Wedding Planning Podcast

You’ve found the perfect wedding dress - congratulations!!!

Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re doing a thorough review of all the "post-dress shopping" to-do items.

Our conversation covers the dress alterations process in detail, including pricing, money-saving tips, a timeline for when to get started, and alternative options for having your dress altered.

We also cover:

• What's a bustle, do I need one, and how much does it cost? (article on bustling I mentioned in today's show can be found here)
• Pre-wedding weight loss & gain,
• Styling and shape wear options like bras, corsets, and compression garments,
• The importance of COMFORTABLE SHOES,
• Getting your dress home & last minute wrinkle patrol (the handheld steamer I mentioned can be found here)
• And some creative ways to preserve and / or repurpose your gown after the wedding.

I hope you love it, and congratulations on that beautiful dress!

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

David’s Bridal is your one-stop dress shop!  Shop gorgeous dresses at affordable prices, make an in-store or virtual appointment, and view the most current discounts and specials offers when you visit wedpodcast.com/db 

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

Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times?  Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.

There’s A LOT of conflicting information out there about tipping your wedding vendors, and I want you to forget all of it! 

In today’s episode, we’re going to walk through exactly how to decide who should get a tip, how much, and even some extra special additional ways of saying thank you.

Today’s show is Wedding Planning Podcast classic, and we’re going to take a close look at some very common misunderstandings that are flying around out there surrounding tipping your wedding vendors.

Think you have to automatically package up envelopes with 20% tips for every single wedding vendor you hire?  Think again. 

Today I’m gonna save you hours on google, and likely hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars over that crazed couple who just takes the advice out there on tipping at face value and doesn’t bother taking the time to explore the nuances and undercurrents that are actually at play.  

So come along with me, and let’s uncover the TRUTH about tipping your wedding vendors!

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through the ALL NEW WAY to plan your dream wedding!  Sign up for a totally free 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package by visiting www.wedpodcast.com

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• It’s no secret that I LOVE a nice glass of wine for happy hour, and right now I am LOVING Usual Wines.  Your first glass is on us when you use promo code “PLANNING” for $8 off your first order!

• Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book!  Simply email [email protected] to get started.

• Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code in today's episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.

Welcome to a very special series of the Wedding Planning Podcast, where you can listen to this couples’ dream wedding celebration come to life - in real time!  

Today in Part IV, bride-to-be Kate has LOADS of priceless info to share, including:

• The incredibly meaningful details of a surprise engagement party,
• Tips for setting up a killer “DIY” style engagement shoot,
• Keeping it real as you choose your wedding party members,
• Update on Kate & John's ongoing search for the PERFECT, offbeat wedding venue,
• AND her top recommendations for technology & tools to keeping yourself organized, inspired & on track!

The BONUS version of today’s wedding planning strategy call is available within my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT.  It’s all yours with a FREE 3-day trial when you sign up at wedpodcast.com/vault.  There’s no contract, zero obligation, and you’re free to cancel your membership at any time.

Planning a wedding on the heels of a global pandemic doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

Throughout today’s show (and this entire series), I love Kate’s focus on what’s most important to her, and her poise & reflection on ways that she’s staying grounded in the moment, and in the things that bring her joy.  Behind-the-scenes note, she’s my sister, and I love and admire her infinitely much ... and I hope you're inspired by her story as well. 

If you missed Parts 1 - 3 of this LIVE Wedding Planning Strategy Session, head back in time in the Wedding Planning Podcast library and you can find those shows dated Feb 3, March 3, and March 31st of 2021.

A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:

Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times?  Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.

Couple.co offers you an ethical, sustainable, and 100% conflict-free way to own a BRILLIANT DIAMOND without compromising on quality.  Visit www.couple.co to get started with your personalized ring buying experience.

Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book!  Simply email [email protected] to get started.

Coming up with a final guest list of exactly who gets a wedding invitation can be a daunting task, but not to worry - we're going to simplify the process in this week's brand new show!

Join me at square one and walk through my stress-free, easy process for identifying exactly who will receive an invite ... and who you may want to leave OFF your list.

We'll also review some of your most common guest list concerns:

• COVID-related capacity issues,
• Adults only / no kids,
• Who gets a plus one?

I hope you love it!

