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Wedding Planning Podcast

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

Jul 12, 2023

This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re demystifying the world of wedding insurance, permits and licensing.

It seems like an intimidating and complicated topic, so we're bringing it all down to very simple terms and easy tasks that you can check off your list - typically with a few simple phone calls or clicks!

Visit the FULL BLOG POST with bonus links here >>>

https://weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-insurance/

You’ve likely had nightmares about alllllll the things that can go wrong on your wedding day.

While I can’t buffer you against ALL mishaps like a global pandemic that spans years, a lipstick spot on your dress, swollen & hurting feet, or running out of vodka at the bar - the GOOD news is that you CAN protect yourself and your wedding from big disasters with a simple little thing called wedding insurance.

Wedding insurance is reasonably priced, and for just a couple hundred dollars can provide PRICELESS peace of mind.

Side note - Researching your wedding insurance options would be a PERFECT little task to delegate to someone who's been asking you "is there anything for the wedding I can help with?" ;)

Stick around for the second half of the show and we'll discuss your awkward, uncomfortable, and puzzling wedding questions.

Please feel free to share this valuable episode with your engaged friends, or anyone who's helping you plan.  I appreciate your support of the Wedding Planning Podcast beyond words!

Cheers, Kara

 

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 .

A special thank you to 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 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!

 

Jul 5, 2023

Get answers to all of your wedding cake + dessert questions in today’s show! 

From everything to researching bakeries, booking cake tastings, hidden fees to be aware of, unique dessert alternatives, and budget-friendly cost saving tips, we're covering it all in today's sugar-coated show.

Links mentioned in our convo:

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

Affiliate shopping links from Amazon & Etsy support the show at no additional cost to you - thank you for your clicks!

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

 

 

 

Jun 28, 2023

Today we're joined by a very special guest who wants to help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams!   

You may know a 60-second rundown of Susan from Susan's Travel Services from our weekly meetings.  I believe in the value of her expertise so much that I am honored to share her services with you on literally every single show.

Susan offers travel and honeymoon planning services to engaged couples like you, and today she’s going to share:

  • The process for finding your ideal honeymoon destination,
  • Exactly when you should start planning this trip of a lifetime, 
  • The scoop on airfare and the best times to buy,
  • Behind-the-scenes, expert considerations that couples overlook when planning their honeymoon,
  • Hot destinations for 2023 and beyond,
  • And she even has some honeymoon planning mistakes to highlight for you, so that you can sidestep the common issues she sees come up for couples time & time again.

Travel and new experiences are incredibly special to me, and I hope you and your soon-to-be husband or wife enjoy the trip of a lifetime to celebrate your honeymoon!  

To schedule a completely free honeymoon consultation with Susan, simply click here or visit www.susanstravelservices.com.

Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your final booking.


Cheers to you & the trip of a lifetime!

 

Jun 21, 2023

A top-notch Wedding Planner or Day-Of-Coordinator is essential for any smooth and seamless wedding celebration. 

Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re reviewing 10 KEY POINTS to discuss with your planner so that you’re both on the same page and ready to tackle any planning, logistic, or execution challenges that may arise.

A sampling of these key discussion points:

  • Who are your assistants or other team members, what is their role in the planning phase, and also at the actual wedding celebration?  Having a crystal clear set of expectations for who will be answering your questions and exactly who will be your point-person is critical!
  • Can you share firsthand reviews & testimonials from past couples you’ve worked with?
  • Does your past experience / areas of expertise fit naturally within our overall wedding vision, venue, and our top priorities?
  • What can we expect in terms of ongoing communication, both frequency and style? 
  • Tune in for lots more!

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

Thank you to this week's show partners:

Brilliant Earth’s mission is to cultivate a more transparent, sustainable, compassionate, & inclusive jewelry industry.  Check out all of their beautiful engagement + wedding 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!

 

Jun 7, 2023

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:

  • There are just 6 easy steps to planning an unforgettable wedding weekend experience.  Access the proven formula when you visit weddingweekend.co.
  • Check out beautiful wedding bands from our friends at brilliantearth.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!
Jun 1, 2023

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:

  • Feeling intimidated by the COST of hosting multiple events,
  • Trying to accommodate ALL of your guests perfectly (spoiler alert - it's not possible, so don't even try!)
  • Failing to consider the endless creative possibilities for food & drinks before committing to an overpriced & underwhelming caterer,
  • Not communicating clearly with your guests before, during, and after your wedding weekend experience,
  • Getting OVERWHELMED and losing sight of your most important priorities,
  • Relying on a DOC to organize and manage things that are not actually their responsibility

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

May 31, 2023

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:

  • How should we go about offering onsite cabins / rooms to guests in an order that makes sense?
  • We’re torn between 2 very different "wedding weekend" visions - how do we decide?
  • What are some tips for trying to pace events so we don’t feel overwhelmed? 
  • My fiance and I have totally different visions for how to stock our own bar.  He wants to basically recreate a top-shelf situation with all the liquors and mixers, and I see more of a simplistic set up of beer, wine, maybe a signature cocktail.  Your thoughts?
  • How can I get over feeling like we need to please everyone?

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

May 24, 2023

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:

  • 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!

xo, Kara

May 17, 2023

This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, cozy up and enjoy a sampling of unique wedding scenarios, questions, and curiosities, including:

  • Wedding "decision fatigue" and the priceless value of hindsight,
  • "Conversations with my fiance have been frustrating recently.  We can’t seem to agree on anything regarding our budget, guests, or priorities.  What are some ways we can get back on the same page and embrace compromise?"
  • Hiring a day of coordinator - what should we be looking for?  (Visit the episode dated 5/4/22, "Hiring Your Wedding Vendors" for lots more on this topic)
  • DIY flower recommendations - this is an item that’s not terribly high on our priority list, what are some of your top tips for doing our own flowers?
  • Help evaluating pros and cons of venues with more or less DIY
  • Is a videographer really worth it?  Any alternate ways to capture video?

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!

May 10, 2023

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:

  • What's a bustle, do I need one, and how much does it cost? (article on bustling I mentioned in today's show can be found )
  • Styling and shape wear options like bras, corsets, and compression garments,
  • The importance of COMFORTABLE SHOES,
  • Getting your dress home & last minute wrinkle patrol (the handheld steamer I mentioned can be found )
  • And some creative ways to preserve and / or repurpose your gown after the wedding.

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!

May 3, 2023

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!

 

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