframe things ... starting with your WEDDING MINDSET.
Where wedding planning can get overwhelming is when our expectations of what a wedding “should” look like conflict with our budget, our styles, and our personalities.
And of course, an added layer of difficulty arises when you and your partner come from different backgrounds, and one of you thinks paying $10,000 for a photographer is completely reasonable, and the other wants to spend $10,000 total on the entire wedding.
But no matter where you’re from, I’m a firm believer in your wedding day being an expression and celebration of you & your partner. At the end of the day, you’re making a really special commitment to one another, and looking to celebrate the occasion with your loved ones. That’s it!
With that said, let’s look at these “wedding etiquette rules” with a fresh set of eyes. We're going to make a pledge to let go of what “everyone else is doing,” and open up the possibilities way beyond that.
Please know that you always have the support from me to ditch what everyone else is doing, and craft your day, your way!
PS - 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 .
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!
There’s A LOT of conflicting information + confusion out there about tipping your wedding vendors, and today we're going to get to the bottom of it!
Tune in for a walk through exactly how to decide who should get a tip, how much, and even some extra special additional ways of saying thank you.
Today’s show is Wedding Planning Podcast classic, and we’re going to take a close look at some very common misunderstandings that are flying around out there surrounding tipping your wedding vendors.
Think you have to automatically package up envelopes with 20% tips for every single wedding vendor you hire? Think again.
Today I’m gonna save you hours on google, and likely hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars over that crazed couple who just takes the advice out there on tipping at face value and doesn’t bother taking the time to explore the nuances and undercurrents that are actually at play.
So come along with me, and let’s uncover the TRUTH about tipping your wedding vendors!
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 & 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!
Your wedding gift registry is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home & your lifestyle with practical gifts that you need and will use in the years to come.
Tune in for an essential guide to creating a killer wedding gift registry including:
Deciding what items to include and ...
Items NOT to include on your registry,
Various lifestyle "categories" to consider as you build your registry,
Tips for creating cash gift funds,
Your top wedding registry "wish list" items,
And so much more!
For a complete written recap of today's show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/registry
A special THANK YOU to 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!
Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
If you have the beginnings of a really creative wedding vision that you’d like to talk through to discuss overall feasibility, options, or pricing comparison, I have 1-on-1 wedding strategy calls available! You can book your call today when you visit wedpodcast.com.
Lots of engaged couples are working with a small wedding budget and feeling completely overwhelmed, so they turn to free wedding checklists and timelines to stay organized … thinking all these freebie resources are the key to pulling off an incredible wedding for not a lot of money.
But, what most couples never realize is that mindlessly following all those free guides and checklists will lead to you ultimately spending money on a bunch of crap that’s not even that important to you. Let me back up.
Wedding programs are on your checklist. I mean, doesn’t every wedding have to have a ceremony program? And your mom chimes in about menus, and place cards, and invitations with 3 enclosures, and RSVP cards and save the dates … And you see 3 different deals on Instagram, Facebook, and in an email from that wedding website for free samples, 50% off your order, and beautiful all-in-one custom invitation suites that match every wedding theme perfectly!
Aaaaaaaannnnnd all of the sudden you realize that you’ve spent $1000 on paper products that you could really care less about - all because they were on the checklist, they were on sale, and let’s be real, you didn’t want to disappoint your mom.
Is following that free wedding checklist really a good idea?
Wouldn’t it have been much easier to press pause and acknowledge at the start that you don’t care about ceremony programs, and therefore you’re just going to skip them altogether? Same with the other $900 worth of paper products?
And that example was something pretty small, like wedding programs - what happens when you book a $6,000 videographer because that’s what everyone does right, you have to have a videographer - {you’re totally gonna regret it if you don’t have the most important day of your life on film - there’s a little voice in the back of your head that knows you could come up with a workaround, that you don’t really need or care if you have a cinematic movie theatre quality film of your wedding …. But you’re gonna go with the flow, because you only get married once in theory and this is just what everyone does.}
And that credit card statement just keeps on growing, full of stuff that doesn’t really matter to you, but the checklist said so, so you did it. Flowers. A fancy cake. Favors. Expensive place settings and charger plates, and chair slip covers and table linens.
