Wedding Planning Podcast

In this brand new episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, I’m sharing AN ULTIMATE ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST, including 10 key "to-do's" to launch your wedding planning journey into action.

CONGRATULATIONS! The days & weeks after saying "YES!" are a whirlwind of fun & excitement ...

From sharing the news with your loved ones, flashing that ring every chance you get, and dreaming of cakes and dresses, you're definitely at the start of an unforgettable time in your lives.

I’ve worked with thousands of engaged couples over the past 7 years of producing this podcast, and most of them are in autopilot mode already at this point in the planning process.

And unfortunately, those couples miss a much larger opportunity.

An opportunity to wait patiently for their ideal wedding vision to unfold BEFORE going out and making big, irreversible decisions that end up really limiting what’s possible for them ... and I don’t want that for you.

SO MUCH MORE inside today's free audio meeting!

THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors:

Welcome to The VAULT, a unique subscription-based planning tool for couples who are dreaming of an UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING CELEBRATION ... minus the crushing stress, expense, and overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

* * * NEW MEMBER BONUS * * * Get 1-ON-1 CALLS included for the lifetime of your membership! CLICK HERE for details.

Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

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

"When the initial excitement settled, we felt like planning an entire wedding seemed really expensive, overwhelming, and exhausting."

Let me back up ...

My now-husband John proposed in the summer of 2009, at the end of a 3-week trip we took through Europe.

We were in Paris - our last stop - and we waited for hours to get to the lower platform of the Eiffel Tower, where he dropped to his knee with the sparking lights of the tower above us, and lit up city buildings & river boats in the distance.

We never even had dinner that night because it got so late, but you know how it is with the crazy excitement you felt on your engagement day - dinner didn’t even matter. We had just lived an incredibly powerful moment that was about to change our lives forever.

Within weeks, my ring was resized and fit perfectly. We had shared the news with literally everyone we knew, and we started discussions about potential venues and dates, and of course, the elephant in the room - how we would pay for everything.

* SPOILER ALERT * These conversations weren’t very productive, and we didn’t have any breakthrough revelations other than feeling like planning an entire wedding seemed really expensive, overwhelming, and exhausting.

My mom, sister & best friends were incredibly excited, and couldn’t wait to start planning showers, parties, dress shopping trips, and fun wedding projects.

But underneath all the buzz and excitement? There was this nagging discomfort / doubt / anxiety that I just couldn't shake ...

It had started as a passing thought, but was starting to grow bigger and harder to ignore.

This is when I started to realize that John and I had never even discussed our actual wedding ideas before getting engaged, and the logistics and finances of planning and hosting everything were already incredibly overwhelming -

And we really HADN'T EVEN GOTTEN STARTED, which multiplied that feeling by 10x.

The cost of living in San Diego was sky high (as it still is, everywhere). We were working really hard to advance in our careers so that we could do and have ALL the fun things.

We had some money saved, but not a ton … and we definitely didn't "plan" to spill over onto credit cards to pay for our wedding (trust me, no one "plans" to).

So what did we do?

PIVOT.

We shifted into a completely different mindset. We STOPPED looking at our wedding through the lens of tradition and "what everyone else is doing", and we started thinking outside the box about ways we could create a truly unique experience for our loved ones that didn’t look like every wedding we had already been to. A wedding that wouldn’t be over in a matter of hours, and wouldn’t require tens of thousands of dollars or credit card debt to pay for.

Great, so we had made some progress, and we were SO EXCITED about the glimmer of a vision that was starting to come together ... but all of the actual logistics were still hanging over us, like a heavy cloud.

Having a vision is one thing, but we had no idea what to focus on first ....

• A venue?
• Food & drinks?
• How do you know if you can afford one thing if you have no idea how much everything else costs?
• How do you make one decision knowing that it hinges on 27 other things that you can't pin down right this moment?

Obviously I needed to find a wedding planner to help us sort out the next steps, because basic, you have to hire a wedding planner, right?

I met with a handful of planners who all walked confidently into the Starbucks or bistro bar, high heels clicking, portfolio ready to share - FFWD thru 3 days + 3 meetings, and none of them were LISTENING TO ME.

I talked about creative visions of fondue pots on small, intimate 4-top tables, renting a giant mansion for a long wedding weekend, hosting 3-4 separate parties & events, and having someone who could be there to organize and direct independently hired bartenders and servers and coordinate the weekend-of logistics for us.

And I was met with blank stare after blank stare.

Politely told that it wouldn’t work because of A, B, C reason, and had we considered cookie cutter venue D, E, and F which works with preferred vendors X, Y and Z?

The thought of paying someone thousands of dollars who clearly had no interest whatsoever in our wedding vision was clearly out of the question.

I came home literally crying after interviewing the third planner on my list - she cut me off repeatedly, actually laughed at my fondue idea saying it would be impossible, left me with a list of her preferred vendors and a deadline to decide by Friday or else she was booking another client.

Wow.

And the bow on top is that she came highly recommended to me by a friend, which made the entire experience even more disappointing.

If you’ve ever met with a pushy vendor who’s so obviously just trying to book up their calendar as fast as possible, you know exactly what it feels like to have your ideas dismissed and to be completely unheard.

In that moment, John and I were left with a choice.

We could have eventually found an affordable enough venue, chosen the cheapest meal option, and gone broke paying for a top shelf open-bar (which incidentally, was one of John’s "wedding non-negotiables").

We could have scrapped and saved and charged a few things on credit cards to bring it all together in a wedding that wouldn’t be the best of the best, and definitely wouldn’t be featured in any wedding magazines or blogs ... but hopefully our friends & family wouldn’t be too judge-y and would understand the financial constraints of treating 100 of your closest loved ones to a nice dinner, bottomless drinks, and dancing.

We’d check off all the boxes, run through all the traditions, and at the end of the day, we’d be married. After all, wasn’t that the whole point?

And in that critical moment, thank goodness we woke up and saw that NO -

That’s not ANYWHERE NEAR THE POINT.

And I’m here today sharing this all with you because it scares the hell out of me to think of how close we were to NOT following our vision, and to just going through the motions, and I don’t want that for you.

And at the same time, it breaks my heart to think of how many engaged couples every single day are in the same position that we were, but who DON’T find the right resources and support and encouragement to follow their dream vision, and who aren't lucky enough to go on to design the wedding that they truly want.

So back to the story - in this pivotal moment, John & I took a giant leap of faith, and committed to planning our wedding OUR WAY - to hell with narcissist wedding planners, cookie cutter checklists, outdated traditions, expectations, or worrying about what anyone else thought of our decisions.

We got on the same page with this mindset, and we had deep discussions about the things that were most important to us.

In the end, we rented a 7,000 square foot mansion, did our own catering - yes, we planned out, shopped for, and brought to life that giant fondue party that was so important to us - we spent 4 solid days hanging out with our 75 closest friends and family, eating, drinking, dancing, talking, staying up late, laughing, and we did it ALL for around $12,000 - for transparency sake, that was in 2010 so someone good at math and economics can adjust for inflation - or, you could trust the "inflation calculator" I found online and use the number $17,000 in today's world. EITHER WAY, for the overall value and priceless experience for everyone involved, I’m going to stand firm in saying that’s pretty damn good!!!

The couples who give up on the new approach to planning that we focus on here on the Wedding Planning Podcast will likely stay stuck exactly where I was in the story I just told, after meeting with the awful 3rd wedding planner.

They’ll do exactly what most couples do, and freak out over how much there is to do, how much things cost, and how complicated it feels to go off the beaten path …

They'll cave when someone is critical of a fun idea, and pull back when they feel judged for something that they did or didn't do. John and I faced skeptical, judge-y eyes too many times to count throughout our entire planning process - but that's another story, for another time.

And they’ll fall back to the status quo wedding planners, the big corporate websites, and the free checklists to plan a cookie cutter wedding for them, without ever even knowing the priceless opportunity that has slipped away.

The opportunity to design the wedding that YOU actually want, and to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your loved ones that leaves a lasting sense of love & connection for decades to come.

And to miss out on that, is quite simply, heartbreaking.

But here's the final, most important part of this very long email:

Unforgettable, life-changing weddings don't just "happen".

They don't just magically arise from the mountain of printouts and free checklists, and magazines, budget calculators and Pinterest boards and reels that you consume on loop.

And just having a wedding vision isn't enough, without continued support, encouragement, and ongoing direction.

The most meaningful & unforgettable wedding celebrations are planned carefully, ONE STEP AT A TIME using a 3-part framework that I've spent the past 12 years perfecting.

And the best part is that it's all available for you to enjoy inside my signature planning package, The VAULT .

The VAULT isn't like working with a traditional wedding planner, with contracts, deposits, balances due, and a set number of meetings and phone calls.