Cheers,
Kara

The FREE Aligned Wedding video series is coming soon!  Be the first to know >>> www.alignedwedding.com

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through specific wedding planning milestones and show you exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com/vault

A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:

• It’s no secret that I LOVE a nice glass of wine for happy hour, and right now I am LOVING Usual Wines.  Your first glass is on us when you use promo code “PLANNING” for $8 off your first order!
• Download the free BACH app & get ready to elevate your bachelor or bachelorette party experience!  Just look for “BACH” in the app store.
• Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book.  Simply email [email protected] to get started!

Today we're hitting the road for a real-time wedding dress shopping adventure!

Before we head into the store, we're going to hang out in the studio for a few minutes to review some of my top wedding dress shopping tips. 

You can find a full recap of today’s show in a blog post that’s at www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/dress.

To start our shopping trip, let's acknowledge that shopping for a wedding dress can come with lots of mixed emotions - both good AND not-so-good - and that’s 100% normal.  It’s OK to go into wedding dress shopping feeling some confusion and doubt!

In pop wedding culture, saying “YES TO THE DRESS” is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone full of princess moments, fancy dress boutiques, and champagne.

In REALITY, dress shopping might come along with feelings of ...

• self-consciousness,
• pressing overwhelm,
• conflicting thoughts about who should come along,
• discomfort over being the center of attention,
• feeling lost in a totally uncomfortable situation,

... just to name a few.

In the first half of today's show, we run through a few quick guidelines that will help demystify the wedding dress shopping process, and put you in full control of the way your experience unfolds.

In the second half of the show, we're heading inside David's Bridal to try on dresses.  You'll hear live snippets of conversation on the pro's, the con's, the do's and the don'ts of finding your dream wedding dress.  

We reviewed FIVE essential dress shopping tips, but there’s so much more to get to! 

• Who should be invited to come along? 
• What’s a reasonable budget for a dress? 
• How about traditional dress alternatives? 

The bonus version of today’s show that addresses all of these questions, including my number ONE piece of advice for a successful shopping experience is available right NOW within my digital wedding planning package, The VAULT.

To sign up for a free 3-day trial, and get your hands on that BONUS episode right now, visit www.wedpodcast.com.  Once you’re signed up, you’ll look for the WEDDING PLANNING ESSENTIALS BONUS SHOWS.

Wedding Dress, Suit & Tux Shopping is show #5 and I’ve made it available within the free 3-day trial for a limited time.

A special thank you to our valued sponsors who made today's episode possible!

FALL IN LOVE with up to $500 off wedding dresses from David's Bridal!  Click here to view sale styles & schedule a free styling session today.

Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times?  Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.

FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book!  Simply email [email protected] to get started.

Micro weddings are here to stay, and for good reason!  Today we’re going to highlight some of the HUGE freedoms that come along with hosting a small & intimate wedding. 

I also have a guest bride Q&A segment to share where we cover some wonderful questions on working with wooden flowers, bridal makeup, crafting a simple gift registry, and so much more.

We spend an awful lot of time talking about how to cut through the noise, and streamline & simplify your wedding planning journey.  

And though all of those conversations - about the best ways to save time, and the easiest ways to save money, and the hidden ways to avoid feeling overwhelmed - it’s easy to miss a life sized pink elephant in the room.

The absolutely most obvious and hands down easiest way to save time, money, overwhelm & stress throughout your engagement has nothing to do with strategy.

It has EVERYTHING to do with the absolutely most simple piece of advice I can imagine -

keeping your wedding small.

There have been some pretty incredible changes in the way we think about weddings over the past year.  

If we rewind to one year ago, spring of 2020, the outlook was grim for couples with weddings coming up in spring, summer, fall, and turns out, even winter, even the NEXT spring.  

Now that the pandemic clouds have cleared, there’s a feeling of relief that finally things can get back to normal. 

Maybe you’re starting to go back to the office, and feeling excited about getting dressed for an actual reason, looking forward to sharing morning coffee with someone other than your dog.  There’s traffic again on the freeway.  Things we used to take for granted, like traveling or having happy hour with friends are no longer taboo.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to a close friend’s backyard gate this past year for backyard drinks and apps, and felt like I was illegally sneaking into a speak easy, being judged by the neighbors.

And for the purposes of our conversation, weddings can go back to “normal” - thousands of couples are feeling a million pound weight off their shoulders, with the 200, 300, 400 person celebration back on for later this year.  

TRUST ME. I’m THRILLED to turn the corner into normal life, as thrilled as anyone out there.  The past year has been awful, and I can’t wait to close the chapter. 

But as awful as it was, there were so many miraculous seedlings of hope and creativity that I want to hang on to.  The SURGE of micro weddings and really intimate celebrations is something that I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to  …. And actually, I’d like to keep that small legacy of the pandemic around as we move back into “normal”.