Is this really where you want to be? Feeling pressured & judged by a free wedding checklist?
If you’re like me, and you want to keep things simple and affordable while at the same time pulling off an unforgettable wedding that’s FULL OF MEANING, then you know that driving yourself crazy trying to fulfill every single thing on that freebie wedding checklist isn’t the answer.
Ready for the new way? Tune in to today's full episode to learn exactly how to create your own PERSONALIZED wedding checklist that highlights ONLY your most important priorities ... and gain the freedom that comes when you say NO to everything else.
Our conversation today is just the beginning of creating a well-defined wedding vision that will be your north star compass throughout the rest of your engagement.
Formulating your wedding vision is a priceless investment of your time, and it sounds simple enough - but it’s not always easy to separate ourselves from feelings of judgment, doubt, and unrealistic expectations.
If you’d like some one-time help, OR ongoing guidance for bringing your wedding vision to life, visit wedpodcast.com for details on how we can work together in a personalized, 1-on-1 setting.
SUSAN'S TRAVEL SERVICES | 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!
Being the "Overwhelmed Engaged Couple" is not a ton of fun.
They say things like, "wow, our whole wedding day FLEW BY and we barely had a chance to enjoy it."
This couple feels panic every time a new vendor quote comes in.
Overwhelmed every time they open their email or even think about all the items on their checklist.
Dread over finding out how much the next thing is going to cost.
Fear over being judged for what they choose - and don't choose - to include in their wedding celebration.
Ahem, I have a question 🙋🏼♀️ ... how is feeling overwhelmed & anxious about all that outside noise going to help YOU plan an unforgettable wedding experience that celebrates your marriage and your love in a once-in-a-lifetime event with all the people closest to you?
Your engagement season is too special to sit back & let it slip by in a cloud of overwhelm and frustration.
Right now, you have a choice.
You can continue down the rabbit hole of OVERWHELM - of “perfect weddings” on social media, a million wedding websites telling you to do a million different things, noisy chatrooms, crappy blogs, free checklists and timelines on Pinterest and DIY’ers on You Tube telling you how to plan your entire wedding for $100.00.
Honestly, that’s what most brides and grooms choose, and they stay stuck in a frenzy of anxiety & overwhelm all the way through the wedding day itself.
They miss a beautiful opportunity to connect with one another, to live their engagement season in lightness and joy, and love.
But YOU have a choice.
You can CHOOSE be the engaged couple who presses pause on all that noise, and gets your mindset and your values in alignment with the vision YOU have of your perfect wedding celebration .... so that you can create an engagement season AND a wedding celebration full of lightness, love and joy.
That sounds much better, right?
If that’s you, then tune in to today's show where I’m going to show you exactly how to EMBRACE who you are, PRIORITIZE what you value, and bring it all together in a life-changing wedding celebration for you & your loved ones.
It’s time to say “YES” to a more joyful engagement season, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it 🙏.
Cheers to you,
Kara
Our conversation today is just the beginning of creating a well-defined wedding vision that will be your north star compass throughout the rest of your engagement.
Formulating your wedding vision is a priceless investment of your time, and it sounds simple enough - but it’s not always easy to separate ourselves from feelings of judgment, doubt, and unrealistic expectations.
If you’d like some one-time help, OR ongoing guidance for bringing your wedding vision to life, visit wedpodcast.com for details on how we can work together in a personalized, 1-on-1 setting.
Creating a simple, info-packed WEDDING WEBSITE is the easiest, most hassle free way to easily share information with your wedding guests. Join me today for a detailed wedding planning workshop on exactly how to create an amazing wedding website - zero technical skills required!
To get started, choose your wedding website design from an incredible community of independent artists & designers when you visit Minted Weddings.
