Step-by-Step Wedding Prep

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! 

Today, were going to have a lot of fun and I hope you’re taking notes for this one because I’m diving deep, really deep, into the minute details of your wedding day. So, We’re going way beyond surface planning here and talking about the LITTLE tiny details…the little things you might not have realized you needed to think about on your wedding day.

So, whether you’re getting married soon or not, these are things you need to think about now, so that you don’t have a moment of panic the day before or the day of wondering “What the heck do I do now?”

Stay tuned to the end of the show, where I tell you how you can get your hands on a FREE wedding day packing checklist to make sure you’re not forgetting to bring anything with you on the day.

Visit www.weddingconnectionshv.com and click on the FREE RESOURCES PAGE to download a checklist with 42 ITEMS to bring with you on your wedding day.

I discuss...

• What to do with your engagement ring (which goes beyond the simple answer)
• Why you might not be able to wear your engagement ring
• Why you wear your rings on the hand you do
• The traditional way to wear your wedding rings
• How to hold your bouquet
• What to do with it when you're dancing
• Where to put it during the reception
• What to do with your flowers after your wedding
• Your transportation home
• How to get your overnight bag to your hotel when check-in is usually the same time as your ceremony
• MUCH MORE

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 show, where we teach you everything you need to know to plan your wedding like a pro!

Today, we’re going to be talking about a completely new and out-of-the-box idea that can help you with your wedding even if your plans are still completely up in the air.

I first saw this on Instagram and was completely taken aback by how ingenious this was because it’s so simply, yet so impactful. It’s something really fun, that can be done in the comfort of your own home to bring a little bit of normalcy and happiness while you’re planning in this uncertain time.

We’re talking about virtual engagement sessions!

To help you learn more about this, we spoke to the woman who created the beautiful photography I saw on Instagram. She's a Los Angeles Based photographer, who’s been doing virtual engagement sessions not only with couples who booked her already for their weddings, but with others all over the country. Her mission is to document your human experience, and to capture photos, which she sees as mini time capsules, that people will remember for a long time to come.

Joelle and I discuss:

• What virtual engagement sessions actually are
• How the concept became a reality
• How you can do virtual photography from the comfort of your own home
• Tips for finding the perfect location
• Advice for couples who want to do this now
• Advice for wedding photographers who want to learn more

To learn more about virtual engagement session or to book with Ginger Sole Photography, please visit:

Ginger Sole Photography

IG: @gingersolephotography

FB: Ginger Sole Photography

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 welcome Rachael Solomon, co-owner of Bad Boss Bride and we discuss hiring your vendors and why that's so important in determining what kind of wedding planning experience you’ll have. Hire the right way, and you’ll have a totally amazing experience. Hire the wrong way, and your results could be entirely different.

We discuss the NUMBER ONE THING you need to base your decisions on, which has nothing to do with money, and is often the thing couples overlook entirely…not even giving it a second thought.

In addition, Rachael and I discuss...

• Common mistakes couples make when hiring their vendors
• How there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to hiring vendors
• Why hiring this particular vendor last is a big no-no
• Why it's so important to read every detail in your contracts
• How to properly research vendors
• What bad vendor reviews really mean
• Why paying more money doesn't always mean better quality
• How to determine if a vendor is a good match for you
• What a vendor can do to see if you're a good fit for them
• What happens if you face conflict with a vendor
• How to address problems before they become major issues
• SO MUCH MORE!

Stay tuned to the end of the show when I ask Rachael 5 Fun Questions and learn more about her amazing career

To learn more about Bad Boss Bride or to schedule a consultation, please visit Bad Boss Bride

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! 

Today, we’re going to be talking about what you need to know to plan your fall wedding. Now you’re probably wondering why I'm talking about Fall weddings when it Spring and fall is at least another 4 months away. Well, that's a good question, and I’ll tell you why.

If you had a wedding planned for now and had to reschedule, you might be thinking of rescheduling for this fall, or if you’re planning a fall wedding for next year, now would be the time you should start planning. By the way, if you missed show number 8, you definitely want to check it out as we go over EVERYTHING you need to do or think about if you're rescheduling your wedding

I discuss these mistakes those rescheduling could make...

• Still not making a decision of wether or not to reschedule, and why you need to do that sooner than later
• Not paying attention to the date on your marriage license and needing to reapply for a new one
• Not being flexible and open to a "new normal"

I discuss these mistakes those who always planned for Fall 2021 could make...

• Not giving yourself enough time to plan
• Not taking into consideration everything else going on it town in the fall and why that's so important to your wedding day
• Booking lodging for your fall wedding last minute

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 welcome Claudia Hanlin, owner and founder of The Wedding Library, a luxury wedding planning and design company that has grown to become New York City's largest wedding planning business. She's been a contributing editor for Martha Stewart Weddings, producer of Martha Stewart’s Wedding Party - the US’s premier consumer bridal show - and has been named top wedding planner by Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Vogue, the Knot and Modern Bride.

If you've never considered hiring a wedding planner, or maybe you have but dismissed it entirely because of budget concerns. This episode is eye-opening!

if you’re really stressing out trying to keep all the moving parts in motion and staying organized, if you’re not sure what happens when and are constantly seeking advice on how to do any part of the planning for your day, or if you’ve ever thought that having someone do all the heavy lifting for you would really make your life so much easier, then you definitely want to listen to today’s show.

Claudia and I discuss...

• What a wedding planner is and what they ACTUALLY do
• If you are hiring one person or a team
• Different types of planning services available and what they offer
• Reasons why you SHOULDN'T hire a wedding planner
• What the process of hiring a planner looks like
• How much you can expect to pay for a planner
• How a planner can help you even AFTER you've booked all your vendors
• The fact that even with a planner, you have TOTAL control
• How to save time and money by hiring a planner
• 3 ways wedding planners can actually SAVE you money
• What you can do if you REALLY don't have the money to hire a planner but desperately need some help
• SO MUCH MORE!

Stay tuned to the end of the show when I ask Claudia 5 Fun Questions and learn about how she got into the business of wedding planning

To learn more about Claudia and The Wedding Library or to book a consultation with her, please visit:

The Wedding Library

FB: Claudia Hanlin's Wedding Library

IG: @weddinglibrary

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:

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 help couples who might be on the fence about eloping decide if it's right for them. To help answer that question, we welcome Maria Krein, owner of Adventure Elopements of the Hudson Valley.

If you've ever thought about an elopement but aren't sure what it is, or if you've grown up with a stigma around them, or if you're seriously on the fence and aren't sure what to do, this is the episode for you!

Maria and I discuss...

• The status of elopements now and, if they, like traditional weddings, are being postponed as well
• What you need to know about your marriage license even if you are eloping
• The trend of doing something small now and having a bigger celebration later on
• How elopements can ease the sense of "wedding competition" and living up to others expectations
• If elopements are actually cheaper
• Advice for those who really can't decide and the one thing that might help you make your decision
• The difference between an adventure elopement and a traditional elopement
• Restrictions when it comes to elopements
• And so much more!

Plus, as we do with all our guests, we ask Maria 5 fun question at the end of the show!

To learn more about Adventure Elopements of the Hudson Valley, please visit

https://www.adventureelopementshv.com/

or follow them on IG @adventureelopementshv and Facebook at Adventure Elopements HV

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 answer the question of "How can I make my wedding unique and personal?"

If you've been to enough weddings, you'll start to notice that they're a bit cookie cutter in that they follow a certain ebb and flow with traditional elements strewn throughout. If you want to switch it up a bit and add your own signature style, go for it! Remember, traditions aren't rules. With a few exceptions, almost everything can be rearranged to your liking.

I discuss 14 areas where you can add your own personal touches. They include...

