Today we're going to chat about a handful of ways when trying to "save" money on your wedding can totally BACKFIRE.

Aside of college educations, new homes and new cars, your wedding likely has one of the biggest price tags you've ever paid. You're spending tens of thousands of dollars - of course you're trying to save money when possible!

You're not out there researching the most expensive venue in your area, or trying to find ways to spend more money on your invitations.

When a potential photographer or caterer gives you a quote for services, you probably don't say "well that sounds OK, but do you have anything that costs more?"

If you've been listening to the Wedding Planning Podcast for a while, I hope you know me well enough now to know that I'm NOT the wedding professional who's going to tell you NEVER to try to cut this corner, or don't DARE hire a friend to do x, y, z.

I see this type of messaging a lot. If you do your own wedding day hair and makeup it will totally fail, and you should hire a professional to do it for you. If you skimp on a photographer, you will regret it for the rest of your life.

The trouble is, professional service providers in pretty much any industry have an agenda - to sell their product or service.

And whether you hear from a wedding professional on a podcast, read their articles on a blog, or see their posts on Instagram, their position is probably that hiring a professional is THE BEST way to go. "After all", they say, "this is your wedding - you can't afford to cut corners on the best day of your life."

Well, for lots of this, I call BS. Sure, if you have a wedding budget in the 6-figures, then "hire a professional" is a great option for everything I just listed.

But most of us DON'T have $100,000 to spend on our wedding, so making swaps and saves here and there is a necessary part of planning so that we don't go thousands of dollars into debt - NEVER a good idea.

In today's show, let's explore some common areas of wedding planning where couples to try to cut a corner, save some money, leave something out, and then sadly have it backfire in terms of lost money, lost time, lost sanity - and sometimes all three.

If you find yourselves at a cost-saving opportunity crossroads and you don't know which way to turn, I have some smart questions to ask yourselves, and potential vendors, that I hope will guide you towards making the best decisions for you and your wedding day.

So when you find yourself wondering, hmmmmm ... should we cut that corner? What are the potential outcomes or pitfalls that might come of it? Hopefully after today's show, you'll have some solid answers to some of the most common situations, so that you can make the best decision for you.

For one wedding, that might mean hiring a photographer off craigslist for $500. For another couple, that will NEVER be an option that's on the table. And you know what? Both sides are totally fine ;)

Your bachelorette party is a really fun engagement milestone AND it'll be a breeze to plan with these easy planning guidelines + sample itineraries!

Today's show also includes lots of your questions on party etiquette, gift giving, who plans what, and even a "tale of two parties" ... two very different bachelorette formats, each with their own pro's, and each guaranteed to result in an unforgettable night(s).

• Who plans the bachelorette party?
• Who should get invited?
• When should we start planning & schedule it?
• Honoring & accomodating everyone's financial circumstances,
• TWO sample bachelorette party itineraries,
• What are some creative bachelorette gift ideas?

Early access to new episodes + bonus planning resources are available inside WPP Premium on Apple Podcasts. Tap "Subscribe" for instant access.

Your WEDDING CEREMONY is undoubtedly the most important part of your wedding day celebration - it's literally the WHY of every single thing we touch on here on the Wedding Planning Podcast!

Unfortunately, many couples push the ceremony logistics to the very bottom of their wedding planning to-do list, and as a result, this critical piece of your wedding day misses getting the full attention & creativity that it deserves.

Tune in to the full show for a start-to-finish guide for infusing your ceremony with deep meaning and your personalities.

We're also going to cover:

• Ceremony flow of events,
• Who walks who down the aisle, and in what order?
• The role of your officiant / celebrant,
• Intentionally setting the desired vibe with ceremony music & decor,
• Signing your marraige license,
• Tips for finding an officiant,
• Crafting your wedding vows,
• And finally, some additional ways to incorporate meaning and personality.

A well-crafted wedding ceremony will perfectly express your relationship as a couple. It should make your guests understand exactly why they are at the wedding, and may address the couples past, present and future.

We can be serious, lighthearted, traditional or a mix of all three - your ceremony doesn't have to follow any script, and you're free to personalize this portion of your day in any way you like!