Membership unlocks access to a down-to-earth, easy to follow wedding master plan that gets to the heart of what truly makes a wedding UNFORGETTABLE and LIFE-CHANGING, for everyone involved.

And when you sign up today, you'll even enjoy a 1-on-1, 30-Minute Wedding Strategy call each month that you're a member.

I have literally NEVER offered this before, and I'm so excited to connect.

I can't wait to see you there, and to learn more about you & your wedding!

Cheers, Kara

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

A universal truth? Your wedding day will FLY BY.

Having a well-thought out, well-planned WEDDING DAY TIMELINE is critical to keeping the day organized, and flowing stress free.

In this featured episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re actually reviewing & creating two separate timelines:

• 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.

A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:

Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you!

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

SUSAN'S TRAVEL SERVICES | Would you LOVE to take advantage of honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!

Your WEDDING CEREMONY is undoubtedly the most important part of your wedding day celebration - it's literally the WHY of every single thing we touch on here on the Wedding Planning Podcast!

Sadly most couples push the ceremony logistics to the very bottom of their wedding planning to-do list, and as a result, this critical piece of your wedding day misses getting the full attention & creativity that it deserves.

Tune in to the full show for a start-to-finish guide for infusing your ceremony with deep meaning and your personalities.

We’re also going to cover:

• Ceremony flow of events,
• Finding an officiant,
• 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:

Claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit here!

LEAVE A VOICEMAIL with your questions, wedding stories, or planning concerns >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact

Sample Wedding Vows & Guide / Examples

Creative unity ceremony ideas

Take the guesswork & stress out of choosing the music for your special day! Visit MyWeddingSongs.com today to prepare your wedding music for FREE and enjoy over 600 custom wedding playlists.

For unique ceremony signage, wedding program inspiration & more, visit Pinterest.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

If you’re looking for some CREATIVE, EASY + AFFORDABLE wedding reception entertainment options that go way beyond dinner, drinks & dancing, then this wedding planning workshop is perfect for you!

Today’s wedding receptions feature creative entertainment ideas that are increasingly more personalized, more interactive, and more representative of your values, personal style and tastes.

There are endless ways to reimagine classic wedding reception entertainment & activities, and create a memorable, shared WEDDING EXPERIENCE based on your values & priorities.

In this meeting, we’re covering an overview of creative wedding entertainment ideas, and highlighting some fun twists on tradition that you can plan to treat your guests to an unforgettable experience.

GATHERING INSPIRATION FROM PINTEREST

I know podcasts don’t always lend well to visual examples, and I don't like simply rattling off long lists during the show ... so here’s a list of search terms that you can simply copy / paste into Pinterest for instant wedding entertainment ideas & inspiration!

• 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.

FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES

Redeem at allnew.wedding

If you’re newly engaged and / or looking to kick off the new year with a fresh start on your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to check out my totally free Engagement Starter Kit.

I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that’s designed to unlock the essential keys to a down-to-earth, stress-free and JOYFUL wedding planning experience.

In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (and totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding

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

• Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership
• Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

A LOT of our energy during the wedding planning process is centered around the fear that things will go wrong, and how we can avoid and prevent minor mistakes - and major disasters - on our wedding day.

I’ve been deeply involved with weddings for over a decade, and candidly, it’s a universal truth - no matter how much you plan and prep and delegate and assign, something will go wrong and / or not according to plan at some point during your wedding celebration.

The good news is that big or small, I have some solid practices that you can use right now to be able to adapt, improvise, and mentally overcome any unforeseen issues & challenges that are bound to arise.

Tune in to today's brand new episode for so much more!

FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT

Redeem at allnew.wedding

If you’re newly engaged and / or looking to kick off the new year with a fresh start on your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to check out my totally free Engagement Starter Kit.

I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that’s designed to unlock the essential keys to a down-to-earth, stress-free and JOYFUL wedding planning experience.

In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (and totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances.Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership!

Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.

There are a million directions we could take a conversation on wedding reception & ceremony decor, but for the sake of keeping it simple … let’s keep it simple!

Tune in for some extra-simplified TIME, STRESS, AND MONEY-SAVING OPPORTUNITIES in today's featured wedding planning workshop, all about decorating your special day.

FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES

Redeem at allnew.wedding

If you’re newly engaged and looking to kick off the new year with a fresh start on your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to check out my totally free Engagement Starter Kit!

I’ve packaged up a 3-part bonus audio series that’s designed to unlock the essential keys to a down-to-earth, stress-free and JOYFUL wedding planning experience.

In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding

• Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

• Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership

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!

FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES >>> redeem at allnew.wedding

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...

... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.

In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding

ACCESS THE WPP DIGITAL WEDDING PLANNING PACKAGE

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding, minus the crushing stress, excess, and overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples. For more information + FREE 3-DAY TRIAL, visit wedpodcast.com.

There are absolutely no contracts, zero obligation, and you're free to cancel anytime - no questions asked. I can't wait to see you there!

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS FOR "ASK ME ANYTHING" SHOW SEGMENTS

To submit questions or topic requests for an upcoming show, simply FOLLOW @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram & send a DM (direct message) on the platform.

*VAULT Members have priority access to all "ASK ME ANYTHING" segments & bonus show materials.

Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to all messages, but every submission is carefully logged & tracked for consideration in upcoming episodes & bonus shows.

EMAIL RECAPS, IMPORTANT UPDATES & SPECIAL OFFERS

Sign up to receive weekly email recaps, important updates, and special offers from our partners by visiting www.weddingplanningpodcast.co

Lucky for us, there are literally endless creative ways to treat your guests to a unique food & drink experience on your wedding day.

In today’s BONUS WORKSHOP, we’re going to explore exactly how to:

• Conceptualize & research what to serve,
• Smart money-saving tips that many couples miss,
• And even some "do it yourself" options if you’re looking to get hands on - literally!

FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES

Redeem at allnew.wedding

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...

... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.

In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding

• FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.
• Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!
• Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

Shopping for your wedding dress can come with lots of mixed emotions - both good AND not-so-good - and that’s 100% normal. It’s OK to go into wedding dress shopping feeling some confusion and doubt!

In pop wedding culture, saying “YES TO THE DRESS” is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone full of princess moments, fancy dress boutiques, and champagne.

In REALITY, dress shopping might come along with feelings of ...

• self-consciousness,

• pressing overwhelm,

• conflicting thoughts about who should come along,

• discomfort over being the center of attention,

• feeling lost in a totally uncomfortable situation,

... just to name a few.

In the first half of today's show, we run through some quick guidelines that will help demystify the wedding dress shopping process, and put you in full control of the way your experience unfolds.

In the second half of the show, we're heading inside David's Bridal to try on dresses. You'll hear live snippets of conversation on the pro's, the con's, the do's and the don'ts of finding your dream wedding dress.

You can find a full recap of today’s show in a blog post that’s at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/dress.

FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES

Redeem at allnew.wedding

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...

... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.

In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding

• FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

• Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

• Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

You’ve done months (maybe even YEARS) of wedding planning & preparation, and the big day is finally almost here!

Last stop? Rehearsal dinner.

This week we’re reviewing everything you need to know for planning & hosting this extra special night with your family & friends.

We cover everything from the ceremony rehearsal itself to practical tips for hosting your loved ones afterwards.

DETAILED BLOG POST HERE --> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/rehearsal

Naturally, I have a ton of creative alternatives to taking 50 of your closest friends & family out to eat at a nice restaurant ($$$). Beyond just saving money, we’ll also cover:

• When to start planning (hint - it might be earlier than you think!)
• Personality-packed options for location and food selection
• Tips for keeping the night on pace and organized
• And meaningful touches that will be remembered beyond the wedding day.

This topic is so dear to me - I remember our rehearsal dinner as one of the most special nights of my life. We grilled chicken, steak & veggies with our friends & family on the property where we got married, had all the fave drinks flowing, and a curated list of our favorite songs turned way up. We laughed, talked & celebrated long past sunset, and it was a magical night.

I wish all the same for you!

xo, Kara

PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• Don't miss the Wedding Planning Podcast Photography & Videography mini-planning package! Get instant access AND save 75% when you visit wedpodcast.com.

• Design the perfect cheese board, every single time! Go to cheeselovershop.com and use code wedding to get a FREE mystery cheese at checkout.

• Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership

• Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Today we’re exploring the TOP MISTAKES that couples make as they start to formulate options for wedding flowers, including centerpieces, bouquets & boutonnieres, garlands & ceremony decor.

ADDITIONAL LINKS & RESOURCES mentioned in today's show:

• A detailed guide on Wedding Flowers By Season
• Access 6 bonus meetings dedicated to DIY flowers & decor within my digital planning package, The Vault - lots more information here.
• I'm collecting your wedding questions & topic requests for new shows in 2023. Leave a voicemail with your questions here.
• Don't miss the Wedding Planning Podcast Photography & Videography mini-planning package. Get instant access AND save 75% when you visit wedpodcast.com.

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership
• I'm going to Cancun for Christmas this year, and I have Susan's Travel Services to thank for managing ALL of the research, booking & details of our trip! Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.

• Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com

Get started finding your perfect wedding photography team with the TIME + MONEY SAVING RESEARCH TIPS featured in today's show!

These are my top photography / videography search guidelines and are the perfect place to start ...

But you’ll quickly discover that there’s so much more that goes into finding your perfect photographer:

• Knowing intuitively when & how to NEGOTIATE PRICING + PACKAGE SPECIFICS,
• Photography CONTRACT ESSENTIALS,
• Creating a top-notch MASTER SHOT LIST,
• Preparing for your ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SHOOT,
• Should we do a "FIRST LOOK"?
• VIDEOGRAPHY specifics ,
• Is DIY PHOTOGRAPHY and/or videography an option - for your pre-wedding parties & events, rehearsal, or maybe even your wedding day?
• Actionable tips for DIY VIDEOGRAPHY from a bride who pulled it off (AND has an amazing wedding video to show for it!)
• Is it OK to hire a "rookie" photographer who doesn’t have a ton of experience, or is that a horrible idea?
• What secrets & tips would a veteran wedding photographer share with you one on one, over coffee?

You’ll find the answers to all of those questions and so much more within the Wedding Planning Podcast Photography & Videography mini-planning package. Get instant access AND save 75% when you visit wedpodcast.com.

I'm going to Cancun for Christmas this year, and I have Susan's Travel Services to thank for managing ALL of the research, booking & details of our trip!

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking.

The pressure + hype behind discovering your dream WEDDING VENUE is very real. In my professional opinion, your wedding venue is the most important strategic decision you'll make in the entire wedding planning process. Why is your venue such a big deal?

Multiple other wedding decisions are interdependent on the venue you choose. Once you solidify the WHERE, your complete wedding day vision can really start to unfold.

Complicating the process, wedding venues literally come in all sizes, prices, and styles. The possibilities are endless, so it’s key that we go into the research process with a handful of streamlined search filters to dodge being overwhelmed with all the options.

In this workshop-style meeting, we'll review SIX important things to consider as you start shopping around for the perfect venue to host your wedding celebration.

FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES

Redeem at allnew.wedding

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...

... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.

In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Minted Weddings features beautiful one-of-a-kind stationary designs by independent artists, not to mention top-notch quality & service. This is why I order our family holiday cards from them every single year! Request a FREE Save The Date or Wedding Invitation Sample Kit when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted.

Your wedding gift registry is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home & your lifestyle with practical gifts that you need and will use in the years to come.

Tune in for an essential guide to creating a killer wedding gift registry including:

• Deciding what items to include and ...
• Items NOT to include on your registry,
• Various lifestyle "categories" to consider as you build your registry,
• Tips for creating cash gift funds,
• Your top wedding registry "wish list" items,
• And so much more!

For a complete written recap of today's show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/registry

A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors:

Design the perfect cheese board, every single time! Go to cheeselovershop.com and use code wedding to get a FREE mystery cheese at checkout.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding! Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com

Would you volunteer to host Thanksgiving for 40 people and then rush out to the store with no menu planned & no shopping list?

No way!

You’d sit down and plan out a menu of app's & drinks, look up some recipes, and then make a detailed list of exactly what you need to buy.

So why on earth would you head out to a WEDDING FAIR / BRIDAL EXPO with absolutely no plan, and just "see what happens"?

Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast we’re going to take inventory of your priorities, and make a list of your top goals for your day spent at the wedding fair.

This way you can MAXIMIZE your time spent with vendors and gathering inspiration, and minimize the stress & overwhelm factor of wandering through hundreds of booths full of noisy commotion.

After our time together today, when the 15th DJ asks you if you want to dance, and the 22nd wedding planner asks you to spin their "wheel o' fun" ...

... you can confidently smile, say no thanks, and keep walking.

To submit questions for an upcoming show, simply visit our website and leave me a voicemail!

Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to each submission ... you'll receive a reply via email if your submission is queued for an upcoming episode.

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through exactly how to identify your top priorities & plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com

Cheers to you!

Kara

A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:

Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Minted Weddings features beautiful one-of-a-kind stationary designs by independent artists, not to mention top-notch quality & service. This is why I order our family holiday cards from them every single year! Request a FREE Save The Date or Wedding Invitation Sample Kit when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted.

There are countless UNIQUE ways to celebrate your wedding / bridal shower (that don't involve sitting around and playing awkward games with your female friends & relatives!).

In this week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're giving the "traditional" wedding shower some much-needed updates. Listen in for creative + modern twists that you're sure to fall in love with.

In many cases you don’t plan your own shower, so please feel free to forward this episode along to anyone who's helping you with your wedding plans!

For a complete written version of today's show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/podcast

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

Meet The Financial Gym, where Certified Financial Trainers™ work with clients like you to teach financial literacy, how to be accountable for their money, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their finances. Visit financialgym.com/wedding for more info and use code wedding to get 20% off your first year of membership

Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com. Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

ON-DEMAND wedding planning services anytime, anywhere? Yes, please! To sign up for what one VAULT members calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry” simply visit www.wedpodcast.com

Need a little help decoding the complex, often frustrating process of creating your wedding GUEST LIST? Finalizing who will actually receive a wedding invitation is a process that will likely take some time, revisions, cuts, and LOTS of patience.

In this week's featured wedding planning meeting, we’re uncovering the KEY CHECKPOINTS to crafting a guest list that honors your wedding vision & budget, and reflects your top priorities.

Once your general wedding budget and a venue are decided on, compiling a finalized guest list is the next key step in the early stages of planning out your wedding celebration.

Family & friends are the centerpiece of our lives, and naturally you'll want to include your closest loved ones in this very special celebration.

That's the easy part ...

Planning your wedding involves a ton of strategic research & decision-making, yes - that’s the stuff you can look up on Google. How to book a wedding photographer. Cheap wedding invitations. Top wedding venues in my area.

But there’s an entirely separate dimension of your engagement & wedding planning journey, that you’ll hear me call “the all new way to plan your wedding” - and that’s all stuff that you can’t google.

No internet search engine in the world knows your priorities, your personal values, or can spit out a truly personalized road map to the wedding that YOU WANT by typing a few words into a box. You can’t google “how do I confidently sail through my engagement on-budget, stress-free, and loving the process?”

Computers can do a lot, but they can’t replace the priceless value of human connection and introspection … that’s what I’m here for, and that's the deeper work that I can help coach you & your fiance through.

Thousands of engaged couples ARE confidently sailing through their engagement on-budget, stress-free, and loving the process, and you can do it to inside my digital wedding planning package. If you’re curious to know more, head to wedpodcast.com to learn more.

I hope you love today’s workshop on crafting your wedding guest list!

ASK ME ANYTHING ...

Submit your wedding budget questions for this week's bonus "Ask Me Anything" >>> send a DM on Intsagram to @weddingplanningpodcast

FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES

Redeem at allnew.wedding

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...

... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.

In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding

"The more care & intention you put into your wedding plans throughout your engagement, the richer your wedding celebration & life beyond will be."

Should you hire a WEDDING PLANNER / Day of Coodinator?

In today's workshop-style meeting, we’re going to review a list of critical guidelines to keep in mind as you tackle this very important part of your engagement journey.

It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.

So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.

It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.

Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say no to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say YES to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.

FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES

Redeem at allnew.wedding

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...

... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.

In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Today's workshop-style meeting is designed to magically make possible all the wedding things that are most important to you, regardless of how much money you have in the budget.

Sounds amazing, right??? This is not your average wedding budget conversation. There are no percentage breakdowns on how much you "should" spend on what, no "average cost" conversations, and absolutely no judgement if you want to spend $500 on your wedding, and $10,000 on your honeymoon.

It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.

So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.

It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.

Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.

FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES

Redeem at allnew.wedding

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...

... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.

In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

The theme of this week's show is COMPOROMISE.

We're exploring the importance of being on the same page with respect to finances, how you spend your free time, and of course, the ability to COMPROMISE - whether it's about your honeymoon or your wedding guest list. Tune in for so much more!

Thank you again to everyone who was in touch with the show these past couple of weeks!

I’m pushing hard for new stories from you about your engagement, wedding planning milestones, questions, anxieties, and anything else you’d like to share.

I’d love to feature your voice on the podcast, so please get in touch with your stories and questions by heading to weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact.

I can’t wait to hear from you!

Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.

RE: wedding flowers, if you’re feeling ...

• Sticker shock from that $2500 florist quote,
• Having anxiety thinking about taking the DIY route,
• Or maybe even starting to wonder if flowers are actually necessary at all …

Not to worry - you’ve got options when it comes to your wedding flowers, and we’re going to explore them all in this episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast!

