Just the other day, I was chatting with three seasoned wedding vendors about how, lately, they’ve been hearing from engaged couples asking tons of questions about details that, honestly, aren’t likely to be problems at all. They were frustrated by how they’ve been micromanaged or not fully trusted. So I asked them: “How can an engaged couple really tell who’s a legit, experienced vendor who won’t let them down?”

They all agreed that it’s tough for couples to know, especially when so much of that trust comes from online reviews and testimonials that can feel overwhelming or sometimes leave you wondering what to really believe. That’s exactly what we’re diving into today: how to cut through the noise to understand what’s genuine in online reviews, and where to focus your attention while you research potential wedding vendors so you can book them with confidence.

And stay tuned till the end, I’ll be sharing my 9 Point Checklist for Wedding Vendor Reviews and help you to work out who might be faking it online.

RESOURCES

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

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This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck 

https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds

This is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔

AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪

Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡

https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds

-----

Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
[email protected]

Have you ever wondered what happens when a wedding feels too good to end, but you’re not quite ready for the party to be over? Maybe you’ve noticed how after-parties are suddenly cropping up in everyone’s wedding plans, or you’re curious why couples are making space in their budget for this bonus round of celebrating.

On today’s episode, we’ll dig into the real reasons after-parties are getting so much love lately, plus some surprisingly creative ways to throw one: whether you want a rooftop cocktail hour, a backyard bonfire, or just a cosy lounge for late-night snacks and stories. If you’re looking for inspiration well beyond the usual dance floor, you’re in the right place.

And if you listen all the way through, there’s a little something extra: a behind-the-scenes idea for making even the simplest after-party truly unforgettable, no matter your budget or style, that might just become your new favourite wedding memory. 

RESOURCES

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

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This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by WedSites.com, Unbridely's recommended all-in-one wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool.

Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and use code UNBRIDELYPOD to get 10% off any of their paid plans.

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Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
[email protected]

Are you a games person, or does the very mention of the word cause you to start dreaming up excuses to opt out? I’ve never been big on games myself, especially at weddings; sometimes they feel awkward or a bit forced, in my opinion. But in this interview, Matthew Vercoe, an experienced MC and now celebrant, really changed my perspective. 

Through our conversation, I saw how thoughtfully designed wedding reception games connect guests, ease any tension, and make the night more memorable for everyone. 

Matt outlines how 6 of his favourite wedding games are run, who they’re good for and when they work the best, with a few added insider tips for guests who are introverted, don’t know anyone else at the wedding or have mobility issues.

Resources Mentioned:

Matthew Vercoe Celebrant & MC: https://www.matthewvercoe.com.au/

Matthew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewvercoe_celebrantandmc

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

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This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Never Miss Moments Unbridely's recommended wedding guest photo and video-sharing tool. With your unique QR code, your family and friends can quickly, easily and securely share their snaps with you in your personalised online gallery.

Visit nevermissmoments.com/unbridely to receive your 10% discount on your gallery.

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Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
[email protected]

Have you heard about the growing trend of co-piloting wedding ceremonies? 

What does it really mean to have the responsibility of the mic shared on one of the most important days of your life, and how can both engaged couples and celebrants team up to make the experience something truly out of the box? 

Today I’m chatting with Annie Moz of Celebrant Lady Love about the rise of co-piloting ceremonies, which is when a professional authorised celebrant partners with a friend or family member of the soon-to-be-weds to craft a ceremony that’s engaging, authentic, and full of meaningful connection and laughs too. 

You’ll learn about: 

• why clear communication and early expectation-setting are absolutely crucial as a baseline, 
• the importance of great chemistry between the celebrant and co-pilot, and 
• how these ceremonies work in a practical sense from the process right through to the cost. 

Whether you’re just starting to consider the possibility of involving a loved one in your ceremony or you’re a celebrant yourself and curious about this relatively new approach to collaboration, this episode will give you some brilliant insights to help make your co-piloted ceremony a roaring success.

