Creating your wedding reception seating chart can QUICKLY become one of wedding planning’s biggest pains. 

Between crazy family members, divorces, step-parents, hook-up’s gone wrong, introverts, extroverts and lots of alcohol - your seating chart can quickly begin to feel like a jigsaw puzzle from hell.

This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re going to review some easy tips & tactics for designing your reception seating chart.  Simple stuff that will ease the pain, and take this task from dreaded to done!

Resources & links from today’s show:

• Find helpful online seating chart tool recommendations here,

• Search “wedding seating chart” on Etsy for lots of custom options,

• “Do It Yourself” seating chart signs here,

• Browse KVW custom place card holders here,

• And enjoy tons of creative seating chart ideas on this Pinterest board.

A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors:

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Today we're doing a detailed review of critical LAST MINUTE wedding details that you’ll want to stay on top of in the 1-2 weeks leading up to your wedding day.

Even if your wedding is still months away, this show is perfect for you to proactively make notes about some of the things you can anticipate in those final weeks before the big day!

A detailed blog post / show recap of everything we reviewed can be found here.

Links to the Pinterest boards mentioned in today’s show:

• Wedding Planning Podcast Checklists

A huge thank you to today’s show sponsors!

If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit.   I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience.  Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm.

This is a completely FREE gift from me to you, and I hope you love it!

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Save yourself piles of unwanted stress when you proactively anticipate these 8 wedding planning "blind spots"!

Over the past 8 years of producing the Wedding Planning Podcast, one of my favorite pieces of feedback from you is some variation of, “WOW, we never would have even thought of that!”

I love sharing wedding planning ideas and strategies that go beyond what you might find if you simply google something, or browse through a quick article on a wedding website. 

Don’t get me wrong, we cover the basics here too - but I LOVE digging down deeper to find the solutions and options that aren’t quite so obvious, and that might offer a really creative way to put a unique spin on your day, make your guests’ experience that much more incredible, or save you a ton of money by simply making a little adjustment or swap.

Today we’re going to cover EIGHT wedding planning “blind spots” - areas that past couples and listeners of the podcast have pointed out as things they wouldn’t necessarily have thought about during their planning, but that became clear after listening to an episode, or in some cases, after their actual wedding was over and done with (and it was too late …)

If you’re in the early stages of planning, hopefully we can catch a few things now, so that you don’t find yourself a year or two from now saying, "if only we knew then what we know now!"

I know you have literally millions of options in terms of wedding websites, blogs, magazines, and other podcasts, and I thank you from my whole heart for spending this time with me, and for including me in your wedding planning journey.  It’s a huge honor, and a huge responsibility that I hold with endless respect and gratitude, thank you. 

I’ll meet you here again next week, same time, same place! 

Cheers,

xo Kara

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Creating a simple, info-packed WEDDING WEBSITE is the easiest, most hassle free way to easily share information with your wedding guests.  Join me today for a detailed wedding planning workshop on exactly how to create an amazing wedding website - zero technical skills required! 

To get started, choose your wedding website design from an incredible community of independent artists & designers when you visit Minted Weddings.

FREE Minted wedding websites include all the tools you need to get started, and you’ll even receive a $50 credit towards your wedding stationery when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/website.

In today's show, we're covering what to include on your website, what not to include, and lots of priceless details on how to leverage this incredible tool to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER over the coming months.  

I also have a really fun & interactive extension of your website that will make connecting with your guests a breeze between now & wedding day.

Even if you’ve already got a wedding website up & running, I hope you’ll stick around for today’s conversation -

I have lots of important website elements to share that many couples miss, and I want you to be able to leverage your wedding website to your FULL ADVANTAGE over the next few months ... making your life easier, and of course, your guests’ lives easier as well!

A quick outline of what we're going to cover in today's meeting:

• Home Page

• Events

• Travel & Accommodations

• FAQ Page

• Your Story

• Wedding Party

• RSVP Details

• Links to your registry

• & don't miss my BONUS TIP for keeping in close contact with your wedding guests throughout the coming months via a private Facebook Group!  Here's a link that explains exactly how to set one up.

PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services!  Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] .

Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

Affordable & beautiful Save the Date announcements and wedding invitations - how hard can that be??

