Wedding videographers are worth every penny, capturing precious moments you'd otherwise miss during your busy day. The wedding day experience feels surreal and almost like an out-of-body experience, with professional videography preserving those memories in a way photos alone cannot.

• Videography captures perspectives you physically couldn't see on your wedding day
• Professional videos allow you to witness behind-the-scenes moments from every area of your celebration
• Finding a videographer with a strong creative vision is essential for quality results
• Wedding videos become treasured keepsakes for future children to see their parents when they were young
• Personal moments like first looks with parents become invaluable memories when preserved on film
• Both hosts strongly recommend including videography in your wedding budget

Save your money and invest in professional wedding videography - you won't regret it!

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Kelsey and Grace break down everything you need to know about the vendor booking process, from establishing your budget to selecting the perfect team for your wedding day.

• Setting your budget and finalizing your guest list before booking any vendors
• Priority checklist for booking: venue first, followed by catering, photography, videography, planner, DJ, florals, and attire
• Secondary priority vendors: beauty services, cake, stationery, transportation, and officiant
• Create a comprehensive spreadsheet to track vendor details, payment schedules, and contract terms
• Read contracts thoroughly, paying attention to cancellation policies, change limitations, and rescheduling fees
• Interview your vendors and ensure your personalities click before booking
• Consider trending additions like live painters, mobile charcuterie carts, or late-night food stations if budget allows
• Get a videographer - it's worth the investment for capturing your special day
• Ask for referrals and thoroughly research reviews when selecting vendors

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We tackle the challenging task of finding perfect groomsmen gifts and share creative ideas that go beyond the usual options. 

• Custom pocket knives with names and wedding roles make practical keepsakes
• Personalized cowboy boots and hats can become cherished items long after the wedding
• Consider gifting items that serve double-duty during wedding festivities like matching pajamas for bridesmaids
• Budget-friendly options include custom beer mugs, mini bar sets, bottle openers, and party survival kits
• For personalized options, try branded apparel with inside jokes or custom accessories
• Higher-end gift ideas include monogrammed whiskey glasses, quality watches, or leather wallets
• Etsy is an excellent resource for finding customized, quality items for the entire wedding party
• Consider how groomsmen gifts might enhance wedding aesthetics or photographs
• Remember that being in a wedding party requires significant commitment, so gifts should show genuine appreciation

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Our hosts tackle the tricky question of managing family time around weddings when relatives from both sides want to spend time with the couple during an already busy period. 

• Grace recommends avoiding family gatherings the week before the wedding due to last-minute preparations
• Welcome parties a few days before or combined with rehearsal dinner offer good alternatives
• Consider family dynamics when deciding whether to mix both sides
• Options include hosting dinners, barbecues, or taco bars at someone's home
• Post-wedding brunches are controversial – one host strongly dislikes them due to exhaustion
• Morning-after gatherings create another expense when couples just want time together
• Planning events before the wedding helps check social obligations off the list
• Consider hiring a wedding planner to help navigate complex family dynamics

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We explore Sola Wood flowers, a popular wedding floral alternative that's gaining attention on social media. These wooden blooms look remarkably real while offering cost savings and lasting forever as keepsakes.

• Sola Wood flowers feel surprisingly soft, not woody, and don't create splinter concerns
• The flowers are lightweight, making them comfortable for boutonnieres and extended wear
• They look incredibly realistic when arranged together - guests likely won't notice the difference
• Available in various flower types and colors for complete customization
• The website ordering process can be overwhelming due to many customization options
• Perfect money-saving hack: use real flowers for bouquets and Sola Wood for centerpieces
• Unlike real flowers, these wooden alternatives last forever as keepsakes

Check out Sola Wood flowers on Instagram or visit their website at Sola Wood Flowers.

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We tackle two listener questions about navigating difficult family dynamics around weddings and marriage. From in-laws who want to change you to parents who cling to wedding traditions, we share personal experiences and practical advice for setting healthy boundaries.

• Establishing boundaries with in-laws who want you to change requires evaluating what changes they're suggesting
• Consider whether the suggested changes are constructive feedback or harmful criticism
• Your partner should back you up when dealing with difficult family dynamics
• Sometimes temporary distance from family members is necessary to establish healthy relationships
• Research wedding traditions to understand their origins before deciding which to include
• The tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony stems from arranged marriages
• Consider which traditions hold personal meaning versus which ones you can compromise on
• Walking down the aisle traditions can be particularly emotional and significant
• Remember that while family relationships matter, your marriage comes first
• Finding the balance between respecting family wishes and staying true to yourselves

We'll see you next week for another episode of Wedding High!

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We tackle a listener question about selecting the perfect bridal party for your wedding day. Grace shares her newlywed wisdom on making these important decisions that will impact your wedding photos and experience forever.

• Keeping bridal parties small with siblings and one close friend can simplify decisions
• Consider having an even number of attendants on both sides for visual balance
• Alternative roles like ushers allow you to include more friends without expanding the main party
• Choose people who will be supportive throughout planning and won't cause drama
• Select attendants who would be there for you at 3AM with no judgment
• Remember the financial obligations you're placing on your bridal party members
• Show appreciation with thoughtful gifts to thank them for their time and investment

Just make sure you pick the people that are going to be your biggest cheerleader on the biggest day of your life.

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We answer a listener question about wedding dress shopping timelines and share personal experiences about the entire process from selection to the final fitting.

• Start shopping for your wedding dress about one year before your wedding date
• Wedding dresses typically take 7-9 months to arrive after ordering as they're custom-made
• Budget time for multiple alterations appointments – potentially 6-7 sessions over several months
• Don't forget to order accessories early – veils can take up to 3 months to arrive
• Bring your wedding shoes to alterations appointments for proper dress length
• Bridal consultants can help you plan for any anticipated body changes before the wedding

Listen to our episode with Poppy from Colby Bridal for even more in-depth wedding dress shopping advice.

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Getting your wedding guests safely from point A to point B requires careful planning and potentially significant budget allocation. Transportation options can run thousands of dollars, yet many couples underestimate this expense until it's too late.

• Wedding shuttles cost approximately $375/hour with $800-1000 minimums for one-way trips
• Transportation planning should begin when selecting your venue location
• Consider scheduling two shuttle departures—one early option and one for late-night partiers
• Uber vouchers provide a flexible alternative to traditional shuttles
• Adult guests should take responsibility for their transportation, but hosts often feel obligated to provide options
• Limousines work well for smaller groups like bridal parties or immediate family
• Always verify the quality of "complimentary" hotel shuttles before relying on them
• Transportation logistics become significantly more complicated when guests have been drinking
• Having guests contribute financially to transportation can create day-of complications

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Luke and Coltey share their journey from high school sweethearts to married parents, revealing how their relationship survived distance, breaks, and finding their way back to each other.

• Meeting at a friend's quinceañera when they were 14 years old
• Building their relationship on friendship and never speaking ill of each other 
• Taking a break during college to grow independently before reconnecting
• Maintaining a healthy relationship by accepting change and growth in each other
• Luke's surprise Thanksgiving proposal with both families present
• Planning an intimate 70-person wedding at The Willow in Arizona
• Taking a slow, pressure-free approach to marriage and having children
• Transitioning to parenthood and Colty becoming a stay-at-home mom
• Emphasizing the importance of communication when life plans change

We always say a little communication goes a long way. Be sure to comment, like and subscribe, and we'll see you next week!

Check out our sponsor over at 4 Carat Vodka! The perfect drink for your wedding occasion!

Follow the Wedding Hive Podcast on all social media and podcast platforms!

Check out 4 Carat Vodka on all social media and check out their website to learn more!