This show is a very general overview, and you can find so much more on wedding flowers & decor inside my digital planning package, The VAULT. Sign up for a free 3-day trial, and experience what one couple calls "a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry". >>> wedpodcast.com.

Submit show topic requests here,

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

"We Ditched the Traditions & Made Our Wedding Truly Personal" - Emma, February 2022 Bride

This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, meet special guest Emma (& Drew) who’s here to share the highlights, unique elements, and planning challenges from their beautiful wedding celebration at Hilton Lake Las Vegas in February 2022.

In this special episode, you'll hear lots more from Emma on:

• The pros of having NO wedding party
• Celebrating over a 3-day weekend in their hometown
• The endless benefits of a very chill wedding day / intentionally left lots of open time & space to relax
• Their "First Look" - and favorite part of the day!
• “Last Dance” w/ just the two of us after the room has been cleared
• Mini after-party at hotel lobby bar,
• Keeping it early & chill - wrapped everything up by 9:30 pm
• The challenges of setting a wedding budget and knowing where the starting point is
• Trying on 50+ dresses before finding “The One”
• And so much more!

For a complete written recap and to see their absolutely gorgeous wedding photos, here's a complete article that features Emma and Drew’s incredible wedding celebration.

And to wrap up this week, I would LOVE to hear from you! Whether it’s about a planning challenge or question you’re facing, a post-wedding day recap that you’d like to share, or simply requests for upcoming show topics, you can send in a voicemail to the show by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact

In your message, please be sure to leave your name and email address so we can reach you for follow up. I would love to share more stories like Emma’s, but I need your participation, so please make it a priority to be in touch!

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

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

• This week's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding. Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com

Over the course of 11 YEARS in the wedding industry, I've seen literally thousands of weddings unfold ... and all of them together have given me the priceless gift of HINDSIGHT.

In wedding planning, hindsight is literally a super power - so I've packaged mine up to share with you in today's brand new show featuring your Wedding Weekend planning questions!

Today's highlighted questions come from couples who have enjoyed my brand new free video workshop, "How to Plan an Unforgettable Wedding Weekend."​

Inside this totally free strategy session, we’ll review 6 EASY STEPS to designing an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime wedding celebration for you & your loved ones.

You’ll also get your hands on some PRETTY AMAZING BONUS RESOURCES, including ...

• A guided coaching session to help you design your overall wedding vision,
• 50 budget line items most couples forget about,
• A free wedding weekend sample itinerary,
• AND the chance to win some free swag in weekly drawings!

But you’ve gotta hurry, because “How to Plan an Unforgettable Wedding Weekend” is in its FINAL DAYS, and will not be available again until next year.

To sign up today and enjoy this free workshop and bonus planning resources, simply click here.

I can't wait to see you inside!

Cheers,
Kara

I’m willing to bet that you’ve heard from all your newlywed friends & family that their wedding day "came and went in the blink of an eye."

The beautiful news is that your wedding celebration doesn’t have to RUSH BY IN A TOTAL BLUR!

Click here to sign up for a brand new free video planning workshop, HOW TO PLAN AN UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING WEEKEND.

Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, I’m bringing on a very special guest to share the details of exactly how she designed a wedding celebration that left her saying this:

"I always get to look back and say that it was the most incredible 4 days of my life."

To go along with our conversation today, I‘m incredibly excited to share a brand new, free wedding planning workshop on exactly how YOU can plan an unforgettable wedding weekend, so that when we flash forward a few months, you’re echoing what Kate just said … and not left feeling like you missed out, and it was all over in the blink of an eye.

To sign up for the "How To Plan An Unforgettable Wedding Weekend" FREE video workshop, visit weddingweekend.co

But you’ve gotta hurry, because this priceless planning guide is only available until Sept. 16th!

In addition to a 50 minute video planning session, you'll also enjoy a bunch of incredible bonus resources & free gifts that I've put together just for you:

• Bonus #1: "Walking Through Your WEDDING VISION" audio + pdf guide
• Bonus #2: "50 Budget Items Couples Fail to Plan For"
• Bonus #3: Detailed "Wedding Weekend" sample itinerary
• AND last but certainly not least, you can enter to win a sparkly wine tumbler gift set!

I can’t wait to see you inside "How To Plan An Unforgettable Wedding Weekend", and hope you enjoy the show!

xo, Kara

Today we’re going to chat about a handful of ways when trying to "save" money on your wedding can totally BACKFIRE.

Aside of college educations, new homes and new cars, your wedding likely has one of the biggest price tags you’ve ever paid. You’re spending tens of thousands of dollars - of course you’re trying to save money when possible!

You’re not out there researching the most expensive venue in your area, or trying to find ways to spend more money on your invitations.

When a potential photographer or caterer gives you a quote for services, you probably don’t say “well that sounds OK, but do you have anything that costs more?”

If you've been listening to the Wedding Planning Podcast for a while, I hope you know me well enough now to know that I’m NOT the wedding professional who’s going to tell you NEVER to try to cut this corner, or don’t DARE hire a friend to do x, y, z.

I see this type of messaging a lot. If you do your own wedding day hair and makeup it will totally fail, and you should hire a professional to do it for you. If you skimp on a photographer, you will regret it for the rest of your life.

If you have your cousin make your cake, it will probably be a complete disaster, you should really hire a professional for that. If you take your dress to a neighborhood tailor instead of the big box bridal store where you bought it, it’s going to end up in shreds and you’ll have no dress to wear.

The trouble is, professional service providers in pretty much any industry have an agenda - to sell their product or service.

And whether you hear from a wedding professional on a podcast, read their articles on a blog, or see their posts on Instagram, their position is probably that hiring a professional is THE BEST way to go. "After all", they say, "this is your wedding - you can’t afford to cut corners on the best day of your life."

Well, for lots of this, I call BS. Sure, if you have a wedding budget in the 6-figures, then “hire a professional” is a great option for everything I just listed.

But most of us DON’T have $100,000 to spend on our wedding, so making swaps and saves here and there is a necessary part of planning so that we don’t go thousands of dollars into debt - NEVER a good idea.

Here’s a doozy for you - we hired our wedding photographer off craigslist for $500. True story.

And I’m NOT here to tell you that it was a horrible idea that backfired and you should never trust any wedding photographer who hasn’t shot 500 weddings and costs less than $5000. That’s not me, not my style.

BUT, I’m also not here to tell you that YOU should definitely hire a photographer off craigslist, and it will work out perfectly and there’s no risk involved and you can live happy ever after and sleep soundly knowing that you saved a couple thousand dollars!

To be clear - there’s no right or wrong, one-size-fits all solution to the myriad of wedding decisions you have to make over the next few months.

I’ll always encourage you to use your intuition, and use our weekly time together to review all the options you have available, and select what feels best for you and your unique situation.

I feel so strongly about what we’re talking about today, and I really want to set things up right.

The truth is, sometimes no matter how much research you do, or how many great reviews someone has, or how confident you feel that you’re making the right decision, things can just go wrong. You’ll probably have a wedding backfire, or two, or three over the course of getting everything lined up.

This is part of life, and definitely a part of wedding planning. I wish I could wave a magical wand that would shield you against anything bad happening, but of course - that’s not realistic.

Sooooo, the next best thing to that …

In today's show, let’s explore some common areas of wedding planning where couples to try to cut a corner, save some money, leave something out, and then sadly have it backfire in terms of lost money, lost time, lost sanity - and sometimes all three.

If you find yourselves at a cost-saving opportunity crossroads and you don’t know which way to turn, I have some smart questions to ask yourselves, and potential vendors, that I hope will guide you towards making the best decisions for you and your wedding day.

So when you find yourself wondering, hmmmmm ... should we cut that corner? What are the potential outcomes or pitfalls that might come of it? Hopefully after today’s show, you’ll have some solid answers to some of the most common situations, so that you can make the best decision for you.

For one wedding, that might mean hiring a photographer off craigslist for $500. For another couple, that will NEVER be an option that’s on the table. And you know what? Both sides are totally fine ;)

Full blog post available at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-pitfall

BONUS >>> Come behind the scenes with me in a bonus episode, "Taking a Chance on a Rookie Wedding Vendor", when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT.

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

Take advantage of expert travel planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.

This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to sort out some misconceptions and FAQ's about wedding planners and day of coordinators.

BONUS >>> Join me inside my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT for a special bonus meeting on training a friend or family member to act as your Day Of Coordinator. Sign up for your FREE 3-DAY TRIAL here!

Our goal today is to get really clear on the difference between a wedding planner and a day-of coordinator, and to determine whether or not you really need to hire a professional to help you with your wedding plans.

When I got married, I wasted a lot of time researching and interviewing planners before I realized that A.) I didn’t HAVE to hire anyone, and B.) John and I had all the tools we needed to plan OUR perfect wedding day.