RESOURCES 

Celebrant Lady Love website: https://celebrantladylove.com/

Celebrant Lady Love on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrantladylove/

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

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This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change.

You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done!

More info on how to change your name after you get married: https://unbridely.com/blog/name-change-after-marriage

To get $6 off your name change use the promo code UNBRIDELY6 (valid until the end of 2025) 

-----

Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
[email protected]

If there’s one question I’ve been getting a lot from couples lately, it’s how to handle all the emotions that come up on your wedding day. Between the joy, the nerves, the deep sense of meaning and connection, it’s a day that’s bound to move you.. sometimes to happy tears.

With so many of you asking how to stay present without completely breaking down into an ugly cry, I thought it was the perfect time to revisit one of the most-loved episodes from the Unbridely Podcast.

Originally recorded back in 2022, this encore of “7 Strategies to Not Cry on Your Wedding Day” shares some simple, practical, and heartfelt advice to help you feel everything — without totally losing it in front of your guests (and ruining your makeup artist’s work too).

Whether you’re newly engaged or counting down the days to your wedding, these tips are here to help you stay grounded, centred, and fully present for one of the biggest moments of your life.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
[email protected]

Have you seen any TikToks about how wedding vendors have ripped off unsuspecting and innocent engaged couples by taking their deposit and then ghosting them, never to be seen again? 

While some of those stories are true, in my experience in hospitality, events and weddings, they are super, SUPER rare.

What many couples are most surprised about is the payment of the booking fee, deposit or retainer payment in the first place:

• What does a deposit payment actually cover? 
• How much of a percentage of the total cost or a flat fee is standard for the wedding industry?
• Is a wedding vendor deposit ever refundable?

These are questions that I get asked several times a week, and perhaps some of the most frustrating for couples who don’t understand how the majority of professional wedding vendors work and operate their business to protect you and them. 

RESOURCES

Consumer Protection Agency Websites

• Australia: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): https://www.accc.gov.au
• ​USA: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/the-bureau/
• USA: Department of Justice - Consumer Protection Branch:
  https://www.justice.gov/archives/civil/consumer-protection-branch
• ​UK: Consumer Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerprotectionbureau.co.uk
• ​Canada: Office of Consumer Affairs: http://www.consumer.ic.gc.ca

Unbridely Suppliers who contributed: 

Terresia from Lyons Den Cakes

Betty from The Bake Space

Chelsea from Easy As Events

Alison from Alison Pickel Celebrant

Sam from Amuse Event Lighting and AV

Pete from Him & Her Music

Carolyn from Sweet Nothings Flowers

Dax from Tasty Bakes & Wedding Cakes

Hayley from Style To Hire

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

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This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by WedSites.com, Unbridely's recommended wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool all in one.

Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and use code UNBRIDELY10 to get 10% off any of their paid plans.

-----

Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
[email protected]

Why does it always seem like our skin chooses the most inappropriate moment to “act out” with pimples, acne or redness? And how can you respond with self-compassion and solutions that will actually work instead of harsh steroids and endless TikTok scrolling for let’s face it, questionable remedies?

I am proud to have met and interviewed experienced Australian skin therapist, Amelia Goff, from Fresh Face Skin.

In our personal chat, she unpacks why stress and hormonal shifts can cause these frustrating flare-ups that we know so well and perhaps more importantly, how to meet them with science, care, and calm.

Amelia’s approach isn’t about perfection, but about discovering what it really means to feel comfortable and radiant on the inside and out.

That’s why she and her team offer FREE 15 minute online skin consultations to work out exactly what you need, as an individual.

Amelia and Fresh Face Skin are offering a 20% discount on your first purchase of their products, available until 31 December 2025. Just use the code Unbridely at checkout and take advantage of the opportunity to uplevel or perhaps even start a skincare routine to look after yourself.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice is legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice.

