Wedding Planning Podcast
Get ready to experience the 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 “NO” to the $72 billion dollar wedding industry, and 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?
Wed, April 30, 2025
Post-Wedding Checklist: 15+ Things To Do After Your Wedding
When you’re in the thick of wedding planning, it can feel like this phase of life will go on forever. But believe it or not, at some point you WILL actually be married, and wedding planning will come to an end (insert cheering emoji / crying emoji here - take your pick!). I see a pretty split reaction to this, with half of us feeling thank universe, the wedding can’t come soon enough ... having all that extra brain space back from planning and organizing a million tiny details will be amazing. On the other hand, there are also plenty of us who absolutely love the engagement and planning phase, and are NOT looking forward to it ending. Post wedding blues are a real thing, and we’re going to talk about that today too. To start today off, I have some post-wedding takeaways and advice from past WPP couples (including myself!). They share what they loved, and in all honesty, what could have been better. During the second half of today’s show, I have an actionable checklist of things that will need to be handled after the wedding. So if you’re sad about it all coming to an end … don’t worry - it doesn’t actually end, there’s still lots more to do! Check out our website for a checklist-style recap >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/after Cheers to you, Kara PS: From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo . Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!
Thu, April 24, 2025
Online Bridesmaid Dress Shopping w/ Lulus Weddings
Get ready to explore hassle-free online bridesmaid dress shopping with featured brand, Lulus Weddings! Tune in & discover how you can enjoy a successful online bridesmaid dress shopping experience, including: Professional bridesmaid styling ideas, Struggling with piecing together colors or patterns in a mismatch dress situation? No worries! Lulus free bridal concierge service makes the process 100% stress-free . The 5 KEYS to creating a cohesive visual palette with mismatched dresses, The biggest benefits to mismatched bridesmaid dresses, And 3 HOT WEDDING TRENDS to be on the lookout for as we enter 2025. Shop the 2025 Lulus Bridesmaid Collection here Get free, one-on-one assistance from our expert team of bridal stylists with Lulus Bridal Concierge My sister Kate's wedding, April 2022 - we coordinated our Lulus dresses from California, Maine, Canada, British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico - if we can do it, anyone can!! 😅 Today we're joined by Lulus Senior Buyer, Cher Irlandez. Cher has been with Lulus for 5.5 years, and recently got married in her hometown of Las Vegas. Her experience in the fashion industry as both a Developer and Buyer, along with her own recent bridal journey, gives her a unique perspective that I’m really excited to share with you.
Wed, April 23, 2025
Choosing Your Wedding Color Palette
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. I also have a bonus rundown of the top Wedding Color Palette MISTAKES that I see couples make, so be sure to stick around until the end! 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 - From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo . Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!
Wed, April 16, 2025
Rehearsal Dinner Planning Tips
You’ve done months (maybe even YEARS) of wedding planning & preparation, and the big day is finally almost here! Last stop? Rehearsal dinner. This week we’re reviewing everything you need to know for planning & hosting this extra special night with your family & friends. We cover everything from the ceremony rehearsal itself to practical tips for hosting your loved ones afterwards. DETAILED BLOG POST HERE --> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/rehearsal Naturally, I have a ton of creative alternatives to taking 50 of your closest friends & family out to eat at a nice restaurant ($$$). Beyond just saving money, we’ll also cover: When to start planning (hint - it might be earlier than you think!) Personality-packed options for location and food selection Tips for keeping the night on pace and organized And meaningful touches that will be remembered beyond the wedding day. This topic is so dear to me - I remember our rehearsal dinner as one of the most special nights of my life. We grilled chicken, steak & veggies with our friends & family on the property where we got married, had all the fave drinks flowing, and a curated list of our favorite songs turned way up. We laughed, talked & celebrated long past sunset, and it was an absolutely magical night. I wish all the same for you! xo, Kara PS: From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo . Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!
Wed, April 09, 2025
Your Complete Guide to Wedding & Jewelry Insurance with BriteCo
You deserve wedding insurance that's fast and affordable, and protecting your investment in your wedding celebration literally couldn't be easier than a quick online visit to Brite.co/wedpod . Today we’re joined by a very special guest, Dustin Lemick. Dustin is the CEO and founder of BriteCo . BriteCo is a modern insurance company built for the digital age, and their goal is to simplify the process of securing jewelry and wedding insurance. Well, mission complete, because streamline and simplify is exactly what BriteCo has done - with plans starting below $80, no hidden fees and up to 15% in discounts! In today's episode, Dustin walks us through everything you need to know about wedding liability & cancellation coverage, and jewelry insurance. We’ll explore all of your wedding insurance FAQ’s, including how much it costs (spoiler alert, it’s shockingly affordable) , what exactly is covered, how to determine what type of coverage you need, and even how to file a claim. From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo . Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!
Wed, April 02, 2025
Real Wedding Recap from Rochester, MI + Wedding Q&A
Get ready for a fun show today! Here’s a road map of where we’re going: I have a recap of my brother-in-law's 3/30/25 wedding in Rochester, MI. I'll share what was amazing, a detailed rundown of the venue / flow of events, how they took advantage of cost-saving opportunities, their solution to kids at the wedding, and lots more valueble takeaways! I also have an inbox full of your questions on everything from: How to blend "nostalgic elements" into our wedding celebration? Responding to requests to invite more people (ew) Managing pre-wedding stress Proactively planning how to spend our time throughtout our wedding weekend In the Detroit Metro area, and looking for an amazing venue? We LOVED it: Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, MI Be in touch with your wedding questions and / or show requests anytime by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact . Talk soon! PS: From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo . Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!
Wed, March 26, 2025
Cost-Cutting Chaos: When Trying to Save Money Can BACKFIRE
Today we’re going to chat about a handful of ways when trying to "save" money on your wedding can totally BACKFIRE. Aside of college educations, new homes and new cars, your wedding likely has one of the biggest price tags you’ve ever paid. You’re spending tens of thousands of dollars - of course you’re trying to save money when possible! You’re not out there researching the most expensive venue in your area, or trying to find ways to spend more money on your invitations. When a potential photographer or caterer gives you a quote for services, you probably don’t say “well that sounds OK, but do you have anything that costs more?” From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo . Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered! If you've been listening to the Wedding Planning Podcast for a while, I hope you know me well enough now to know that I’m NOT the wedding professional who’s going to tell you NEVER to try to cut this corner, or don’t DARE hire a friend to do x, y, z. I see this type of messaging a lot. If you do your own wedding day hair and makeup it will totally fail, and you should hire a professional to do it for you. If you skimp on a photographer, you will regret it for the rest of your life. The trouble is, professional service providers in pretty much any industry have an agenda - to sell their product or service. And whether you hear from a wedding professional on a podcast, read their articles on a blog, or see their posts on Instagram, their position is probably that hiring a professional is THE BEST way to go. " After all" , they say, "this is your wedding - you can’t afford to cut corners on the best day of your life." Well, for lots of this, I call BS. Sure, if you have a wedding budget in the 6-figures, then “hire a professional” is a great option for everything I just listed. But most of us DON’T have $100,000 to spend on our wedding, so making swaps and saves here and there is a necessary part of planning so that we don’t go thousands of dollars into debt - NEVER a good idea. In today's show, let’s explore some common areas of wedding planning where couples to try to cut a corner, save some money, leave something out, and then sadly have it backfire in terms of lost money, lost time, lost sanity - and sometimes all three. If you find yourselves at a cost-saving opportunity crossroads and you don’t know which way to turn, I have some smart questions to ask yourselves, and potential vendors, that I hope wi
Wed, March 19, 2025
Bachelorette Party Planning Guide + Sample Itineraries
Your bachelorette party is a really fun engagement milestone AND it'll be a breeze to plan with these easy planning guidelines + sample itineraries! Today's show also includes lots of your questions on party etiquette, gift giving, who plans what, and even a "tale of two parties" ... two very different bachelorette formats, each with their own pro's, and each guaranteed to result in an unforgettable night(s). Who plans the bachelorette party? Who should get invited? When should we start planning & schedule it? Honoring & accomodating everyone's financial circumstances, TWO sample bachelorette party itineraries, What are some creative bachelorette gift ideas? From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo . Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!