And side note, shocker - obviously, none of the wedding planners I interviewed ever mentioned to me, hey by the way, did you know that you could actually just do this on your own?

Thankfully I came around to that, but it took lots of wasted effort and stress to get there.

Flash forward to today - I literally created the Wedding Planning Podcast so that any engaged couple could tune in and use the episodes and the tools we review in the weekly shows to plan their own wedding - no professional or pricey wedding planner required.

Spoiler alert before we even dive in - I definitely DO NOT think you have to spend thousands of dollars to hire a professional wedding planner!

Some alternatives? Try checking out the sites we mentioned in today's show, including your local Craigslist postings, Thumbtack.com, taskrabbit.com and fiverr.com

I also know that there are countless wonderful wedding planning professionals out there, and for some couples it’s a really smart investment … and we’ll get into all of that that much more in today’s show.

Blog post for today's show, AND free "Day Of" Checklist here!

A special thank you for supporting our valued show sponsors:

Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.

There are some incredibly simple steps to creating a crystal clear vision of exactly how you want your wedding celebration to unfold.

This week's featured meeting is a detailed overview of ways to cut through the noise, and stay focused on your priorities.

Here's an overview of the specific scenario we'll be discussing:

"How can we reign in our wedding planner? Our venue includes a coordinator for the rehearsal and wedding day, and initially I was pleasantly surprised by how accommodating and informative she is. Since the initial relief and excitement of finding and booking the perfect venue, we’re starting to realize the huge task ahead of us in terms of booking EVERYTHING (the venue comes with nothing set up, so we need to choose tables, chairs, place settings, dance floor, bar, basically everything.)

At this point, I feel completely overwhelmed by her ideas & suggestions, and I’m starting to worry that the wedding she has envisioned for us does not line up with our vision OR our budget. How do I reign in our wedding planner and rest easy knowing that we are on the same page?"

In my years of experience, it’s not just the wedding planners who need to reigned in ... often times it's also the moms, bridesmaids, aunts, cousins ... feeling familiar?

We’re going to cover all these scenarios in today’s episode.

You'll also enjoy a sneak peek inside my digital wedding planning package with release of exclusive audio, "Creating Your Wedding Vision". This exercise alone is one of the most valuable wedding planning tools I have to helping you create a celebration that truly honors your priorities & values.

Tune in for so much more!

A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors:

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally FREE 3-DAY TRIAL by visiting www.wedpodcast.com

Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com

Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.

This week I have a mailbox full of your wedding planning questions to review!

Here's a full look at everything on our agenda this week:

• What’s a nice way of asking the moms to wear a certain style / color?
• Who to invite to your bachelorette party (just bridesmaids or others, too?)
• Having a hard time finding a venue that will allow a food truck, BYOB, in our area, for about $5000 budget. There will be about 50 - 100 guests. I’m about to say screw it and elope, but I know we’ll regret it, any suggestions?
• Should I hire a babysitter for the reception?
• What if there’s a pool at my venue? (Things to consider)
• I don’t necessarily want a traditional wedding cake - what are some fun dessert options for hot weather?
• What do you think about using an Air bnb as our venue? We found one that we love, and the owner agreed to let us host our wedding there, but I feel uneasy booking it for over a year away (Sept. 2022) - so many things could happen in a year. I would hate to get close to the wedding, have something happen to the house, and not have a venue.
• Family children ... how to involve them in the wedding so they feel like they have a special job / part in everything (my mom promised a cousin a role that I never actually “approved” of)
• Trying to host our wedding in a field (family land) and I have it mostly planned but there’s no electricity - is dancing completely out of the question? I thought we’d have it during the day but wouldn’t that be boring?
• How important is an MC? Venue includes a DOC but not the MC part - could I just have my brother or a friend do it?
• How do I reign in our wedding planner?

"Our venue includes a wedding coordinator for the rehearsal and wedding day, and initially I was pleasantly surprised by how accommodating and informative she is. Since the initial relief and excitement of finding and booking the perfect venue, we’re starting to realize the huge task ahead of us in terms of booking EVERYTHING (the venue comes with nothing set up, so we need to choose tables, chairs, place settings, dance floor, bar, basically everything.) At this point, I feel completely overwhelmed by her ideas & suggestions, and I’m starting to worry that the wedding she has envisioned for us does not line up with our vision OR our budget. How do I reign in our wedding planner and rest easy knowing that we are on the same page?"

There are so many layers to this one that we have a dedicated show coming up next week, all about your initial meetings with your wedding planner, venue, or anyone else who’s going to be helping you make your perfect wedding celebration come to life!

In my years of experience, it’s not just wedding planners who need to reigned in, but often times moms, wedding party members, aunts, cousins .... feeling familiar? We’re going to cover it all next week!

These questions were submitted by members of my digital wedding planning package, where one of my favorite benefits of membership is a fast track VIP pass to submit your wedding questions & show topic requests ... literally any time you think of them.

You’re invited to join us and take advantage of a FREE 3-day trial when you visit wedpodcast.com.

The digital format allows me to extend a full service planning experience for an incredibly affordable monthly subscription, plus there are no contracts & absolutely zero obligation. And of course, you can take advantage of that FREE 3-DAY TRIAL when you sign up today at wedpodcast.com.

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book. Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!

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

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

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

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

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

Want to come behind the scenes for more in-depth guidance on setting an unshakable planning foundation that will bring you all the way through to your wedding day & beyond? Now you can try my revolutionary digital wedding planning package FREE for 3 days!

• NO CONTRACTS,
• A very small monthly subscription price that you’re 100% free to CANCEL ANYTIME,
• And a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL so you can even take a look around before committing!

In essence? You have absolutely NOTHING to lose, and everything to gain. Get started today at www.wedpodcast.com.

I'll see you there!

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

Other partner links mentioned in today's show:

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 another couple on a resale site like Craigslist, Ebay, or Facebook Marketplace. 🙌🏼

STREAMLINE + SIMPLIFY has been a tagline for the WPP literally since I created the show way back in 2015. (Look closely, it's even on our old logo!)

Not only are these two of my favorite words in the English language - that I try and live by in ALL aspects of my life - more specifically, they perfectly summarize my approach to wedding planning.

Every situation you’ll encounter throughout your engagement can be examined through the lens of simplicity and potentially scaled back or streamlined in some way that will make your life easier, more affordable, more relaxing, and overall, more enjoyable.

Often we find ourselves in the midst of a planning roadblock and the first instinct is to explore your options.

In the first example we’re going to talk about today - a couple who has family in 2 different places, many of whom don’t want to travel, you might consider … getting married in each place, what would that look like? Getting married where we live? Getting married on an island with just us?

In all the feelings and family dynamics and charged emotions that fly around throughout your engagement season, it’s sometimes easy to get lost in a million far-fetched options ... when the simplest, most streamlined option is left by the wayside.

On that note, today we’re going to explore some common wedding planning scenarios where things can escalate and become verrrrrrrrrry complicated, very quickly.

I’m going to do my best to point out some straightforward, simple solutions that I hope will make your engaged life EASIER, MORE AFFORDABLE, and put a stop to waking up in the middle of the night with your mind racing over how many passed appetizers there should be, how many people should be in your wedding party, and how much ice to buy for your welcome party.

Ready to get started? Tune into the full show for so much more!

Thank you for supporting this week's show sponsor:

• Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started.

• Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.

  Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.

  Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 3-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!

  Visit www.longweddingweekend.com

  to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.

Engagement photos are an incredible opportunity to capture you & your fiancé in your happiest moments, and to share those images across your save the dates, your wedding website, holiday cards, and as decorations throughout your wedding celebration.

The thing is, choosing the perfect outfits, getting hair & make up just right so that you look incredible but still natural, and posing effortlessly is actually much harder than it looks!

Choosing what you’re going to wear and struggling through a last minute hair and makeup session an hour before you meet your photographer is not a great idea, to say the least.

Neither is waiting until you show up to find out that your fiancé has the worst stage fright, and looks like Chandler from "Friends" (season 7, episode 5, The One with The Engagement Picture) because they suddenly can’t smile.

Today on the WPP I have a handful of tricks and tips to make sure your engagement photo shoot is smooth, seamless, and yields those perfect shots that you’ve been dreaming of sharing with all of family, friends, and friends of friends.

Tune in for so much more, and head over to the blog post for today's show for a full written recap & links:

www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/engagement-photos

A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors:

Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.

Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.

Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 6-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!

Visit www.longweddingweekend.com to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com

How are you supposed to manage all the stress of daily life ON TOP OF trying to plan a wedding on our own, with a million different opinions, options, and outside factors pulling me in a million different directions?