ADDITIONAL LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE:

Sample Wedding Vows & Guide / Examples

Creative unity ceremony ideas

"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

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!! 😅

Your engagement photos should feel like you on your very best day - relaxed, connected, glowing, and maybe even a little giddy.

These are the images you'll splash across your save-the-dates, wedding website, holiday cards, and possibly display on your wedding day.

No pressure … right?

But here's the reality:

Choosing outfits that photograph beautifully (and still feel like you), dialing in hair and makeup so it looks polished but not overdone, and somehow posing "naturally" in front of a camera can feel way harder than expected.

Picture this:

• Showing up in last-minute outfits that aren't flattering or comfortable,
• Rushing through hair and makeup an hour before go-time,
• Discovering your fiancé has sudden stage fright and is channeling Friends - specifically "The One with the Engagement Picture" - because they've forgotten how to smile.

We're not doing that.

In today's episode of the WPP, I'm walking you through exactly how to:

• Choose outfits that photograph beautifully and coordinate without looking matchy-matchy • Decide whether professional hair and makeup is worth it (and how to keep it looking natural) • Pick a location(s) that is meaningful to you • Feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera — even if you think you're "awkward in photos" • Pull off a stylish, low-stress DIY engagement shoot with your iPhone and a friend

With a little preparation and the right mindset, your engagement session can be smooth, fun, and surprisingly effortless — and you'll walk away with photos you truly love.

Early access to new episodes + bonus planning resources are available inside WPP Premium on Apple Podcasts. Tap "Subscribe" for instant acess.

Links & Resources

• Tune in for all the details, and grab the full written recap (plus links and resources) at: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/engagement-photos
• 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
• Click here for a full written recap of today's episode.

Hiring your wedding vendors is one of the most important (and most overwhelming) parts of wedding planning.

In today's episode, we're breaking down exactly how to research and book your dream vendor team without busting your budget.

You'll learn:

• How to research wedding vendors efficiently

• Which vendors are must-haves vs. optional

• What to book first, and what can wait

• The key questions to ask every wedding vendor before signing a contract

• Universal budgeting rules to help you stay on track throughout your engagement

PS - 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 requests for upcoming show topics, you can be in touch any time - simply send an email to: [email protected]

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.

Wedding planning can stir up complicated family dynamics, emotional pressure, and strong opinions.

In today's episode, we talk honestly about navigating family expectations during your engagement. From financial contributions and blended families to estranged relationships, religion, tradition, and setting boundaries with well-meaning relatives, this episode offers reassurance and practical tools for protecting your peace.

You'll walk away with clear grounding affirmations, boundary-setting phrases, and permission to plan a wedding that reflects your values - not your family's expectations.

Personal affirmations that you can hold close in the coming months:

• We will never please everyone, and that's OK.
• I can lovingly hold boundaries with my _______ . (fill in the blank family member)
• Other peoples' emotions are not my responsibility.
• I am allowed to say no without explanation.
• I trust our wedding vision - we know what's right for our day.

Boundary-setting taglines to keep in your back pocket:

• Thanks — we'll think about it and let you know.
• We appreciate the suggestion, but we're going in a different direction.
• We already have a firm plan for that, but thanks for the idea!
• Let's circle back on that later.

And my Golden Rule when managing family input and expectations:

Over-explaining invites further conversation and negotiation. Short + sweet shuts it down.

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 by sending me an email - [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.

Today we're breaking down one of the most complicated and often emotionally charged - parts of wedding planning: crafting your wedding guest list. From where to start, to how to handle tricky family dynamics, this episode offers a clear, practical approach to navigating the process with confidence.

Bonus: I'm answering many of your real guest list questions along the way!

Tune in for a step-by-step guide that covers:

• How to get started with your wedding guest list

• Smart strategies (and benefits) of using an A-List / B-List invitation system

• How to handle plus-one expectations and non-invited guests

• Effective ways to thoughtfully trim your guest list

• Navigating family requests - and demands - with clarity and boundaries

• And more!

A detailed blog post to accompany today's episode can be found here.

A special thank you today's show sponsor:

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: weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted