Weddings 101

Wedding registries can feel confusing, especially when you’re not sure what you actually need or how to ask for gifts without feeling awkward. In this episode of Weddings 101, I break down everything first-time brides need to know about wedding registry etiquette, including whether you need a registry, how to handle cash gifts and honeymoon funds, and how to create a system that works for both you and your guests.

You’ll learn why having a registry actually helps your guests, how to balance physical gifts with cash or experience-based options, and the best way to communicate your preferences without putting anything on your invitation. I also cover common mistakes brides make, like skipping the registry entirely, only including expensive items, or relying too heavily on cash funds.

If you’ve been putting off your registry because you’re unsure what to do, this episode will give you a clear, simple plan to move forward with confidence.

Planning a wedding with out-of-town guests? Figuring out hotel blocks, transportation, and welcome gifts can feel overwhelming fast.

In this episode, I walk you through how to coordinate guest travel in a way that’s simple, thoughtful, and budget-friendly. You’ll learn the difference between courtesy and contracted hotel blocks, how many hotel options to provide, and what to include on your wedding website so guests have all the information they need.

I also break down when transportation is actually necessary and when it’s okay to skip it, plus how to approach welcome bags in a way that feels meaningful without overspending.

If you’re unsure what you’re responsible for when it comes to out-of-town guests, this episode will help you focus on what matters most: clear communication and a smooth guest experience.

Creating a wedding website sounds simple until you start wondering what actually needs to go on it and when it should go live. In this episode, I walk through how to create a wedding website and FAQ page that truly helps your guests instead of leaving them confused or texting you for every detail.

I break down the timeline for building your site so you know what information should be included before save the dates go out, what needs to be added before invitations are sent, and how to keep your website updated as your planning progresses. You’ll learn the essential pages every wedding website should include, how to organize travel and accommodation information, how to share dress code guidance clearly, and how to structure your site so guests can easily find what they need.

I also explain how to create an FAQ page that actually works. A well written FAQ section can prevent dozens of guest questions about plus ones, kids, parking, schedules, and travel logistics. When done well, it becomes the central hub for your wedding details and makes the entire planning process smoother for both you and your guests.

If you’re planning your first wedding and want a clear roadmap for building a wedding website that keeps guests informed and reduces your stress, this episode will walk you through exactly how to do it.

Choosing your wedding music is about so much more than just picking a few songs. It’s about creating a feeling your guests will remember long after your wedding day is over.

In this episode, I sit down with Durham-based wedding harpist, pianist, and vocalist Kara Taylor to break down everything couples need to know about planning their wedding music. From defining your overall vibe to choosing meaningful songs and deciding whether live music is right for your day, Kara shares expert insights to help you feel confident in your decisions.

We talk through how to define your wedding vibe and let that guide your music choices, the most popular wedding styles from traditional and faith-based to modern and garden-inspired, and how live instruments like harp and piano can fit a variety of wedding aesthetics. Kara also shares tips for choosing ceremony songs that feel personal and meaningful, along with what couples often overlook when planning their wedding music.

Whether you're dreaming of a classic ceremony, a modern instrumental moment, or a romantic outdoor celebration, this episode will help you create a soundtrack that truly reflects your relationship.

What does it really look like to plan a wedding that feels deeply personal while still being beautifully designed and seamlessly executed? In this episode, I sit down with Annie Nesbit to talk through her experience planning a whimsical mountain garden party wedding in Banner Elk, North Carolina. From the very beginning, her love for the mountains shaped every decision, creating a celebration that felt intentional, romantic, and true to who she and her husband are.

Annie shares how choosing her venue first influenced everything from her color palette to the overall guest experience. She walks through how she incorporated meaningful symbolism throughout her wedding, honored loved ones who had passed, and created thoughtful details that made the day feel both elegant and welcoming.

We also dive into the logistics, including managing a large guest list, navigating transportation challenges, and working with a full-service wedding planner. Annie explains why having a planner was essential, even as someone who loves planning herself, and how that support allowed her to actually be present and enjoy her wedding day.

Throughout the conversation, Annie shares honest advice on budgeting, writing personal vows, and deciding what truly matters during the planning process. If you are in the early stages of planning or feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions, this episode will help you refocus on what creates a meaningful and memorable wedding experience.

Photo by: @flightlessbirdphotography

Vendors:

Venue: @whitecrowwedding

Planner: @eleganteventweddings

Photo & Video: @flightlessbirdphotography

Live Painter: @dolceartstudios

Florist: @thistleandtwigflowers

Hair & Makeup: @bella_bridalartistry

Nails: @blue_iris_nails_studio

Bridal Gown: @nybgcarolinas

Bridesmaids: @birdygrey

Bagpiper: @highcountrybagpiper

DJ: @lucaslondon

Catering: @gadabouts_catering

Cake: @siftedsugar_nc

Beverages: @peabodysofboone

Paper Goods: @allisoncappsdesign

Officiant: Ricky Netherton

Wedding planning can bring out stress, conflict, and emotions you may not have experienced in your relationship before. But it can also be an opportunity to strengthen how you and your partner communicate and show up for each other.

In this episode of Weddings 101, I’m joined by Monica Tanner, an RLT-trained relationship coach, host of Secrets of Happily Ever After, and Amazon best-selling author of Bad Marriage Advice. Monica shares what a healthy marriage mindset actually looks like during engagement and why this season matters so much for building a strong foundation for your future marriage.

We talk through the real challenges couples face while planning, from decision fatigue to money stress and family pressure. You’ll learn how to handle these moments more intentionally, communicate more effectively, and stay on the same team even when things feel overwhelming.

If wedding planning has started to feel heavier than expected, this episode will help you navigate it in a way that brings you closer, not further apart.

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