While I cannot send your future mother in law to therapy, or predict the future of an ever-evolving pandemic virus that has put life into a tailspin for coming up on two years now, or convince your boss to let you have a week off to plan your wedding uninterrupted, I DO have a great solution for you if you’re feeling like wedding stuff is about to be the straw that broke your back, on top of all the other challenges life is serving up.

Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to walk through planning your very own WEEKEND WEDDING PLANNING RETREAT. Whether you chose to staycation at a cheap hotel, hop in the car or board a plane, there is so much value in shaking things up a bit, getting away from home, and giving yourself the gift of TIME + FOCUS on wedding stuff, uninterrupted, for 48 hours.

• I know we’re all full of subscriptions to Netflix, Spotify, wine clubs, beauty boxes, meal kits, but I truly believe this is the BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK out there in terms of personalized wedding planning support. Membership is incredibly affordable (I wouldn’t have it any other way!), there’s a free 3-day trial, and you’re free to cancel your membership any time, zero questions asked. Details at www.wedpodcast.com
• Newly engaged & wondering where to begin with your wedding plans? Reveal the first THREE STEPS to simplifying the planning process, and ditch the paralyzing overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples! Visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/learnmore to claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit >>> my gift to you ;)

THANK YOU for supporting our show partners who make these free weekly episodes come to life!

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

Please, save yourself the stress & avoid these TEN wedding planning "blind spots" at all costs!

FULL BLOG POST & links from today's episode available here:

www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/blindspot

Over the past 4 years of producing the Wedding Planning Podcast, one of my favorite pieces of feedback from you is some variation of, “WOW, we never would have even thought of that!”

I love sharing wedding planning ideas and strategies that go beyond what you might find if you simply google something, or browse through a quick article on a wedding website.

Don’t get me wrong, we cover the basics here too - but I LOVE digging down deeper to find the solutions and options that aren’t quite so obvious, and that might offer a really creative way to put a unique spin on your day, make your guests’ experience that much more incredible, or save you a ton of money by simply making a little adjustment or swap.

Today we’re going to cover TEN wedding planning “blind spots” - areas that past couples and listeners of the podcast have pointed out as things they wouldn’t necessarily have thought about during their planning, but that became clear after listening to an episode, or in some cases, after their actual wedding was over and done with (and it was too late …)

If you’re in the early stages of planning, hopefully we can catch a few things now, so that you don’t find yourself a year or two from now saying, if only we knew then what we know now …

Some of the tips from today’s show are very minor, simple pieces of advice while others are a pretty big deal - I’m going to point to a lot of full length episodes that are available to you to download for much more information - I made a blog post with all the show notes so you don’t miss a thing, and you don’t have to be frantically writing down notes while you listen. You can visit that post at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/blindspot

You have literally millions of options in terms of wedding websites, blogs, magazines, and other podcasts, and I thank you from my whole heart for spending this time with me, and for including me in your wedding planning journey. It’s a huge honor, and a huge responsibility that I hold with endless respect and gratitude, thank you.

I’ll meet you here again next week, same time, same place!

Cheers,

xo Kara

Newly engaged & wondering where to begin with your wedding plans?

>>> Reveal the first THREE STEPS to simplifying the planning process, and ditch the paralyzing overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples. Visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/learnmore to claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit >>> my gift to you ;)

A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors:

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

Today’s convo is a wedding planning strategy GEM! We’re going to cover every single last little thing that should be included within your wedding venue contract.

If you’ve already booked a venue and signed a contract, I’d suggest pulling out your actual document & sticking around for today's convo to be sure that all the key items are addressed.

Your wedding venue is literally the centerpiece of your dream wedding celebration. It’s also likely the most expensive decision you’ll make throughout the course of your engagement, so we need to be extra cautious in getting the details cemented just right.

A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors:

Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.

Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.

Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 16-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!

Visit www.longweddingweekend.com

to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Most engaged couples fail to plan for the sneaky little expenses that start to appear in the final months before the wedding.

Today we’re going to cover a sampling of these unexpected budget busters, so that you're not caught off-guard - stuck making impulsive last minute decisions out of stress or lack of information.

A special THANK YOU for supporting today's show sponsors:

Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN.

Long Wedding Weekend by Design is my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want to MAXIMIZE their wedding celebration across MULTIPLE DAYS + MULTIPLE EVENTS.

Whether you're stuck in the initial "I don't think we can pull that off with our time & budget" phase, OR you've already committed but find yourself in a tangled mess of half-made plans - finally, an incredibly straightforward, 16-STEP GUIDE to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish ... WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK AND WITH ANY BUDGET!

Visit www.longweddingweekend.com

to learn more, and get started planning your dream LONG WEDDING WEEKEND today.

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

The cost of food & drinks can be a huge source of frustration when planning your wedding. I can’t tell you how many messages I get from couples who are utterly horrified by the per person fee for dinner & drinks - and rightfully so!

Today we’re going to explore setting up your own appetizer spread, and I think you’ll be blown away by the savings.

Tune in for my detailed roadmap to menu planning, shopping, and setting it all up.

We'll review how much to buy, where to shop, and what you can expect the total price tag to be for TWO different sample menu options.

Even if you are using a more traditional caterer for the main meal, doing your own appetizer spread is a wonderful way to customize the offering, UP the quality, AND save a ton of money.

Not allowed to bring outside food into your venue? This process for setting up a beautiful appetizer spread is also perfect for your bridal shower, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or any other party you host in the future.

Be sure to bookmark it, and share this episode with a friend who's helping you plan!

Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN, my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want an incredibly straightforward, complete guide to planning your multi-day wedding from start to finish … with absolutely zero guesswork!

Enjoy the full blog post: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/cheese

Discover endless cocktail hour inspiration! https://www.pinterest.com/karasvinwedding/wedding-cocktail-hour/

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

Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

• Who gives a speech / toast at the reception?
• Should we give direction about topic, tone, & length?
• When should the speeches take place?
• In what order?
• I’m worried about inappropriate content - what should we do?
• How many speeches is too many?
• What if someone has paralyzing stage fright & is terrified to speak?

ALL NEW! >>>

Thousands of couples have planned simple, meaningful & affordable multi-event wedding celebrations, and you can do it too with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN, my all new digital wedding planning package specifically for couples who want an incredibly straightforward, complete guide to planning your multi-day wedding from start to finish … with absolutely zero guesswork!

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• Would you LOVE to take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!
• Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>>www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy
• FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Your cousin bakes cakes. Your neighbor is a photographer. Your co-worker plans weddings "on the side". Your roommate from college is a DJ.

So, should you rely on their services for your wedding?

Maybe. There are some key questions to consider before committing to working with friends so that you’re not caught in an awkward, uncomfortable, or worse - friendship-ending situation - in the months down the road.

ALL NEW! >>> Long Wedding Weekend by Design

If you’re someone who values quality time spent with the people you love, then you know that a multi-event wedding weekend is the best way to maximize your overall wedding experience and opportunity to truly connect with your guests.

Don’t be that couple who stresses out for the entire reception, trying to say a 5 second hello to 200 wedding guests … only to feel disappointed and guilty at the end that there wasn’t time to even have one meaningful conversation.

Take your wedding celebration to the next level with LONG WEDDING WEEKEND BY DESIGN, my all new digital planning package that gives you access to an incredibly straightforward, complete guide to planning your multi-day wedding celebration from start to finish - WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO GUESSWORK.

Relax knowing that you’ll create hours of quality time and a lifetime of memories with all the people you love most over the course of your long wedding weekend. Join us today when you visit www.longweddingweekend.com.

Thank you to our valued partners who made today's show possible!

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists? Yes please! Get started building your wedding website today with Minted Weddings & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!

Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

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

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

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

I’m going to share priceless wedding industry insights, so that you have a deep understanding of the wedding vendor landscape and the things that go into package pricing, seasonal discounts, advertising expenses, and so much more.

A WRITTEN RECAP of today's show is available to members of my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial when you visit www.wedpodcast.com

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

Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

Enjoy a FREE SUIT OR TUXEDO RENTAL for the wedding couple with 5 paid wedding party members at www.generationtux.com

Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding. Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com

Being the "Overwhelmed Engaged Couple" is not a ton of fun.

They say things like, "wow, our whole wedding day FLEW BY and we barely had a chance to enjoy it."

This couple feels panic every time a new vendor quote comes in.

Overwhelmed every time they open their email or even think about all the items on their checklist.

Dread over finding out how much the next thing is going to cost.

Fear over being judged for what they choose - and don't choose - to include in their wedding celebration.

Ahem, I have a question 🙋🏼‍♀️ ... how is feeling overwhelmed & anxious about all that outside noise going to help YOU plan an unforgettable wedding experience that celebrates your marriage and your love in a once-in-a-lifetime event with all the people closest to you?

Your engagement season is too special to sit back & let it slip by in a cloud of overwhelm and frustration.

Right now, you have a choice.

