Wedding Planning Podcast

Today’s show is bursting with your wonderful wedding questions on catering, tipping your venue & vendors, rescheduling due to COVID, stepping on your cousins toes, and so much more!

Would you LOVE to plan your wedding minus the crushing stress and overwhelm felt by so many couples?  Then you, my friend, should absolutely sign up for the totally free Say “I Do” To Ease masterclass series. 

My friend Ashleigh McGarity has brought together 20+ top wedding experts for this complimentary online series on getting organized and budgeting, hiring your vendors, shopping for your perfect wedding dress, and ... designing your wedding to be uniquely YOU.

Your FREE ticket awaits >>> simply click here!

Today I’m sharing your wedding questions from Instagram, and if you’d like to get in on future Q&A’s, all you need to do is follow @weddingplanningpodast on IG and keep an eye on the “Stories” feature along the top line where I share question prompts each week. 

You’re also always welcome to contact me directly with a DM, or by visiting wpp.co/contact

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• Are you ready to ditch the crushing wedding overwhelm & expense felt by so many engaged couples?  To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, simply click here.  There’s no promo code required, and I can’t wait to see you there! 
• Email susan@susanstravelservices for FREE help planning the exotic honeymoon of your dreams, AND get $50 off your booking when you mention the WPP.
• 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".
• Connect with your Better Help professional counselor and save 10% off your first month with discount code “WEDDING".

Are you drowning in wedding "etiquette" and "rules"? 

Everyone has an opinion on invitation wording, cash bars, inviting kids, and what traditions absolutely SHOULD be included in the wedding day.

Today, let’s take a step back, and reframe things.

I appreciate that you’re listening from all different backgrounds, regions, & cultures.  What is the norm in NYC may be entirely opposite in Charleston, and unheard of in Los Angeles. 

Part of the inspiration for today’s episode is my husband and I coming from two very different parts of the country, and our separate expectations of what should & shouldn’t happen at a wedding. 

Where he’s from, it’s totally normal to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a huge wedding for 300 of your closest family & friends.  The brides family pays.  It’s unheard of to have a cash bar, to not ride in a limo, and to not invite kids.

Where I’m from, pretty much everything opposite of that.  I have a really small family, and celebrating your reception in the basement of the church with no booze is pretty normal.

Where things get tricky is when our expectations of what a wedding “should” look like conflict with our budget, our styles, and our personalities. 

And of course, an added layer of difficulty arises when you and your partner come from different backgrounds, and one of you thinks paying $10,000 for a photographer is completely reasonable, and the other wants to spend $10,000 total on the entire wedding.

But no matter where you’re from, I’m a firm believer in your wedding day being an expression and celebration of you & your partner.  At the end of the day, you’re making a really special commitment to one another, and looking to celebrate the occasion with your loved ones.  That’s it!

With that said, let’s look at these “wedding etiquette rules” with a fresh set of eyes.  Forget what “everyone else is doing,” and open up the possibilities beyond that.

Please know, believe, and trust that you truly have the support from me to ditch what everyone else is doing, and craft your day, your way. 

No this doesn’t mean being blatantly rude or disagreeable to your family, or sneaking behind your partner to sabotage something that you know they really want. 

You will need to continuously deploy common sense, compromise and understanding throughout your engagement.  But these commonly held beliefs can by all means be reinvented. 

Today's show is brought to you by our friends at ...

• Connect with your Better Help professional counselor and save 10% off your first month with discount code “WEDDING".
• 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!
• Train your loved one to deliver your ceremony like a pro with the Unboring Officiant training package!  Listeners enjoy 50% off when you visit www.unboringofficiant.com/weddingplanningpodcast

Fun proposal ideas, what everyone will wear, and easy & affordable gift ideas!

​Today we’re going to flow through a detailed conversation about your bridesmaids, focusing on f​un bridesmaid proposal ideas, what everyone will wear, and some easy & affordable gift ideas!​

For a full shopping list & blog post on the bridesmaid gift boxes I mentioned in today's show, visit:

www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/bridesmaid-proposal-...

I open the show with a public service announcement about being sensitive towards your wedding party and their finances. You know everyone’s situation much better than I do, and as you move through your engagement, keep in the back of your mind that being a participant in a wedding comes with a price tag - sometimes a hefty one.

As the captain of this ship, it’s important to be sensitive to people’s financial situations when choosing dresses, jewelry, planning parties & trips, etc.  

Anyone who’s been in a wedding knows that all of those things add up really quickly, and you will definitely be a hero if you can be respectful of everyone’s wallet & credit cards!