FREE Minted wedding websites include all the tools you need to get started, and you’ll even receive a $50 credit towards your wedding stationery when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/website.
In today's show, we're covering what to include on your website, what not to include, and lots of priceless details on how to leverage this incredible tool to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER over the coming months.
I also have a really fun & interactive extension of your website that will make connecting with your guests a breeze between now & wedding day.
Even if you’ve already got a wedding website up & running, I hope you’ll stick around for today’s conversation -
I have lots of important website elements to share that many couples miss, and I want you to be able to leverage your wedding website to your FULL ADVANTAGE over the next few months ... making your life easier, and of course, your guests’ lives easier as well!
A quick outline of what we're going to cover in today's meeting:
Home Page
Events
Travel & Accommodations
FAQ Page
Your Story
Wedding Party
RSVP Details
Links to your registry
& don't miss my BONUS TIP for keeping in close contact with your wedding guests throughout the coming months via a private Facebook Group! Here's a link that explaings exactly how to set one up.
PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com .
Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
Affordable & beautiful Save the Date announcements and wedding invitations - how hard can that be??
Well, if you’ve spent 3 hours on a Saturday getting lost down the rabbit hole of 9 different wedding invitation websites, then you know that finding a practical solution that fits your style and your budget is much easier said than done.
Today I’m sharing a complete guide to wedding stationery, from Save the Dates to invitations. We'll even review all of those mysterious extras like fancy paper type, additional enclosures, wax seals, envelope liners, and more.
And if you’re on a budget and looking to keep your invites as minimal and affordable as possible, I’ve got some exclusive listener savings to share totaling over $300! See below for links & resources.
LINKS + SPECIAL OFFERS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW:
25% off Save the Date announcements >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted
830+ Wedding Invitations w/ matching website, Save the Dates, QR code & extras >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/invite
$50 stationery credit to use towards your save the dates and / or invitations when you create a wedding website >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/website
BONUSES!
Get a FREE Wedding Planning Journal from our friends at Minted when you click here
Redeem your FREE Wedding Invitation Sample Kit here
And of course, an extra special thank you to Susan's Travel Services:
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!
Great news - you don’t need to be a professional designer or natural-born artist to select a beautiful & cohesive color palette for your wedding celebration.
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re running through 5 easy steps for choosing the colors to incorporate into your rehearsal, ceremony & reception.
A lightening speed recap:
1. Start w/ your venue to guide your color selection,
2. Get color inspiration for your Save the Dates & wedding website - the first design elements your guests will actually see! I've linked 78 Save the Date options with beautiful sample color palettes here.
3. Tips for using Pinterest to your advantage,
4. Consider your potential colors actually being worn by your wedding party,
5. And of course, KEEP IT SIMPLE!
Enjoy the show!
PS - 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.
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!
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.
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're joined by Susan from Susan's Travel Services to talk all things DESTINATION WEDDING!
Tune in for the full scoop on this HOT wedding hosting trend, including:
Susan has personally helped me plan TWO unforgettable vacations, and I can guarantee there will be many more! Her genunine love of travel and new experiences - and wanting to SHARE that with her clients - is evident in every single step of working with her & her team.
For a FREE viritual consultation with Susan, visit her calendar linked here.
And don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast during your initial consultation for $200 off your final destination wedding booking!
Cheers to you & the trip of a lifetime!
A note from Susan:
I am so excited to work with you and talk about a Destination Wedding! With over 27 years in the business and over 200 destination weddings, I have lots of insight and experience. It's a huge love for me!
Some things to know before we meet:
Where are you thinking on getting married?
When are you thinking on getting married?
Will there be kids at your wedding (under 18)?
What do you think your wedding budget is?
We will talk all about this, but just to get things started!
Thank you again!
Susan
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're exploring some basic modifications to "traditional" wedding hosting formats that will result in MAJOR DOLLARS SAVED!
Tune in for easy ways to MAXIMIZE your wedding budget - aka get MORE of the things you want - simply by making a small adjustment here & there to your hosting format, timing, and/or season.
ALL NEW! BOOK A 1-ON-1 WEDDING STRATEGY CALL
If you have the beginnings of a really creative wedding vision that you’d like to talk through to discuss overall feasibility, options, or pricing comparison - I have 1-on-1 wedding strategy calls available.
Here are some sample topics from couples I spoke with this past week:
>>> "Our budget has ballooned since booking a venue, photographer, and planner - what are some ways we can get things back under control moving forward?"
>>> "We want to rent an Airbnb and host our wedding at a national park - is that even possible?"
>>> "I got quotes from 3 planners and 4 photographers, and I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the information and not sure how to make our final decision."
>>> "We have a unique wedding set up, and wondering what's better - a day-of, month-of, or full service wedding planner?"
>>> "I want to do our own flowers & bouquets, can you give me a simple roadmap for what to do and when?"
Visit wedpodcast.com today to book a single call / series of calls. Earliest available call dates start March 20th. Book now, they will fill up fast!
Today we’re going to discuss what the post-covid economy means for YOUR WEDDING plans over the rest of 2023, and into 2024.
Even more importantly, we're going to review some simple ways that you can MAXIMIZE YOUR SPENDING POWER to get everything you want most out of your wedding celebration.
Disclaimer - I am not an economist. I have literally never had any formal education in economics beyond knowing that inflation affects me when the carwash is $1 more expensive today than it was last week, and instead of being able to buy 2 gallons of milk and 18 eggs at Costco for $8, now I have to choose one or the other.
In just one day, I had 3 calls with couples from very different parts of the US, but the theme was the same - holy sh*!, are these quotes and prices we're getting back from vendors actually normal?!
And I know that if 100% of the conversations I have in one single day are related to the economy and how damn expensive everything is right now, then this is something that’s on all of our minds in one way or another.
I’m not here to claim that I understand the issue at the deepest, most granular level, or that I have all the answers - I simply thought it would be helpful to describe the problem and some reasons why it’s happening, and more importantly to offer some actionable ways that we as wedding industry consumers can increase our spending power.
In my 1-on-1 calls Wedding Strategy Calls with members of my digital planning package, the majority of our conversations so far this year are centering around how to modify a professional product or service so that it’s more compatible with our overall budget and their priorities.
In other words, what are some easy ways that we can MAXIMIZE our budget so that we can have more of the things we want?
If you’re someone who’s looking for a professional, unbiased eye to evaluate some high-level cost-savings opportunities OR suggestions on how to really maximize your spending power, I DO still have 1-on-1 calls available for new members!
This rare bonus packs some seriously HUGE VALUE, and I will continue offering monthly 1-on-1 to new members for as long as possible ...
HOWEVER, spots are filling quickly, and I literally only have so many hours in the day, so you'll want to head to wedpodcast.com for complete details and book your first 1-on-1 wedding strategy call today.
Talk soon!
Cheers,
Kara
THANK YOU to this week's supporting 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!
In this brand new episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, I’m sharing AN ULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST, including 10 key "to-do's" to launch your wedding planning journey into action.
CONGRATULATIONS! 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!
THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors:
Welcome to The VAULT, a unique subscription-based planning tool for couples who are dreaming of an UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING CELEBRATION ... minus the crushing stress, expense, and overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.
* * * NEW MEMBER BONUS * * * Get 1-ON-1 CALLS included for the lifetime of your membership! CLICK HERE for details.
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.
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!
"When the initial excitement settled, we felt like planning an entire wedding seemed really expensive, overwhelming, and exhausting."
Let me back up ...
My now-husband John proposed in the summer of 2009, at the end of a 3-week trip we took through Europe.
We were in Paris - our last stop - and we waited for hours to get to the lower platform of the Eiffel Tower, where he dropped to his knee with the sparking lights of the tower above us, and lit up city buildings & river boats in the distance.
We never even had dinner that night because it got so late, but you know how it is with the crazy excitement you felt on your engagement day - dinner didn’t even matter. We had just lived an incredibly powerful moment that was about to change our lives forever.
