Wedding Planning Podcast

"What's really bothering me lately is I'm in a stress cycle over anticipating what might go wrong during our wedding weekend and wanting to proactively jump in and plan for those things. What are some unexpected stress-points that we can be prepared for as much as possible?" Do yourselves a favor - plan to be caught off guard by something on your wedding day! Next step, mentally prepare to brush it off in the moment so that you can be fully present and enjoy your wedding day. Survey 100 couples in the week after their wedding, and 97 of them will have multiple stories of things that went off the rails and/or not according to "The Plan". The magic is in how you choose to react to the issue, combined with some tactical ways that you can be proactive and prepared. Tune in for the rundown on 7 common wedding day surprises that are shockingly easy to proactively plan for. And stick around 'til the end for a handful of listener questions on moms, dress codes & more. Cheers to being prepared! Written blog post & link to submit your questions can be found here. Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all of your wedding details in one place, and exclusive listener perks.

Cheap wedding venue… or financial trap? In this bonus episode, we're breaking down one of the biggest budgeting decisions you'll make during wedding planning: choosing between a lower-priced blank space venue and a higher-priced all-inclusive option. At first glance, the DIY venue looks like the obvious win. Lower rental fee. More flexibility. Total creative control. It feels like the ultimate budget-savvy move. But here's where impulse can quietly take over. That "great deal" can spiral fast once you start layering in rentals, catering, staffing, power, restrooms, décor, insurance, and all the little logistical details no one warns you about. Meanwhile, the all-inclusive quote might make you choke on your coffee — but it may also include far more than you realize. In this episode, I walk you through six major cost categories you must have detailed pricing for before deciding if a blank space venue is truly the money-saving move… or if it could end up costing you more in the long run. Early access to new episodes + bonus planning resources are available inside WPP Premium on Apple Podcasts. Tap "Subscribe" for instant acess. Links & Resources Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all your details in one place, and exclusive listener perks: weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted

In this week's Wedding Planning Podcast Q&A episode, we're tackling the real questions couples are asking right now. From incorporating future stepchildren into your wedding ceremony, to designing a laid-back "adult summer camp" style reception that still feels organized and intentional, this episode covers how to plan a wedding that actually reflects your vision & priorities. We also dive into: Skipping traditional dances when complicated family dynamics are involved, The risks of hiring close friends as wedding vendors, specifically for photography, How to choose between DJs when logistics, emcee responsibilities, and vendor chemistry don't align, Setting and enforcing boundaries around adults-only weddings, Exactly what to do when guests RSVP "yes" and back out at the last minute, Navigating budget overwhelm, family pressure, and the desire to just elope, Letting go of traditional wedding expectations. If you're feeling overwhelmed, conflicted, or unsure whether you're doing wedding planning "right," this episode is a reminder that clarity, boundaries, and intention matter more than tradition. To wrap up this week, I would LOVE to hear from you! Whether it's about a planning challenge or question you're facing, a post-wedding day recap that you'd like to share, or simply requests for upcoming show topics, you can be in touch any time: [email protected] PS - Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all of your wedding details in one place, and exclusive listener perks.

Enjoy a jam-packed show full of your wedding planning questions, including: What's an ideal wedding planning timeline? >>> check out my bonus series that shows you exactly how to use ChatGPT to build a completely personalized planning timeline. Subscribe to WPP Premium in Apple Podcasts for instant access. How can we include family members who want to "help" with the wedding? Helping a younger bridesmaid feel included w/ the older girls, Are wedding expos / bridal shows worth going to? (spoiler alert - YES!) What to look for in a DJ Unity Ceremony Ideas? (visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/unity for images) Managing wedding planning stress & anxiety / shifting my focus / finding my wedding vision Cost-effective dessert options Decor / centerpiece advice for family-style long tables at our reception Do we have to pay for our vendors' meals? VENT - Why is it so hard to stay on budget?? Unrealistic expectations based on social media White bridesmaid dress = wedding dress? Any downsides? When should we host our engagement party? Uncomfortable family situation re: living together before marriage Assigned seating for the ceremony? Can we have a wedding registry even if we're having a destination wedding? To submit questions or topic requests for upcoming shows, visit this link PS - Planning a wedding can feel like a second full-time job, but it doesn't have to. When you subscribe to Wedding Planning Podcast Premium on Apple Podcasts, you'll get early, ad-free access to all six feature episodes and unlock an exclusive bonus series that shows you exactly how to use ChatGPT as your free, personal wedding planner. We'll walk you through how to save hours of research, make confident decisions faster, and keep your budget on track—without hiring another vendor. Just tap "Subscribe" on Apple Podcasts to get instant access.

Shopping for bridesmaid dresses online doesn't have to feel risky, overwhelming, or chaotic. In this episode, we're diving into how to confidently pull off a seamless online bridesmaid dress experience with featured brand Lulus Weddings. Whether you're coordinating a perfectly polished lineup or embracing the mismatched trend, we're breaking down exactly how to make it look intentional and elevated - not thrown together. You'll learn: Professional styling strategies to flatter every body type, The 5 keys to creating a cohesive color palette with mismatched dresses, The real advantages of letting your bridesmaids choose their own look, How Lulus' free bridal concierge service can simplify the entire process, 3 wedding trends that will influence bridal party style If you want bridesmaid dresses that feel effortless, modern, and beautifully coordinated — this episode is your blueprint. Shop the 2026 Lulus Bridesmaid Collection here Get free, one-on-one assistance from our expert team of bridal stylists with Lulus Bridal Concierge Today we're joined by Lulus Senior Buyer, Cher Irlandez. Cher has been with Lulus for 5.5 years, and recently got married in her hometown of Las Vegas. Her experience in the fashion industry as both a Developer and Buyer, along with her own recent bridal journey, gives her a unique perspective that I'm really excited to share with you. My sister Kate's wedding - we coordinated our Lulus dresses from California, Maine, Canada, British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico - if we can do it, anyone can!! 😅