Wed, March 12, 2025
How To Design an Unforgettable Wedding Ceremony
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! Unfortunately, many 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: Ceremony flow of events, Who walks who down the aisle, and in what order? The role of your officiant / celebrant, Intentionally setting the desired vibe with ceremony music & decor, Signing your marraige license, Tips for finding an officiant, Crafting your wedding vows, And finally, some additional ways to incorporate meaning and personality. 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: From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo . Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered! LEAVE A VOICEMAIL with your questions, wedding stories, or planning concerns >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact Sample Wedding Vows & Guide / Examples Creative unity ceremony ideas
Wed, March 05, 2025
Preparing For Unexpected Wedding Day Mishaps + Wedding Q&A
"What’s really bothering me lately is I’m in a stress cycle over anticipating what might go wrong during our wedding weekend and wanting to proactively jump in and plan for those things. What are some unexpected stress-points that we can be prepared for as much as possible?" Do yourselves a favor - plan to be caught off guard by something on your wedding day! Next step, mentally prepare to brush it off in the moment so that you can be fully present and enjoy your wedding day. Survey 100 couples in the week after their wedding, and 97 of them will have multiple stories of things that went off the rails and/or not according to "The Plan". The magic is in how you choose to react to the issue, combined with some tactical ways that you can be proactive and prepared. Tune in for the rundown on 7 common wedding day surprises that are shockingly easy to proactively plan for. And stick around 'til the end for a handful of listener questions on moms, dress codes & more. Cheers to being prepared! PS: From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo . Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered!
Wed, February 26, 2025
Ask Me Anything | Wedding Planning Q&A
Enjoy a jam-packed show full of your wedding planning questions, including: What’s an ideal wedding planning timeline? How can we include family members who want to “help” with the wedding? Managing wedding planning stress, Inviting kids to the wedding? Cost-effective dessert options, Helping a younger bridesmaid feel included w/ the older girls, Are Bridal Expos worth it? Should we go to one? How to chose our wedding theme? And soooo many more! To submit questions for an upcoming show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.com Enjoy!
Wed, February 19, 2025
16 Hidden Wedding Expenses That Will Bust Your Budget
The little dollar bill emoji with flapping wings is a great one-tap summary of planning a wedding. Budgeting for expected expenses is hard enough, let alone all of the little unexpected stuff that sneaks in along the way! Today we’re going to shine a light on 16 annoying + unexpected expenses that couples don’t plan for, so that you can adjust your budget early on and not be taken by surprise in the coming months. Full blog post for today's show can be found here. Thank you for sharing the show with someone who is helping you plan! Wedding questions, stories to share, or requests for a future episode? I always have an open door and would love to hear from you >>> weddingplanningpodcast.com Cheers to you! Kara
Wed, February 12, 2025
Tips for a Smooth Engagement Photo Shoot
Engagement photos are an incredible opportunity to capture you & your fiancé in your happiest moments, and to share those images across your save the dates, your wedding website, holiday cards, and as decorations throughout your wedding celebration. The thing is, choosing the perfect outfits, getting hair & make up just right so that you look incredible but still natural, and posing effortlessly can be much easier said than done! Choosing what you’re going to wear and struggling through a last minute hair and makeup session an hour before you meet your photographer is not a great idea, to say the least. Neither is waiting until you show up to find out that your fiancé has the worst stage fright, and looks like Chandler from "Friends" (season 7, episode 5, The One with The Engagement Picture) because they suddenly can’t smile. Today on the WPP I have a handful of tricks and tips to make sure your engagement photo shoot is smooth, seamless, and yields those perfect shots that you’ve been dreaming of sharing with all of family, friends, and friends of friends. Tune in for so much more, and head over to the blog post for today's show for a full written recap & links: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/engagement-photos
Wed, February 05, 2025
Crafting Your Wedding Guest List: A Step-By-Step Guide + Q&A
Today we’re going to break down the complicated, sometimes messy process of crafting your wedding guest list. BONUS, I have lots of your guest list questions to share along the way! Tune in for a Wedding Guest List Step-By-Step guide that includes: An outline for getting started with your wedding guest list process, Smart Tips and benefits to running an "A List / B List" invitation tier system, How to manage non-invited Plus One's, Effective ways to trim your guest list, Managing family requests (demands) when it comes to who is invited, And so much more! A detailed blog post for today's episode can be found here. Thank you as always for inviting me to be a part of your engagement season! Wedding questions, show requests, or feedback to share? Find me here.
Fri, January 31, 2025
Calculating Your Risk: Cheap Wedding Venue or Money Pit?
In today's bonus episode, we explore the risks of judging a wedding venue by the initial price tag. Lots of budget savvy couples see their venue selection as a great opportunity to control costs and set the stage for major savings down the road. This CAN be a great strategy … when approached the right way. The problem is that as we’re doing the research and gathering venue quotes, IMPULSE can take over. What seems like a great deal on the surface can quickly spiral into a total money pit if you’re not careful. Fact: All-inclusive venues pack a major sticker-shock factor. When you open that quote from an all-inclusive property and choke on your coffee - please know that you’re not alone. Maybe you’re intrigued by the flexibility and creativity that a more blank space, non-traditional / DIY venue can offer. Combine this with a much lower initial price tag, and we have a perfect recipe for a magical solution to your venue and budget needs …. OR a situation where trying to save money on your venue can completely backfire and result in you spending more than you would have had you chosen the seemingly more expensive option to begin with. Yes, this topic is rich in irony. Tune in for a list of 6 major categories that you will need to have firm plans AND detailed pricing information for to determine if using a blank space wedding venue is actually worth it - or if you’d be better off going the all-inclusive route. Written recap >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/diyvenue Submit your wedding questions & future show requests by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact Talk soon!
Wed, January 29, 2025
Finding Your Perfect Wedding Venue
Choosing your wedding venue is the most important decision you'll make throughout your wedding planning. No pressure! Not only is your wedding venue the centerpiece of your celebration, it's also likely the budget category where you'll invest the most money. So it's ultra-important to make a careful, well-informed decision. Tune in to today's show for a detailed conversation that covers: The key wedding checklist items that are directly related to your venue, How to set yourselves up for a successful venue search, Important questions to ask potential wedding venues, And finally, a smart guide to researching venues near you For a written recap of today's episode, including printable guides to help you throughout your venue search, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-venue-101 Submit your wedding planning questions here. I have an open door, and would love to hear from you! Loving the Wedding Planning Podcast? Please share the show with anyone who's helping you plan, and any engaged friends & family ❤️ A huge thank you for your support, and thank you for inviting me to be a part of your engagement! Cheers, Kara
Wed, January 22, 2025
Setting A Realistic Wedding Budget That Works For You
Setting a realistic wedding budget that works for you is one of the first steps you’ll take after getting engaged - and ideally before making any big wedding decisions. So if you’re newly engaged ( or maybe just need a wedding budget reset!) , you’re in the right place. To streamline the process, today's show is a step-by-step guide on exactly how to create a realistic wedding budget that gives you plenty of space for all the things that you value the most. Let’s face it, a wedding planning experience without ANY financial stress is unlikely. Investing thousands of dollars in anything naturally comes along with doubts and anxiety. But I’m here to break things down into manageable pieces, so that you can have a stress-free financial plan in the months ahead! Complete blog post for today's show >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-budget Whether you’re in the early stages of formulating your overall wedding vision, or you’ve got a specific wedding scenario you’d like to review, I have 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy calls available >>> Click here to learn more & book a call today
Sat, January 11, 2025
Engagement Starter Kit BONUS: 40 Uplifting Wedding Planning Affirmations
Trust me, I know that wedding planning can be stressful, overwhelming, and a complete PITA at times. That's why I compiled a list of 40 uplifting wedding planning affirmations for you to tune in to any time you need a mental wedding refresh: Our wedding celebration will be a perfect reflection of us. I commit my attention to our top priorities & tune out the rest. We cannot control the actions or inactions of others. A meaningful wedding is within reach. I chose love over anger. I let go of feeling judged by others. We are becoming a stronger couple throughout our engagement journey. We are worthy of a meaningful wedding celebration. A beautiful wedding does not have to cost a lot of money. I chose gratitude. We do not need to invite everyone we know to the wedding. Our decisions are perfect for us. I release all negative thoughts about our budget. There is no space for overwhelm in my engagement journey. Tune in for so many more! You made it all the way here?? You deserve a BONUS ... within the bonus! Here's a list of 50 Budget Items Couples Fail To Plan For , so that you can have them on your radar as you move ahead into your engagement. I hope you LOVED the Engagement Starter Kit. There's SO much more to come ;) We'll talk again soon! Cheers, Kara Need more? Book a 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Call here.
