The Big Wedding Planning Podcast
Michelle Martinez & Shaun Gray
Recent Episodes
What this podcast is all about & why we decided to end it after 8 years
For 8 years, The Big Wedding Planning Podcast has been a go-to resource for real, honest, and unfiltered wedding planning advice. With hundreds of episodes and an incredible community of listeners, it’s helped thousands of marriers plan their weddings with clarity, confidence, and heart.
This final episode is both a love letter to longtime listeners and the perfect starting point for anyone just discovering the show.
Michelle is joined by the original co-host, Christy Matthews, for a heartfelt and candid farewell conversation that includes:
1. A breakdown of the must-listen episodes to start your wedding planning journey:
Ep 3 – Firsts: What to Do Right After You Get Engaged
Ep 4 – Budget: How Much?
Ep 5 – The Guest List
Ep 31 – The Final Details
Ep 176 – The Ceremony Layout
Ep 210 – Crash Course in Wedding Planning
Ep 392 – How to Start Wedding Planning: Your First Steps
2. Favorite guests, most memorable moments, and behind-the-scenes stories
3. How the podcast has impacted their lives—and why it’s time to say goodbye
4. An honest look at the challenges of keeping a passion project going for 8 years
Whether you’re brand new here or you’ve been listening since day one, this episode captures the heart and spirit of what made The Big Wedding Planning Podcast so special.
To every listener, guest, and supporter: thank you. You made this show what it was.
Though this is the final new episode, the entire catalog will remain available for free—full of timeless, practical content to guide you through your wedding planning journey.
Love you, love your show!
—
Hosted & Produced by Michelle Martinez
Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics
Follow us On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!
In this episode, we dive straight into the essentials of wedding attire alterations with Cora Mercer from Tailored in White. Discover actionable tips on how to save money on tailoring while ensuring your attire fits like a glove on the day of. Cora explains the intricacies behind alteration costs, gives advice on handling size changes, and shares the best bustling techniques to enhance both comfort and style. She also covers when to seek out a tailor and the expected timeline for the alteration process. Listen in for invaluable insights that will help you navigate wedding attire adjustments smartly and creatively!
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What you will learn
- The Importance of Tailoring: Why proper fitting should be a key aspect of your wedding planning.
- Bustling Techniques: How to choose the right bustling for your dress and the importance of practicing before the big day.
- Cost Factors: Understanding what drives the cost of alterations and how to budget for them.
- Accommodating Changes: Tips for handling alterations related to pregnancy or weight loss.
- Undergarments and Structure: The role of undergarments and built-in support in enhancing the fit and look of your wedding attire.
- Fabric Considerations: How different materials and details like lace and beading affect the tailoring process.
- Preservation Tips: Advice on preserving your gown post-wedding, whether for sentimental reasons or practical future use.
Links We Referenced
Tailored in White on Instagram
Pinterest: @tailoredinwhite
The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez & Shaun Gray
- 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 [email protected] 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
This episode is packed with actionable advice on ensuring your wedding attire perfectly captures your unique style and story, aligning beautifully with your overall wedding aesthetic. Join hosts Michelle and Shaun as they chat with wardrobe stylist Risa Kostis, who shares expert insights on personalizing your wedding look, coordinating your wedding party's outfits, assisting your parents in finding the right fits, managing attire changes, and preparing for unforeseen wardrobe mishaps. Tune in to transform your wedding attire choices into unforgettable elements of your celebration.
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
- How to coordinate your wedding party with different styles/colors
- Where to find wedding party attire, what shopping sites and stores
- How to incorporate heirloom/vintage pieces from family members
- Appropriate attire to wear as a wedding guest based on dress code requirements
- How to pack for your wedding/honeymoon
- How to choose your head-to-toe wedding look
- How to incorporate wardrobe changes into your day
- Going custom - what do you need to know about having items made for you
About The Guest
Risa Kostis is a seasoned wardrobe stylist, The Wedding Emergency Stylist™, a speaker, and entrepreneur based in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the founder of top styling company Risa Kostis Creative and CEO/co-founder of The Rescue Kit Co, offering fashion emergency kits for brides and beyond.
Links We Referenced
Wedding Day Fashion Emergency Kit
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 [email protected] 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
If you're investing in a wedding planner, it's crucial to ensure they're truly experts. But how can you tell? In this episode, we unpack everything you need to know to make an informed decision. From identifying genuine expertise to understanding the nuances of what makes a planner right for you, we cover it all.
Whether you're looking locally or branching out virtually, this episode provides the know-how to ensure you pick a planner who aligns with your vision, budget, and expectations.
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
- Online Resources We Love and Hate
- Word of Mouth and Personal Referrals
- Utilizing Social Media for Planner Searches
- Understanding Planner Services and Contracts
- Experience and Geographic Knowledge
- Communication and Responsiveness
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 [email protected] 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
We're kicking off this YAWA episode with a major announcement! Joining Michelle as the new co-host of The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is none other than Shaun Gray, a stellar wedding planner who's here to stay! 🎉🕺🔊And, as always in true YAWA style, we dive deep into your wedding planning questions. Get ready to pick up some invaluable tips and tricks for your wedding 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
Topics and Questions That Were Covered
- Can we have more than 1 wedding officiant?
- Are wedding favors a must?
- What is the priority order for hiring vendors?
- How can I include many family members in my wedding with roles beyond the traditional ones?
- How crucial is it to choose a wedding venue near our home?
- How would it work if we wanted a tapas menu at our wedding?
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 [email protected] 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