Why Weddings: Traditions, Trends, and Tips for the Modern Couple

Why Have a Wedding Budget?

You can’t start wedding planning without one

It’s impossible to start looking at venues or vendors and dates without an actual budget. How much you’re comfortable spending will dictate who you talk with and book. Leah shares some great tips for helping you craft your wedding budget while staying true to you and your vision. The first step of wedding planning is wedding budgeting.

It can help you not make emotional decisions

Creating your budget before you become emotionally involved in the process helps keep you on track. When you attend that bridal show and see the most amazing ice sculpture artist and just have to have them you can lean on the budget you created when more level heads prevailed. It’s important to remember that your wedding day is just one day in your life together with your significant other. Simple piece of advice; don’t go into debt.

© 2013 | Haley Sheffield | www.haleysheffield.com

If you liked this episode and want to know more about creating a budget for your wedding or The Wedding Rollercoaster you can follow Leah and learn more about her and her work by visiting https://www.colorpopevents.com/; on Instagram @colorpopevents and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/colorpopevents.

You can buy Leah’s book The Wedding Rollercoaster on Amazon by clicking here.

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and connect with us on Instagram @whyweddingspodcast. Share your wedding and engagement stories with me at [email protected]. Listen to other episodes by clicking here. Learn more about me here. I can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s plan a wedding!

Sponsors for this episode

Powell Weddings & Eventswww.powellweddingsevents.com@powell.weddings.events801.823.9888Muscape StudiosComposer Tyler Olsenwww.muscapestudios.com/demos

I going to give you two tips to help you create an experience today:

* Embrace where you are in the world and with your relationship. This will allow you to get creative and start thinking outside the box.* You and your spouse sit down and create lists of what your dream wedding looks like. Do this separately and then come together and compare. You may be surprised by just how similar your goals are.

The world of weddings has been turned on its head with the Covid-19 pandemic. Rules about gatherings and celebrations change daily. With all the uncertainty the question is, how do we create an experience our guests will never forget? Join me as I chat with Jackie Watson of Jaclyn Watson Events to answer that question.

If you liked this episode and want to know more about creating an experience at your wedding you can follow Jackie and learn more about her and her work by visiting https://jaclynwatsonevents.com/; on Instagram @jaclynwatsonevents and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jaclynwatsonevents.

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and connect with us on Instagram @whyweddingspodcast. Share your wedding and engagement stories with me at [email protected]. Listen to other episodes by clicking here. Learn more about me here. I can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s plan a wedding!

Sponsors for this episode

Powell Weddings & Eventswww.powellweddingsevents.com@powell.weddings.events801.823.9888Muscape StudiosComposer Tyler Olsenwww.muscapestudios.com/demos

Have you ever looked at a flower and knew it was saying more than, “I’m pretty”? I have been interested in the language of flowers for a while now and was so excited when Bron agreed to discuss this topic. Flowers on a wedding day add so much to the feel and look of a room.

As we chat Bron shares tips and trends in wedding floral, how to make your personal flowers personal, and a bit about how he got started in weddings in the first place. Bron is such a warm and open person. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and can’t wait to have him on again!

If you liked this episode and want to know more you can follow Bron and learn more about him and his work by visiting https://www.northraleighfloristinc.com/; on Instagram @theflowerguybron and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theflowerguybron. Join Bron and other wedding professionals in the Facebook Group The Village: A Motivational Community for Wedding and Event Pros at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thevillage1.

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and connect with us on Instagram @whyweddingspodcast. Share your wedding and engagement stories with me at [email protected]. Listen to other episodes by clicking here. Learn more about me here. I can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s plan a wedding!

Sponsors for this episode

Powell Weddings & Eventswww.powellweddingsevents.com@powell.weddings.events801.823.9888Muscape StudiosComposer Tyler Olsenwww.muscapestudios.com/demos

Micro wedding, minimony, small wedding, and elopement. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic these words have been used and created and caused a lot of confusion in the wedding market. Amidst the confusion they all have one thing in common…they describe a smaller than average wedding.

On this episode of the Why Weddings podcast we sit down with Gretchen Culver of Rocket Science Events and Minne Weddings to discuss micro weddings. We include topics such as what is a micro wedding? How can you plan a micro wedding yourself? And why should you consider a micro wedding. In Gretchen’s words, “It’s not a trend anymore, it’s a new way to get married!”

For more information on small weddings visit the Small Wedding Society.

You can follow Gretchen and learn more about her and her work by visiting https://www.rocketscience.events/ and https://www.minneweddings.com. On Instagram @tinyweddingsmpls & @rocketscience.events and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/minneweddings & https://www.facebook.com/rocketsciencewe.

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and connect with us on Instagram @whyweddingspodcast. Share your wedding and engagement stories with me at [email protected]. Listen to other episodes by clicking here. Learn more about me here. I can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s plan a wedding!

