We break down recommended tipping percentages for wedding vendors and share real experience from Grace's recent wedding to help you navigate gratuities for your big day.

• Catering and serving: 15-20% on food/beverage bill or $20-50 per server
• Bartending: 10-20% on bar bill or $100-150 per bartender
• Photo/video: $50-200 each or 5-10% of total bill (less expected for business owners)
• Musicians: $25-50 per musician
• DJs: $100-200
• Hair and makeup: 15-25% of service cost
• Wedding planner/coordinator: $100-500 depending on event size
• Florists: typically not expected, but $50-100 appreciated for exceptional service
• Floral setup staff: $10-15 per person based on complexity
• Consider preparing labeled cash envelopes in advance for easy distribution
• Include gratuities in your wedding budget from the beginning

Remember that tipping is a way to show appreciation for quality service, especially for those who don't own their businesses.

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We dive into Jeff Bezos' upcoming extravagant wedding in Venice, Italy, scheduled for June 26-29, which is projected to cost between $9.5-11 million for just 200-250 guests. The astonishing $50,000 per-guest price tag has us questioning what kind of luxury experiences attendees can expect at this three-day celebration.

• Star-studded guest list including Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Katy Perry, and Leonardo DiCaprio
• Multiple celebration events across three different venues in Venice
• Potential ceremony location on Bezos' $500 million super yacht
• Rumored performances by Elton John and Lady Gaga
• Venice mayor's questionable claim that the wedding won't disrupt the city's normal functioning
• Comparison between average wedding expenses and billionaire celebrations

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We dive into the exciting yet overwhelming process of getting engaged and the first steps in wedding planning, keeping it real about what matters and what doesn't.

• Create a dedicated wedding email for all vendor communications
• Proposals don't need to be elaborate Instagram moments to be meaningful
• Discuss vision, values, and priorities with your partner before diving into planning
• Have budget conversations early and establish clear expectations with anyone contributing financially
• Draft your guest list thoughtfully - consider who actively participates in your life
• Choose wedding party members based on meaningful relationships, not obligation
• Book your venue first as it determines your date and affects all other planning aspects
• Consider hiring a wedding planner if you're feeling overwhelmed by the process

For all our newly engaged couples – remember what matters most is celebrating your relationship. The planning should be fun, not stressful!

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Your comprehensive wedding week checklist covers everything from confirming vendors to day-before preparation tips for a smooth, stress-free experience. I'm wrapping up my spring wedding season by sharing crucial tips to help you enjoy your big day rather than stressing through it.

• Confirm all vendors and timelines at the beginning of wedding week
• Create a detailed timeline for your bridal party so everyone knows where to be
• Break in your wedding shoes before the big day
• Prepare an emergency kit with safety pins, sewing supplies, pain relievers, and other essentials
• Organize vendor tips and payments in labeled envelopes
• Double-check your seating chart and create a "who's bringing what" list for décor items
• Practice your vows and ensure speech-givers write their remarks down
• Get a good night's sleep the night before your wedding
• Eat well and stay hydrated during rehearsal day
• Charge your phone and pack portable chargers
• Front-load your preparation so you can enjoy time with loved ones

Make sure to plan ahead so you can truly enjoy your rehearsal and wedding day with the people who matter most!

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Wedding stationery requires careful timeline planning to ensure guests receive proper notice for your big day. Timing varies significantly between local and destination weddings, with the latter requiring much earlier communication for travel planning.

• Start collecting addresses and finalizing guest lists 12-14 months before wedding
• Send save-the-dates 6-8 months before local weddings, 8-12 months for destination weddings
• Include wedding website link on save-the-dates for travel and accommodation information
• Order invitations 6-9 months before wedding, allowing time for proofing and delivery
• Confirm ceremony and reception times before printing invitations
• Send invitations 3-4 months before local weddings, 6+ months for destination weddings
• Consider local events and holiday weekends that might affect travel and accommodation
• Set RSVP deadline based on venue and vendor requirements (typically 30 days before wedding)
• Zola offers a free, user-friendly website for handling online RSVPs

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After 12 years of marriage filled with highs and lows, I'm sharing valuable insights to help strengthen your relationship. Good communication and learning to fight in healthy ways are essential for building a lasting partnership.

