Step-by-Step Wedding Prep

No matter how much time or money you spend planning your wedding, there is always that one unpredictable factor you can’t control and that’s the weather. With more and more weddings taking place outdoors these days, I’m going to go over 7 things you need to do if severe weather threatens your wedding day.

The first and best way to plan for weather is to plan for the worse, but expect the best. To do that, you need to be proactive. In this show, I discuss:

• How a wedding planner can make the worse better
• Why knowing weather patterns is so critical and why ignoring the weather won't make it better
• The right conversations you need to have with your vendors
• Why your contracts are so important and why you can't fully trust a verbal conversation
• The best way to reach out to your guests if you need to change any of your wedding plans
• Why using a travel agent, even if you've never used one before, or plan to again, is the best way to save an enormous amount of time and stress

and more...

In addition, there are a few episodes that relate to this topic that would be great for you to go back and listen to. They are Episode 13 where we discuss mistakes you could be making hiring your vendors that can ruin your wedding, and Episode 8 where we discuss having to reschedule your wedding due to COVID.

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If you are a Hudson Valley Bride or Groom, please make sure you check out Wedding Connections of the Hudson Valley, a blog specific to your Hudson Valley needs with local insights,real Hudson Valley wedding photo inspiration, and more.

Music by Chris Orazi, Mixing by Nate Terry at C.A.S. Music Production

Today I’m talking DIY weddings…what they are, what it’s really like to DIY your wedding, and the top 4 myths associated with DIYing your wedding.

I was a DIY bride. I didn’t hire a wedding planner and I made almost every detail of our wedding: From save-the-dates, to menus, invitations, programs, our envelope box, cocktail hour table decor, place cards, tags for bubble wands for our church exit, and even favors. You name it, I made it.

I discuss the real reason why I was a DIY bride, the ONLY reason why I was a DIY bride, and the only reason why you should be, too.

If you plan on being a DIY bride or groom, there are 4 common myths commonly associated with DIY weddings and I totally bust them! In this show, I talk about:

• Wether or not DIY-ing your wedding saves you money
• Wether or not DIY-ing your wedding is easy and fast
• Wether or not DIY-ing your wedding makes your wedding personal and memorable
• Wether or not DIY-ing your wedding might make people think your wedding is "cheap" or tacky

I'd love to know what your thoughts are on DIY weddings AND I'd love to see your creations. Show and tell us over at:

IG: @wedconnecthv #wedconnecthv

FB: @WeddingConnectionsHV

If you are a Hudson Valley Bride or Groom, please make sure you check out Wedding Connections of the Hudson Valley, a blog specific to your Hudson Valley needs with local insights,real Hudson Valley wedding photo inspiration, and more.

Music by Chris Orazi, Mixing by Nate Terry at C.A.S. Music Production

The week leading up to your wedding is one of the most stressful and chaotic weeks throughout your whole wedding planning journey. There are so many loose ends that need to be tied up that week and it's easy to forget. I know, because I forgot...a lot. This list, based on what I needed to remember -and what I forgot to remember - covers everything from logistical details, to personal details and all the miscellaneous details that can easily slip under the radar.

Listen to the end of the show and I'll tell you how you can get on a wait list for something I'm putting the finishing touches on...a wedding "Cliffs Notes" guide with easy-to-use checklist, worksheets and tools that will take the guesswork out of planning your wedding. To get on this list, email me at Felicia (at) weddingconnectionshv (dot) com or check us out on IG at @wedconnecthv and send me a DM.

As always, if you have a wedding planning questions you'd like answered on the show, we'd love to hear from you. Join the conversation online at:

IG: @SBSWeddingPrep (#sbsweddingprep, #weddingwednesdays)

FB: @SBSWeddingPrep

If you are a Hudson Valley Bride or Groom, please make sure you check out Wedding Connections of the Hudson Valley, a blog specific to your Hudson Valley needs with local insights,real Hudson Valley wedding photo inspiration, and more.

IG: @wedconnecthv #wedconnecthv

FB: @WeddingConnectionsHV

Music by Chris Orazi, Mixing by Nate Terry at C.A.S. Music Production

The decision to do videography is something many couples struggle with until the last minute and not doing videography is usually a couple’s number one regret. Today, we’re discussing why that is and the 5 RED FLAGS you need to be aware of when hiring a videographer, especially when it comes to aerial footage.

Today, I have on the show a husband and wife team, Bryndon and Lynette Romero of Pioneer Media, who not only do amazing wedding photography but are also are one of the few companies that actually does video as well, and their particular specialty is in drone and aerial footage. Aerial footage is so popular right now and there are VERY specific rules you need to know about if you want aerial footage, rules that if you don’t do your research, can leave you with a hefty fine. We’ll be discussing all that in the show, so don’t worry,

On today's show, we discuss:

• Why videography is always a last-minute decision
• Videography from the past compared to what it is today
• What video can do that pictures can't
• Why hiring a videographer with WEDDING experience is more important than just have video experience
• Why making a decision to do video NOW is so important, especially for those getting married this year and next year
• The one important thing a videographer needs to do for photographers
• Why knowing who's going to be filming your wedding is so important...it's not always the person you speak to
• Why having a second shooter is so important and why hiring an unknown assistant is a bad idea
• Why you should be wary of a videographer who promises a certain length
• What the difference is between flying a drone that's registered with the FAA vs. one that's Licensed with the FAA
• Permits for drone footage
• Why on-camera lighting is so bad and what you should ask for instead
• SO MUCH MORE

To learn more about Pioneer Media, visit them online at:

Web - www.pioneerpd.com

IG - @pioneermedia_ny

FB - @pioneermedia.ny

As always, if you have a wedding planning questions you'd like answered on the show, we'd love to hear from you. Join the conversation online at:

IG: @SBSWeddingPrep (#sbsweddingprep, #weddingwednesdays)

FB: @SBSWeddingPrep

If you are a Hudson Valley Bride or Groom, please make sure you check out Wedding Connections of the Hudson Valley, a blog specific to your Hudson Valley needs with local insights,real Hudson Valley wedding photo inspiration, and more.

IG: @wedconnecthv #wedconnecthv

FB: @WeddingConnectionsHV

Music by Chris Orazi, Mixing by Nate Terry at C.A.S. Music Production

Are you trying to find an officiant for your wedding, but are feeling overwhelmed and confused about the whole process. If you aren’t sure where to even begin finding someone who can share your story the way it was meant to be told, then this is the episode for you. Bring a pen and some paper, because you’ll be taking a lot of notes from this week’s show.

This is such a challenge for many couples, because unless you know someone already, you’re now left to find basically a complete stranger, inviting them into your world and telling them your life story and making sure they capture who you are and what you represent as a couple. Your ceremony is THE MOST important part of the day…there is no wedding without it, and so, whoever you get to be your officiant has to get it right.

So, because of that, I have on the show today someone who I consider one of the premier experts on this topic, Reverend Roxanne Birchfield, founder of the elite officiant company MARRIED by REV ROXY.

She’s worked clients who have been featured in VOGUE, Harper's BAZAAR, TIME, GLAMOUR, The New York Times, USA Today, Buzz Feed News and Munaluchi Bride and has performed ceremonies for high-profile celebrities that have been featured on shows such as Netflix’s Love is Blind, Married at First sight and Love & Hip-hop. She’s also earned recognition from Essence Magazine and Brides Magazine and is the first recipient of the Rising Star Award from the B Collective.

Most recently, she officiated the wedding of Dr. Kerry-Anne & Michael Gordon, known as the iconic couple that got married during the Black Lives Matter Protest in Philadelphia, PA.

Reverend Roxanne Birchfield, founder of the elite officiant company MARRIED by REV ROXY.

Rev. Roxy and I discuss:

• The 2 important questions you need to think about when choosing your officiant
• Why it's so important to ask your officiant what their plan is to get to know you
• Thoughts on pre-marital counseling
• How to get to know your officiant beyond what you see on their website
• Questions you should be asking your officiant
• How important the words used in the ceremony are and how they evoke emotion
• Asking if the officiant has any rules you need to follow
• The difference between an officiant and celebrant
• Asking if your officiant can perform at your venue
• Why checking with your county is THE MOST important place you need to check with to see who can perform your wedding
• How NYC rules vary from the rest of NYS in terms of who can officiate
• What questions you can expect your officiant to ask of you
• Why having a family meeting about what type of ceremony you should have is so important
• What happens between the time of booking and your wedding day
• SO MUCH MORE

To learn more about MARRIED by REV. ROXY, you can visit https://www.marriedbyrevroxy.com/

IG: @marriedbyrevroxy

FB: @marriedbyrevroxy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/marriedbyrevroxy

Photo credit for Rev. Roxy @_rollandsmith

As always, if you have a wedding planning questions you'd like answered on the show, we'd love to hear from you. Join the conversation online at:

IG: @SBSWeddingPrep (#sbsweddingprep, #weddingwednesdays)

FB:

Are you an eco-conscious bride or groom that wants to upcycle parts of your wedding? Do you want a unique way to honor loved ones or maybe you want to reuse pieces of your wedding in your home? If yes, then today’s show is one you don’t want to miss.

