On the last Wednesday of every month, we answer wedding planning questions from our listeners. These are always chock full of information that EVERYONE can benefit from. We have so much fun and we love our listeners for reaching out and interacting with us. Listen and learn, peeps!
Kathryn Kalabokes returns to the pod for this month’s YAWA. Kathryn is the owner of Dream a Little Dream Events, and the director of Weddings and Social Events at Merchants Exchange Productions and The Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco. 
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TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center

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Bonus Episodes

and more


Topics We Covered

Visiting the location of your out of state wedding

When to start shopping for a wedding dress

How to plan for the wedding dress shopping with out of town family?

Venue double booked our date 

DJ giving pushback about timeline

Snubbing certain family by not inviting them to rehearsal 


Links We Referenced
Julia Morgan Ballroom IG
Dream A Little Dream Events

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez.

Edited by Veronica Gruba

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


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#339 You Ask, We Answer - 61

Gain expert knowledge, share hearty laughs, and discover the best tips to maximize your budget and wedding planning experience. I’m Michelle, your host and a fun-loving wedding planner with over 20 years of experience. I share invaluable insights and industry secrets to empower you on your path to 'I Do.'


Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Comedy

Relationships

Enhance your wedding planning experience and strengthen your personal connections. In this episode, we explore the intricate dynamics of relationships during wedding planning with friendship coach and educator, Danielle Bayard Jackson. This conversation sheds light on the emotional complexities that come with preparing for a wedding. Danielle delves into "bride imposter syndrome," the challenges of balancing friendship expectations, and provides actionable strategies to maintain and deepen your relationships during this pivotal time. While our focus is on brides and female relationships, Danielle's insights are universally applicable, offering valuable guidance to anyone, regardless of how they identify. 

Want to listen Ad-free? Click HERE to become a premium subscriber.

Ad-free, full length episodes

The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


Topics We Covered

Understanding Bride Imposter Syndrome: Insights into why some brides may feel undeserving of their own wedding celebration and strategies to overcome these feelings.

Navigating Friendship Dynamics: Advice on managing friendships and setting expectations during wedding planning, especially when facing conflicts and pressures.

Creating Space for Both You and Your Friends: Tips on maintaining friendship integrity by allowing friends to support you without overshadowing their needs and experiences.

Practical Strategies for Involving Friends: Ideas for how to involve friends in the wedding in meaningful ways, even if they're not part of the wedding party.

Preserving Friendships Post-Wedding: Guidance on continuing strong friendships beyond the wedding, including setting boundaries and expressing gratitude.


Links We Referenced
Danielle’s book – Fighting for Our Friendships 
Danielle on TikTok

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#407 Tying the Knot Without Tying Up Friendships: Tips from a Friendship Coach

If you're planning a wedding and love our planet, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and a bit of fun that’ll help you make a difference.
Michelle brings together a fantastic crew of experts who are passionate about making weddings greener. You’ll meet Courtney Barrett, an environmental scientist weaving eco-friendly magic into her own wedding, and Cris Angsten from the green-certified Oak Leaf Cottage, sharing her personal journey to sustainability. Plus, wedding planner Kristen Gosselin and David Schoenfeld from Ring Bear drop some serious knowledge (and cool ideas!) on keeping your big day beautiful and environmentally sound. 
We're all about sustainable weddings—not just for Earth Day, but for every day! 
Want to listen Ad-Free? Click HERE to become a premium subscriber:

Ad-free, full length episodes

The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


Links We Referenced
Courtney on Instagram
Poshmark
https://wildalchemyphotos.com/
https://www.thicketfloraldesign.com
Oak Leaf Cottage Website
Oak Leaf Cottage on Instagram
KG Events Design Website
KG Events Design on Instagram
Ring Bear Website
Ring Bear on Instagram

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#406 Planet-Friendly Love: Your Guide to a Sustainable Wedding

PLEASE LISTEN! Some important updates about the future of our show. This episode is a bit different, as I’m discussing the changes coming to the podcast and what it means for you, my valued listeners.

Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

Ad-free, full length episodes

The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


Topics Covered


A Heartfelt Thank You: Expressing my deep gratitude for the incredible support from our listeners, especially our paid premium subscribers. 


