Wedding Planning Podcast

This week is Part Two of a special 2-part series, where we’re highlighting some clever ways to not only save money, but also to increase the QUALITY + VALUE on everything from decor, rental items, invitations, food & drinks, and even your venue.  

So many couples equate a higher price tag with a higher-quality end product or service, and that’s simply not always true. 

Worse, that mentality can add up to spending tens of thousands of dollars more than necessary to host a memorable and meaningful wedding celebration. 

The million dollar question is how can we develop an instinct for when it makes sense to invest more money for a higher quality experience, and when taking a less expensive route will be just fine - and we'll explore the answer in these two episodes!

Lucky for all of us, there are opportunities to simultaneously maximize quality AND value literally everywhere, and I’ve chosen these wedding planning elements to share with you as examples of how to think differently about the amount of money that’s really necessary to spend to acheive your end goal, which of course is a beautiful, unforgettable wedding celebration.

Cheers, Kara

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

This week starts a special 2-part series, where we’re going to highlight some clever ways to save money on everything from decor, rental items, invitations, food & drinks, and even your venue.  

So many couples equate a higher price tag with a higher-quality end product or service, and that’s simply not always true.  Worse, that mentality can add up to spending tens of thousands of dollars more than necessary to host a memorable and meaningful wedding celebration. 

The $10,000 dollar question is how can we develop an instinct for when it makes sense to invest more money for a higher quality experience, and when taking a less expensive route will be just fine - and that’s what we’re going to highlight in these two episodes.

Two of my ultimate priorities as a wedding professional are increasing QUALITY AND VALUE. 

Lucky for all of us, there are opportunities to simultaneously maximize quality AND value literally everywhere, and I’ve chosen these wedding planning elements to share with you as examples of how to think differently about the amount of money that’s really necessary to spend to acheive your end goal, which of course is a beautiful, unforgettable wedding celebration.

For today, we’re focusing on one specific area where you can cut expenses and still maintain a beautiful end result, and it all starts with REUSING + REPURPOSING what you already have / own.

Tune in for so much more, and I'll be back next week with Part Two!

Cheers, Kara

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Today we’re going to run through a 10-item wedding to-do list for when you reach the final 4-6 week countdown before your wedding day. 

While some of the items in today’s show are pretty standard, others are much less obvious - and sadly are not commonly discussed. 

Overlooking just one of these important action-items can tip the scales towards a stressful, frantic celebration - and I don't want that for you!

For a complete recap of today's show, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/countdown

A special thank you to this week's show sponsors:

Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists?  Yes please!  Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

“I’m struggling with imaging how all of my wedding reception decorations will look together - flowers, signs, decorations, tables, etc.  Any tips for making sure all my little decisions fit together in the end?”

If you’re like most of us, you're not a full service wedding or event designer (and hiring one isn't in the budget!).

So how can we trust that the dozens of small wedding decor decisions we make along the way will ultimately work together as a whole?  

Today we’re going to explore 4 ways that you can use professional design skills to create the cohesive, show-stopper look that you’re going for on your wedding day. 

These design tips are suitable for all budgets, and no - you don’t need an advanced art or design degree to pull them off! 

Tune in for easy tips on choosing your table linens, centerpiece flowers, favors, cocktail napkins, confetti, wedding party outfits, table settings, and so much more.

Links mentioned in today's show:

• We're also going to review 3 affordable reception decor ideas pulled straight from Pinterest to get your inspiration flowing.
• Beautiful bolts of tulle
• Affordable lanterns in various sizes & colors from Ikea
• Claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit here!

A special thank you to today's show sponsors!

FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists?  Yes please!  Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted & take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Wedding expenses adding up, and today we’re going to explore FIVE wedding "side hustles".  Tune in and learn how to earn some extra cash to cover those mounting wedding costs ... and keep your credit cards in your wallet!

A couple weeks back on Instagram stories, I asked if you would be willing to take on a side hustle to earn more money to invest in your wedding, and an overwhelming 83% of you said YES. 

As someone who has done the "side hustle" multiple times in my entrepreneurial journey, this topic is very near & dear to my heart.  Today's show is inspired by my own experiences, and also by my friend Nick Loper, creator of the Side Hustle Nation blog and podcast.

Nick has 5 side hustle “business models” to share, and I’m going to elaborate on each one, and offer a few more ideas that I love. 

For a full blog post & recap of today's show, AND a special video message from Nick, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/hustle.

Today's show is brought to you by these valued partners ...

Browse gorgeous paper products and complementary free wedding websites from our friends at Minted Weddings.  Enjoy 25% off save the dates, 20% off wedding stationery. Code: NCOWED22

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Check out ethical, stunning, and one-of-a-kind wedding rings and bands at brilliantearth.com

Have you ever been to a small wedding reception with magical ambiance and thought, "wow, this is great but it would be so much more meaningful if there were 300 additional people here?" 

I’m guessing the answer is NO.  So why do feel so much pressure to host a huge wedding, invite everyone we know, spend all the money on all the things, and stress ourselves out every step along the way?

Small, intimate weddings have been on the Wedding Planning Podcast "trend report" for 4 years in a row, and for good reason!  I’ve always been a huge fan of a simple, scaled back celebration ... and in today’s climate, that’s never been more appropriate.

Tune in to today's brand new episode for a complete "micro wedding" blueprint, designed to make planning a breeze.  We'll cover everything you need to know to make your small celebration extra special. 