Within weeks, my ring was resized and fit perfectly. We had shared the news with literally everyone we knew, and we started discussions about potential venues and dates, and of course, the elephant in the room - how we would pay for everything.
* SPOILER ALERT * These conversations weren’t very productive, and we didn’t have any breakthrough revelations other than feeling like planning an entire wedding seemed really expensive, overwhelming, and exhausting.
My mom, sister & best friends were incredibly excited, and couldn’t wait to start planning showers, parties, dress shopping trips, and fun wedding projects.
But underneath all the buzz and excitement? There was this nagging discomfort / doubt / anxiety that I just couldn't shake ...
It had started as a passing thought, but was starting to grow bigger and harder to ignore.
This is when I started to realize that John and I had never even discussed our actual wedding ideas before getting engaged, and the logistics and finances of planning and hosting everything were already incredibly overwhelming -
And we really HADN'T EVEN GOTTEN STARTED, which multiplied that feeling by 10x.
The cost of living in San Diego was sky high (as it still is, everywhere). We were working really hard to advance in our careers so that we could do and have ALL the fun things.
We had some money saved, but not a ton … and we definitely didn't "plan" to spill over onto credit cards to pay for our wedding (trust me, no one "plans" to).
So what did we do?
PIVOT.
We shifted into a completely different mindset. We STOPPED looking at our wedding through the lens of tradition and "what everyone else is doing", and we started thinking outside the box about ways we could create a truly unique experience for our loved ones that didn’t look like every wedding we had already been to. A wedding that wouldn’t be over in a matter of hours, and wouldn’t require tens of thousands of dollars or credit card debt to pay for.
Great, so we had made some progress, and we were SO EXCITED about the glimmer of a vision that was starting to come together ... but all of the actual logistics were still hanging over us, like a heavy cloud.
Having a vision is one thing, but we had no idea what to focus on first ....
Obviously I needed to find a wedding planner to help us sort out the next steps, because basic, you have to hire a wedding planner, right?
I met with a handful of planners who all walked confidently into the Starbucks or bistro bar, high heels clicking, portfolio ready to share - FFWD thru 3 days + 3 meetings, and none of them were LISTENING TO ME.
I talked about creative visions of fondue pots on small, intimate 4-top tables, renting a giant mansion for a long wedding weekend, hosting 3-4 separate parties & events, and having someone who could be there to organize and direct independently hired bartenders and servers and coordinate the weekend-of logistics for us.
And I was met with blank stare after blank stare.
Politely told that it wouldn’t work because of A, B, C reason, and had we considered cookie cutter venue D, E, and F which works with preferred vendors X, Y and Z?
The thought of paying someone thousands of dollars who clearly had no interest whatsoever in our wedding vision was clearly out of the question.
I came home literally crying after interviewing the third planner on my list - she cut me off repeatedly, actually laughed at my fondue idea saying it would be impossible, left me with a list of her preferred vendors and a deadline to decide by Friday or else she was booking another client.
Wow.
And the bow on top is that she came highly recommended to me by a friend, which made the entire experience even more disappointing.
If you’ve ever met with a pushy vendor who’s so obviously just trying to book up their calendar as fast as possible, you know exactly what it feels like to have your ideas dismissed and to be completely unheard.
In that moment, John and I were left with a choice.
We could have eventually found an affordable enough venue, chosen the cheapest meal option, and gone broke paying for a top shelf open-bar (which incidentally, was one of John’s "wedding non-negotiables").
We could have scrapped and saved and charged a few things on credit cards to bring it all together in a wedding that wouldn’t be the best of the best, and definitely wouldn’t be featured in any wedding magazines or blogs ... but hopefully our friends & family wouldn’t be too judge-y and would understand the financial constraints of treating 100 of your closest loved ones to a nice dinner, bottomless drinks, and dancing.
We’d check off all the boxes, run through all the traditions, and at the end of the day, we’d be married. After all, wasn’t that the whole point?