Major Changes: Announcing the transition of our podcast back to a free feed model and the shift to releasing new episodes monthly. 


Our Rich Library: Over 400 episodes filled with invaluable wedding planning advice and stories are now freely available. This treasure trove of content remains a resource for anyone planning their wedding.


Premium Feed Adjustments: Introducing the new format of our premium feed, which will continue to offer an ad-free listening experience with a slight change in content offerings. The subscription pricing has been adjusted to $4.99 a month or $45.99 annually.


A Brief Pause: Explaining the pause in releasing new episodes until the end of the month as we transition to the new model. Your patience during this period is greatly appreciated.

Looking Ahead: So much excitement for the next chapter of The Big Wedding Planning Podcast and the value-packed episodes to come.

Questions or Feedback? If you have any questions about the changes or need assistance with your subscription, please don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com.

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#405 IMPORTANT Changes Coming To The Show - A brief pause

Feeding your wedding vendors isn't just courtesy—it's a must, especially for those who dedicate hours to make your day special. In this episode, I chat with my dear friend and seasoned wedding pro, Duncan Reyes. Dive into our lively discussion on the ins and outs of vendor meals, filled with insights, laughter, and Duncan's unmatched charm. Don't miss out!

Topics We Covered

Understanding the necessity of providing vendor meals

Clarification on which vendors require meals 

Insights into the cost of vendor meals

Optimal timing for serving vendor meals during the event

Whether vendors should receive the same meal as guests

Options for sourcing vendor meals: caterer vs. external options 

Timing for finalizing vendor meal counts alongside guest counts

Inquiring about food allergies among vendor staff


About The Guest
Duncan Reyes began his illustrious career as a Corporate Event Planner before moving into luxury hotel management and event planning with roles at The Portman Hotel, The Pan Pacific Hotel San Francisco, The Fairmont Hotel in both San Francisco & Chicago, The Julia Morgan Ballroom, and The Westin St. Francis Hotel San Francisco. With over 30 years of experience in wedding, corporate, and social event planning, Duncan's passion and exceptional skills led him to found F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design, making him a premiere figure in the event industry. Honored by the San Francisco Business Times in 2009 and a recipient of multiple WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards, Duncan is celebrated for his ability to create sophisticated, unique events that reflect his clients' styles, drawing on a vast network of resources to turn dreams into lasting memories.

Links We Referenced
Duncan on Instagram
Duncan’s Website

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#404 Vendor Meals: What You Need To Know

Feeding your wedding vendors isn't just courtesy—it's a must, especially for those who dedicate hours to make your day special. In this episode, I chat with my dear friend and seasoned wedding pro, Duncan Reyes. Dive into our lively discussion on the ins and outs of vendor meals, filled with insights, laughter, and Duncan's unmatched charm. Don't miss out!

Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

Ad-free, full length episodes

The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with

Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class

Wedding Planning Templates and Tools


Topics We Covered

Understanding the necessity of providing vendor meals

Clarification on which vendors require meals 

Insights into the cost of vendor meals

Optimal timing for serving vendor meals during the event

Whether vendors should receive the same meal as guests

Options for sourcing vendor meals: caterer vs. external options 

Timing for finalizing vendor meal counts alongside guest counts

Inquiring about food allergies among vendor staff


About The Guest
Duncan Reyes began his illustrious career as a Corporate Event Planner before moving into luxury hotel management and event planning with roles at The Portman Hotel, The Pan Pacific Hotel San Francisco, The Fairmont Hotel in both San Francisco & Chicago, The Julia Morgan Ballroom, and The Westin St. Francis Hotel San Francisco. With over 30 years of experience in wedding, corporate, and social event planning, Duncan's passion and exceptional skills led him to found F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design, making him a premiere figure in the event industry. Honored by the San Francisco Business Times in 2009 and a recipient of multiple WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards, Duncan is celebrated for his ability to create sophisticated, unique events that reflect his clients' styles, drawing on a vast network of resources to turn dreams into lasting memories.

Links We Referenced
Duncan on Instagram
Duncan’s Website

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#339 You Ask, We Answer - 61

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