From your tiny guest list, to invitations, splurge vs. save items, planning a larger reception to follow, and your TOP micro wedding questions - we'll cover it all in this encouraging & lighthearted overview. 

I’ve been sharing my signature wedding planning advice on the podcast for 8 years now, and for the first time EVER, I’ve opened up my door to 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Calls.

Whether you’re looking for just one session to get your wedding plans started, or a series of ongoing support calls throughout your engagement, I’m here for you. Get the details & book your first call today when you visit  wedpodcast.com .

Thank you for supporting today's show sponsors:

Browse gorgeous paper products and complementary free wedding websites from our friends at Minted Weddings.  Enjoy 25% off save the dates, 20% off wedding stationery. Code: NCOWED22

Get professional help planning your dream DESTINATION MICRO WEDDING when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $200 off your destination wedding booking, OR $50 off your honeymoon.

There are lots of easy & affordable alternatives to hiring a professional florist to create towering, elaborate centerpieces for your wedding reception tables.

In today's show, we’re going to discuss a creative variety of affordable wedding table decoration ideas. 

We're also going to review some actionable tips for doing your own wedding day flower bouquets & boutonnieres.

It’ll take a little extra work on your part, and you may need to simplify things a bit ... but if you’re looking for a spot to save a ton of money, creating table centerpieces & bouquets on your own is a great place to start!

Enjoy my top tips for incorporating flowers into your table decor, and we also cover beautiful centerpiece ideas that incorporate creative materials OTHER than flowers. 

We wrap up with some specific examples of complete table set up’s that you can do for less than $10 per table.

Full blog post for today's show:

www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/centerpiece

A very special thank you to today's show sponsors:

Check out ethical, stunning, and one-of-a-kind wedding rings and bands at brilliantearth.com

Visit Generation Tux, where you can build your suit & tuxedo looks from home, get free color swatches, a free Home Try-On, AND manage your entire wedding party online.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re demystifying the world of wedding insurance, permits and licensing.

It seems like an intimidating and complicated topic, so we're bringing it all down to very simple terms and easy tasks that you can check off your list - typically with a few simple phone calls or clicks!

Visit the FULL BLOG POST with bonus links here >>>

https://weddingplanningpodcast.co/wedding-insurance/

You’ve likely had nightmares about alllllll the things that can go wrong on your wedding day.

While I can’t buffer you against ALL mishaps like a global pandemic that spans years, a lipstick spot on your dress, swollen & hurting feet, or running out of vodka at the bar - the GOOD news is that you CAN protect yourself and your wedding from big disasters with a simple little thing called wedding insurance.

Wedding insurance is reasonably priced, and for just a couple hundred dollars can provide PRICELESS peace of mind.

Side note - Researching your wedding insurance options would be a PERFECT little task to delegate to someone who's been asking you "is there anything for the wedding I can help with?" ;)

Stick around for the second half of the show and we'll discuss your awkward, uncomfortable, and puzzling wedding questions.

Please feel free to share this valuable episode with your engaged friends, or anyone who's helping you plan.  I appreciate your support of the Wedding Planning Podcast beyond words!

Cheers, Kara

I’ve been sharing my signature wedding planning advice on the podcast for 8 years now, and for the first time EVER, I’ve opened up my door to 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Calls!

Whether you’re looking for just one session to get your wedding plans started, or a series of ongoing support calls throughout your engagement, I’m here for you. Get the details & book your first call today when you visit  wedpodcast.com .

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Get answers to all of your wedding cake + dessert questions in today’s show! 

From everything to researching bakeries, booking cake tastings, hidden fees to be aware of, unique dessert alternatives, and budget-friendly cost saving tips, we're covering it all in today's sugar-coated show.

Links mentioned in our convo:

• The complete blog post for today's show is linked here >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/cake
• TLC rounded up a group of experts to share the most popular wedding cake flavor combos for 2023, and here’s a complete "sampling" of their list.
• CAKE TOPPERS on Etsy that are customizable, simple, and super affordable,
• Browse thousands of beautiful SUGAR FLOWER DECORATIONS from independent business owners on Etsy
• 30 Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Cake

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

Affiliate shopping links from Amazon & Etsy support the show at no additional cost to you - thank you for your clicks!

Check out ethical, stunning, and one-of-a-kind wedding rings and bands at brilliantearth.com

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding.

Today we're joined by a very special guest who wants to help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams!   

You may know a 60-second rundown of Susan from Susan's Travel Services from our weekly meetings.  I believe in the value of her expertise so much that I am honored to share her services with you on literally every single show.

Susan offers travel and honeymoon planning services to engaged couples like you, and today she’s going to share:

• The process for finding your ideal honeymoon destination,
• Exactly when you should start planning this trip of a lifetime, 
• The scoop on airfare and the best times to buy,
• Behind-the-scenes, expert considerations that couples overlook when planning their honeymoon,
• Hot destinations for 2023 and beyond,
• And she even has some honeymoon planning mistakes to highlight for you, so that you can sidestep the common issues she sees come up for couples time & time again.

Travel and new experiences are incredibly special to me, and I hope you and your soon-to-be husband or wife enjoy the trip of a lifetime to celebrate your honeymoon!  

To schedule a completely free honeymoon consultation with Susan, simply click here or visit www.susanstravelservices.com.

Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your final booking.

Cheers to you & the trip of a lifetime!