This week, we’re highlighting some clever ways to not only save money, but also to increase the QUALITY + VALUE on everything from decor, rental items, invitations, food & drinks, and even your venue.  

So many couples equate a higher price tag with a higher-quality end product or service, and that’s simply not always true. 

Worse, that mentality can add up to spending tens of thousands of dollars more than necessary to host a memorable and meaningful wedding celebration. 

The million dollar question is how can we develop an instinct for when it makes sense to invest more money for a higher quality experience, and when taking a less expensive route will be just fine - and we'll explore the answer in today's show.

Lucky for all of us, there are opportunities to simultaneously maximize quality AND value literally everywhere.  I’ve chosen these wedding planning elements to share with you as examples of how to think differently about the amount of money that’s really necessary to spend to acheive your end goal, which of course is a beautiful, unforgettable wedding celebration.

Cheers to you, Kara

PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:

• Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.  
• 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.

• Browse gorgeous paper products and complementary free wedding websites from our friends at Minted Weddings.

Have you ever been to a small wedding reception with magical ambiance and thought, "wow, this is great but it would be so much more meaningful if there were 300 additional people here?" 

I’m guessing the answer is NO.  So why do feel so much pressure to host a huge wedding, invite everyone we know, spend all the money on all the things, and stress ourselves out every step along the way?

Small, intimate weddings have been on the Wedding Planning Podcast "trend report" for 4 years in a row, and for good reason!  I’ve always been a huge fan of a simple, scaled back celebration ... and in today’s climate, that’s never been more appropriate.

Tune in to today's brand new episode for a complete "micro wedding" blueprint, designed to make planning a breeze.  We'll cover everything you need to know to make your small celebration extra special. 

From your tiny guest list, to invitations, splurge vs. save items, planning a larger reception to follow, and your TOP micro wedding questions - we'll cover it all in this encouraging & lighthearted overview. 

PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:

• Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.  
• 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.
• 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.
• Shop Etsy for one-of-a-kind wedding day details, personalized just for you >>> www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/etsy

“I’m struggling with imaging how all of my wedding reception decorations will look together - flowers, signs, decorations, tables, etc.  Any tips for making sure all my little decisions fit together in the end?”

If you’re like most of us, you're not a full service wedding or event designer (and hiring one isn't in the budget!).

So how can we trust that the dozens of small wedding decor decisions we make along the way will ultimately work together as a whole?  

Today we’re going to explore 4 ways that you can use professional design skills to create the cohesive, show-stopper look that you’re going for on your wedding day. 

These design tips are suitable for all budgets, and no - you don’t need an advanced art or design degree to pull them off! 

Tune in for easy tips on choosing your table linens, centerpiece flowers, favors, cocktail napkins, confetti, wedding party outfits, table settings, and so much more.

Links mentioned in today's show:

• We're also going to review 3 affordable reception decor ideas pulled straight from Pinterest to get your inspiration flowing.
• Beautiful bolts of tulle
• Affordable lanterns in various sizes & colors from Ikea
• Claim your FREE Engagement Starter Kit here!

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.  
• 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.

Get answers to all of your wedding cake + dessert questions in today’s show! 

From everything to researching bakeries, booking cake tastings, hidden fees to be aware of, unique dessert alternatives, and budget-friendly cost saving tips, we're covering it all in today's sugar-coated show.

Links mentioned in our convo:

• The complete blog post for today's show is linked here >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/cake
• TLC rounded up a group of experts to share the most popular wedding cake flavor combos for last year, and here’s a complete "sampling" of their list.
• CAKE TOPPERS on Etsy that are customizable, simple, and super affordable,
• Browse thousands of beautiful SUGAR FLOWER DECORATIONS from independent business owners on Etsy
• Best way to save the top layer for our one year anniversary?  Here’s a link to a very simple "cake saver" from Amazon.
• 30 Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Cake

A special thank you to today's show sponsors:

Affiliate shopping links from Amazon & Etsy support the show at no additional cost to you - thank you for your clicks!

Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.  

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.

Happy Friday, and welcome to another BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "How To: DIY Appetizers & Charcuterie Board" show that aired on Wednesday Nov 20.

Today is a mix of behind-the-scenes insight from me, your reception-related questions, and also a couple of hindsight wedding experiences to share from listeners who were recently married.  

There's a ton of value packed into this 20 minute bonus show, and I hope you love it!

I'm running a follow up Q&A each Friday in November, and if you’re loving it, I’ll keep going - but to do so I do need YOUR questions, thoughts, and ideas about that week’s episode.

Here’s how it works - follow the WPP wherever you listen, and I’ll send a free weekly episode to your device each Wednesday.  After you enjoy the show, send me your thoughts, questions and ideas either in an email or a voicemail, and I’ll share those on Friday.  It's a quick turnaround, I know, so you'll have to act fast! 

Be in touch on our website, weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact OR you can send a DM on Instagram to @weddingplanningpodcast.

