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  • 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!

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  • 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!

  • These listener scenarios that may seem a bit crazy on the surface … but in reality offer a great chance to maximize the quality AND the value of your wedding celebration!

    As you’re putting together plans for your wedding, there are endless creative opportunities for you to deploy a unique, offbeat solution to what may seem like a standard wedding checklist item.

    So many couples subconsciously 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 $10,000 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?

    That’s what we’re going to highlight today with a few listener scenarios that may seem a little crazy on the surface … but in reality offer a great chance to maximize the quality AND the value of the end-result.

    Tune in for inspiration from other Wedding Planning Podcast listeners who had a kinda-crazy sounding idea ... and hear what worked, and what didn't!

    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.
  • This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, tune in for my thoughts on some high-stakes wedding planning situations, including:

    Addressing communication issues with your fiance and fostering a spirit of compromise, Pro's & con's of a blank space venue with more versus less "do it yourself" requirements, Competing visions for stocking our bar, Ideal timing for our ceremony, We're having trouble conceptualizing our venue layout / floor plan ... what's the best way to approach setting up our tables & dance floor?

    Submit your wedding questions anytime by visiting our website >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact

    Book a 1-on-1 Wedding Strategy Call to get all of your questions answered AND a written recap of actionable next-steps - in just 30 minutes!

    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.
  • Access a curated collection of second-hand designer gowns & expert stylists at a fraction of the designer price tag!

    Loved Twice Bridal was created to take the guesswork out of shopping online for a second hand, designer wedding dress. You’ll have access to an experienced team of stylists who are available to answer all of your questions, so that you can buy a once-worn designer dress with confidence.

    Unlike peer-to-peer marketplaces, Loved Twice Bridal gives you access to a curated collection of designer gowns that have all been thoroughly evaluated and pre-screened for quality, with clear and reliable disclosures on measurements and alterations. This is a really unique opportunity to wear a designer gown at a fraction of the price tag, and today I've invited founder Sarah Gabbour to share the Loved Twice Bridal experience with you!

    In this week's episode of the Wedding Planning Podcast, you'll gain:

    Online wedding dress shopping tips, including details on how the "Try At Home" feature works, Advice for wedding dress sizing (it's very different than what you're used to!) Tips for consignment selling your second-hand designer wedding dress after your wedding, Wedding dress budgeting advice, Important information about altering a second-hand wedding dress, Biggest mistakes and missed opportunities when shopping for your wedding dress, And so much more!

    To shop Loved Twice Bridal gowns and learn more about consignment options, visit www.lovedtwicebridal.com/weddingplanningpodcast

    And as a reminder for my Los Angeles / Southern California brides, Loved Twice Bridal does have a showroom in Beverly Hills. You can book an appointment for dress shopping OR for designer dress consignment by visiting their "Book an Appointment" page at the website linked above.

    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.
  • Looking for easy & affordable alternatives to hiring a professional florist ($$$$$) to decorate your wedding reception, table centerpieces, and bouquets?

    You're in the right place! In today's show, we’re going to discuss a creative variety of affordable wedding table decoration ideas.

    We're also going to review some actionable tips for doing your own wedding day flower bouquets & boutonnieres.

    It’ll take a little extra work on your part, and you may need to simplify things a bit ... but if you’re looking for a spot to save a ton of money, creating table centerpieces & bouquets on your own is a great place to start!

    Enjoy my top tips for incorporating flowers into your table decor, and we also cover beautiful centerpiece ideas that incorporate creative materials OTHER than flowers.

    We wrap up with some specific examples of complete table set up’s that you can do for less than $10 per table.

    Full blog post for today's show:

    www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/centerpiece

    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!
  • Today’s convo is a wedding planning strategy GEM! We’re going to cover every single last little thing that should be included within your wedding venue contract.

    If you’ve already booked a venue and signed a contract, I’d suggest pulling out your actual document & sticking around for today's convo to be sure that all the key items are addressed.

    Your wedding venue is literally the centerpiece of your dream wedding celebration. It’s also likely the most expensive decision you’ll make throughout the course of your engagement, so we need to be extra cautious in getting the details cemented just right.

    A special THANK YOU for supporting 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.
  • We all know that having a detailed WEDDING DAY TIMELINE is critical to keeping the day organized, and flowing stress-free.

    The problem is that lots of us get incredibly overwhelmed by the process because, well, it’s really damn overwhelming!

    Today I’m going to highlight some of the top mistakes I see couples make as they’re building out their wedding day timeline, so that you can sidestep these major pitfalls and rest easy knowing that you’ve covered all the bases.

    I’ve been on six wedding strategy calls this week, and 5 of them were focused primarily on wedding day timeline issues.

    Today’s free show is a great starting point, but if you need more personalized help ironing out the details of your specific wedding day timeline, that’s an option -

    Simply visit this link to book a 30-minute Wedding Strategy call with me.

    I release just 12 calls each month, and they book very quickly, so reserve your October call today!

    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!
  • Our goal this week on the Wedding Planning Podcast? To save YOU $3,650 on your final wedding bill!

    We could literally talk for hours about all the pretty things you see on Pinterest & Instagram that do not HAVE to be a part of your wedding celebration.