Sponsors for this episode

Powell Weddings & Eventswww.powellweddingsevents.com@powell.weddings.events801.823.9888Muscape StudiosComposer Tyler Olsenwww.muscapestudios.com/demos

On today’s episode we are chatting with licensed master esthetician Sarah Hicken. I sat down with Sarah last year just as Covid-19 was starting to cause weddings and events to be rescheduled. Sarah shares tips and tricks for getting amazing skin for your wedding day or really any day. We talk about things to keep in mind with Covid-19 but mostly it’s just plain good advice for anytime. I hope you enjoy today’s conversation with Sarah Hicken!

If you don’t have time to listen to our conversation listed below are 7 things Sarah recommends to help you get amazing skin:

1. Find and visit a licensed esthetician.

2. Drink more water. Hydrated skin is happy skin.

3. Get more sleep.

4. Change your pillowcase at least weekly.

5. Get a facial to target your specific needs.

6. Apply sunscreen to your face and neck. If you do nothing else do this.

7. Exfoliate. Sarah's favorite is Dermologica's Daily Microfoliant*.

Photo by Morgan Powell of Morgan Leigh Photography

You can follow Sarah and learn more about her and her work by visiting her website https://sarahhicken.com/ or on Instagram @sarahhickenartistry.

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and connect with us on Instagram @whyweddingspodcast. Share your wedding and engagement stories with me at [email protected]. Listen to other episodes by clicking here. Learn more about me here. I can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s plan a wedding!

Sponsors for this episode

Powell Weddings & Eventswww.powellweddingsevents.com@powell.weddings.events801.823.9888Muscape StudiosComposer Tyler Olsenwww.muscapestudios.com/demos

*I do not receive any commission if you purchase any product using the links on this website.

In the episode below we chat with Barbie Berg of The Modest Bridal Collection by Barbie. Barbie has worked in the wedding dress market for 8 years. She is helping brides find their perfect dress first by working in the retail space, and now by designing modest wedding dresses.

Our conversation includes tips for shopping for your wedding dress, for example, don’t spend hours looking for your dress online and once you’ve found it (like your spouse) stop looking; timelines you need to be aware of, how long does it take to get a wedding dress; and why you should buy not rent. The things people do in their dresses may have you second guessing wanting to wear someone else’s dream dress.

You can connect with Barbie and The Modest Bridal Collection on Instagram @mbcbybarbie or @themodestbridalcollection.

Photo by: Morgan Leigh Photography

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and connect with us on Instagram @whyweddingspodcast. Share your wedding and engagement stories with me at [email protected]. Listen to other episodes by clicking here. Learn more about me here. I can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s plan a wedding!

Sponsors for this episode

Powell Weddings & Eventswww.powellweddingsevents.com@powell.weddings.events801.823.9888Muscape StudiosComposer Tyler Olsenwww.muscapestudios.com/demos

We are about 9 months into this Covid-19 pandemic. Some of us are finally starting to find our footing while others are taking a bit more time. One thing remains the same, family gatherings, including weddings, look different every day and in every part of the country. With so much uncertainty many couples choose to elope or have a micro wedding. You often hear elopement, micro wedding, and destination wedding used interchangeably, but these are three unique and distinct ways to be married. In this post we will discuss the differences and things to look for from your vendors when considering each of these types of weddings.

Elopement

The definition of elopement is an act or instance or running off secretly, as to be married. The key word to pay attention to here is secretly. Most people are not eloping in today’s climate and that’s okay. It is tempting to ditch the planning, run away with your beloved, sign the paperwork, and be done. If this is you, do it, call the minister, the judge or get a friend ordained in 30 minutes and get it done, no muss no fuss. The biggest plus of eloping; it is cost effective. All you will pay for is the marriage license fee and the officiant’s fee if applicable.

If you aren’t quite feeling the elopement vibe a micro wedding might be more what you are thinking.

Micro Wedding

Micro weddings are something we are seeing more of in the wedding industry. Travel and gathering restrictions have allowed couples to forego big celebrations without feeling guilty for not inviting (insert any name here). They are giving couples the freedom to celebrate how and with whom they want. The biggest difference between elopements and micro weddings is the vendor list. Micro weddings have all the vendors but 20 or fewer guests.

Another type of micro wedding is an intimate wedding, usually with a paired down vendor list. Both micro and intimate weddings are becoming more popular as various locations are enforcing gathering restrictions.

Destination Wedding

The wedding type is a destination wedding. Destination weddings are defined as a couple being married 100 or more miles from where they live. I would add if the majority of your guests need to travel more than 100 miles to attend your wedding this qualifies.