Enjoy the show!

The cost of food & drinks can be a huge source of frustration when planning your wedding.  I can’t tell you how many messages I get from couples who are utterly horrified by the per person fee for dinner & drinks - and rightfully so! 

Today we’re going to explore setting up your own appetizer spread, and I think you’ll be blown away by the savings ... yes, up to 85% off the cost of a traditional wedding caterer.

Tune in for my detailed roadmap to appetizer / happy hour menu planning, shopping, and setting it all up.

We'll review how much to buy, where to shop, and what you can expect the total price tag to be for TWO different sample menu options.

We even cover the details that are often overlooked, so that your plan is airtight and nothing is missed.

Even if you are using a more traditional caterer for the main meal, doing your own appetizer spread is a wonderful way to customize the offering, UP the quality, AND save a ton of money.  What's not to love?

Not allowed to bring outside food into your venue?  This process for setting up a beautiful appetizer spread is also perfect for your bridal shower, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or any other party you host in the future. 

Be sure to bookmark it, and share this episode with a friend who's helping you plan!

Enjoy the full blog post:  www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/cheese

Discover endless cocktail hour inspiration!  https://www.pinterest.com/karasvinwedding/wedding-cocktail-hour/

A very special thank you to today's show sponsors:

• Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.  

• 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!

Happy Friday, and welcome to another BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "4-6 Week Wedding Countdown" show that aired on Wednesday Nov 13.

Today we're finding answers to everything on your mind, including:

• Dis-inviting moms to final venue walk through?
• Last-minute doubts about decor and signage, do we need more?
• Do we have to tell our guests that we're already technically married?
• How to design a clean & crisp tablescape {link to Wedding Q&A Pinterest board here!}
• Wedding stuff to be on the lookout for during Black Friday / Cyber Monday holiday sales?
• Is it too late to hire a month-of coordinator?
• Dealing with unwanted, uninvited "plus 1's" in our RSVPs

I'm running a follow up Q&A each Friday in November, and if you’re loving it, I’ll keep going - but to do so I do need YOUR questions, thoughts, and ideas about that week’s episode!

Here’s how it works - follow the WPP wherever you listen, and I’ll send a free weekly episode to your device each Wednesday.  After you enjoy the show, send me your thoughts, questions and ideas either in an email or a voicemail, and I’ll share those on Friday.  It's a quick turnaround, I know, so you'll have to act fast! 

Be in touch on our website, weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact OR you can send a DM on Instagram to @weddingplanningpodcast.

Enjoy the show!

Today we’re going to run through a 10-item wedding to-do list for when you reach the final 4-6 week countdown before your wedding day. 

While some of the items in today’s show are pretty standard, others are much less obvious - and sadly are not commonly discussed. 

Overlooking just one of these important action-items can tip the scales towards a stressful, frantic celebration - and I don't want that for you!

For a complete recap of today's show, visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/countdown

PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:

• Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.  
• 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.

Is it OK to ... ?

I got lots of mail in response to the Wedding Etiquette show that aired on 9.11.24, and in this Friday Follow Up Q&A I'm opening my mailbox and sharing your questions!

We'll talk through ...

• Inviting kids to the wedding,
• Requesting a specific dress code, 
• A tiny wedding chappel that can't accomodate everyone,
• The etiquette surrounding your wedding parties,
• When to actually send Thank You notes, and lots more.

Enjoy,

And be in touch with your questions anytime at weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact

Samantha & Sean got married in September 2024 at a state park in New York, but this was no ordinary celebration ... Their stunning wedding weekend featured no cell service, just 6 electrical outlets, and a hot air balloon send off for the new bride and groom!

Samantha is joining us this week to share the good, the challenges, the things she would do differently, and the things she wouldn’t change for the world.

To view her beautiful wedding photos and a full recap of today’s show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/samantha.

And if you've ever dreamed about quitting your day job to pursue something you're truly passionate about, Samantha can relate 100%!  Be sure to check out her wedding floral business venture, @golden.hour.flowers on Instagram

PS - A special THANK YOU to this week's show sponsors, who made this free weekly episode possible:

• Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts.  
• 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.

Happy Friday, and welcome to a BONUS Q&A follow up show to this week's feature episode, "Is This a Crazy Idea?" that aired on Wednesday Oct 30.

I'm running a follow up Q&A each Friday in November, and if you’re loving it, I’ll keep going - but to do so I do need YOUR questions, thoughts, and ideas about that week’s episode!

Here’s how it works - follow the WPP wherever you listen, and I’ll send a free weekly episode to your device each Wednesday.  After you enjoy the show, send me your thoughts, questions and ideas either in an email or a voicemail, and I’ll share those on Friday.  It's a quick turnaround, I know, so you'll have to act fast! 

Be in touch on our website, weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact OR you can send a DM on Instagram to @weddingplanningpodcast.

Enjoy the show!