And THEN we get to the fun stuff - creative proposal ideas, what to wear, where to shop, gifts, & more.  Tune in for so much more!

An extra special thank you to today's show sponsors!

• 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 "WEDPOD" for 10% off the entire groom’s party AND a free groom's tux w/ 5 paid party members.
• Connect with your Better Help professional counselor and save 10% off your first month with discount code “WEDDING".

You've got friends.  And you’ve got wedding vendors.  What happens when you mix the two?  You’ve got a "friendor". 

Today we’re going to review SIX important guidelines for working with your friends and/or family members who are offering their various talents for the wedding. 

Your cousin bakes cakes.  Your neighbor is a photographer.  Your co-worker plans weddings on the side.  Your roommate from college is a DJ.  So, should you rely on their services for your wedding?

Maybe.  There are some key questions to consider before committing to working with friends so that you’re not caught in an awkward, uncomfortable, or worse - friendship-ending situation - in the months down the road.

An extra-special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• 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!
• Train your loved one to deliver your ceremony like a pro with the Unboring Officiant training package!  Listeners enjoy 50% off when you visit www.unboringofficiant.com/weddingplanningpodcast
• Are you ready to ditch the crushing wedding overwhelm & expense felt by so many engaged couples?  To sign up for a FREE 3-day trial of my revolutionary digital wedding planning package, CLICK HERE.

What’s the wedding reception cocktail hour without … cocktails?

Today we’re walking through an ultimate guide to setting up your own bar for the wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, or any other event you host.

The savings in supplying your own beer, wine & liquor are really quite stunning.  IF your venue will allow you to bring in your own fave adult drinks, then please consider this a top priority!

And, as with all things we cover - if the thought of you personally planning, shopping & setting things up is completely overwhelming, then DELEGATE it to someone else!  The bar is a perfect item to hand over to your fiance, a friend or family member.  

The first step is to decide what you’re going to serve.  You could choose to do beer & wine only, add in a signature cocktail or two, or go full-blown with beer, wine and liquor for mixed drinks. 

And naturally, I know that there are couples who will opt for no alcohol to be served at all, and of course what we’re discussing today applies to non-alcoholic selections as well. 

I like beer & wine only for a couple reasons - it’s simple.  Cutting out liquor, mixers, and the drink accessories like limes, cherries, umbrellas - not to mention the added work for your bartender - is the main benefit. 

TUNE IN for so much more!

My fave $7 OR LESS wines at Costco?  Matua sauvignon blanc and Toasted Head chardonnay. (Seasonal availability, but so many others to choose from at this price point!)

Easiest sangria recipe ever (serves 6): 1 bottle inexpensive sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, 1/4 C peach schnapps, any fruit you like!  Strawberries, apples & grapes work well.

Drink calculator here

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• Connect with your Better Help professional counselor and save 10% off your first month with discount code “WEDDING”.
• 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!
• ON-DEMAND wedding planning services anytime, anywhere?  Yes, please!  To sign up for what one VAULT members calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry” simply visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/vault

The cost of food & drinks can be a huge source of frustration when planning your wedding.  I can’t tell you how many messages I get from couples who are utterly horrified by the per person fee for dinner & drinks - and rightfully so! 

Today we’re going to explore setting up your own appetizer spread, and I think you’ll be blown away by the savings.  Stay tuned for my detailed roadmap to menu planning, shopping, and setting it all up.

We'll review how much to buy, where to shop, and what you can expect the total price tag to be for TWO different sample menu options.

Even if you are using a more traditional caterer for the main meal, doing your own appetizer spread is a wonderful way to customize the offering, UP the quality, AND save a ton of money. 

Not allowed to bring outside food into your venue?  This process for setting up a beautiful appetizer spread is also perfect for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or any other party you host in the future.  Bookmark it, and share it with a friend who's helping you plan!

Enjoy the full blog post:  www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/cheese

Discover endless cocktail hour inspiration!  https://www.pinterest.com/karasvinwedding/wedding-cocktail-hour/

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

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". 

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!

Train your loved one to deliver your ceremony like a pro with the Unboring Officiant training package!  Listeners enjoy 50% off when you visit: www.unboringofficiant.com/weddingplanningpodcast

Welcome to a brand new Wedding Q&A show!  Today we're covering your wonderful questions on COVID wedding etiquette, choosing your wedding party, sending thank you notes, and so much more ...

