Choosing your wedding party doesn’t have to be stressful. This episode breaks down everything you need to know about picking bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other attendants while making thoughtful decisions that honor your closest friends and family.

Learn how to assign roles based on strengths and availability, balance family and friend dynamics, and set clear expectations to ensure everyone feels confident and included.

I also cover practical strategies for managing responsibilities, keeping communication smooth, and creating a wedding party that supports a seamless and enjoyable celebration for everyone involved.

Think a victorian mansion wedding is out of reach on a tight budget? Sydney hosted 100 guests at a victorian mansion for less than $15,000, showing it can be done. In this episode of Weddings 101, she walks through the smart choices and cost-saving strategies that made her dream day both elegant and affordable.

From negotiating contracts to skipping a bridal party and leaning on her venue’s multi-day rental, Sydney’s story is full of tips any couple can use to plan a wedding that feels big without the big price tag.

Where does all the money really go when you plan a wedding? In this episode, I uncover the hidden wedding costs couples often miss and explain how to prepare for them before they derail your plans.

From venue service fees and catering surprises to alterations, décor, photography add-ons, and even permits, these extra expenses can add thousands of dollars to your big day.

I share why these costs exist, what makes them higher or lower, and the smart questions you can ask vendors to avoid being caught off guard. You will also learn how contracts and service charges really work and how to build a buffer into your budget so you stay in control without sacrificing your vision.

If you are planning a wedding and want to avoid stress and financial surprises, this episode is filled with practical advice to help you feel confident, informed, and prepared.

Your wedding stationery is more than just paper. It is the first impression your guests will have of your celebration and the thread that ties your event together from start to finish.

In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Wiedenfeld, the owner and artist behind Rachel Wiedenfeld Studio, to talk about save the dates, invitations, and day of stationery. Rachel shares expert advice on when to send each piece, what details to include, how to set realistic RSVP deadlines, and why custom stationery can make your wedding feel cohesive and personal.

She also offers practical insights on budgeting, the differences between DIY and custom designs, and creative ways to infuse personality into menus, signage, and other wedding details. Whether you are just starting the stationery process or wondering how to elevate your guest experience, this episode is full of helpful tips to guide you through every step.

Want to connect with Rachel or see more of her work? Follow her on Instagram @rachelwstudio or visit her website https://www.rachelwstudio.com/

You’ve planned every detail of your wedding, and now it’s time to bring it all together. In this episode, I cover how to execute your wedding week and day-of coordination with confidence.

From final vendor confirmations and must-have printed items, to packing your emergency kit, assigning a reliable point person, and preparing gratuities, this is your ultimate wedding week checklist. I also cover transportation, accommodations, ceremony details, decor handoffs, and post-wedding logistics that couples often forget until the last minute.

Whether you’re days away from saying “I do” or just want to feel prepared for the final stretch, this episode will help you stay calm, organized, and fully enjoy your wedding day.

In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with my friend Sarah to talk about her Long Island wedding at Westbury Manor.

She shares how she compared venues across North Carolina, New Hampshire, and New York before choosing an all-inclusive venue that made planning easier and stress-free.

From guest accommodations and catering to décor and day-of coordination, Sarah explains why going all-inclusive was the right choice for her and how it shaped her entire wedding experience.

If you’re considering a Long Island wedding or thinking about an all-inclusive venue, this episode is packed with insights and tips you won’t want to miss.

Photography by Enchanted Celebrations

Finalizing wedding details and logistics is what transforms months of planning into a smooth wedding day.

In this episode, I cover seating charts, guest transportation, vendor schedules, hotel blocks, parking, permits, and how to build a complete wedding day timeline.

Whether you’re preparing now or planning ahead, you’ll learn how to keep everything organized so your day feels seamless.

If you want a wedding day that feels calm, organized, and joy filled, not rushed or chaotic, your planning timeline is your secret weapon.

In this episode of Weddings 101, I break down exactly how to create and maintain a wedding planning timeline that keeps you on track from “yes” to “I do.” You’ll learn when to book vendors, send invitations, and make key decisions, plus how to break big goals into bite sized weekly tasks.

We’ll cover tools that actually work, why rest weeks matter, and the little buffers that save you from last minute panic. Whether you are planning a year ahead or just a few months out, this is the step by step guide every bride needs to avoid overwhelm and actually enjoy her engagement.

If you’ve never planned a wedding before, sending Save the Dates and invitations might seem simple, but there’s a lot more to consider than just telling people when and where to show up.

In this episode, I walk you through when to send each piece of your wedding stationery, what to include, how to design them, and ways to clearly communicate who is invited.

From traditional printed invites to digital options, plus tips for RSVP tracking, guest list clarity, and postage prep, this episode contains practical advice to help you navigate this key step with confidence.

Whether you're planning a local wedding or a destination celebration, you'll find tools, etiquette tips, and vendor suggestions to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

In this episode, I dive into step 8 of the wedding planning process: developing your wedding design and decor plan. If you're feeling overwhelmed by Pinterest boards and inspiration overload this is where it all starts to come together. I break down how to create a wedding mood board, select a color palette that fits your venue and season, and decide what decor projects are worth doing yourself and what should be handed off.

You will explore how to map out your ceremony and reception decor, build a cohesive vision, and keep your style aligned with your overall wedding mission. We also walk through free tools to help you visualize your ideas and the often overlooked design details that can make your wedding feel extra personal and polished.

Whether you are planning something romantic and rustic or bold and modern, this episode will help you organize your inspiration and communicate it clearly to your planner, coordinator, or wedding day crew. Get ready to bring your vision to life with clarity and confidence.