Choosing your wedding food and drink options can feel surprisingly overwhelming, especially when catering and bar service are some of the largest expenses in your wedding budget. Many couples start planning thinking they will simply choose between a buffet or plated dinner and decide whether they want an open bar, but quickly realize their venue rules, guest count, and budget all play a major role in what is actually possible.

In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through how to decide between a buffet and a plated meal, and how to evaluate bar options like open bar, beer and wine only, or limited bar service. I explain how venues often influence or control catering decisions through in-house catering requirements, food and beverage minimums, and preset menu packages.

You’ll also learn how food and beverage pricing typically works, including per-person pricing versus consumption-based bar service, and what questions to ask your venue about staffing, minimum spends, and hidden costs that can affect your final budget.

I also talk through how guest count, reception timelines, and venue logistics can impact whether a buffet or plated meal makes the most sense for your wedding. Plus, I share the most common mistakes first-time brides make when evaluating catering and bar options so you can avoid unexpected costs or limitations later in the planning process.

If you’re trying to decide what type of wedding dinner service and bar setup will work best for your venue, budget, and guest experience, this episode will help you understand your options and make confident decisions.

Should you have kids at your wedding, and if so, who takes care of them? In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with Carson Wagner, founder of Lifetime of Love Nannies, to break down everything couples need to know about offering childcare on their wedding day.

From onsite kids rooms and hotel based nanny care to child to nanny ratios, safety protocols, and accommodating infants, toddlers, school age children, and kids with special needs, we cover it all. Carson shares how childcare can actually increase RSVP yes responses, reduce stress for parents, and create a better guest experience overall.

If you are planning a family friendly wedding or trying to decide whether to provide childcare as an option, this episode will help you understand what it looks like, when to book it, and how to make it seamless for everyone involved.

Want to connect with Carson? Follow her on Instagram @lifetimeoflovenannies or visit lifetimeoflovenannies.com to learn more.

Choosing your wedding entertainment can feel overwhelming faster than you expected. DJs, live bands, hybrid options, pricing, logistics, emcee styles, and song lists can quickly turn what seemed like a simple decision into one of the most stressful parts of planning. In this episode, I break down the real differences between DJs, live bands, and hybrid entertainment so you can make a confident decision that fits your vision, guest list, and budget.

We talk through what each option truly offers, the hidden limitations and advantages couples often don’t realize until it’s too late, and why your entertainment impacts your timeline, guest experience, and overall vibe more than almost any other vendor. You’ll learn how to think beyond trends and social media and instead focus on the energy you want your reception to have, the type of experience you want your guests to walk away with, and how your venue, space, and priorities should guide this decision.

Whether you’re planning a formal celebration, a destination wedding, or a modern dance-focused reception, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes, ask the right questions before signing a contract, and choose entertainment that creates a packed dance floor and an unforgettable night. Save this episode to revisit when comparing quotes and share it with your partner before making your final decision.

Wedding flowers can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start, what’s in season, or how to make your vision work within your budget. In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with local wedding and events florist Abby Jensen of Jensen Creations to walk through everything couples need to know before booking their floral vendor.

We talk about how to prioritize your ceremony space, why your bridal bouquet and a strong focal point are often the most important starting place, and how couples can repurpose florals throughout the day to get the most value from their investment. Abby also shares her “rule of three” approach to colors, textures, and design, along with how shape, size, and structure can completely change the look and feel of your wedding.

We dive into common floral misconceptions, including why lush designs are possible even with tighter budgets, what actually drives pricing, and why not every flower is available year round. Abby explains how choosing seasonal blooms leads to stronger, healthier flowers and how substitutions can still bring your vision to life beautifully.

You’ll also learn how florals can reflect your love story, what information to prepare before your first consultation, how to know if a florist is the right creative fit for you, and the ideal timeline for booking your wedding florist.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to begin, or want your wedding flowers to feel meaningful and personal, this episode will give you clarity and confidence as you plan.

Photo by: Vines Studios

Your wedding ceremony and reception should feel like one seamless experience, not a series of rushed or confusing transitions.

In this episode, I share how to create a smooth, stress-free flow from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. You will learn how to build a realistic wedding timeline with buffer time, manage travel between venues, keep guests comfortable during transitions, and avoid common flow mistakes that can disrupt the energy of the day.

Whether you are planning a church ceremony, same-venue celebration, or destination wedding, this episode will help you design a day that feels intentional, connected, and enjoyable from start to finish.

Wedding rentals are one of the most overlooked and expensive parts of planning your big day. From tables and chairs to linens, lighting, and ceremony décor, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or accidentally overpay.

In this episode, I break down what wedding rentals actually include, what your venue may provide, and how to manage your rental orders efficiently. You’ll learn the key questions to ask vendors, avoid common mistakes, and build a rental setup that matches your vision and budget.

Whether you’re planning your ceremony, reception, or both, this episode will give you the confidence to handle rentals like a pro.

Asking someone to be your maid of honor is one of the most meaningful moments in the early stages of wedding planning, but it can also come with pressure, expectations, and questions about how to do it “the right way.”

In this episode, I walk you through different ways to ask your friend or sister to be your maid of honor, from heartfelt handwritten letters and personalized gift boxes to surprise moments, sentimental keepsakes, and fun creative ideas. I also share advice on how to make your ask feel thoughtful and intentional while still giving her the space to say yes without feeling obligated.

You’ll learn how to match your approach to her personality, acknowledge the commitment that comes with the role, and set a meaningful tone for your wedding party from the very beginning. Plus, I share ready-to-use sample wording you can adapt for your own maid of honor proposal.

If you’re engaged and wondering how to ask your maid of honor in a way that feels genuine, respectful, and true to your relationship, this episode will help you do it with confidence and heart.

Photo: South of Eden Photography

Struggling to decide who gets a plus-one at your wedding? You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down wedding plus-one etiquette in a clear, modern, and stress-free way.

You’ll learn what a plus-one actually means, why there is no single “right” rule, and how to create a guest list policy that feels fair, intentional, and aligned with your budget. I cover the most common plus-one policies couples use, how to communicate your decision clearly on invitations and your wedding website, and exactly what to say when guests or family members push back.

If you’re worried about hurting feelings, navigating family expectations, or managing costs while planning your wedding guest list, this episode will help you set boundaries without guilt or drama so you can protect your peace and enjoy your engagement.

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make and one of the easiest places to miss important details if you don’t know what to ask. In this episode, I walk through exactly what to ask during wedding venue tours so you can confidently compare spaces, avoid surprise costs, and choose a venue that truly fits your wedding vision and budget.

You’ll learn the core questions every couple should ask at any venue, plus additional questions for all-inclusive venues and venue-only or blank canvas spaces. I also cover the behind-the-scenes details venues don’t always include in the brochure, like setup timing, power and lighting limitations, staffing expectations, weather backup plans, noise restrictions, and cleanup policies.

This episode is perfect for newly engaged couples touring venues for the first time, brides who feel overwhelmed by options, and anyone who wants to make a smart, informed venue decision without costly surprises later. Bring this episode with you on your venue tours and know exactly what to look for before you sign a contract.