We see a large number of people who move across state lines, find love both in a person and their new home and choose to be married where they currently are living. This causes the majority of family and friends to travel to the couple for the wedding festivities. It is not uncommon for these couples to host welcome parties and wedding brunches and several other activities to show off their home and keep guests busy.

What to say to vendors

When chatting with possible vendors talk to them about your vision, timeline, guest count, and location. These are the areas that most consistently affect budget. If you only need a venue or vendor for 2 hours it doesn’t make sense to pay for the whole day. Be upfront and honest with any vendors with which you talk. Giving them all the information will allow them to give you the most accurate quote and prevent most unexpected costs.

If planning your wedding in the midst of a pandemic has you a bit frazzled that’s okay. I recommend you listen to our episode on “Why You Should Mourn Your Wedding” linked below. If nothing else remember the one sitting next to you,

I recently sat down with a dear friend and all around amazing wedding professional Vickie Musni. She has worked in the wedding industry for 24 years and has had every job from photographer, videographer, planner/coordinator, and currently as a wedding Master of Ceremonies. You can find more about her by visiting her website https://vickiemusni.com/ or connect with her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/speakerVickieMusni.

My interview with Vickie covers a lot of ground from making traditions work for you to staying true to your vision. The biggest takeaway for me was that you should plan your wedding together. Your personality, both individually and as a couple, has so much to do with planning your wedding. I know it is tempting to divide and conquer but there is nothing worse than a ticked off bride or groom because someone had a different vision or budget in mind when shopping. Communicating your vision, goals, and hopes for your wedding day and then finding a solution you are both happy with is great practice for married life.

Why Make It Personal

Weddings are about celebrating two people who have committed their lives to each other. My hope is that that celebration is reflective of the people we are there to support. I have seen so many unique ways to do this over the years; national park table names, hand dipped chocolates from the bride, cutting something other than cake, and custom cocktails and mocktails to name a few. It’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to be expensive to be personal.

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and connect with us on Instagram @whyweddingspodcast. Share your wedding and engagement stories with me at [email protected]. Listen to other episodes by clicking here. Learn more about me here. I can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s plan a wedding!

Sponsors for this episode

Powell Weddings & Eventswww.powellweddingsevents.com@powell.weddings.events 801.823.9888Muscape StudiosComposer Tyler Olsenwww.muscapestudios.com/demos

Today I’m sitting down with author, speaker, coach, and publisher Mr. Alan Berg to discuss why share your why. I first met Alan at a DJ conference I attended with Russ. We immediately hit it off and I have so enjoyed getting to know him both personally and professionally. Alan has published not one but two successful wedding magazines, worked for major wedding directories The Knot and Wedding Wire, and worked with several wedding professionals.

Our conversation covers everything from why you should let your guests in on your why to why personalize your wedding ceremony to how to choose the right vendors for you. Alan is filled with awesome nuggets to help you ask the right questions and keep perspective on your planning. Check out more of Alan’s work by visiting his website, www.alanberg.com.

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and connect with us on Instagram @whyweddingspodcast. Share your wedding and engagement stories with me at [email protected]. Listen to other episodes by clicking here. Learn more about me here. I can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s plan a wedding!

Sponsors for this episode

Powell Weddings & Eventswww.powellweddingsevents.com@powell.weddings.events 801.823.9888Muscape StudiosComposer Tyler Olsenwww.muscapestudios.com/demos

A quick search of Pinterest and you can find a ton of articles on how to have the “perfect” wedding night. If there is one thing I have learned it’s that nothing is perfect, at least not in the sense that nothing goes wrong. I have seen cakes topple, flowers wilt, drinks spill, and mascara run. It should be no surprise that your wedding night may look more like a weird game of Twister and less like a cinematic masterpiece (but who’s watching any way). You may encounter some set backs as you navigate and explore this aspect of your relationship. It’s okay! Read that again…it’s okay. I’ve said it before and you’ll likely get sick of hearing me saying it but there are no have to’s other than what you decide as a couple.

Today’s episode features an interview with Pauline Hannan, PT DPT. Pauline specializes in pelvic floor women’s issues. Specifically helping women who experience pain during sex. While not graphic we discuss some tips for making sure your wedding night, or any night, is fun and enjoyable for both spouses.

Last disclaimer, pain and discomfort during sex can occur at any time during your sexual relationship. If you are suffering please talk with your doctor about treatment options. You can also go to www.pelvicrehab.com to find a pelvic floor therapist in your area.

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and connect with us on Instagram @whyweddingspodcast. Share your wedding and engagement stories with me at [email protected]. Listen to other episodes by clicking here. Learn more about me here. I can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s plan a wedding!

Sponsors for this episode

Powell Weddings & Eventswww.powellweddingsevents.com@powell.weddings.events 801.823.9888Muscape StudiosComposer Tyler Olsenwww.muscapestudios.com/demos