    In the interest of time, I’ve chosen EIGHT wedding elements that I would suggest skipping - or scaling waaaaaaaaay back on. I think you'll be shocked at how easy it is for us to save over $3,000 over the course of a 20 minute conversation!

    If your goal is a simple, beautiful, and affordable wedding - then the sky is the limit on the millions of wedding details you can leave out.

    A special thank you to Susan's Travel Services for sponsoring today's episode. Take advantage of expert honeymoon planning services for your all-inclusive, cruise, or exotic honeymoon AND get $50 off when you book! Simply email [email protected] to get started.

    Other partner links mentioned in today's show:

    Wedding shoes on Amazon? Why not! Check out these beauties & more for a fraction of the price at a "wedding" retailer.

    Support a small business AND shop high quality, low priced wedding accessories on Etsy.

    An entire show dedicated to planning, shopping for & setting up your own APPETIZER SPREAD can be found in your podcast feed dated June 1, 2022.

    Last word! A CLASSIC way to save? Purchase once-used decor & other wedding items from another couple on a resale site like Craigslist, Ebay, or Facebook Marketplace. 🙌🏼

  • Are you drowning in wedding "etiquette guidelines"?

    Everyone has an opinion on invitation wording, cash bars, inviting kids, wedding day transportation, and what traditions absolutely SHOULD be included in the wedding day. There’s nothing like planning a wedding to suddenly have everyone you’ve ever known come out of the woodwork with their opinions, right?

    Where wedding planning gets overwhelming is when ideas of what a wedding “should” look like are in conflict with our budget, our wants, and our personalities.

    And of course, an added layer of stress arises when you and your partner come from different backgrounds, and one of you thinks paying $10,000 for a photographer is completely reasonable, and the other wants to spend $10,000 total on the entire wedding.

    But no matter where you’re from, I’m a firm believer in your wedding day being an expression and celebration of you & your partner. At the end of the day, you’re making a really special commitment to one another, and looking to celebrate the occasion with your loved ones. That’s it!

    With that said, let’s look at some common “wedding etiquette rules” with a fresh set of eyes.

    Spoiler alert, I don’t necessarily have a right / wrong, ok / not ok answer for every single piece of wedding etiquette, because look, there is just so much gray area here. I could sit here all day and say, it’s never ok to do that, it’s always better to do that, but that’s not actuality, that’s not the world we live in.

    I thought it would be helpful to take a list of common etiquette and rules that are flying around out there, and have a critical conversation about each one so that you can decide what’s right for YOU. Which leads me perfectly into,

    Please trust that you ALWAYS have the support from me to ditch what everyone else is doing, and craft your day, your way.

    No this doesn’t mean being blatantly rude or disagreeable to your family, or sneaking behind your partner to sabotage something that you know they really want, or failing to honor your guests who are committing significant time & resources to participate in your wedding and support you. Obviously use common sense, compromise and understanding throughout your engagement.

    But these commonly held wedding etiquette rules & beliefs can by all means be adjusted and updated to serve you and your unique priorities.

    LINKS & RESOURCES mentioned in today's show:

    Setting up a Facebook Group for your wedding guests

    Some Couples Are Charging Their Wedding Guests to Attend

    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.
  • 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!

  • Your wedding gift registry is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home & your lifestyle with practical gifts that you need and will use in the years to come.

    Tune in for an essential guide to creating a killer wedding gift registry including:

    Deciding what items to include and ...

    Items NOT to include on your registry,

    Various lifestyle "categories" to consider as you build your registry,

    Tips for creating cash gift funds,

    Your top wedding registry "wish list" items,

    And so much more!

    For a complete written recap of today's show, visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/registry

    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.
  • A top-notch Wedding Planner / Day-Of-Coordinator is essential for any smooth and seamless wedding celebration.

    Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re reviewing 10 KEY POINTS to discuss with your planner so that you’re both on the same page and ready to tackle any planning, logistic, or execution challenges that may arise.

    A sampling of these key discussion points:

    Who are your assistants or other team members, what is their role in the planning phase, and also at the actual wedding celebration? Having a crystal clear set of expectations for who will be answering your questions and exactly who will be your point-person is critical! Can you share firsthand reviews & testimonials from past couples you’ve worked with? Does your past experience / areas of expertise fit naturally within our overall wedding vision, venue, and our top priorities? What can we expect in terms of ongoing communication, both frequency and style? Tune in for so much more, and visit the blog post for today's show for a full written recap.

    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. 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
  • Lucky for us, there are literally endless creative ways to treat your guests to a unique food & drink experience on your wedding day.

    In today’s BONUS WORKSHOP, we’re going to explore exactly how to:

    Conceptualize & research what to serve, Smart money-saving tips that many couples miss, And even some "do it yourself" options if you’re looking to get hands on - literally!

    Just a few of my favorite offbeat, wedding day food options:

    Made-to-order brick oven pizzas, A taco truck with variety of meats, toppings and fixings, Pre-made bento boxes, Gourmet picnic bags, A really unique local food truck, Fondue style where guests simmer meats in oil and dip bread and veggies in melted cheeses. Extensive charcuterie board table with meats, gourmet cheeses, olives, local honey, olive oil tastings, and for dinner your favorite pasta and salad served family-style.

    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. 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