And in that critical moment, thank goodness we woke up and saw that NO -
That’s not ANYWHERE NEAR THE POINT.
And I’m here today sharing this all with you because it scares the hell out of me to think of how close we were to NOT following our vision, and to just going through the motions, and I don’t want that for you.
And at the same time, it breaks my heart to think of how many engaged couples every single day are in the same position that we were, but who DON’T find the right resources and support and encouragement to follow their dream vision, and who aren't lucky enough to go on to design the wedding that they truly want.
So back to the story - in this pivotal moment, John & I took a giant leap of faith, and committed to planning our wedding OUR WAY - to hell with narcissist wedding planners, cookie cutter checklists, outdated traditions, expectations, or worrying about what anyone else thought of our decisions.
We got on the same page with this mindset, and we had deep discussions about the things that were most important to us.
In the end, we rented a 7,000 square foot mansion, did our own catering - yes, we planned out, shopped for, and brought to life that giant fondue party that was so important to us - we spent 4 solid days hanging out with our 75 closest friends and family, eating, drinking, dancing, talking, staying up late, laughing, and we did it ALL for around $12,000 - for transparency sake, that was in 2010 so someone good at math and economics can adjust for inflation - or, you could trust the "inflation calculator" I found online and use the number $17,000 in today's world. EITHER WAY, for the overall value and priceless experience for everyone involved, I’m going to stand firm in saying that’s pretty damn good!!!
The couples who give up on the new approach to planning that we focus on here on the Wedding Planning Podcast will likely stay stuck exactly where I was in the story I just told, after meeting with the awful 3rd wedding planner.
They’ll do exactly what most couples do, and freak out over how much there is to do, how much things cost, and how complicated it feels to go off the beaten path …
They'll cave when someone is critical of a fun idea, and pull back when they feel judged for something that they did or didn't do. John and I faced skeptical, judge-y eyes too many times to count throughout our entire planning process - but that's another story, for another time.
And they’ll fall back to the status quo wedding planners, the big corporate websites, and the free checklists to plan a cookie cutter wedding for them, without ever even knowing the priceless opportunity that has slipped away.
The opportunity to design the wedding that YOU actually want, and to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your loved ones that leaves a lasting sense of love & connection for decades to come.
And to miss out on that, is quite simply, heartbreaking.
But here's the final, most important part of this very long email:
Unforgettable, life-changing weddings don't just "happen".
They don't just magically arise from the mountain of printouts and free checklists, and magazines, budget calculators and Pinterest boards and reels that you consume on loop.
And just having a wedding vision isn't enough, without continued support, encouragement, and ongoing direction.
The most meaningful & unforgettable wedding celebrations are planned carefully, ONE STEP AT A TIME using a 3-part framework that I've spent the past 12 years perfecting.
And the best part is that it's all available for you to enjoy inside my signature planning package, The VAULT .
The VAULT isn't like working with a traditional wedding planner, with contracts, deposits, balances due, and a set number of meetings and phone calls.
Membership unlocks access to a down-to-earth, easy to follow wedding master plan that gets to the heart of what truly makes a wedding UNFORGETTABLE and LIFE-CHANGING, for everyone involved.
And when you sign up today, you'll even enjoy a 1-on-1, 30-Minute Wedding Strategy call each month that you're a member.
I have literally NEVER offered this before, and I'm so excited to connect.
I can't wait to see you there, and to learn more about you & your wedding!
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!
A universal truth? Your wedding day will FLY BY.
Having a well-thought out, well-planned WEDDING DAY TIMELINE is critical to keeping the day organized, and flowing stress free.
In this featured episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re actually reviewing & creating two separate timelines:
We’re going to focus on the DAY-OF timeline first, and you’ll find specifics on creating your reception timeline in the second half of this meeting.
Here’s a link to the Pinterest Wedding Timeline examples that I mentioned in the show.
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!
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.
SUSAN'S TRAVEL SERVICES | Would you LOVE to take advantage of 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!