Fri, January 10, 2025
Engagement Starter Kit BONUS: Your Ultimate Engagement Checklist
Tune in to this bonus episode for a list of "10 Things To Do After Getting Engaged" - 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 ... And I couldn't be more honored to be a part of it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me in your engagement journey. I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one. That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered. Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement:
Thu, January 09, 2025
Engagement Starter Kit BONUS: Clarifying Your Wedding Vision
In this bonus workshop, we'll explore exactly how to get started defining - and refining - your wedding vision. This is a valuable exercise that I would love for you & your partner to do separately, then come together to compare what each of you saw. I don't expect that anyone will have all the answers the first time, or see every single last detail in crystal clear focus. The point isn't to get it "right" on the first try, but rather to begin to clear your mental slate and give your imagination the space to roam towards a wedding celebration that's perfect for the two of you. This means clearing all negative beliefs, expectations, or wedding experiences you've had up to this point. IT'S TIME FOR A FRESH START! There's a PDF available for you to record your thoughts here >>> Your Wedding Vision.pdf It's no secret that weddings have changed A LOT over the past couple of years. It's finally time to embrace an updated planning strategy that prioritizes & honors YOU. That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement. I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered. Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement:
Wed, January 08, 2025
Engagement Starter Kit BONUS: Nightmare Wedding Planners, Renting A Mansion & DIY-Mania
From nightmare meetings with wedding planners, to renting a mansion & our "DIY" heavy approach, in this bonus episode you'll hear the full details of my own wedding planning journey. 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'm sharing today, 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. So my wish for you is these three things: The patience to let your wedding vision fully unfold, The courage and confidence to trust in your vision, and let it guide all of your decisions, big & small, And the support and encouragement that I promise to bring each week to our time spent together. Thank you so much for being here today, and thank you for inviting me to be a part of such a special time in your lives - it means the world to me. Cheers, Kara
Sat, January 04, 2025
Engagement Starter Kit, PART 4: "Bringing It All Together"
Here inside the Engagement Starter Kit, you'll find everything you need to plan a simple, meaningful, and affordable wedding. The four episodes released this week - that's just the beginning! Coming up next week (available now to Apple Premium Subscribers), you'll enjoy four more "Engagement Starter Kit" Bonus Resources, carefully crafted to help you going forward: Bonus Workshop: Clarifying Your Wedding Vision A detailed version of my engagement story, including ALL the ups & downs we experienced, An "Ultimate Engagement Checklist" with 10 steps to getting started with your plans And an audio version of 40 uplifting wedding affirmations / mantras for when things get stressful + overwhelming! And don't forget, there are over 50 free episodes of the Wedding Planning Podcast available to you anytime, anywhere your busy life takes you. Simply visit your favorite podcast player, and be sure to follow the WPP for a new episode every Wednesday. It's no secret that weddings have changed A LOT over the past couple of years. It's finally time to embrace an updated planning strategy that prioritizes & honors YOU. That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement. I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered. Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement: Thank you for being here, and thank you for your support of the Wedding Planning Podcast. It's a huge honor to be a part of such a special time in your lives, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to help shape your dream wedding! Cheers, xo Kara
Fri, January 03, 2025
Engagement Starter Kit, PART 3: "Your Wedding Planning Strategy"
You’re a couple who values informed choices, intentional decisions, and ACTIONS that are in complete alignment with who you are and what you value most. And at this point in the Engagement Starter Kit series, you know the importance of a well-defined wedding vision that honors your personal priorities and values. But how do you tie it all together within a carefully designed wedding planning strategy when it comes down to actually making important wedding decisions like hiring vendors, choosing entertainment, and selecting your guests? In this episode, uncover how to: CONFIDENTLY MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS about all of your wedding elements, big & small. Whether it's choosing something as big as your venue, or as small as guest favors, this new way of planning will guide you step-by-step to trust your intuition as you select the best options for YOU. SEE ALL OF YOUR OPTIONS CLEARLY when you adopt a "behind-the-scenes" point of view that shows you the inner workings of wedding product & service pricing, contracts, timelines, and more. USE THE 3 KEYS TO TAKE ACTION that is always in complete alignment with who YOU are, and what YOU value. And yes, that includes saying NO to anything that doesn't align with your vision & priorities! It's no secret that weddings have changed A LOT over the past couple of years. It's finally time to embrace an updated planning strategy that prioritizes & honors YOU. That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement. I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered. Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement: <img src= "https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeRqnKu0yI-JgQjsQHIVzNfaAmfkIYA5yUUZNiMctN5PTov2s09occf-njFhiAS8fgtal6mRTQi5ZeB7X_jDmOC5_hqQOxEUH6s2ET1uFvxrnDexevpOkaTchkL5plgEImZHjY?k
Thu, January 02, 2025
Engagement Starter Kit, PART 2: "Identifying Your Values & Priorities"
There's a very powerful shift that happens when your engagement season AND your wedding celebration centers around your values & priorities … and nothing else. Welcome to Part Two of the Engagement Starter Kit Bonus Series from the Wedding Planning Podcast! In this episode, discover exactly how to: CREATE A VIVID, SHARED VISION of your wedding celebration. INTENTIONALLY DISCUSS YOUR VALUES + PRIORITIES with your partner. TRANSLATE YOUR VALUES INTO ACTION for every single strategical decision you make throughout your engagement. PRIORITIZE CONNECTION AND SHARED EXPERIENCE over the never ending list of "stuff" that you find on traditional wedding checklists. It's no secret that weddings have changed A LOT over the past couple of years. It's finally time to embrace an updated planning strategy that prioritizes & honors YOU. That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement. I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered. Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement:
Wed, January 01, 2025
Money Saving "Opportunities" That Can Totally BACKFIRE
Today we’re going to chat about a handful of ways when trying to "save" money on your wedding can totally BACKFIRE. Aside of college educations, new homes and new cars, your wedding likely has one of the biggest price tags you’ve ever paid. You’re spending tens of thousands of dollars - of course you’re trying to save money when possible! FULL BLOG POST HERE >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-pitfall In today's show, let’s explore some common areas of wedding planning where couples to try to cut a corner, save some money, leave something out, and then sadly have it backfire in terms of lost money, lost time, lost sanity - and sometimes all three. If you find yourselves at a cost-saving opportunity crossroads and you don’t know which way to turn, I have some smart questions to ask yourselves, and potential vendors, that I hope will guide you towards making the best decisions for you and your wedding day. So when you find yourself wondering, hmmmmm ... should we cut that corner? What are the potential outcomes or pitfalls that might come of it? Hopefully after today’s show, you’ll have some solid answers to some of the most common situations, so that you can make the best decision for you. For one wedding, that might mean hiring a photographer off craigslist for $500. For another couple, that will NEVER be an option that’s on the table. And you know what? Both sides are totally fine ;) Full blog post available at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-pitfall A special thank you to today's show sponsors: Take advantage of expert travel planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.
Wed, January 01, 2025
Misconceptions & FAQ's RE: Hiring a Wedding Planner / DOC
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to sort out some common misconceptions and FAQ's about wedding planners and day of coordinators. Today's show is a de facto "Part II" from last week's conversation, where we ran through a general overview of hiring a planner and / or DOC. When I got married, I wasted a lot of time researching and interviewing planners before I realized that A.) I didn’t HAVE to hire anyone, and B.) John and I had all the tools we needed to plan OUR perfect wedding day. And side note, shocker - obviously, none of the wedding planners I interviewed ever mentioned to me, hey by the way, did you know that you could actually just do this on your own? Thankfully I came around to that, but it took lots of wasted effort and stress to get there. Flash forward to today - I literally created the Wedding Planning Podcast so that any engaged couple could tune in and use the episodes and the tools we review in the weekly shows to plan their own wedding - no professional or pricey wedding planner required. Spoiler alert before we even dive in - I definitely DO NOT think you have to spend thousands of dollars to hire a professional wedding planner! Some alternatives? Try checking out the sites we mentioned in today's show, including your local Craigslist postings, Thumbtack.com , taskrabbit.com and fiverr.com I also know that there are countless wonderful wedding planning professionals out there, and for some couples it’s a really smart investment … and we’ll get into all of that that much more in today’s show. Click here for the full blog post from today's show. A special thank you for supporting our valued show sponsors who made this week’s free episode possible! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding! FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your free wedding website today when you visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted . Even better? You'll also receive a $50 credit towards wedding stationary when you use a Minted Weddings website - no code needed!
Wed, January 01, 2025
Things You Need to Know Before Hiring a Wedding Planner / Day Of Coordinator
"The more thought & intention you put into your wedding plans throughout your engagement, the richer your wedding celebration will be." Should we hire a WEDDING PLANNER / Day of Coodinator? In today's workshop-style meeting, we’re going to review a list of critical guidelines to keep in mind as you tackle this super important part of your engagement journey. A full show recap (AND a sneak peek into next week's episode!) can be found in this blog post >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/hiring-a-wedding-planner A special thank you for supporting this week's show sponsors, who make these free wedding workshops possible! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding! FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your free wedding website today when you visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted . Even better? You'll also receive a $50 credit towards wedding stationary when you use a Minted Weddings website - no code needed!