Well, if you’ve spent 3 hours on a Saturday getting lost down the rabbit hole of 9 different wedding invitation websites, then you know that finding a practical solution that fits your style and your budget is much easier said than done.  

Today I’m sharing a complete guide to wedding stationery, from Save the Dates to invitations.  We'll even review all of those mysterious extras like fancy paper type, additional enclosures, wax seals, envelope liners, and more.

 And if you’re on a budget and looking to keep your invites as minimal and affordable as possible, I’ve got some exclusive listener savings to share totaling over $300!  See below for links & resources.

LINKS + SPECIAL OFFERS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW:

25% off Save the Date announcements >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted

830+ Wedding Invitations w/ matching website, Save the Dates, QR code & extras >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/invite

$50 stationery credit to use towards your save the dates and / or invitations when you create a wedding website >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/website

BONUSES!

Get a FREE Wedding Planning Journal from our friends at Minted when you click here

Redeem your FREE Wedding Invitation Sample Kit here

And of course, an extra special thank you to Susan's Travel Services:

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!

This week, I have an inbox full of your wedding flower questions to share! 

I also put together a list of the top wedding flower mistakes that I see couples make, to further help guide you to "DIY wedding flower SUCCESS".

Today we're reviewing:

• How much should 5 relatively simple bouquets cost?  I’m being quoted over $1200, which feels so ridiculous.
• Visiting a flower farm to pick stems w/ my bridal party - how early should we pick & arrange them so that they are still fresh?
• How much time should we allocate to making the bouquets & centerpieces in the day or two before the wedding?  
• Downsides to ordering flowers online?  Considering Costco but the prices seem too good to be true
• We definitely want to do flower bouquets for me & bridesmaid and a simple flower on the guys’ jacket, but do you have any ideas for creative centerpieces that are more affordable than flowers?

Additional resources mentioned in today's episode:

• Wedding Flowers by Season
• Wholesale Flowers from COSTCO
• Wholesale Flowers from FIFTY FLOWERS
• Creative Centerpieces, show dated July 2023 (I said "June" in the show, my apologies!)

A special THANK YOU to Susan's Travel Services for making today's episode possible!

• Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Wedding flowers are high on the list of things that couples rate "not very" to "not at all" important to them.  So why spend thousands of dollars on elaborate, professional floral centerpieces and bouquets?  There are so many simple, beautiful & affordable alternatives -

Today I have an 5-part formula for you to follow so that you can have beautiful, top quality flowers ... for an affordable price tag.  

And the tips I’m sharing today don’t have to be just for your wedding - you can use the same guidelines for any event, including engagement party, bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, or any special event you’ll host between now & your wedding, and even beyond.

Tune in and explore exactly how you can maximize the QUALITY AND VALUE of your wedding flowers using 5 simple guidelines. 

RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW:

Bulk Florals & Arrangements from Costco

Wedding Flowers by Season

Find a flower warehouse / wholesaler near you!  Simply search, "floral wholesaler near me"

In San Diego?  Here's my favorite flower / decor wholesaler

A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for making today's episode possible!

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're joined by Susan from Susan's Travel Services to talk about the endless benefits and of hosting a Destination Wedding.

Tune in for the full scoop on this ever-popular wedding hosting trend, including:

• The huge TIME, STRESS & MONEY-saving opportunities that this wedding format presents,

• The importance of having a TRUSTED ADVOCATE when planning such a high-stakes, international event,

• TOP WEDDING DESTINATIONS for 2024 & beyond,

• INSIDER INFO you simply must know about your overall planning timeline, finding vendors, and making your guest list,

• The importance of setting REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS when working with overseas resorts and vendors,
• The truth behind "too good to be true" social media posts & videos that misrepresent appearance, quality & cost,

• And so much more!

Susan has personally helped me plan TWO unforgettable vacations, and I can guarantee there will be many more!  Her genuine love of travel and new experiences - and wanting to SHARE that with her clients - is evident in every single step of working with her & her team. 

For a FREE viritual consultation with Susan, visit her calendar linked here.

And don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast during your initial consultation for $200 off your destination wedding booking, or $50 off your honeymoon.

Cheers to you & the trip of a lifetime!

A note from Susan:

I am so excited to work with you and talk about a Destination Wedding! With over 28 years in the business and over 350 destination weddings planned, I have lots of insight and experience. It's a huge love for me!

Some things to know before we meet:

• Where are you thinking on getting married?

• When are you thinking on getting married?

• Will there be kids at your wedding (under 18)?

• What do you think your wedding budget is?

We will talk all about this, but just to get things started!

Thank you again!

Susan

You’ve done months (maybe even YEARS) of wedding planning & preparation, and the big day is finally almost here!

Last stop?  Rehearsal dinner.

This week we’re reviewing everything you need to know for planning & hosting this extra special night with your family & friends.

We cover everything from the ceremony rehearsal itself to practical tips for hosting your loved ones afterwards.

DETAILED BLOG POST HERE --> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/rehearsal

Naturally, I have a ton of creative alternatives to taking 50 of your closest friends & family out to eat at a nice restaurant ($$$).  Beyond just saving money, we’ll also cover:

• When to start planning (hint - it might be earlier than you think!)
• Personality-packed options for location and food selection
• Tips for keeping the night on pace and organized
• And meaningful touches that will be remembered beyond the wedding day.

This topic is so dear to me - I remember our rehearsal dinner as one of the most special nights of my life.  We grilled chicken, steak & veggies with our friends & family on the property where we got married, had all the fave drinks flowing, and a curated list of our favorite songs turned way up.  We laughed, talked & celebrated long past sunset, and it was an absolutely magical night. 

I wish all the same for you!

xo, Kara

PS - A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit.  

  I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience.  Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm.

  This is a completely FREE gift from me to you, and I hope you love it!

• Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

• FREE Wedding Websites designed by independent artists?  Yes please!  Get started building your wedding website today with www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted 

  and take advantage of exclusive listener perks on save the dates, invitations & more.

Tune in for answers to your wedding questions in a brand new episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast:

• Hosting tips for a casual micro-wedding the month after ceremony?
• We will already be technically married at our celebration - should we share this w/ our guests?
• What about the non-dancers at our reception?  Additional activiites?
• Choosing bridesmaids dilemma
• Controversy over suggesting what your guests "should" wear to the wedding celebration

>>> As always, you can submit your wedding questions here, or send me an email:  k a r a {at} weddingplanningpodcast.co

>>> Keep in touch on Instagram!  Follow @weddingplanningpodcast 

If you’re newly engaged and wondering where to even begin with with your wedding plans, then you’ll definitely want to grab a FREE Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit.   I’ve packaged up a 4-part bonus audio series that reveals 3 essential keys to a stress-free and FUN wedding planning experience.  Better yet, you’ll have instant access to EIGHT additional bonus planning resources, each carefully designed to make your engagement season full of joy, and free from overwhelm.

This is a completely FREE gift from me to you, and I hope you love it!

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your booking!

Believe it or not, there is a specific formula to experiencing a streamlined, stress-free wedding planning journey - and it has just 3 KEY INGREDIENTS.

Today in Part One of the Wedding Planning Podcast Engagement Starter Kit, you’re going to discover the FIRST KEY to streamlined, stress-free wedding planning.  

And what we’re talking about today can still apply to you ... even if you’ve been engaged for months (or years!), you've already started booking stuff, or maybe even finalized most of the big decisions.  

It’s never too late for a heart-to-heart refresh + refocus on the core reasons why you’re planning this wedding in the first place!

FREE GIFT TIME!

>>> I have ALL four parts of this magical series packaged up and ready for you to binge listen to after today’s show, along with lots of additional bonus resources and free gifts. 

To access the full Engagement Starter Kit planning package right now, for FREE, simply CLICK HERE,

Or visit wedpodcast.com when you have a hands-free moment.

Yes signing up requires your email address, no I will not spam email you a hundred times a week, and no it does NOT require a credit card or any payment whatsoever.

Enjoy!

xo Kara

PS - Thank you for supporting this week's show sponsor, Susan's Travel Services.

Get professional help planning your dream honeymoon when you email [email protected] . Don't forget to mention the Wedding Planning Podcast for $50 off your honeymoon OR $200 off your destination wedding!