We’ve talked a lot over the past couple of weeks about feeling overwhelmed with wedding stuff.  About how to intentionally approach your wedding plans with your priorities front & center.  So much of that has nothing to do with wedding strategy or how-to. 

It’s nothing the best wedding planner in the world could help you figure out.  Rather it has everything to do with your mindset, and the way you choose to see the next few months - or maybe years - between now and your wedding day.

I’ve been ½ of that overwhelmed couple, and went through a hell of a lot of struggle and drama and screw ups to realize the things that I share with you here each week.  

In a nutshell?  Your engagement is a priceless season of love, transformation, happiness, joy, and connection.  Connecting with your partner, your family & your friends on a deeper level than ever before.  Ultimately creating an unforgettable wedding experience that’s full of meaning and leaves a legacy of love, fun, and priceless memories with all of your guests.  That, my friend, is your number one priority from now to wedding day.  

When couples put their attention here, there’s a magical effect.  This mindset allows you to focus purely on what you value most, and how you can integrate those values & priorities into this transformational season of your life, and even beyond. 

It allows your guests to experience a wedding celebration unlike any they’ve been to, and to walk away from your wedding experience saying to themselves, that was the most unforgettable wedding we’ve ever been to.  It wasn’t a wedding where we downed 6 drinks and a plate of so so food, said hi to the new couple for 30 seconds, ate some cake, and went home.  It was an experience that literally left a legacy of love & connection with your closest loved ones.   

The mainstream wedding industry wants so badly for things to go back to “normal” - to pack venues with 300 people, 300 plates of overpriced food, and thousands of overpriced cocktails.  To run up products and services and price gauge for things that cost a fraction when the word “wedding” isn’t in front.  

But what if we all collectively choose connection over mindless excess. 

What if we choose our priorities over the generic wedding checklist’s priorities. 

What if we said no to 300 person capacity ballrooms, and YES to rustic cabin retreats, where our very closest friends and family could gather for 3-5 DAYS of wedding celebration, instead of 3-5 hours? 

What if we spent days, or even a WEEK, connecting with our loved ones, instead of a few seconds in a receiving line outside the church before being whisked away in a limo to pictures, a reception, some speeches, dinner, drinks, and dancing that you didn’t even enjoy because it was all such a blur?

What if we took a pledge and said NO to the old way, and said YES to our values, our priorities, and turned our full focus & attention on our wedding experience leaving a lasting legacy on everyone involved?

If that’s you, then you’re in the right spot my friend - coming up in the second half of today's show, you’ll meet a bride who’s hosting an 18 person micro wedding at a rustic cabin retreat in Maine and who is 100% dialed in on exactly what her & her fiance value the most.  I’m going to share a Q&A session we did on everything from wedding day makeup, gift registry, working with wood Sola flowers, delegating tasks, forming connections, and so much more.  

Ready for the new way to plan your dream wedding celebration?  Tune in to today's full episode for so much more!

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through specific wedding planning milestones and show you exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com

>>> Photos of Kate's SOLA wood flowers >>> Follow @weddingplanningpodcast on Instagram

A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:

• Check these guys out at Generation Tux and use promo code in today's episode for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.

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

• Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price! Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP".

Lots of engaged couples are working with a small wedding budget and feeling completely overwhelmed, so they turn to free wedding checklists and timelines to stay organized … thinking all these freebie resources are the key to pulling off an incredible wedding for not a lot of money.  

But, what most couples never realize is that mindlessly following all those free guides and checklists will lead to you ultimately spending money on a bunch of crap that’s not even that important to you.  Let me back up.  

Wedding programs are on your checklist.  I mean, doesn’t every wedding have to have a ceremony program?  And your mom chimes in about menus, and place cards, and invitations with 3 enclosures, and RSVP cards and save the dates … And you see 3 different deals on Instagram, Facebook, and in an email from that wedding website for free samples, 50% off your order, and beautiful all-in-one custom invitation suites that match every wedding theme perfectly!  

Aaaaaaaannnnnd all of the sudden you realize that you’ve spent $1000 on paper products that you could really care less about - all because they were on the checklist, they were on sale, and let’s be real, you didn’t want to disappoint your mom.  

Is following that free wedding checklist really a good idea?

Wouldn’t it have been much easier to press pause and acknowledge at the start that you don’t care about ceremony programs, and therefore you’re just going to skip them altogether?  Same with the other $900 worth of paper products?