I've been offline a bit more than usual this summer; tune in to find out why! ;)

As promised, links mentioned in today's show:

• My summer has been full of mini-adventures around beautiful California with my fam in our vintage camper van >>> Follow along here! @sdvanhouse
• Shop beautiful & affordable paper lanterns here.
• Your guide to hosting virtual pre-wedding events, from our friends at A Practical Wedding

And of course, a special thank you to today's show sponsors:

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

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".

ON-DEMAND wedding planning services anytime, anywhere?  Yes, please!  To sign up for what one VAULT members calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry” simply visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/vault

Small, intimate, backyard weddings have been steadily rising in popularity over the past years.  With the COVID pandemic crisis that struck in March of this year, the good old backyard has become the #1 choice of couples who still want to celebrate, but may not have access to traditional venue spaces. 

If you’re a long-time listener, you know how in love I am with a small, simple & intimate wedding celebration, so the backyard venue  has always been a favorite of mine. 

Today I’m sharing with you a show that was ironically conceived prior to the corona virus disaster of 2020, but the tips and red flags we cover are more relevant now than ever. 

Now of course if you’re listening in the summer of 2020 and planning a celebration for the coming months, you’ll need to be mindful of current COVID restrictions in your area, and public health advisories, which I don’t cover in details because they change by the hour, and vary greatly depending on where you live, and where you plan to celebrate.

This episode does NOT specifically address COVID-19.  If you have concerns about your wedding celebration and the corona virus, you’ll want to join us in the Wedding Plan B series which you can access for free by visiting www.weddingplanb.com

I hope you enjoy the show, and I hope you’ll share it with a friend who would love it too!

.....

There’s a really common misunderstanding in "wedding planning world" that doing things yourself is always a good way to save money. 

I get it - in some situations, you might have more time than money, and a cheap & easy DIY project makes perfect sense. 

I bet if you think back, you can remember a time when "doing it yourself" was NOT the answer.  We have to be careful in drawing the line between a few manageable, simple wedding projects that make perfect sense, and biting off more than you can chew. 

Otherwise, you risk finding yourself in a spot of pure overwhelm and chaos months into wedding planning, and I don't wish that upon anyone!!!

On today’s show, we’re going to explore 8 red flags to carefully consider when hosting your wedding at a residential property like a backyard or a rental home. 

Our conversation today is a perfect lesson in creating boundaries as you plan between what you can realistically handle yourself, what should be left to a paid professional, and how to rearrange your priorities if you're stuck feeling like the cheapest possible DIY route is your only option.  (spoiler alert - it's not!!!)

An extra special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• Connect with your Better Help professional counselor and save 10% off your first month with discount code WEDDING.
• Enjoy 50% off your first Care/of order when you visit TakeCareOf.com and enter code WEDDING50
• 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".  
• *affiliate link* A top-notch handheld steamer like I mentioned in today's show can be found here.

Your wedding questions, answered!  Today we’re reviewing affordable wedding decoration ideas, juggling an invitation “B” List, managing guests’ dietary concerns, and more of your wonderful questions.

To get in on future Q&A’s, follow @weddingplanningpodcast on IG and shoot me a DM with what’s on your mind!  And please don’t be shy … I have an open door, I love to hear from you, and I promise to keep it anonymous if sharing on-air ;)

LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW:

• My fave tissue paper supplier

• Pinterest board full of inexpensive wedding decor ideas

And of course, a very special thank you to today’s show sponsors:

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".

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!

Train your loved one to deliver your ceremony like a pro with the Unboring Officiant training package!  Listeners enjoy 50% off when you visit www.unboringofficiant.com/weddingplanningpodcast

ON-DEMAND wedding planning services anytime, anywhere?  Yes, please!  To sign up for what one VAULT members calls “a breath of fresh air in the wedding industry” simply visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/vault

Today we’re going to review 5 MORE creative ways to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on your wedding.  I’m sharing FIVE of my favorite wedding money savers, from flowers, to venue, to decorations & more!

I thought it would be really fun and a huge *value bomb* to roll together TEN of my favorite money saving opportunities and share them in two detailed shows.  Last week we reviewed the first five, and this week in Part II, there are five more.

I’m 100% confident that we can trim at least $1000 off your wedding budget with these easy access money saving tips, and I can’t wait to hear the creative ways that YOU have found to keep costs in check - shoot me a DM on Instagram to share your money saving stories!  @weddingplanningpodcast

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• 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!
• Connect with your Better Help professional counselor and save 10% off your first month with discount code “WEDDING".
• 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".