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!

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Grace and I discuss the art of creating thoughtful bachelorette party gifts to thank your bridal party for celebrating with you. We share budget-friendly options and creative ideas that make your bridesmaids feel special without breaking the bank.

• Using Cricut machines to customize bags, tumblers, and other items
• Budget-friendly shopping options like Shein, Amazon, dollar stores, and Etsy
• Custom gift ideas including hangover kits with Liquid IV
• Personalized drinkware like cups with names and themed koozies
• Themed apparel such as "Save Water, Drink Margs" hats and matching pajamas
• Beauty essentials including mini lip glosses, face masks, and dry shampoo
• Food and drink items like champagne gummy bears and mini prosecco bottles
• Wedding-themed keepsakes such as temporary tattoos and custom sunglasses
• Practical items including sunscreen, flip-flops, and waterproof phone pouches
• Packaging options from canvas totes to satin pouches and decorated gift boxes

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We dive into wedding send-offs and share creative ideas to conclude your celebration in style while capturing unforgettable moments for your wedding album.

• Sparkler exits create romantic photo opportunities and can be done as "mock exits" before the end of the night
• Alternative send-off options include bubbles, rose petals, ribbon wands, LED light sticks, traditional bells, and even fireworks
• Check venue restrictions for sparklers, fireworks, and noise ordinances before finalizing your send-off plans
• Ensure proper safety measures with enough lighters and disposal containers for sparklers
• Have a coordinator manage your exit, especially when guests have been drinking
• Consider timing for photographs – sparklers need darkness to create their magical effect
• Getaway cars add a romantic, cinematic quality even if the exit is somewhat staged
• Personal touches like vintage cars create lasting memories and beautiful photo opportunities

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DJ Trego breaks down essential songs for weddings from processionals to the last dance, highlighting the importance of music choices that tell your unique love story. He shares practical advice for selecting meaningful songs that create the perfect atmosphere while avoiding common pitfalls.

• Processional music should connect to your love story - consider using instrumental versions of your second-choice first dance songs
• Recessional songs should be upbeat and celebratory, kicking off the party atmosphere
• Keep special dances (first dance, parent dances) around two minutes unless you have choreography
• Choose parent dance songs carefully to avoid romantic lyrics that can feel awkward
• For bouquet and garter tosses, use songs from bachelor/bachelorette parties to get the right crowd on the floor
• End with high-energy cross-generational songs, followed by a sing-along encore (Pink Pony Club is the "gold standard")
• Consider a private final dance using a recycled processional or another meaningful song

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