RESOURCES

Fresh Face Skin: https://freshfaceskin.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfaceskin/

FREE 15-min Online Skincare Consultation: https://freshfaceskin.com.au/pages/online-skin-consults

20% off Fresh Face Skin skin care with the discount code: Unbridely 

Just enter the word ‘Unbridely’ at checkout for the automatic discount. 

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

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This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck 

https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds

This is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔

AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪

Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡

https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds

-----

Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
[email protected]

Any chef will tell you that we eat with our eyes; that the way a plate of food is presented and appears will affect the taste of the meal.

So then surely, when we first enter a wedding reception space, the visual impact of the room is like the opening scene of a movie and the precursor for everything that comes after. And for those engaged couples who are not booking a stylist, or who have locked in a dry hire venue, one of the most overlooked aspects of wedding planning has to be the lighting, draping and audio visual elements.

Today I’m chatting with Sam, from Amuse Event Lighting and Audio Visual.

He shares insider tips on how to prioritise your lighting budget, collaborate with stylists or suppliers, and avoid common pitfalls, the things that couples overlook, like functionality and safety, highlighting key features, and how to make your wedding look like a scene straight out of a movie. 

If the thought of fairy lights, chandeliers, or creative mood lighting feels overwhelming, this conversation will give you clear, practical advice to light your wedding day perfectly.

RESOURCES 

Amuse Event Lighting and Audio Visual: https://amuselav.com.au/

Amuse Event LAV on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amuselighting/

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

------

This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change.

You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done!

More info on how to change your name after you get married: https://unbridely.com/blog/name-change-after-marriage

To get $6 off your name change use the promo code UNBRIDELY6 (valid until the end of 2025) 

-----

Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
[email protected]

The truth often hurts. And in an industry that exists to make dreams come true, no matter the cost, it’s no wonder that it’s commonplace for many vendors to blur the lines a little and to tell engaged couples what they want to hear.

However, this is unequivocally NOT the case with my guest today. I first learned that Laura existed through a Reel that was recommended in my Instagram feed titled: “Advice I’d Give You As A Wedding Planner If I Weren’t Afraid of Hurting Your Feelings”.

I’m sure you’ve seen these Reels before, and they are super lightweight with advice like: “make sure you find time to eat on your wedding day” and “keep a pair of runners in a bag so you can change into them later in the night”. I mean, they’re true and okay. Not exactly groundbreaking, though.

But Laura’s advice was exceptionally transparent and so incredibly timely given the bloated client expectations that many of us have noticed increasing in the last couple of years.

I feel like her planning advice is how weddings need to be viewed now and love that one of her favourite sayings is: “design for feelings, not for aesthetics”. And this is coming from a luxury planner who sees budgets in the millions of dollars. 

So get ready for some tough love, because these are facts, and sometimes we just need a reset on what this wedding thing is all about, right?

RESOURCES

Laura Shepherd on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laur.shep/

Couture Events Worldwide on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coutureeventsworldwide/

The Wed Ed: https://www.theweded.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dubaiweddingplanner

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

------

This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by WedSites.com, Unbridely's recommended wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool all in one.

Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and to get 10% off any of their paid plans.

-----

Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
[email protected]

What if the wedding you thought would take years to plan could actually come together in just 6 months? And what if your stress levels and your bank account were better for it too?

In this episode, I sit down with Daisy, Venue Director at The Post Barn in the UK, to unpack the rise of short-leadtime weddings and what that really means for couples today.

You’ll learn why more people are ditching two-year planning timelines, how to avoid the overwhelm of decision fatigue, and the smart ways to work with venues and suppliers when the clock is ticking.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you really have to wait 18 months to say “I do,” the short answer is ‘no’. And Daisy has the 30-minute answer right here, plus a few cautionary tales to keep you on track.

RESOURCES

The Post Barn: https://www.thepostbarn.co.uk/

The Post Barn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepostbarnberkshire/

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

------

This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck 

https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds

This is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔

AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪

Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡

https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds

-----

Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely

Email the Unbridely Podcast:
[email protected]