This final episode of the year is a reflective one.

In this episode of Handled, Alyson shares what she’s most grateful for after a full season of wedding planning — not as a highlight reel, but as a reminder of what truly matters during the planning process.

From couples who trusted the process, to being invited into deeply emotional moments, to the quiet wins that never make it to Instagram, this episode explores the unseen layers of wedding planning that shape how a day feels, not just how it looks.

Alyson reflects on presence over perfection, connection over performance and more. As we head into a new year and a new wave of engagements, this episode is a grounding reminder that you don’t have to plan perfectly — just honestly, intentionally, and with support that makes you feel safe.

Let's connect!

Instagram: @Birdcageandblushersweddings

Website: www.birdcageandblushers.com

Wedding planning isn’t just about logistics, budgets, or aesthetics — it’s about identity, relationships, expectations, and emotion. And that’s why it can feel so overwhelming, even for the most capable, organized couples.

In this episode of Handled, Alyson explores the emotional architecture of a wedding — the invisible layers that make planning feel so big, so personal, and sometimes so heavy. From identity shifts and family dynamics to money narratives, social pressure, and the gap between Pinterest and reality, this conversation validates what so many couples are feeling but rarely hear acknowledged.

If you’ve ever wondered “Why does this feel so intense?” or “Why am I struggling with decisions that should feel simple?” — this episode is for you. You’ll leave feeling grounded, understood, and reminded that you’re not doing anything wrong.

This is your permission to slow down, lead with values, and plan from a place of intention — not pressure.

Let's connect!

Instagram: @Birdcageandblushersweddings

Website: www.birdcageandblushers.com

Learn more about the Venue Shortlist System:

https://www.birdcageandblushers.com/venue-shortlist-system

Choosing a wedding venue isn’t just about falling in love with the aesthetic — it’s about making sure the space truly fits your budget, your guest count, your design vision, and your priorities.

In this episode of Handled, wedding planner and bride-to-be Alyson Thompson breaks down the real criteria couples should be using before they book a venue — beyond vibes, Pinterest photos, and curated Instagram grids.

You’ll learn:
• Why beautiful photos don’t tell you the whole story
• The three non-negotiables every couple should identify before touring
• How guest count, priorities, and budget quietly shape everything
• Hidden venue costs couples rarely know to ask about
• How rentals, catering models, lighting, and logistics impact your bottom line
• Why the venue determines up to 70% of your total budget
• How to avoid falling in love with a space that simply can’t support your vision

Alyson also shares why she created her signature Venue Shortlist System — a personalized process that helps couples narrow their search to spaces that truly align with their guest count, design goals, logistics, and budget.

If you’re in the early stages of planning, or if you have no idea where to begin with venue hunting, this episode is your roadmap to making confident, aligned decisions.

Learn more about the Venue Shortlist System:

https://www.birdcageandblushers.com/venue-shortlist-system

Let's Stay Connected:

Instagram: @Birdcageandblushersweddings

Website: www.birdcageandblushers.com

In this episode of Handled, Alyson breaks down the part of wedding planning no one likes talking about: the budget. Not the line items, not the price tags — but the feelings, confusion, misconceptions, and comparison culture that make couples feel shamey, stressed, or totally lost when it comes to money.

You'll learn why budgeting feels so emotional, the truth about DIY “savings,” where couples overspend without realizing it, and how to make aligned, confident financial decisions based on your values — not panic or pressure. Alyson also shares insider tips on labor, rentals, florals, catering styles, and why “cheap” often isn’t cheaper.

If you’re overwhelmed, conflicted, or wondering why this part of planning feels so hard, take a deep breath. You’re not alone — and this episode will help you handle it with clarity, confidence, and calm.

Book a Planning Power Session

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@birdcageandblushersweddings⁠⁠⁠

• Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.birdcageandblushers.com/contact-chicago-wedding-planner⁠⁠⁠

• Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

You got engaged — now what?
Before you make a Pinterest board, book a venue tour, or say yes to anything with a deposit attached… there are foundational steps every couple should take first. And most couples skip them.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact process I walk my Birdcage & Blushers couples through the moment they get engaged:
✨ getting crystal clear on your vision
✨ understanding your budget without the shame spiral
✨ learning how to approach the venue search strategically, not reactively

If you want to avoid months of stress, overwhelm, and costly wrong turns, this episode is your starting point.

And if the venue search already feels like too much? I created my Venue Shortlist System specifically to save you time, money, and decision fatigue — so you can start your planning with confidence and clarity.

Learn more about the Venue Shortlist System:

https://www.birdcageandblushers.com/venue-shortlist-system

Let’s stay connected!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birdcageandblushersweddings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.birdcageandblushers.com/contact-chicago-wedding-planner⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast, Alyson shares the insider truths every couple should know before they book their planner. From understanding what a planner actually does (and doesn’t do) to knowing what makes a great planner-client relationship thrive, this conversation is equal parts eye-opening and empowering. Let’s stay connected!

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birdcageandblushersweddings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.birdcageandblushers.com/contact-chicago-wedding-planner⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode of Handled, Alyson is pulling back the curtain on how she builds timelines that keep couples calm, organized, and fully present on their wedding day. She talks about everything that goes into a seamless timeline — from vendor load-ins and hair and makeup schedules to photo timing, transportation, and even pre-wedding setup and rehearsals.

Let’s stay connected

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birdcageandblushersweddings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.birdcageandblushers.com/contact-chicago-wedding-planner⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode of Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast, Alyson unpacks why tension shows up during planning (spoiler: it’s rarely about napkin colors), how to understand the emotions beneath disagreements, and ways to communicate and compromise without losing connection.

Let’s stay connected

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@birdcageandblushersweddings⁠⁠⁠⁠

Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.birdcageandblushers.com/contact-chicago-wedding-planner⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

Choosing your wedding vendors shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze of emails, contracts, and conflicting opinions. In this episode of Handled, Alyson breaks down how to find the right vendors for you—the ones who align with your values, energy, and vision, not just your budget.

Let’s stay connected

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@birdcageandblushersweddings⁠⁠⁠⁠

Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.birdcageandblushers.com/contact-chicago-wedding-planner⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

Money and emotions are deeply connected — especially when you’re planning a wedding. In this episode of Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast, Alyson opens up about the pressure couples feel around wedding budgets, from navigating family opinions to comparing costs online.

She shares how to reframe budget stress into clarity and confidence, what to focus on when decision-making feels heavy, and why social media’s “what you should and shouldn’t spend on” advice often does more harm than help.

This episode is your reminder that budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about alignment. You deserve a wedding that reflects your priorities, values, and peace of mind, no matter the number.

If you’ve ever felt anxious about what you’re “supposed” to spend, this episode will help you breathe again..

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Let’s stay connected

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@birdcageandblushersweddings⁠⁠⁠

Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.birdcageandblushers.com/contact-chicago-wedding-planner⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]