Wed, January 01, 2025
Engagement Starter Kit, PART 1: "Defining A Clear Wedding Vision"
Welcome to Part One of the Engagement Starter Kit Bonus Series from the Wedding Planning Podcast! There are 3 KEYS to a stress-free, joyful wedding planning experience ... ... and you won't find them anywhere on Google, TikTok, or Pinterest. The first key? DEFINING A CLEAR WEDDING VISION. Embracing a positive and empowering wedding mindset can magically free you from the endless cycle of stress, overwhelm & expense that so many couples are trapped in. In this episode, explore exactly how to: IDENTIFY YOUR TOP WEDDING PRIORITIES, and commit to standing up for them. CONFIDENTLY MAKE WEDDING DECISIONS that reflect only the things you value most. TUNE OUT THE NOISY WEDDING INDUSTRY that's always buzzing in the background, clamoring for your time, attention, and money. SIMPLIFY EVERY SINGLE WEDDING DECISION YOU MAKE with an unbelievably simple formula. It's no secret that weddings have changed A LOT over the past couple of years. It's finally time to embrace an updated planning strategy that prioritizes & honors YOU. That's why I offer completely personalized, one-on-one wedding strategy calls to support you throughout your engagement. I LOVE sharing free resources and weekly shows with you, but nothing can replace the personalized quality and value of working together, one-on-one. I've been a wedding industry visionary for 14 years, and trust me when I say that I've seen & heard it all ... and the great news is that there is always a creative solution or workaround waiting to be discovered. Book just one call to get a few specific questions squared away, or book a series of calls for ongoing support throughout your engagement:
Wed, December 25, 2024
The Vendor that 98% of Married Couples Regret NOT Hiring.
On the fence about hiring a wedding videographer? You’re certainly not alone! In my experience, hiring a videographer is the number one vendor that engaged couples are undecided about. It’s an important decision, and a really big investment. So you might be surprised to learn that in a post-wedding survey, 98% of couples asked reported that they regretted NOT having a video made of their wedding day. Because videography is such a huge topic to unpack, today I have an expert special guest joining us >>> Meet 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!
Wed, December 18, 2024
Maximizing Quality & Value of Your Wedding Celebration
This week, 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 today's show. Lucky for all of us, there are opportunities to simultaneously maximize quality AND value literally everywhere. 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 to you, Kara PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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. Browse gorgeous paper products and complementary free wedding websites from our friends at Minted Weddings.
Wed, December 11, 2024
Keeping it Small? Here's Your Micro-Wedding Blueprint
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. PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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 and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Wed, December 04, 2024
Design Your Wedding Reception Decor Like a Pro
“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: We're also going to review 3 affordable reception decor ideas pulled straight from Pinterest to get your inspiration flowing. Beautiful bolts of tulle Affordable lanterns in various sizes & colors from Ikea Claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit here! A special thank you to today's show sponsors: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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.
Wed, November 27, 2024
Ultimate Guide to Wedding Cake & Desserts
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: The complete blog post for today's show is linked here >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/cake TLC rounded up a group of experts to share the most popular wedding cake flavor combos for last year, and here’s a complete "sampling" of their list. CAKE TOPPERS on Etsy that are customizable, simple, and super affordable, Browse thousands of beautiful SUGAR FLOWER DECORATIONS from independent business owners on Etsy Best way to save the top layer for our one year anniversary? Here’s a link to a very simple "cake saver" from Amazon. 30 Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Cake 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! Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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.
Fri, November 22, 2024
Follow Up Wedding Q&A | The Value in Thinking Outside the Box
Happy Friday, and welcome to another BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "How To: DIY Appetizers & Charcuterie Board" show that aired on Wednesday Nov 20. Today is a mix of behind-the-scenes insight from me, your reception-related questions, and also a couple of hindsight wedding experiences to share from listeners who were recently married. There's a ton of value packed into this 20 minute bonus show, and I hope you love it! I'm running a follow up Q&A each Friday in November, and if you’re loving it, I’ll keep going - but to do so I do need YOUR questions, thoughts, and ideas about that week’s episode. Here’s how it works - follow the WPP wherever you listen, and I’ll send a free weekly episode to your device each Wednesday. After you enjoy the show, send me your thoughts, questions and ideas either in an email or a voicemail, and I’ll share those on Friday. It's a quick turnaround, I know, so you'll have to act fast! Be in touch on our website, weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact OR you can send a DM on Instagram to @weddingplanningpodcast. Enjoy the show!
Wed, November 20, 2024
How To: DIY Wedding Reception Appetizers & Charcuterie Board
The cost of food & drinks can be a huge source of frustration when planning your wedding. I can’t tell you how many messages I get from couples who are utterly horrified by the per person fee for dinner & drinks - and rightfully so! Today we’re going to explore setting up your own appetizer spread, and I think you’ll be blown away by the savings ... yes, up to 85% off the cost of a traditional wedding caterer. Tune in for my detailed roadmap to appetizer / happy hour menu planning, shopping, and setting it all up. We'll review how much to buy, where to shop, and what you can expect the total price tag to be for TWO different sample menu options. We even cover the details that are often overlooked, so that your plan is airtight and nothing is missed. Even if you are using a more traditional caterer for the main meal, doing your own appetizer spread is a wonderful way to customize the offering, UP the quality, AND save a ton of money. What's not to love? Not allowed to bring outside food into your venue? This process for setting up a beautiful appetizer spread is also perfect for your bridal shower, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or any other party you host in the future. Be sure to bookmark it, and share this episode with a friend who's helping you plan! Enjoy the full blog post: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/cheese Discover endless cocktail hour inspiration! https://www.pinterest.com/karasvinwedding/wedding-cocktail-hour/ A very special thank you to today's show sponsors: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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!
Fri, November 15, 2024
Follow Up Wedding Q&A | 4-6 Week Wedding Countdown
Happy Friday, and welcome to another BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "4-6 Week Wedding Countdown" show that aired on Wednesday Nov 13. Today we're finding answers to everything on your mind, including: Dis-inviting moms to final venue walk through? Last-minute doubts about decor and signage, do we need more? Do we have to tell our guests that we're already technically married? How to design a clean & crisp tablescape {link to Wedding Q&A Pinterest board here!} Wedding stuff to be on the lookout for during Black Friday / Cyber Monday holiday sales? Is it too late to hire a month-of coordinator? Dealing with unwanted, uninvited "plus 1's" in our RSVPs I'm running a follow up Q&A each Friday in November, and if you’re loving it, I’ll keep going - but to do so I do need YOUR questions, thoughts, and ideas about that week’s episode! Here’s how it works - follow the WPP wherever you listen, and I’ll send a free weekly episode to your device each Wednesday. After you enjoy the show, send me your thoughts, questions and ideas either in an email or a voicemail, and I’ll share those on Friday. It's a quick turnaround, I know, so you'll have to act fast! Be in touch on our website, weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact OR you can send a DM on Instagram to @weddingplanningpodcast. Enjoy the show!
Wed, November 13, 2024
4-6 Week Wedding Countdown: Your Final Month To-Do List
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 PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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.
Fri, November 08, 2024
Follow Up: Wedding Etiquette Q&A {original show dated 9.11.24}
Is it OK to ... ? I got lots of mail in response to the Wedding Etiquette show that aired on 9.11.24, and in this Friday Follow Up Q&A I'm opening my mailbox and sharing your questions! We'll talk through ... Inviting kids to the wedding, Requesting a specific dress code, A tiny wedding chappel that can't accomodate everyone, The etiquette surrounding your wedding parties, When to actually send Thank You notes, and lots more. Enjoy, And be in touch with your questions anytime at weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact
Wed, November 06, 2024
Samantha + Sean's Wedding Recap: No Cell Service + A Hot Air Balloon
Samantha & Sean got married in September 2024 at a state park in New York, but this was no ordinary celebration ... Their stunning wedding weekend featured no cell service, just 6 electrical outlets, and a hot air balloon send off for the new bride and groom! Samantha is joining us this week to share the good, the challenges, the things she would do differently, and the things she wouldn’t change for the world. To view her beautiful wedding photos and a full recap of today’s show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/samantha. And if you've ever dreamed about quitting your day job to pursue something you're truly passionate about, Samantha can relate 100%! Be sure to check out her wedding floral business venture, @golden.hour.flowers on Instagram PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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.
Fri, November 01, 2024
Follow Up Wedding Q&A | "Is This a Crazy Idea?"