You can continue down the rabbit hole of OVERWHELM - of “perfect weddings” on social media, a million wedding websites telling you to do a million different things, noisy chatrooms, crappy blogs, free checklists and timelines on Pinterest and DIY’ers on You Tube telling you how to plan your entire wedding for $100.00.

Honestly, that’s what most brides and grooms choose, and they stay stuck in a frenzy of anxiety & overwhelm all the way through the wedding day itself.

They miss a beautiful opportunity to connect with one another, to live their engagement season in lightness and joy, and love.

They say things like, "wow, our whole wedding day FLEW BY and we barely had a chance to enjoy it."

But YOU have a choice.

You can CHOOSE be the engaged couple who presses pause on all that noise, and gets your mindset and your values in alignment with the vision YOU have of your perfect wedding celebration .... so that you can create an engagement season AND a wedding celebration full of lightness, love and joy.

That sounds much better, right?

If that’s you, then tune in to today's show where I’m going to show you exactly how to EMBRACE who you are, PRIORITIZE what you value, and bring it all together in a life-changing wedding celebration for you & your loved ones.

It’s time to say “YES” to a more joyful engagement season, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it 🙏.

Cheers to you,

Kara

PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:

SUSAN'S TRAVEL SERVICES | Would you LOVE to take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book? Simply email susan@susanstravelservices.com to get started!

THE WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST VAULT | Thousands of engaged couples have discovered the unseen elements to a joyful, confident, and intentional engagement season, and you can do it too with my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Learn more & sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial when you visit www.wedpodcast.com

ETSY | There’s no place quite like Etsy for personalized wedding gifts & decor. Make your wedding celebration as unique as you with custom signs, invitations, favors & more. Filter endless beautiful options by price point, color, free shipping, delivery date, style & more when you visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

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 and crying with her dog because everything is just too expensive and too overwhelming.

It’s time for a NEW WAY to create your dream wedding celebration, where YOU, your values, and your priorities are at the center of every single decision you make from now until your wedding day, & beyond.

So let’s say goodbye to unrealistic, staged images on Pinterest of weddings in the forest that cost $32,000 - in decorations alone.

It’s time to tune out overhyped social media accounts that are pushing the $72 billion dollar wedding industry’s agenda.

Here on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we say NO to the wedding industry’s priorities, and we say yes to a more fulfilled engagement season that starts with YOU.

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS!

What's on your mind? Get your specific questions answered when you sign up for a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. Details at www.wedpodcast.com

FREE ENGAGEMENT STARTER KIT BONUS SERIES

Redeem at allnew.wedding

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding ...

... and you won't find it on any free wedding checklist or generic planning timeline.

In the FREE Engagement Starter Kit BONUS SERIES, we unlock exactly how to align your WEDDING PRIORITIES with your PLANNING STRATEGY, so that you can confidently design an unforgettable wedding celebration - minus the crushing stress & overwhelm felt by so many engaged couples.

SIGN UP TODAY for this incredibly valuable (totally free!) 4-day wedding planning workshop by visiting allnew.wedding

You want to host THE MOST meaningful, fun, unforgettable wedding that any of your friends & family have ever been to. Simple enough, right?

Riiiiight. The trouble is, sometimes our "champagne dreams" really clash with our beer budget. Most couples don’t have a 6-figure wedding budget, can’t afford to hand over a blank checkbook to a full service event planner, and are faced to make really difficult sacrifices and swaps throughout their engagement.

Today we’re going to walk through a detailed conversation that will show you exactly how to get everything you want most our of your wedding celebration - no matter what your budget is.

I’m going to give you a foolproof formula for identifying your top priorities and giving yourselves permission to allocate most of your wedding budget to those key wedding elements.

I’m also going to give you FULL permission to KEEP IT SIMPLE.

And finally, we’re going to talk about the importance of keeping things in perspective. Knowing when to flex your money-saving muscles, and when it might be better to trade your time for dollars and pay a professional rather than trying to “do it yourself”.

In essence? Weddings cost money - A LOT of money - and for most of us, that can quickly become a topic of stress & frustration.

No one wants to be constantly bombarded by sticker shock over how much wedding vendors & services cost. Not to mention the disagreements with family (and maybe even your partner) over:

• How to spend the money,
• Feeling guilty that you need to value the opinions of those who contribute over those who don’t,
• Wondering if it’s worth it to save a few hundred dollars but spend hours trying to figure something out on your own …

Tune in for so much more, including your top 5 "sticker shockers" from Instagram over the past week!

To submit questions for an upcoming show, simply FOLLOW @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram, and send a DM (direct message) on the platform.

Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to each submission ... you'll receive a DM if your submission is queued for an upcoming episode.

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding! Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com

An extra special thank you to today's show sponsors:

Evite is helping make my celebrations feel extra special and they can help you too! Head over to evite.com/wpp to choose from thousands of design options to create & send invitations for free.

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.

Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.

Delicious & beautiful wedding favors for just $0.50 each??? Yes, please!

Today we're hitting the road for a quick shopping trip and meeting in my kitchen for a really fun, affordable & easy wedding DIY project.

At the end of today's show, you'll know exactly how to make professional-quality, hand dipped gourmet pretzel sticks to share with your wedding guests, at your bridal shower, or to tuck into thank you gift boxes.

Not a "DIY"-type? Forward this episode to your friends & family who are helping you with the wedding - it's the PERFECT project to delegate!

For a detailed shopping list, step-by-step instructions, and lots of "how-to" videos, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/pretzel

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

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding! Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com

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.

Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.

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 for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.

“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
• Fun paper lanterns in various sizes & colors
• Claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit here!

A special thank you to today's show sponsors!

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your wedding inside my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, The VAULT. To get started with a FREE 3-day trial, and the flexibility to cancel anytime, visit www.wedpodcast.com

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com. Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

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.

To submit questions for an upcoming show, simply FOLLOW @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram, and send a DM (direct message) on the platform.

Due to the sheer volume of your love and support, we regretfully cannot personally reply to each submission ... you will receive a message when your submission is queued for an upcoming episode.

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your wedding that puts YOU, your values & priorities at the center of every single decision you confidently make. Sign up for my revolutionary digital wedding planning package here, and enjoy a FREE 3-day trial to be sure it's the perfect fit. Zero contracts, no obligation, cancel anytime >>> www.wedpodcast.com

Thank you for supporting today's show sponsors:

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

Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.

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

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 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.

Are you drowning in wedding "etiquette" & "rules"?

Everyone has an opinion on invitation wording, cash bars, inviting kids, and what traditions absolutely SHOULD be included in the wedding day.

Today, let’s take a step back, and reframe things ... starting with your WEDDING MINDSET.

Where wedding planning can get overwhelming is when our expectations of what a wedding “should” look like conflict with our budget, our styles, and our personalities.

And of course, an added layer of difficulty arises when you and your partner come from different backgrounds, and one of you thinks paying $10,000 for a photographer is completely reasonable, and the other wants to spend $10,000 total on the entire wedding.

But no matter where you’re from, I’m a firm believer in your wedding day being an expression and celebration of you & your partner. At the end of the day, you’re making a really special commitment to one another, and looking to celebrate the occasion with your loved ones. That’s it!

With that said, let’s look at these “wedding etiquette rules” with a fresh set of eyes. We're going to make a pledge to let go of what “everyone else is doing,” and open up the possibilities way beyond that.

Please trust that you truly have the support from me to ditch what everyone else is doing, and craft your day, your way.

There's an ALL NEW WAY to plan your wedding, and I'm sharing a FREE 3-DAY TRIAL of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package so that you can see for yourself what one bride calls, "a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry." See you there!

>>> www.wedpodcast.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stick around for the second half of the show to hear your wedding questions, answered!

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

Cheers, Kara

PS - Please enjoy these generous gifts from today's show sponsors:

Enjoy a FREE 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package when you sign up today at wedpodcast.com

Save 21% on awesome wedding bands in just about every type of material imaginable when you visit: www.ManlyBands.com/wedding

Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP10".

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.

If you’re the type of couple who values connection and meaningful time spent with the people you love the most, then a 3-5 day DESTINATION WEDDING might be the perfect set up for you!

Close your eyes and imagine a packed ballroom with blaring music, flashing lights, and going around to 30 different tables saying a quick hello to each one of your wedding guests.

Now, I love an amazing party just as much as the next person, and for some couples that’s how they chose to celebrate - a traditional reception, with a DJ, hundreds of guests, and a laundry list of wedding to do’s. Cut the cake, first dance, toss the bouquet, that sort of thing.

I bet you love a good party too ... but if you're like me, then truly connecting with your loved ones in meaningful ways throughout your wedding celebration takes absolute top priority over pretty much everything else.

And I truly believe that the best way to maximize your opportunity for connection is to design a celebration that gives you TIME and SPACE to spend time with people in a more intentional & meaningful way ... and a distraction free, unplugged 3-5 day destination wedding is just the ticket.