My guest today is the owner of Forever Brooch Bouquets in Suffern, NY, which is a one-of-a-kind, award-winning and internationally known company that constructs unique bridal and home floral designs and accessories. Each item is sewn…by hand, and is built to last a lifetime, using upcycled clothing, jewelry and heirlooms from loved ones in your family.

Her work has been published in Manhattan Bride Magazine, & two Royal wedding issues of BRIDES UK Magazine. Her company has also won the “Best of 2018, 2019 & 2020" awards for Manhattan Bride Magazine.

We discuss:

• What upcycling really is and what it means
• How you can incorporate upcycling into your wedding
• Areas of your wedding that create a lot of waste and options to prevent creating waste
• Looking at everything you use for your wedding as having a life past your wedding
• What to consider of the items you want to upcycle - not all material is created equal
• Alternative ways to honor loved ones at your wedding

To learn more about Forever Brooch Bouquets, you can visit https://www.foreverbroochbouquets.com/

IG: @foreverbroochbouquets

FB: @ForeverBroochBouquetsbyMichelle

to watch the episode of Four Weddings on TLC that Michelle was on...and WON, click here and to learn more about the Falkirk Estate & Country Club where Michelle got married, click here

As always, if you have a wedding planning questions you'd like answered on the show, we'd love to hear from you. Join the conversation online at:

IG: @SBSWeddingPrep (#sbsweddingprep, #weddingwednesdays)

FB: @SBSWeddingPrep

If you are a Hudson Valley Bride or Groom, please make sure you check out Wedding Connections of the Hudson Valley, a blog specific to your Hudson Valley needs with local insights,real Hudson Valley wedding photo inspiration, and more.

IG: @wedconnecthv #wedconnecthv

FB: @WeddingConnectionsHV

Music by Chris Orazi, Mixing by Nate Terry at C.A.S. Music Production

On the surface hiring your vendors may seem like a transaction in that you’re paying them to provide you with a good or service, but, you’re really forming a relationship and one that lasts for quite some time…sometimes even years beyond your wedding. 

In episode 13, we spoke about mistakes you're making when hiring your vendors, and today, we’re going to be talking about what you need to do for your vendors…the "unwritten rules" that go far beyond what’s written on paper and what’s signed off on.

I discuss:

• The one thing you should NEVER say to your vendors
• The CORRECT way to let a vendor know you're not interested
• The easiest, yet most overlooked thing you can do during the planning process to PREVENT any awkward moments or conversations
• Why doing this one thing, ON TIME, is so important
• What you MUST do for your vendors the day of your wedding
• How and why it's important to TIP your vendors
• The SIMPLEST way to repay them for their time and talent
• Why leaving reviews are extremely IMPORTANT for helping their business grow
• The one thing you should NEVER, EVER do and how doing your research ahead of time can prevent this from happening
• so much more

If you're a wedding vendor, tell me what I missed. What else should be added to this list?

As always, if you have a wedding planning questions you'd like answered on the show, we'd love to hear from you. Join the conversation online at:

IG: @SBSWeddingPrep (#sbsweddingprep, #weddingwednesdays)

FB: @SBSWeddingPrep

If you are a Hudson Valley Bride or Groom, please make sure you check out Wedding Connections of the Hudson Valley, a blog specific to your Hudson Valley needs with local insights,real Hudson Valley wedding photo inspiration, and more.

IG: @wedconnecthv #wedconnecthv

FB: @WeddingConnectionsHV

Music by Chris Orazi, Mixing by Nate Terry at C.A.S. Music Production

Are you having a hard-time deciding on a venue space for your wedding? Today we’re talking about the difference between all-inclusive venues and ones that aren’t to help you decide.

to be honest, this is a HUGE topic that really requires more than one episode, so we’ll be diving deeper at a later date, but for the sake of time today, we’re going to go over the big questions and details you need to think about when deciding on your venue space.

For the most part, venue spaces can be broken down into two distinct categories: there’s venues that are all-inclusive and ones that are not.

All-inclusive venue spaces are the more “traditional” venues which include amenities that can range from anything from food options, reception room options, perhaps cake or floral options, maybe even transportation. They’ll have a wedding coordinator on premise assigned to you and basically give you packages to choose from to create your special day.

Venues that are NOT all inclusive, often called unique venue spaces, may offer some of the amenities I just mentioned, but really, it’s just a space or a room that you’re renting and you need to provide the rest. So, these spaces could include art galleries, barns, museums, or any other quote “non-traditional spaces included your backyard.

There’s a lot to think about with each one, and to help explain what you need to think about when looking at each type of venue is JoAnn Provanzano of What Dreams are Made Of, a Hudson-Valley based wedding planner who’s been planning weddings for over 20 years who’s dedicated to making the wedding you always dreamed of come alive.