Happy Friday, and welcome to a BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "Is This a Crazy Idea?" that aired on Wednesday Oct 30. I'm running a follow up Q&A each Friday in November, and if you’re loving it, I’ll keep going - but to do so I do need YOUR questions, thoughts, and ideas about that week’s episode! Here’s how it works - follow the WPP wherever you listen, and I’ll send a free weekly episode to your device each Wednesday. After you enjoy the show, send me your thoughts, questions and ideas either in an email or a voicemail, and I’ll share those on Friday. It's a quick turnaround, I know, so you'll have to act fast! Be in touch on our website, weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact OR you can send a DM on Instagram to @weddingplanningpodcast. Enjoy the show!
Wed, October 30, 2024
5 Real Wedding Scenarios: "Is this a crazy idea?"
These listener scenarios that may seem a bit crazy on the surface … but in reality offer a great chance to maximize the quality AND the value of your wedding celebration! As you’re putting together plans for your wedding, there are endless creative opportunities for you to deploy a unique, offbeat solution to what may seem like a standard wedding checklist item. So many couples subconsciously 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? That’s what we’re going to highlight today with a few listener scenarios that may seem a little crazy on the surface … but in reality offer a great chance to maximize the quality AND the value of the end-result. Tune in for inspiration from other Wedding Planning Podcast listeners who had a kinda-crazy sounding idea ... and hear what worked, and what didn't! PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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.
Wed, October 23, 2024
Communication Issues, Wedding Reception Floor Plan & More Wedding Q&A
This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, tune in for my thoughts on some high-stakes wedding planning situations, including: Addressing communication issues with your fiance and fostering a spirit of compromise, Pro's & con's of a blank space venue with more versus less "do it yourself" requirements, Competing visions for stocking our bar, Ideal timing for our ceremony, We're having trouble conceptualizing our venue layout / floor plan ... what's the best way to approach setting up our tables & dance floor? Submit your wedding questions anytime by visiting our website >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact Book a 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Call to get all of your questions answered AND a written recap of actionable next-steps - in just 30 minutes! PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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.
Wed, October 16, 2024
A Designer Wedding Dress ... at a fraction of the designer price tag!
Access a curated collection of second-hand designer gowns & expert stylists at a fraction of the designer price tag! Loved Twice Bridal was created to take the guesswork out of shopping online for a second hand, designer wedding dress. You’ll have access to an experienced team of stylists who are available to answer all of your questions, so that you can buy a once-worn designer dress with confidence. Unlike peer-to-peer marketplaces, Loved Twice Bridal gives you access to a curated collection of designer gowns that have all been thoroughly evaluated and pre-screened for quality, with clear and reliable disclosures on measurements and alterations. This is a really unique opportunity to wear a designer gown at a fraction of the price tag, and today I've invited founder Sarah Gabbour to share the Loved Twice Bridal experience with you! In this week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, you'll gain: Online wedding dress shopping tips, including details on how the "Try At Home" feature works, Advice for wedding dress sizing (it's very different than what you're used to!) Tips for consignment selling your second-hand designer wedding dress after your wedding, Wedding dress budgeting advice, Important information about altering a second-hand wedding dress, Biggest mistakes and missed opportunities when shopping for your wedding dress, And so much more! To shop Loved Twice Bridal gowns and learn more about consignment options, visit www.lovedtwicebridal.com/weddingplanningpodcast And as a reminder for my Los Angeles / Southern California brides, Loved Twice Bridal does have a showroom in Beverly Hills. You can book an appointment for dress shopping OR for designer dress consignment by visiting their "Book an Appointment" page at the website linked above. PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Plann
Wed, October 09, 2024
Affordable Centerpiece Ideas & DIY Wedding Flower Tips
Looking for easy & affordable alternatives to hiring a professional florist ($$$$$) to decorate your wedding reception, table centerpieces, and bouquets? You're in the right place! 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: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com</str
Wed, October 02, 2024
What to Look For in Your Wedding Venue Contract
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: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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.
Wed, September 25, 2024
6 Major Wedding Day Timeline Mistakes
We all know that having a detailed WEDDING DAY TIMELINE is critical to keeping the day organized, and flowing stress-free. The problem is that lots of us get incredibly overwhelmed by the process because, well, it’s really damn overwhelming! Today I’m going to highlight some of the top mistakes I see couples make as they’re building out their wedding day timeline, so that you can sidestep these major pitfalls and rest easy knowing that you’ve covered all the bases. I’ve been on six wedding strategy calls this week, and 5 of them were focused primarily on wedding day timeline issues. Today’s free show is a great starting point, but if you need more personalized help ironing out the details of your specific wedding day timeline, that’s an option - Simply visit this link to book a 30-minute Wedding Strategy call with me. I release just 12 calls each month, and they book very quickly, so reserve your October call today! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Wed, September 18, 2024
8 Easy Ways to Save $3,650 on Your Wedding
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. 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: Wedding shoes on Amazon? Why not! Check out these beauties & more for a fraction of the price at a "wedding" retailer. Support a small business AND shop high quality, low priced wedding accessories on Etsy. 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 anot
Wed, September 11, 2024
A Fresh Look at Wedding Etiquette & "Rules"
Are you drowning in wedding "etiquette guidelines"? Everyone has an opinion on invitation wording, cash bars, inviting kids, wedding day transportation, and what traditions absolutely SHOULD be included in the wedding day. There’s nothing like planning a wedding to suddenly have everyone you’ve ever known come out of the woodwork with their opinions, right? Where wedding planning gets overwhelming is when ideas of what a wedding “should” look like are in conflict with our budget, our wants, and our personalities. And of course, an added layer of stress 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 some common “wedding etiquette rules” with a fresh set of eyes. Spoiler alert, I don’t necessarily have a right / wrong, ok / not ok answer for every single piece of wedding etiquette, because look, there is just so much gray area here. I could sit here all day and say, it’s never ok to do that, it’s always better to do that, but that’s not actuality, that’s not the world we live in. I thought it would be helpful to take a list of common etiquette and rules that are flying around out there, and have a critical conversation about each one so that you can decide what’s right for YOU. Which leads me perfectly into, Please trust that you ALWAYS have the support from me to ditch what everyone else is doing, and craft your day, your way. No this doesn’t mean being blatantly rude or disagreeable to your family, or sneaking behind your partner to sabotage something that you know they really want, or failing to honor your guests who are committing significant time & resources to participate in your wedding and support you. Obviously use common sense, compromise and understanding throughout your engagement. But these commonly held wedding etiquette rules & beliefs can by all means be adjusted and updated to serve you and your unique priorities. LINKS & RESOURCES mentioned in today's show: Setting up a Facebook Group for your wedding guests Some Couples Are Charging Their Wedding Guests to Attend </
Wed, August 28, 2024
Building a Useful Wedding Gift Registry
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 PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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.
Wed, August 21, 2024
10 Discussion Points to Review With Your Wedding Planner
A top-notch Wedding Planner / 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 so much more, and visit the blog post for today's show for a full written recap. PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Thu, August 15, 2024
Creative Catering, Food & Drink Options for Your Wedding Reception
Lucky for us, there are literally endless creative ways to treat your guests to a unique food & drink experience on your wedding day. In today’s BONUS WORKSHOP, we’re going to explore exactly how to: Conceptualize & research what to serve, Smart money-saving tips that many couples miss, And even some "do it yourself" options if you’re looking to get hands on - literally! Just a few of my favorite offbeat, wedding day food options: Made-to-order brick oven pizzas, A taco truck with variety of meats, toppings and fixings, Pre-made bento boxes, Gourmet picnic bags, A really unique local food truck, Fondue style where guests simmer meats in oil and dip bread and veggies in melted cheeses. Extensive charcuterie board table with meats, gourmet cheeses, olives, local honey, olive oil tastings, and for dinner your favorite pasta and salad served family-style. PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Wed, August 07, 2024
Dress Alterations, Styling & Accessories, Post-Wedding Preservation & More
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 here ) 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 here ) 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 - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Wed, July 31, 2024
How to Advocate For Your Wedding Vision & Top Priorities
This week's featured wedding planning meeting is an overview of how to formulate a detailed wedding vision - and equally as important, learning how to articulate and advocate for that vision with those who are helping you plan. Here's an overview of the specific scenario we'll be discussing: "How can we reign in our wedding planner? Our venue includes a coordinator for the rehearsal and wedding day, and initially I was pleasantly surprised by how accommodating and informative she is. Since the initial relief and excitement of finding and booking the perfect venue, we’re starting to realize the huge task ahead of us in terms of booking EVERYTHING (the venue comes with nothing set up, so we need to choose tables, chairs, place settings, dance floor, bar, basically everything.) At this point, I feel completely overwhelmed by her ideas & suggestions, and I’m starting to worry that the wedding she has envisioned for us does not line up with our vision OR our budget. How do I reign in our wedding planner and rest easy knowing that we are on the same page?" In my years of experience, it’s not just the wedding planners who need to reigned in ... often times it's also the moms, bridesmaids, aunts, cousins ... feeling familiar? We’re going to cover all these scenarios in today’s episode. You'll also enjoy a sneak peek inside my digital wedding planning package with release of exclusive audio, "Creating Your Wedding Vision". This exercise alone is one of the most valuable wedding planning tools I have to helping you create a celebration that truly honors your priorities & values. Tune in for so much more! PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted </strong
Wed, July 24, 2024
The Ultimate Engagement Checklist | 10 Things To Do First
Today 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! Links & resources: Is Engagement Ring insurance for you? PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Wed, July 17, 2024
From Overwhelmed & Discouraged to DREAM WEDDING ... How We Did It
"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. Tune in for so much more! PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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 design
Wed, July 10, 2024
Mapping Out Your Wedding Day Timeline
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: The DAY-OF TIMELINE , including all the events between waking up, and the wedding reception beginning, The RECEPTION TIMELINE , including the events that will happen within the reception itself. 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. PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Wed, July 03, 2024
Affordable + Personalized Reception Entertainment Ideas
If you’re looking for some CREATIVE + 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: creative wedding guest book ideas wedding seating chart ideas wedding place card table ideas DIY selfie station DIY wedding photo backdrop, Bouquet toss ideas Garder toss ideas Money dance ideas Creative wedding toast Dessert bar ideas, Unique first dance ideas For easy tips on getting a private Facebook group up and running, you can visit this link. PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. 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 <a href=
Wed, June 26, 2024
Expert Insights on Your DREAM HONEYMOON with Susan from Susan's Travel Services
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re joined by a very special guest and friend of the show, Susan from Susan’s Travel Services. Tune in for Susan's detailed process for planning the honeymoon of your dreams, including insider travel advice about flights, destinations, travel upgrades, and even her list of top travel mistakes to avoid. We cover: The detailed 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 insights 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!