You’re going to hear a lot of really valuable info from Susan of Susan’s Travel Services today, and if you’d like to schedule a totally FREE informational call with her to get your destination wedding OR honeymoon plans underway, she’s just an email away! Contact her any time at susan@susanstravelservices.com

And with that, enjoy today’s show!

PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• Download the free BACH app & get ready to elevate your bachelor or bachelorette party experience! Just look for “BACH” in the app store.
• It’s no secret that I LOVE a nice glass of wine for happy hour, and right now I am LOVING Usual Wines. Your first glass is on us when you use promo code “PLANNING” for $8 off your first order!

You’ve found the perfect wedding dress - congratulations!!!

Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re doing a thorough review of all the "post-dress shopping" to-do items.

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)
• Pre-wedding weight loss & gain,
• 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!

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

David’s Bridal is your one-stop dress shop! Shop gorgeous dresses at affordable prices, make an in-store or virtual appointment, and view the most current discounts and specials offers when you visit wedpodcast.com/db

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times? Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.

There’s A LOT of conflicting information out there about tipping your wedding vendors, and I want you to forget all of it!

In today’s episode, we’re going to walk through exactly how to decide who should get a tip, how much, and even some extra special additional ways of saying thank you.

Today’s show is Wedding Planning Podcast classic, and we’re going to take a close look at some very common misunderstandings that are flying around out there surrounding tipping your wedding vendors.

Think you have to automatically package up envelopes with 20% tips for every single wedding vendor you hire? Think again.

Today I’m gonna save you hours on google, and likely hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars over that crazed couple who just takes the advice out there on tipping at face value and doesn’t bother taking the time to explore the nuances and undercurrents that are actually at play.

So come along with me, and let’s uncover the TRUTH about tipping your wedding vendors!

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding! Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• It’s no secret that I LOVE a nice glass of wine for happy hour, and right now I am LOVING Usual Wines. Your first glass is on us when you use promo code “PLANNING” for $8 off your first order!

• 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 in today's episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.

Micro weddings are here to stay, and for good reason! Today we’re going to highlight some of the HUGE freedoms that come along with hosting a small & intimate wedding.

I also have a guest bride Q&A segment to share where we cover some wonderful questions on working with wooden flowers, bridal makeup, crafting a simple gift registry, and so much more.

We spend an awful lot of time talking about how to cut through the noise, and streamline & simplify your wedding planning journey.

And though all of those conversations - about the best ways to save time, and the easiest ways to save money, and the hidden ways to avoid feeling overwhelmed - it’s easy to miss a life sized pink elephant in the room.

The absolutely most obvious and hands down easiest way to save time, money, overwhelm & stress throughout your engagement has nothing to do with strategy.

It has EVERYTHING to do with the absolutely most simple piece of advice I can imagine -

keeping your wedding small.

There have been some pretty incredible changes in the way we think about weddings over the past year.

If we rewind to one year ago, spring of 2020, the outlook was grim for couples with weddings coming up in spring, summer, fall, and turns out, even winter, even the NEXT spring.

Now that the pandemic clouds have cleared, there’s a feeling of relief that finally things can get back to normal.

Maybe you’re starting to go back to the office, and feeling excited about getting dressed for an actual reason, looking forward to sharing morning coffee with someone other than your dog. There’s traffic again on the freeway. Things we used to take for granted, like traveling or having happy hour with friends are no longer taboo. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to a close friend’s backyard gate this past year for backyard drinks and apps, and felt like I was illegally sneaking into a speak easy, being judged by the neighbors.

And for the purposes of our conversation, weddings can go back to “normal” - thousands of couples are feeling a million pound weight off their shoulders, with the 200, 300, 400 person celebration back on for later this year.

TRUST ME. I’m THRILLED to turn the corner into normal life, as thrilled as anyone out there. The past year has been awful, and I can’t wait to close the chapter.

But as awful as it was, there were so many miraculous seedlings of hope and creativity that I want to hang on to. The SURGE of micro weddings and really intimate celebrations is something that I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to …. And actually, I’d like to keep that small legacy of the pandemic around as we move back into “normal”.

We’ve talked a lot over the past couple of weeks about feeling overwhelmed with wedding stuff. About how to intentionally approach your wedding plans with your priorities front & center. So much of that has nothing to do with wedding strategy or how-to.

It’s nothing the best wedding planner in the world could help you figure out. Rather it has everything to do with your mindset, and the way you choose to see the next few months - or maybe years - between now and your wedding day.

I’ve been ½ of that overwhelmed couple, and went through a hell of a lot of struggle and drama and screw ups to realize the things that I share with you here each week.

In a nutshell? Your engagement is a priceless season of love, transformation, happiness, joy, and connection. Connecting with your partner, your family & your friends on a deeper level than ever before. Ultimately creating an unforgettable wedding experience that’s full of meaning and leaves a legacy of love, fun, and priceless memories with all of your guests. That, my friend, is your number one priority from now to wedding day.

When couples put their attention here, there’s a magical effect. This mindset allows you to focus purely on what you value most, and how you can integrate those values & priorities into this transformational season of your life, and even beyond.

It allows your guests to experience a wedding celebration unlike any they’ve been to, and to walk away from your wedding experience saying to themselves, that was the most unforgettable wedding we’ve ever been to. It wasn’t a wedding where we downed 6 drinks and a plate of so so food, said hi to the new couple for 30 seconds, ate some cake, and went home. It was an experience that literally left a legacy of love & connection with your closest loved ones.

The mainstream wedding industry wants so badly for things to go back to “normal” - to pack venues with 300 people, 300 plates of overpriced food, and thousands of overpriced cocktails. To run up products and services and price gauge for things that cost a fraction when the word “wedding” isn’t in front.

But what if we all collectively choose connection over mindless excess.

What if we choose our priorities over the generic wedding checklist’s priorities.

What if we said no to 300 person capacity ballrooms, and YES to rustic cabin retreats, where our very closest friends and family could gather for 3-5 DAYS of wedding celebration, instead of 3-5 hours?

What if we spent days, or even a WEEK, connecting with our loved ones, instead of a few seconds in a receiving line outside the church before being whisked away in a limo to pictures, a reception, some speeches, dinner, drinks, and dancing that you didn’t even enjoy because it was all such a blur?

What if we took a pledge and said NO to the old way, and said YES to our values, our priorities, and turned our full focus & attention on our wedding experience leaving a lasting legacy on everyone involved?

If that’s you, then you’re in the right spot my friend - coming up in the second half of today's show, you’ll meet a bride who’s hosting an 18 person micro wedding at a rustic cabin retreat in Maine and who is 100% dialed in on exactly what her & her fiance value the most. I’m going to share a Q&A session we did on everything from wedding day makeup, gift registry, working with wood Sola flowers, delegating tasks, forming connections, and so much more.

Ready for the new way to plan your dream wedding celebration? Tune in to today's full episode for so much more!

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through specific wedding planning milestones and show you exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com

>>> Photos of Kate's SOLA wood flowers >>> Follow @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram

A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:

• Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code in today's episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.

• Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon for FREE when you email susan@susanstravelservices.com . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

• Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP".

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

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

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

Nick has 3 side hustle “business models” to share, and I’m going to elaborate on each one, and offer a few more ideas that I love. For a full blog post & recap of today's show, AND a special video message from Nick, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/hustle.

VAULT members, your weekly bonus is a detailed checklist to follow if you’re interested in getting a “wedding side hustle” up & running, and generating you some CASH!

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

Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP".

Would you LOVE to 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 audio episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.

I think it's safe to say that running away to a beautiful beach in the tropics is on all of our minds right now!

Today I have a very special guest joining us, friend of the show SUSAN GREEN from Susan’s Travel Services. Susan packs 26 years of travel planning experience, and today you’re invited to soak up Susan’s expertise on everything from:

• Honeymoon planning logistics,
• destination wedding tips,
• choosing your perfect destination,
• some common honeymoon planning pitfalls,
• sample trips across a variety of budgets,
• the PRICE TAG of stress,

& so much more!

The best part?

Susan’s travel planning services are TOTALLY FREE to you as a listener of the podcast!

Yes, you heard me right, and no, there’s not a catch!

To learn how Susan can help YOU plan your dream honeymoon to Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean & beyond, simply shoot her an email - susan@susanstravelservices.com and let her know that the WPP sent you for $50 off your final booking.

In addition, tune in to LIVE travel updates from Susan on Facebook & Instagram!

And with that, grab your daiquiri, imagine yourself on a beautiful beach, and enjoy today’s show ;)

A special THANK YOU to today's valued show sponsors:

Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code within audio episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.

Take the guesswork & stress out of choosing the music for your special day! Visit MyWeddingSongs.com today to prepare your wedding music for FREE and enjoy over 600 custom wedding playlists.