Unbridely - Modern Wedding Planning

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.*

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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]

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.*

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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]

Welcome back to Part 2 of my interview with Peter and Chelsea from Him and Her Music, where we continue our deep dive into how you can collaborate and work with your wedding musicians to get the very best experience in the lead-up and on the day for yourself, for you, your fiancé and your future memories too.

If you joined us for Part 1, you’ve already heard how Chelsea and Pete’s expertise, transparency, and heartfelt advice make them more than just performers; they’re planners, curators and pros at creating moments that matter. And you’d also now realise how that doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a lot of experience, thought, and coordination too.

So in this episode, Part 2 of our chat, you’ll hear some of their real wedding stories that prove just how powerful live music can be, like how they transformed a brief for “old Italian vibes” into an unforgettable evening.

You’ll learn how to choose your wedding songs, everything from your aisle song to your first dance and also hear Chelsea’s personal approach to choosing her processional and how she dealt with feeling overwhelmed on their wedding day.

And stick around to the end, because Peter and Chelsea offer their best tips and very candid guidance for sourcing, booking, and working with musicians who do more than just sound good, because experienced wedding musicians can also reduce your stress levels and weave a magic atmosphere for you and your guests. 

RESOURCES 

Him & Her Music: https://himandhermusic.com/

Him & Her Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/himandhermusic/

Status Official on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statusofficial.au/

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) 

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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]

You know, I’ve not realised until recently that, for most engaged couples, they’ve never booked and worked with musicians before. In fact, your wedding day might just be the only time you need to discuss an event run sheet, set list, and power requirements with musicians.

There are some things that they need from an engaged couple to work and perform to the best of their ability. And the thing is, you probably don’t know what those things are.

So in today’s episode, you’ll meet the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Peter and Chelsea from Him and Her Music. For over a decade, they’ve made it their mission to turn ordinary gatherings into extraordinary celebrations.

They aren’t just musicians—they’re musical translators, planners, and memory-makers, bringing a deep understanding, expertise, talent and some awesome insider secrets for couples dreaming of their perfect wedding soundtrack.

In this episode, Part 1, you'll discover:

• Why live music is so much more than just a checkbox on your planning list.
• The most overlooked decisions and biggest mistakes that couples make when they choose and book their musicians.
• Why you actually don’t want to be too rigid with your playlist.
• And how your dancefloor energy is a living thing and how to let it grow, develop and thrive so more of your guests get to enjoy it and have a brilliant time. 

RESOURCES

Him & Her Music: https://himandhermusic.com/

Him & Her Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/himandhermusic/

Status Official on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statusofficial.au/

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 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.

-----

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]

When was the last time you truly listened to the sound of a loved one’s voice?

Have you ever noticed how it evokes certain memories and super-charged emotions for you?

What if the most meaningful memory of your wedding day wasn't captured in a photo because we chose to think a little differently about, and expanded on, the way we document weddings?

My guest, Kate Mishkin, is the founder of Spirit and Sound, a company that creates one-of-a-kind audio documentaries of couples’ wedding days.

Kate shares how she draws out deeply personal stories from newlyweds, their families, and friends, why the human voice has an intimate quality that photos can’t capture, and the coolest way couples are preserving these recordings for future generations to enjoy.

Make sure you stay listening until the end, because Kate also reveals her favourite unexpected moments from weddings, and the simple steps you can take, even if you don't hire a producer, to start preserving your own love story in sound.

RESOURCES

Spirit & Sound: https://www.spiritandsnd.com/

Spirit & Sound on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritandsnd/

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]

Have you ever had to endure a painful wedding speech by an overconfident best man or a terrified bridesmaid and thought, “There must be a better way than:

a) listing off story after inappropriate story, 

b) relying on tired, sexist or clichéd jokes, or 

c) just winging it?”

You’re absolutely spot on. We can do better.

Today, I’m joined by Sydney Shannahan, wedding writer, editor and founder of Altar & Toast, who reveals why pushing past the first draft, using speech cards and refraining from roasting the newlyweds can transform wedding party speeches.

Sydney shares her expert tips on how even the most nervous speakers can centre themselves, truly connect, and give engaging toasts that captivate every guest with no shock tactics required. And how to use stories to illustrate the character or qualities of the couple so it doesn’t feel like a trial by pointless anecdotes and in-jokes.

If you want your wedding party’s speeches to stand out for all the right reasons, or if you have been asked to give a speech for a friend or family member, you won’t want to miss this conversation.  

And stay listening to the end to find out how to get a copy of Sydney’s practical guide to banishing the nerves before your very own big speech moment.

RESOURCES 

Altar and Toast website: https://www.altarandtoast.co.uk/

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

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]

Have you ever pictured yourself gliding barefoot down a sandy aisle, ocean glistening in the distance, a soft sea breeze gently tousling your hair, feeling content and chilled while surrounded by your favourite people?

It sounds perfect… right up until someone forgets the sunscreen, your nan gets heat stroke, and that gentle breeze turns into a storm-force gale that rips your floral display clean off your ceremony arch. 

There’s nothing wrong with having a beach wedding. But what you need to come to terms with is that you have control over next to nothing in that setting.

Because here’s the real secret: the most amazing beach weddings aren’t the ones where nothing went wrong—they’re the ones where the couple had prepared as much as they possibly could, and then accepted that a few surprises were coming, and chose to laugh, breathe, and roll with it.

So today, I’m going to chat through the not-so-glamorous (but absolutely manageable) realities of beach ceremonies and 9 of my best tips for sidestepping high tide, dehydration, and sandfly-bitten limbs. 

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.*

------

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.

-----

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 noticed how weddings seem to be geared exclusively towards people who are rampant extroverts?

But what if your dad’s superpower is more ‘building the ceremony arbour’ than ‘walking towards it with 100 sets of eyes trained on him’?

Today, I want to help you figure out how your delightfully introverted dad can still fulfil an important role on your wedding day, without ever setting his foot into the dreaded spotlight.

We’re going to kick off with some reframing of expectations, then I’m going to share some gentle ways to gently broach the topic with Dad so he (and you) don’t die of embarrassment.

And finally, I’ve got some unconventional and I think, genius ideas for a Dad who’s not the life of the party. So he can still contribute to your wedding day while keeping his jocks dry.

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.*

------

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]

Ever wondered why bathing in milk, wearing pearls, or popping a silver sixpence in your shoe affects the success of your wedding and/or your marriage?

No, neither have I.

But as fate would have it (see what I did there), they are not one of the 10 wacky wedding superstitions that I’m going to share with you today.

We’re going to travel to Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands and the Philippines to uncover some of the truly out-there wedding superstitions and traditions that people believed in many years ago and some that are still going strong today.

And in case you’re curious, the milk bath is for purity in Morocco; the pearls were believed to represent tears, supposedly dooming the bride to sadness, and the silver sixpence is a symbol of good luck, wealth, and prosperity in marriage. 

RESOURCES 

Ep29: 6 Outdated Wedding Traditions That Don't Make Sense in 2023

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]

Family; you can’t live with them and you can’t live with them. But they’re everything, right? And you still love them MOST of the time.

Today I want to chat about the different (read: crazy/difficult/upsetting) family dynamics that you may be concerned about in the lead-up to your wedding.

The step parents, half siblings, divorced parents and uncle who’s not really your uncle that your Dad can’t stand.

You’ll learn about:

• Why you can (and should) let go of the idea of a perfect wedding (or a perfect family!)
• How to have conversations that set boundaries with compassion
• Some real-life experiences and solutions other engaged couples have used for complicated situations
• And, most importantly, how to release the pressure and guilt.

Because whatever your family looks like, you deserve a day filled with meaning and love, with your sanity intact. 

RESOURCES

1800 RESPECT: https://www.1800respect.org.au/

White Ribbon Australia: https://whiteribbon.org.au/helplines/

Relationships Australia: https://www.relationships.org.au/

(USA) National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/

(UK) Domestic Abuse Support: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help#get-help-and-support

(Canda) Family Violence Support: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/fv-vf/help-aide.html

(NZ) Domestic and Family Violence Support: https://www.govt.nz/browse/law-crime-and-justice/abuse-harassment-domestic-violence/domestic-and-family-violence/

Ep102: How To Keep The Peace: Question in Private, Honour in Private

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]