And that example was something pretty small, like wedding programs - what happens when you book a $6,000 videographer because that’s what everyone does right, you have to have a videographer - {you’re totally gonna regret it if you don’t have the most important day of your life on film - there’s a little voice in the back of your head that knows you could come up with a workaround, that you don’t really need or care if you have a cinematic movie theatre quality film of your wedding …. But you’re gonna go with the flow, because you only get married once in theory and this is just what everyone does.}

And that credit card statement just keeps on growing, full of stuff that doesn’t really matter to you, but the checklist said so, so you did it.  Flowers.  A fancy cake.  Favors.  Expensive place settings and charger plates, and chair slip covers and table linens. 

Is this really where you want to be?  Feeling pressured & judged by a free wedding checklist?  

If you’re like me, and you want to keep things simple and affordable while at the same time pulling off an unforgettable wedding that’s FULL OF MEANING, then you know that driving yourself crazy trying to fulfill every single thing on that freebie wedding checklist isn’t the answer.  

Ready for the new way?  Tune in to today's full episode to learn exactly how to create your own PERSONALIZED wedding checklist that highlights ONLY your most important priorities ... and gain the freedom that comes when you say NO to everything else.

The Aligned Wedding video series is coming soon!  Be the first to know >>> www.alignedwedding.com

Today's show is just the beginning of dozens of strategic recorded meetings that walk you through specific wedding planning milestones and show you exactly how to plan your dream wedding! Learn more and sign up for a totally free zero obligation 3-day trial by visiting www.wedpodcast.com/vault

So, what's on YOUR personalized wedding planning checklist, and what "traditional" wedding stuff did NOT make the cut?  Tag me on Instagram @weddingplanningpodcast #alignedwedding & tell me all about it!

A special thank you to today's show sponsors for making this episode possible:

• Is your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times?  Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.
• Take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book!  Simply email [email protected] to get started.
• Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price!  Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP".

Today I’m sharing a snippet of a much longer conversation on wedding day food & drink that’s available in our paid member’s area, The Wedding Planning Podcast VAULT. 

For many families and friend groups where alcohol is an issue, some couples find it less stressful - and MUCH less expensive - to skip the beer, wine and cocktails altogether, & host a "dry" wedding. 

In these situations, no alcohol at the wedding means less drama, less cost, and less headaches - literally - for everyone.

To access the full premium show on Wedding Day Food & Drink, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/vault

We spend 25 minutes together reviewing every single thing to keep in mind when planning out what to eat & drink on the big day ...

Not to mention, you also gain access to ALL past episodes related to catering, AND every other topic we've covered since the podcast began in 2016 - zero ad's, zero fluff, & on-demand access are yours to enjoy in The VAULT.

Thanks for being here with me today, and we'll talk again soon!

Cheers,
Kara

@weddingplanningpodcast

Being the Overwhelmed Engaged Couple is not a ton of fun.  

This couple feels panic every time a new vendor quote comes in.  Overwhelmed every time they open their email or even think about all the items on their checklist.  Dread over finding out how much the next thing is going to cost.  Fear over being judged for what they choose - and don't choose - to include in their wedding celebration.

Ahem, I have a question

Welcome to Part III of an exciting new bonus series from the Wedding Planning Podcast!

I'm sharing a true "behind-the-scenes" look + listen at ongoing, live wedding planning strategy sessions with my engaged sister, Kate {follow her on Instagram @katelerickson}.

Today in Part III, Kate & I are joined by our beautiful mom, Judie!  The three of us get a full rundown on Kate’s unique, step-by-step process for searching offbeat venues across the country to host her multi-day wedding celebration, and we even take a virtual tour of two of them.  Anything is possible including private estates, all-inclusive resorts, cruise yachts, mineral springs ... 

Tune in & join us for a journey that spans Puerto Rico, Maine, California & beyond!  

ACCESS BONUS VIDEO SCREEN SHARE, SHOPPING CHECKLIST & MORE!

To view video screen share of our convo, and Kate's checklist for finding the perfect offbeat venue visit www.wedpodcast.com/vault

I can't wait to see you there!

xo Kara

A special THANK YOU to today's show sponsors:

Do you ever feel like your happiness suffering in these insanely stressful times?  Connect with your Better Help professional counselor today and save 10% off your first month.

Would you LOVE to take advantage of FREE honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book?  Simply email [email protected] to get started!

Enjoy all the fun & memories of a photo booth for a fraction of the price!  Details at Booth by Mail, & save 10% with promo code “WPP".