We discuss:

• Misconceptions couples have about each type of venue space
• Amenities included in all-inclusive venues that aren't included in unique venue spaces
• Insurances, licenses and other things you need to be aware of if you are having a wedding at home
• so much more

To learn more about What Dreams are Made Of, visit https://www.whatdreamsaremadeof.biz/

As always, if you have a wedding planning questions you'd like answered on the show, we'd love to hear from you. Join the conversation online at:

IG: @SBSWeddingPrep (#sbsweddingprep, #weddingwednesdays)

FB: @SBSWeddingPrep

If you are a Hudson Valley Bride or Groom, please make sure you check out Wedding Connections of the Hudson Valley, a blog specific to your Hudson Valley needs with local insights,real Hudson Valley wedding photo inspiration, and more.

IG: @wedconnecthv #wedconnecthv

FB: @WeddingConnectionsHV

Music by Chris Orazi, Mixing by Nate Terry at C.A.S. Music Production

Hello and welcome back to the Step-by-Step Wedding Prep Podcast, where we teach you everything you need to know to plan your wedding like a pro!

This is episode number 17 and today, we’re going to be talking about how to get your hair and skin wedding day perfect and to help us do that, we have on the show a leader in sustainable beauty. Her Salon has been named one of the top 200 salons in America 7 times by Salon Today and has been recognized not only for her green business philosophies and practices but also her philanthropy, raising thousands of dollars for her community and organizations across the country. Please welcome Rebecca Lee, owner of Bella Luci Salon located in Poughkeepsie, NY, right in the heart of the Hudson Valley.

Rebecca and I discuss:

• The negative effects not taking care of your hair and skin and how it can ruin your wedding photos
• Things you can do at home, TODAY for healthy hair and skin
• The #1 ANTI-AGING secret, which you already have in your home
• The best bedtime routine for your skin
• What to avoid doing to your hair and skin right before your wedding
• The best time to get facials
• SO MUCH MORE

To learn more about Bella Luci Salon, please visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instgram

As always, if you have a wedding planning questions you'd like answered on the show, we'd love to hear from you. Join the conversation online at:

IG: @SBSWeddingPrep (#sbsweddingprep, #weddingwednesdays)

FB: @SBSWeddingPrep

If you are a Hudson Valley Bride or Groom, please make sure you check out Wedding Connections of the Hudson Valley, a blog specific to your Hudson Valley needs with local insights,real Hudson Valley wedding photo inspiration, and more.

IG: @wedconnecthv #wedconnecthv

FB: @WeddingConnectionsHV

Music by Chris Orazi, Mixing by Nate Terry at C.A.S. Music Production

Welcome to the Step-by-Step Wedding Prep Podcast - The weekly show where we teach you everything you need to know to plan your wedding like a pro! 

On today's episode, we're tackling the big subject of wedding budget and discussing 8 areas where you can be (and probably are) overspending. Many people refer to the areas I mention in today's show as "money-waster's", but I see it differently. If it's something you really want, then it's not a waste of money because it means a lot to you.

However, these are areas you need to pay close attention to because if you don't stick to your budget, or do your research ahead of time as to how much things are really going to cost, you could end up spending more money than you need to. You can ABSOLUTELY have all the things mention on today's show at your wedding, I just want you to make sure you have money for them

I discuss...

• The right way AND the wrong way to plan your wedding budget
• How making a "NEED" list and a "WANT" list are critical for you keeping to your budget
• The common ways couples overspend and why
• Questions you should be asking yourself to help you stay on budget
• One item that can cost you upwards of $450 - $600 that might end up wasted at the end of the night
• The one thing you can easily make that can save you money
• The dangers of "one-and-done" items, and what some of them are
• SO MUCH MORE!

I also reference 2 shows that you need to listen to to help you navigate your bridal party and making sure your wedding is a true representation on who you are. Those are:

Episode 4 - 5 Things Your Bridal Party Expects From You But Will Never Ask For

Epidose 9 - 14 Ways to Make Your Wedding Unique and Personal

As always, if you have a wedding planning questions you'd like answered on the show, we'd love to hear from you. Join the conversation online at:

IG: @SBSWeddingPrep (#sbsweddingprep, #weddingwednesdays)

FB: @SBSWeddingPrep

If you are a Hudson Valley Bride or Groom, please make sure you check out Wedding Connections of the Hudson Valley, a blog specific to your Hudson Valley needs with local insights,real Hudson Valley wedding photo inspiration, and more.

IG: @wedconnecthv #wedconnecthv

FB: @WeddingConnectionsHV

Music by Chris Orazi, Mixing by Nate Terry at C.A.S. Music Production