Wed, June 19, 2024
5 Easy Steps to Choosing Your Wedding Colors
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. I also have a bonus rundown of the top Wedding Color Palette MISTAKES that I see couples make, so be sure to stick around until the end! 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 - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Wed, June 12, 2024
Compromising on a $10,000 Honeymoon & All or Nothing Guest List
The theme of this week's show is COMPROMISE. We're exploring the importance of being on the same page with respect to finances, how you spend your free time, and of course, the ability to COMPROMISE - whether it's about your honeymoon or your wedding guest list. Tune in for so much more! I’m looking for new stories from you about your engagement, wedding planning milestones, questions, anxieties, and anything else you’d like to share. I’d love to feature your voice on the podcast, so please get in touch with your stories and questions by heading to weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact . I can’t wait to hear from you! PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Wed, June 05, 2024
"We Ditched the Traditions & Made Our Wedding Truly Personal" - A Real Bride's Planning Roadmap
Meet special guest Emma, who’s here to share the highlights, unique elements, and planning challenges from their beautiful wedding celebration at Hilton Lake Las Vegas. In this special episode, you'll hear lots more from Emma on: The pros of having NO wedding party Celebrating over a 3-day weekend in their hometown The endless benefits of a very chill wedding day / intentionally left lots of open time & space to relax Their "First Look" - and favorite part of the day! “Last Dance” w/ just the two of us after the room has been cleared Mini after-party at hotel lobby bar, Keeping it early & chill - wrapped everything up by 9:30 pm The challenges of setting a wedding budget and knowing where the starting point is Trying on 50+ dresses before finding “The One” And so much more! For a complete written recap and to see their absolutely gorgeous wedding photos, here's a complete article that features Emma and Drew’s incredible wedding celebration . And to wrap up this week, I would LOVE to hear from you! Whether it’s about a planning challenge or question you’re facing, a post-wedding day recap that you’d like to share, or simply requests for upcoming show topics, you can send in a voicemail to the show by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact In your message, please be sure to leave your name and email address so we can reach you for follow up. I would love to share more stories like Emma’s, but I need your participation, so please make it a priority to be in touch! A special thank you to this week's show sponsor: 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!
Wed, May 29, 2024
When Things Go Terribly Wrong ... Preparing for Unforeseen Wedding Mishaps
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 for so much more! If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit. I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience. Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm. This is a completely FREE gift from me to you , and I hope you love it! PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> <a href= "http://www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/ets
Wed, May 22, 2024
Hosting, Etiquette & Planning Tips for an Unforgettable Bridal Shower / Wedding Shower
There are countless unique ways to celebrate your wedding / bridal shower (that don't involve sitting around and playing awkward games with your female friends & relatives!). In this week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're giving the "traditional" wedding shower some much-needed updates. Listen in for creative + modern twists that you're sure to fall in love with. In many cases you don’t plan your own shower, so please feel free to forward this episode along to anyone who's helping you with your wedding plans! For a complete written version of today's show, including lots of listener Q&A's, visit the blog post linked here. PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Wed, May 15, 2024
Crafting Your Wedding Vows, Featuring "The Vow Whisperer" | Tanya Pushkine
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re joined by a very special guest, Tanya Pushkine from The Vow Whisperer . Tanya offers professional vow writing support, officiant services, and even wedding ceremony production support, including public speaking coaching. Tanya will guide you through exactly how to put your heart into words, resulting in crafted wedding vows that are truly meaningful to you & you partner. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes tour of her process, best practices for creating your wedding vows and ceremony flow, and so much more. To learn more about working with Tanya, please visit The Vow Whisperer website linked here , and follow her on social media @thevowwhisperer. 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 booking!
Wed, May 08, 2024
Maximizing Your Time at a Wedding Fair / Bridal Expo
Would you volunteer to host a party for 40 people and then rush out to the store with no menu planned & no shopping list? No way! You’d sit down and plan out what everyone was going to bring, make a menu of app's & drinks, look up some recipes, and then make a detailed list of exactly what you need to buy. So why on earth would you head out to a WEDDING FAIR / BRIDAL EXPO with absolutely no plan, and just "see what happens"? Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast we’re going to take inventory of your priorities, and make a list of your top goals for your day spent at the wedding fair. This way you can MAXIMIZE your time spent with vendors and gathering inspiration, and minimize the stress & overwhelm factor of wandering through hundreds of booths full of noisy commotion. After our time together today, when the 15th DJ asks you if you want to dance, and the 22nd wedding planner asks you to spin their "wheel o' fun" ... ... you can confidently smile, say no thanks , and keep walking. To submit questions for an upcoming show , simply visit our website and leave me a voicemail! PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible: Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking. FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more. Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
Wed, May 01, 2024
Streamline + Simplify: Wedding Transportation, 2 Receptions, Hosting A Multi-Event Wedding Weekend
STREAMLINE + SIMPLIFY has been a tagline for the WPP literally since I created the show way back in 2015. (Look closely, it's even on our old logo!) Not only are these two of my favorite words in the English language - that I try and live by in ALL aspects of my life - more specifically, they perfectly summarize my approach to wedding planning. Every situation you’ll encounter throughout your engagement can be examined through the lens of simplicity and potentially scaled back or streamlined in some way that will make your life easier, more affordable, more relaxing, and overall, more enjoyable. Often we find ourselves in the midst of a planning roadblock and the first instinct is to explore your options. In the first example we’re going to talk about today - a couple who has family in 2 different places, many of whom don’t want to travel, you might consider … getting married in each place, what would that look like? Getting married where we live? Getting married on an island with just us? In all the feelings and family dynamics and charged emotions that fly around throughout your engagement season, it’s sometimes easy to get lost in a million far-fetched options ... when the simplest, most streamlined option is left by the wayside. On that note, today we’re going to explore some common wedding planning scenarios where things can escalate and become verrrrrrrrrry complicated, very quickly. I’m going to do my best to point out some straightforward, simple solutions that I hope will make your engaged life EASIER, MORE AFFORDABLE, and put a stop to waking up in the middle of the night with your mind racing over how many passed appetizers there should be, how many people should be in your wedding party, and how much ice to buy for your welcome party. Ready to get started? Tune into the full show for so much more! Thank you for supporting this week's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services! 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.
Wed, April 24, 2024
Creating Your Wedding Seating Chart
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, “Do It Yourself” seating chart signs here , 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: 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!