• Save the dates - check episode #3 for more details on engagement photos
• Invitations
• Attire and clothing
• Flowers and décor
• Unity ceremony
• Vows
• Wedding photos
• Table numbers
• Guest book
• Favors
• Dances - check episode #6 for more details on music
• Food
• Signature drink
• Cake

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 welcome Margaret Brower, Director of Sales for the Bonura Hospitality Group. Margaret is a planning powerhouse who's planned over 3,200 weddings in New York and Long Island Combined, and her expertise has led her to speaking engagements at leading hospitality conferences all over the Country.

If you've come to the decision that you'll need to reschedule your wedding, and aren't sure where to go from here, we got you covered. We discuss all the things you need to know and be aware of other than just changing your date.

Margaret and I discuss...

• How to find a new wedding date
• Making sure you ask about the "What-if's", even if, right now, you plan on going ahead with your wedding
• How to deal with guest minimums at your venue if people can't make it on your new date
• Being aware that a new date on a new day could effect your budget, both in a positive or negative way
• making sure your menu reflects your new guest list and isn't too much or too little food
• Deal-breakers such as specific family members not being able to make it to your new date
• Working with your vendors
• Notifying your guests
• Working through your emotions
• SO MUCH MORE!

Stay tuned to the end of the show when I ask Margaret 5 Fun Questions! Learn about an interesting conversation she had with a complete stranger that changed her entire life and her appearance on a beloved game show!

To learn more about the Bonura Hospitality Group or to book a venue tour at any one of their four locations, please visit:

www.BonuraWeddings.com for a complete overview of all their properties and venues which include -

The Grandview

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Anthony's Pier 9

West Hills Golf and Country Club

Shadows on the Hudson

Blu Pointe

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 have plus-size bridal expert, Shafonne Myers. She is the owner of Pretty Pear Bride, a plus-size bridal magazine; host of the Pretty Pear Life - a podcast for curvey, confident plus-size women; and a self-love and body positivity coach.

If you've ever looked in the mirror and see all your "imperfections" instead of your amazing, beautiful, self - this is the episode you need to listen to!

Shafonne and I discuss...

• How to feel confident in your own skin and tips and strategies to help you do that
• How your wedding dress can't mask these "imperfections"...you need to wear your dress, your dress doesn't wear you
• The number one trigger that most brides don't know about that can send them into a self-hate spiral
• How mirror work and ridding your environment of "toxic" triggers can lead to self-love
• The comparison-itis trap so many brides fall victim to
• So much more

I also ask Shafonne 5 Fun Questions at the end...learn about her interesting early career, the most amazing family dinners, and her ultimate goal -which she puts out in the universe on today's show.

To learn more about Shafonne and the Pretty Pear Bride, you can find her at:

https://prettypearbride.com

IG @prettypearbride

FB @ Pretty Pear Bride

Podcast - Pretty Pear Life

As always, 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 have the Owner of Digital Musicians Entertainment, a DJ company from upstate NY, who explains the best way to choose the right DJ for your wedding is by asking the RIGHT questions. Not all questions are created equal and we discuss why that is and what you SHOULD be asking instead.

We discuss...

• Why finding a DJ that matches your expectation of your wedding is important
• Learning the right types of questions to ask to help you find your perfect match
• Why experience matters - hint, it goes far beyond just pressing play
• How your DJ can actually help you if something goes wrong during the reception
• What the difference is between a DJ and an MC
• Why a "Play" list is more important that a "Do Not Play" list, and so much more

We'll also do a little freestyle at the end where I ask Pat 5 fun questions so you can get to know him better.

To find Pat and book him for your wedding, find him here www.thedigitalmusicians.com

IG @digitalmusiciansdj

FB @ Digital Musicians Entertainment

Did you know Pat also hosts a manifestation podcast called "Like Attracts Like"? Check that out on www.likeattractslike11.com and on IG @LikeAttractsLikePodcast

As always, 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