• Communication is crucial - healthy marriages don't avoid conflict but work through it constructively
• Use "I statements" instead of blame and listen to understand rather than respond
• Avoid serious discussions when hungry, angry, lonely or tired - table issues after 10pm if needed
• Keep date nights alive with intentional, scheduled time together even if it's at home
• Share household responsibilities to create a balanced partnership
• Consider therapy during difficult seasons - it shows commitment to growth, not failure
• Remember you chose each other and you're on the same team through all of life's changes

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Nataliya from LaBeige Beauty shares her journey from Ukrainian immigrant to top bridal beauty entrepreneur and offers expert advice on creating perfect wedding day looks.

• Importance of makeup trials to tweak preferences and communicate your vision
• Soft glam makeup creates timeless photos that will never look dated 
• Book your beauty team a full year in advance to secure your preferred artists
• Get a hydrofacial 2-3 days before both trial and wedding day for flawless application
• Allow 90 minutes for bride's makeup/hair and 45 minutes per service for each attendant
• Avoid microneedling, facial waxing, and aggressive skin treatments before the wedding
• Consider hiring your artist for one hour of touch-ups right before ceremony
• Popular bridal hair trends include modern French twists, sleek low buns, and Hollywood waves
• Most brides prefer looking like enhanced versions of themselves, not totally transformed

Book your wedding beauty services early and enjoy your engagement season without rushing the planning process – your stress levels on honeymoon will thank you!

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We talk about our giveaway!! A $2,500 gift card to any cruise line of your choice. This incredible prize is perfect for honeymoons, which often get pushed aside due to wedding expenses and planning.

• Partnering with an amazing sponsor to offer this generous prize to our listeners
• Cruises offer exceptional value with all-inclusive dining, entertainment, and multiple destinations
• Modern cruise ships feature exciting amenities like pools, shows, zip lines, and silent discos
• Cruise destinations span from Alaska's whale watching to European cities to Asian adventures
• Winner will be announced on June 4th during our bachelorette party episode
• Upcoming bachelorette episode will cover timelines, realistic costs, and handling financial conversations
• Send us your bachelorette stories (anonymous) to potentially feature in our upcoming episode

The winner will be announced during our bachelorette party episode dropping on June 4th, 8am on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. You will not want to miss it!

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Navigating wedding florals requires understanding your style preferences and budget constraints while selecting the right professional partner. Finding the perfect florist involves careful research, asking the right questions, and ensuring clear communication throughout the planning process.

• Determine your floral style by exploring Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration
• Save 3-5 photos to show potential florists
• Distinguish between must-haves and nice-to-haves to align with your budget
• Most couples spend 8-10% of their total wedding budget on flowers
• Ask florists about repurposing florals between ceremony and reception
• Research florists thoroughly by checking reviews on Google, The Knot, and WeddingWire
• Verify consistency in their work and responsiveness in communication
• Ask if they've worked at your venue before and can work within your budget
• Discuss what happens to flowers post-event, including donation possibilities
• Book 6-12 months in advance, especially during peak season
• Confirm how many other weddings they're handling on your date
• Get everything in writing, including arrangements, setup, breakdown, and payment schedule
• Schedule a final consultation two weeks before the wedding

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Wedding venues come with hefty price tags for good reason - covering essential services like climate control, landscaping, and maintenance that benefit your big day. We tackle a listener's question about finding affordable venue options while explaining why DIY alternatives often end up being more expensive and stressful than couples anticipate.

• Set your venue budget before touring to avoid falling in love with spaces you can't afford
• Look for hidden costs like required vendor lists, outside vendor fees, and setup charges
• Consider flexible dates - weekdays and off-peak seasons offer significant savings
• Limit your venue search to 5-7 options maximum to avoid decision paralysis
• Ask about discounts for military, teachers, first responders, or off-peak dates
• Don't be afraid to negotiate pricing or payment schedules with potential venues
• Consider guest convenience factors like travel and accommodation when selecting locations

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