Wed, April 17, 2024
Last Minute Wedding Planning Checklist | 1-2 weeks before your wedding
Today we're doing a detailed review of critical LAST MINUTE wedding details that you’ll want to stay on top of in the 1-2 weeks leading up to your wedding day. Even if your wedding is still months away, this show is perfect for you to proactively make notes about some of the things you can anticipate in those final weeks before the big day! A detailed blog post / show recap of everything we reviewed can be found here. Links to the Pinterest boards mentioned in today’s show: Wedding Planning Podcast Checklists A huge thank you to today’s show sponsors! If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit. I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience. Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm. This is a completely FREE gift from me to you , and I hope you love it! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Wed, April 10, 2024
Anticipate These Eight Wedding Planning "Blind Spots"
Save yourself piles of unwanted stress when you proactively anticipate these 8 wedding planning "blind spots" ! Over the past 8 years of producing the Wedding Planning Podcast, one of my favorite pieces of feedback from you is some variation of, “WOW, we never would have even thought of that!” I love sharing wedding planning ideas and strategies that go beyond what you might find if you simply google something, or browse through a quick article on a wedding website. Don’t get me wrong, we cover the basics here too - but I LOVE digging down deeper to find the solutions and options that aren’t quite so obvious, and that might offer a really creative way to put a unique spin on your day, make your guests’ experience that much more incredible, or save you a ton of money by simply making a little adjustment or swap. Today we’re going to cover EIGHT wedding planning “blind spots” - areas that past couples and listeners of the podcast have pointed out as things they wouldn’t necessarily have thought about during their planning, but that became clear after listening to an episode, or in some cases, after their actual wedding was over and done with (and it was too late …) If you’re in the early stages of planning, hopefully we can catch a few things now, so that you don’t find yourself a year or two from now saying, " if only we knew then what we know now!" I know you have literally millions of options in terms of wedding websites, blogs, magazines, and other podcasts, and I thank you from my whole heart for spending this time with me, and for including me in your wedding planning journey. It’s a huge honor, and a huge responsibility that I hold with endless respect and gratitude, thank you. I’ll meet you here again next week, same time, same place! Cheers, xo Kara 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!
Wed, April 03, 2024
Maximizing Your WEDDING WEBSITE
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 explains exactly how to set one up. PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services! Get professional help planning y
Wed, March 27, 2024
Beautiful & Affordable SAVE THE DATES + WEDDING INVITATIONS
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!
Wed, March 20, 2024
My inbox is full of questions about Wedding Flowers!
This week, I have an inbox full of your wedding flower questions to share! I also put together a list of the top wedding flower mistakes that I see couples make, to further help guide you to "DIY wedding flower SUCCESS". Today we're reviewing: How much should 5 relatively simple bouquets cost? I’m being quoted over $1200, which feels so ridiculous. Visiting a flower farm to pick stems w/ my bridal party - how early should we pick & arrange them so that they are still fresh? How much time should we allocate to making the bouquets & centerpieces in the day or two before the wedding? Downsides to ordering flowers online? Considering Costco but the prices seem too good to be true We definitely want to do flower bouquets for me & bridesmaid and a simple flower on the guys’ jacket, but do you have any ideas for creative centerpieces that are more affordable than flowers? Additional resources mentioned in today's episode: Wedding Flowers by Season Wholesale Flowers from COSTCO Wholesale Flowers from FIFTY FLOWERS Creative Centerpieces, show dated July 2023 (I said "June" in the show, my apologies!) A special THANK YOU to Susan's Travel Services for making today's episode possible! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Wed, March 13, 2024
Maximizing Quality + Value of Your WEDDING FLOWERS
Wedding flowers are high on the list of things that couples rate "not very" to "not at all" important to them. So why spend thousands of dollars on elaborate, professional floral centerpieces and bouquets? There are so many simple, beautiful & affordable alternatives - Today I have an 5-part formula for you to follow so that you can have beautiful, top quality flowers ... for an affordable price tag. And the tips I’m sharing today don’t have to be just for your wedding - you can use the same guidelines for any event, including engagement party, bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, or any special event you’ll host between now & your wedding, and even beyond. Tune in and explore exactly how you can maximize the QUALITY AND VALUE of your wedding flowers using 5 simple guidelines. RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW: Bulk Florals & Arrangements from Costco Wedding Flowers by Season Find a flower warehouse / wholesaler near you! Simply search, "floral wholesaler near me" In San Diego? Here's my favorite flower / decor wholesaler A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for making today's episode possible! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Wed, March 06, 2024
Complete Guide to DESTINATION WEDDINGS | featuring Susan's Travel Services
Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're joined by Susan from Susan's Travel Services to talk about the endless benefits and of hosting a Destination Wedding. Tune in for the full scoop on this ever-popular wedding hosting trend, including: The huge TIME, STRESS & MONEY-saving opportunities that this wedding format presents, The importance of having a TRUSTED ADVOCATE when planning such a high-stakes, international event, TOP WEDDING DESTINATIONS for 2024 & beyond, INSIDER INFO you simply must know about your overall planning timeline, finding vendors, and making your guest list, The importance of setting REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS when working with overseas resorts and vendors, The truth behind "too good to be true" social media posts & videos that misrepresent appearance, quality & cost, And so much more! Susan has personally helped me plan TWO unforgettable vacations, and I can guarantee there will be many more! Her genuine love of travel and new experiences - and wanting to SHARE that with her clients - is evident in every single step of working with her & her team. For a FREE viritual consultation with Susan, visit her calendar linked here. And don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast during your initial consultation for $200 off your destination wedding booking, or $50 off your honeymoon. Cheers to you & the trip of a lifetime! A note from Susan: I am so excited to work with you and talk about a Destination Wedding! With over 28 years in the business and over 350 destination weddings planned, I have lots of insight and experience. It's a huge love for me! Some things to know before we meet: Where are you thinking on getting married? When are you thinking on getting married? Will there be kids at your wedding (under 18)? What do you think your wedding budget is? We will talk all about this, but just to get things started! Thank you again! Susan
Wed, February 28, 2024
Hosting Tips for an Unforgettable REHEARSAL DINNER
You’ve done months (maybe even YEARS) of wedding planning & preparation, and the big day is finally almost here! Last stop? Rehearsal dinner. This week we’re reviewing everything you need to know for planning & hosting this extra special night with your family & friends. We cover everything from the ceremony rehearsal itself to practical tips for hosting your loved ones afterwards. DETAILED BLOG POST HERE --> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/rehearsal Naturally, I have a ton of creative alternatives to taking 50 of your closest friends & family out to eat at a nice restaurant ($$$). Beyond just saving money, we’ll also cover: When to start planning (hint - it might be earlier than you think!) Personality-packed options for location and food selection Tips for keeping the night on pace and organized And meaningful touches that will be remembered beyond the wedding day. This topic is so dear to me - I remember our rehearsal dinner as one of the most special nights of my life. We grilled chicken, steak & veggies with our friends & family on the property where we got married, had all the fave drinks flowing, and a curated list of our favorite songs turned way up. We laughed, talked & celebrated long past sunset, and it was an absolutely magical night. I wish all the same for you! xo, Kara PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors: If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit. I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience. Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm. This is a completely FREE gift from me to you , and I hope you love it! <span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Sego
Wed, February 21, 2024
Casual Reception Hosting Tips, Keeping our Marriage a "Secret", Dress Code Suggestions | WEDDING Q&A
Tune in for answers to your wedding questions in a brand new episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast: Hosting tips for a casual micro-wedding the month after ceremony? We will already be technically married at our celebration - should we share this w/ our guests? What about the non-dancers at our reception? Additional activiites? Choosing bridesmaids dilemma Controversy over suggesting what your guests "should" wear to the wedding celebration >>> As always, you can submit your wedding questions here , or send me an email: k a r a {at} weddingplanningpodcast.co >>> Keep in touch on Instagram! Follow @weddingplanningpodcast If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit. I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience. Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm. This is a completely FREE gift from me to you , and I hope you love it! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
Wed, February 07, 2024
Rehearsal Dinner Rip-Off, Insane Price of Flowers, Guest Seating Guidelines & More | WEDDING PLANNING Q&A
Get ready for a jam-packed Wedding Q&A show, full of your planning questions & concerns! Here's a sampling of what's on the menu this week: How much alcohol to buy? >>> click here for one of my favorite hosting tools ever (and tune in to my full answer for lots more helpful tips on the topic!) What can we expect for the price of flowers? Who pays for the bridal shower, & should I offer to help? >>> click here for blog post "Practical Bridal Shower Gift Ideas" Fiance doesn't want any wedding party at all, but I do. How to proceed? Rehearsal dinner options are way too expensive. Advice on making it more affordable? Should we hire a babysitter for our reception? Do we have to seat wedding party members with their dates? SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING QUESTIONS HERE. YES, it's totally annonymous, YES I really want to hear from you, and no - I won't use your name or voice on the show! Thanks for being here, and we'll meet again next week! Cheers, Kara PS - An EXTRA special thank you for supporting today's show sponsors! It's time to forget overpriced, unhealthy, and time-consuming takeout! Head to factormeals.com/wedding50 and use code wedding50 to get 50% off your first box and 2 free wellness shots per box while subscription is active. 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!