Your WEDDING CEREMONY is undoubtedly the most important part of your wedding day celebration - it's literally the WHY of every single thing we touch on here on the Wedding Planning Podcast!
Sadly most couples push the ceremony logistics to the very bottom of their wedding planning to-do list, and as a result, this critical piece of your wedding day misses getting the full attention & creativity that it deserves.
Tune in to the full show for a start-to-finish guide for infusing your ceremony with deep meaning and your personalities.
We’re also going to cover:
A well-crafted wedding ceremony will perfectly express your relationship as a couple. It should make your guests understand exactly why they are at the wedding, and may address the couples past, present and future.
We can be serious, lighthearted, traditional or a mix of all three - your ceremony doesn’t have to follow any script, and you’re free to personalize this portion of your day in any way you like!
ADDITIONAL LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE:
Claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit here!
LEAVE A VOICEMAIL with your questions, wedding stories, or planning concerns >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact
Sample Wedding Vows & Guide / Examples
Take the guesswork & stress out of choosing the music for your special day! Visit MyWeddingSongs.com today to prepare your wedding music for FREE and enjoy over 600 custom wedding playlists.
For unique ceremony signage, wedding program inspiration & more, visit Pinterest.
Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
If you’re looking for some CREATIVE, EASY + AFFORDABLE wedding reception entertainment options that go way beyond dinner, drinks & dancing, then this wedding planning workshop is perfect for you!
Today’s wedding receptions feature creative entertainment ideas that are increasingly more personalized, more interactive, and more representative of your values, personal style and tastes.
There are endless ways to reimagine classic wedding reception entertainment & activities, and create a memorable, shared WEDDING EXPERIENCE based on your values & priorities.
In this meeting, we’re covering an overview of creative wedding entertainment ideas, and highlighting some fun twists on tradition that you can plan to treat your guests to an unforgettable experience.
GATHERING INSPIRATION FROM PINTEREST
I know podcasts don’t always lend well to visual examples, and I don't like simply rattling off long lists during the show ... so here’s a list of search terms that you can simply copy / paste into Pinterest for instant wedding entertainment ideas & inspiration!
For easy tips on getting a private Facebook group up and running, you can visit this link.
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
If you’re newly engaged and / or looking to kick off the new year with a fresh start on your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to check out my totally free Engagement Starter Kit.
I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that’s designed to unlock the essential keys to a down-to-earth, stress-free and JOYFUL wedding planning experience.
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 (and totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding
A very special thank you to today’s show sponsors:
A LOT of our energy during the wedding planning process is centered around the fear that things will go wrong, and how we can avoid and prevent minor mistakes - and major disasters - on our wedding day.
I’ve been deeply involved with weddings for over a decade, and candidly, it’s a universal truth - no matter how much you plan and prep and delegate and assign, something will go wrong and / or not according to plan at some point during your wedding celebration.
The good news is that big or small, I have some solid practices that you can use right now to be able to adapt, improvise, and mentally overcome any unforeseen issues & challenges that are bound to arise.
Tune in to today's brand new episode for so much more!
Redeem at allnew.wedding
If you’re newly engaged and / or looking to kick off the new year with a fresh start on your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to check out my totally free Engagement Starter Kit.
I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that’s designed to unlock the essential keys to a down-to-earth, stress-free and JOYFUL wedding planning experience.
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 (and 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!
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!
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.
There are a million directions we could take a conversation on wedding reception & ceremony decor, but for the sake of keeping it simple … let’s keep it simple!
Tune in for some extra-simplified TIME, STRESS, AND MONEY-SAVING OPPORTUNITIES in today's featured wedding planning workshop, all about decorating your special day.
FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES
Redeem at allnew.wedding
If you’re newly engaged and looking to kick off the new year with a fresh start on your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to check out my totally free Engagement Starter Kit!
I’ve packaged up a 3-part bonus audio series that’s designed to unlock the essential keys to a down-to-earth, stress-free and JOYFUL wedding planning experience.
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!
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