Trailer · Mon, January 01, 2024
Welcome to the Wedding Planning Podcast!
Join thousands of INTENTIONAL + JOYFUL engaged couples who know that the wedding celebration of their dreams is possible ... even if right now, planning an entire wedding feels a *little bit* overwhelming! Be sure to hit FOLLOW wherever you listen , and each Wednesday you'll enjoy a FREE, down-to-earth + straight-to-the-point wedding planning "meeting" where we explore everything from: Hidden TIME + MONEY + STRESS savers, Decoding the complex process of researching + hiring your team of IDEAL VENDORS, Identifying + incorporating your top VALUES into your celebration, Muting the noise + remaining laser-focused on a SMART PLANNING STRATEGY, ENHANCING YOUR RELATIONSHIP with your partner, your family + your loved ones, Monthly "Ask Anything" opportunities with your host, Kara And so much MORE! I have an open door and love to hear your wedding questions, stories, thoughts & suggestions for upcoming episodes! You can be in touch anytime by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact And speaking of our website , it’s a great place to find past episode recaps, and special offers from our tight-knit community of incredible show sponsors. They literally make these free shows possible, and by supporting them, you are supporting your favorite wedding planning podcast, for which I am incredibly grateful. If you’d like to go beyond the free weekly episodes and book a personalized 1-on-1 call, you can explore lots of flexible and affordable options by clicking here. I know that you have literally millions of choices when it comes to online wedding planning content, and it’s a huge honor to be a part of such a special time in your lives. A huge congratulations on your engagement, and I can’t wait to get started in the next episode!
Fri, December 01, 2023
Bachelorette Party Planning Tips + Sample Itineraries
Your bachelorette party is a really fun engagement milestone AND it'll be a breeze to plan with these easy planning guidelines + sample itineraries! Today's show also includes lots of your questions on party etiquette, gift giving, who plans what, and even the "tale of two parties" ... two very different formats, each with their own pro's, and each guaranteed to result in an unforgettable night(s)! A special THANK YOU for supporting the show by supporting our valued show partners: Get professional help planning your BACHELORETTE PARTY WEEKEND when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your final booking! Visit Generation Tux , where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online. Gift your favorite bride 8 EASY + delicious meals when you visit factormeals.com/wedding50 and use code wedding50 to get 50% off!
Wed, September 27, 2023
98% of Married Couples Recommend Doing THIS.
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!
Wed, June 07, 2023
Important Considerations When Planning a BACKYARD WEDDING
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!
Bonus · Sun, January 16, 2022
Ask Me Anything >>> WEDDING BUDGET | Week 1 Bonus Q&A
Today's BONUS WEDDING Q&A show is designed to show you exactly how to have all the wedding things that are most important to you, regardless of how much money you actually have in the bank. Sounds pretty amazing, right??? Let's face it, you’re overwhelmed & struggling with your wedding budget if any one, two, or maybe even three of these sound familiar: If you get a pit in your stomach even thinking about your wedding budget (let alone talking about it). If you’re constantly worried about how much everything is going to cost, and looking for ways to save as much money as possible - or, even worse, you’re sweeping the whole money convo under the rug, trying not to even think about it. You’re wondering how on earth your wedding can live up to the pictures we’re bombarded with on social media and big wedding websites. And if you’re drinking wine with your dog or your cat and in total despair because everything is way more expensive than you ever imagined it would be ... ... then you my friend are a walking case of budget stress and overwhelm, and we can’t have you going through life these next few months shouldering all of that! This level of anxiety not only creates toxic stress in your daily life that’s bad for your physical health, but it’s also going to suck the fun out of your engagement - and it doesn’t have to be that way. Yes, weddings cost money, but by ignoring your financial situation you’re setting yourselves up to be that couple a year from now who went waaaayyyy over budget, who had to use wedding gift money to pay off credit cards, and who - although they might not admit it to anyone out loud - looks back and realizes that in hindsight, there’s a whole laundry list of things that were completely unnecessary. (I have a story about this to share, coming up in one of our questions for today.) Living in a place of overwhelm and judging yourself & your wedding decisions against staged photos and strangers on the internet isn’t serving anyone. There are some very powerful shifts that I can offer to lift you up to a place where you confront your wedding budget head on - that’s the convo we had last week on Wednesday, in our Wedding Budget Workshop. You have the hard conversations, you’ve seen in black and white how much money you’re working with, you commit to your priorities, and then it’s DONE. And that’s the point where you can move on to a more joyful place where choosing a photographer and a venue and a dress is FUN because you’re not constantly worried about how much it’s gonna cost. You KNOW you have enough money to cover your top priorities, it doesn’t matter if it’s going to look like the wedding you saw on tik tok this morning. This is where you can confidently invest in your priorities, tune out and say NO to the stuff that’s not important to you, and you’re not even gonna recognize that girl who was alone
Wed, November 24, 2021
ASK ME ANYTHING | Eloping, Having Children, Shopping Seasonal Sales, Wedding Location & More
This week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast is a collection of wedding questions & situations submitted by members of my digital wedding planning package , The VAULT. Membership includes the priceless benefit of submitting your wedding questions for feature on these monthly "Ask Me Anything" shows, and this week we're discussing in detail: The particulars of ELOPING Shopping seasonal sales for great deals on wedding stuff ( Etsy sales are EVERYWHERE right now!) To airbrush, or not to airbrush? Addressing STD's and invitations, Pricing within a vendor contract, Should we DIY the music? How did you decide when to have children? And, more! Monthly membership to The VAULT also includes a weekly bonus “off the record” chat where we can connect behind-the-scenes, and go deeper into select wedding topics covered in the free weekly shows. Enjoy TWO featured OFF THE RECORD bonus shows when you sign up for a free 3-day trial of The VAULT . There are zero contracts, no pre-payments or obligation, and you're free to cancel anytime ... although I certainly hope you'll recognize the value in this revolutionary, ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding, and that we can continue the journey together! Cheers to you & your dream wedding celebration, Kara PS - Thank you for supporting today's show sponsors: Take advantage of FREE 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. Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code within today's episode
Wed, October 27, 2021
ASK ME ANYTHING | Seating Chart, Drink Tickets, Honeymoon Planning, Unplugged Ceremony & More
This week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast is a collection of wedding questions & situations submitted by members of my digital wedding planning package , The VAULT. Membership includes the priceless benefit of submitting your wedding questions for feature on these monthly Q&A shows, and this week we're discussing in detail: Should we bother creating a seating chart? How much alcohol should we buy for 100 guests? Are "drink tickets" rude? Budgeting for dress alterations Details on FREE 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.) Pros to an unplugged ceremony & tips for communicating your expectations to guests And so much more! Monthly membership to The VAULT also includes a weekly bonus “off the record” chat where we can connect behind-the-scenes, and go deeper into select wedding topics covered in the free weekly shows. Enjoy TWO featured OFF THE RECORD bonus shows when you sign up for a free 3-day trial of The VAULT . There are zero contracts, no pre-payments or obligation, and you're free to cancel anytime ... although I certainly hope you'll recognize the value in this revolutionary, ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding, and that we can continue the journey together! Cheers to you & your dream wedding celebration, Kara
Wed, October 06, 2021
ASK ME ANYTHING | DIY Invitations, Online Bridesmaid Dresses, Disagreeable Vendors & A Covid Update
This week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast is a collection of wedding questions & situations submitted by members of my digital wedding planning package , The VAULT. Membership includes the priceless benefit of submitting your wedding questions for feature on these monthly Q&A shows, and this week we're discussing in detail: DIY Invitations - is this really a good way to save money? (If you're interested in HIGHER quality, much MORE for your $$$ and VERY similar end-game pricing , I'd recommend Minted Weddings ) Processional - order, traditions, substitutions (detailed article >>> Processional Order ) Online bridesmaid dress shopping (including my very recent personal experience & recommendations >>> azazie.com ), A brief COVID update, And last but certainly not least, managing disagreeable vendors. Monthly membership to The VAULT also includes a weekly bonus “off the record” chat where we can connect behind-the-scenes, and go deeper into select wedding topics covered in the free weekly shows. The latest TWO featured OFF THE RECORD bonus shows are available to you for a sneak peek when you sign up for a free 3-day trial of The VAULT . There are zero contracts, no pre-payments or obligation, and you're free to cancel anytime ... although I certainly hope you'll recognize the value in this revolutionary, ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding, and that we can continue the journey together! Cheers to you & your dream wedding celebration, Kara PS - Thank you for supporting this week's show sponsors: Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month. Take adv
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