Weddings 101

Should you have kids at your wedding, and if so, who takes care of them? In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with Carson Wagner, founder of Lifetime of Love Nannies, to break down everything couples need to know about offering childcare on their wedding day. From onsite kids rooms and hotel based nanny care to child to nanny ratios, safety protocols, and accommodating infants, toddlers, sc...

Choosing your wedding entertainment can feel overwhelming faster than you expected. DJs, live bands, hybrid options, pricing, logistics, emcee styles, and song lists can quickly turn what seemed like a simple decision into one of the most stressful parts of planning. In this episode, I break down the real differences between DJs, live bands, and hybrid entertainment so you can make a confident dec...

Wedding flowers can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start, what’s in season, or how to make your vision work within your budget. In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with local wedding and events florist Abby Jensen of Jensen Creations to walk through everything couples need to know before booking their floral vendor. We talk about how to prioritize your ceremony sp...

Your wedding ceremony and reception should feel like one seamless experience, not a series of rushed or confusing transitions. In this episode, I share how to create a smooth, stress-free flow from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. You will learn how to build a realistic wedding timeline with buffer time, manage travel between venues, keep guests comfortable during transitions, and avoid com...

Wedding rentals are one of the most overlooked and expensive parts of planning your big day. From tables and chairs to linens, lighting, and ceremony décor, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or accidentally overpay. In this episode, I break down what wedding rentals actually include, what your venue may provide, and how to manage your rental orders efficiently. You’ll learn the key questions to ask ven...

Asking someone to be your maid of honor is one of the most meaningful moments in the early stages of wedding planning, but it can also come with pressure, expectations, and questions about how to do it “the right way.” In this episode, I walk you through different ways to ask your friend or sister to be your maid of honor, from heartfelt handwritten letters and personalized gift boxes to surprise...

Struggling to decide who gets a plus-one at your wedding? You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down wedding plus-one etiquette in a clear, modern, and stress-free way. You’ll learn what a plus-one actually means, why there is no single “right” rule, and how to create a guest list policy that feels fair, intentional, and aligned with your budget. I cover the most common plus-one policies coup...

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make and one of the easiest places to miss important details if you don’t know what to ask. In this episode, I walk through exactly what to ask during wedding venue tours so you can confidently compare spaces, avoid surprise costs, and choose a venue that truly fits your wedding vision and budget. You’ll learn the core questions ev...

Your wedding ceremony is the heart of your day, and your reception should feel like a natural continuation of that moment. In this episode, I walk you through how to design a wedding reception that reflects your relationship without overwhelming yourself or overspending. You will learn why personalization matters, how to pull ideas directly from your story as a couple, and where intentional detail...

In this episode, I sit down with Charlotte bride Jordan Keane to talk through how she created an unforgettable wedding by leading with a clear vision and a strong focus on guest experience. Jordan shares how planning a wedding in Charlotte influenced her venue choice, vendor selection, and overall approach, including why working with vendors familiar with the space helped the day flow smoothly. We...

Wedding venue contracts can be overwhelming, confusing, and full of hidden costs that quietly inflate your budget. In this episode, I break down exactly how to read and understand your wedding venue contract before you sign. You’ll learn what common contract terms really mean, including food and beverage minimums, service charges versus gratuity, overtime fees, taxes, corkage fees, cake-cutting fe...

If you’re dreaming of a honeymoon filled with exotic cities, golden desert dunes, romantic riads, and once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences, Morocco might be the perfect destination. In this episode, I sit down with Azdean Elmoustaquim, founder of Destination Morocco, to explore what makes Morocco one of the most talked-about honeymoon spots in the world. You’ll learn why Morocco is gaining so m...

Planning your wedding day timeline can feel overwhelming. When should hair and makeup start? How long do photos take? Is there a right time for dinner? In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through what a real wedding day looks like from start to finish. You will hear four example hour by hour timelines, including classic, early, brunch, and evening weddings. I also share realistic time rang...

Wedding desserts don’t have to stop at the classic white tiered cake. In this episode, I walk you through creative wedding cake ideas, unique dessert alternatives, and regional traditions that can make your celebration feel even more personal. You’ll learn how to elevate a traditional cake with textured buttercream, hand-painted details, metallic accents, floral designs, and modern flavor combinat...

Planning your wedding budget doesn’t have to be stressful. In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you step by step through how to create, organize, and manage your wedding budget, from setting your total amount and allocating expenses to choosing the best tools, spreadsheets, and apps to stay on track. Learn how to handle deposits, payment schedules, and hidden costs, plus pro wedding planner tip...

Hiring a wedding planner versus doing it yourself is one of the biggest decisions couples face early in the planning process. The choice affects your time, budget, and stress level, and knowing what’s truly worth it can make all the difference. This episode covers what a wedding planner really does, from vendor management to design and day-of coordination, and breaks down how their expertise can s...

Planning your wedding and worried about breaking an etiquette rule you didn’t even know existed? In this episode of Weddings 101, I cover 18 surprising wedding etiquette rules every couple should know, from invitation wording and plus-one policies to vendor tipping and post-wedding thank-you notes. Learn how to avoid awkward moments, keep guests happy, and create a celebration that feels effortles...

In Part 2 of Jamie Krantz’s wedding story, she opens up about the emotional journey of finding a wedding dress that truly felt like her. She also talks candidly about her alterations challenges, how she handled the unexpected stress, and why she encourages every bride to find a dress that fits them, not the other way around. When Hurricane Helene forced her to postpone her Asheville Arboretum wedd...

When Jamie Krantz began planning her dream fall wedding at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, she had everything perfectly in place, from the venue and color palette to the meaningful traditions she wanted to include. But just weeks before her big day, Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina and forced her to completely rethink her plans. In this episode, Jamie walks us through her wedding pla...

Talking about money during wedding planning can feel overwhelming, especially when parents, in-laws, and different expectations are involved. In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through how to split wedding costs fairly, approach family with confidence, and avoid the awkwardness that often comes with financial conversations. You’ll hear about the traditional rules versus today’s reality, s...

Choosing your wedding party doesn’t have to be stressful. This episode breaks down everything you need to know about picking bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other attendants while making thoughtful decisions that honor your closest friends and family. Learn how to assign roles based on strengths and availability, balance family and friend dynamics, and set clear expectations to ensure everyone feels c...

Think a victorian mansion wedding is out of reach on a tight budget? Sydney hosted 100 guests at a victorian mansion for less than $15,000, showing it can be done. In this episode of Weddings 101, she walks through the smart choices and cost-saving strategies that made her dream day both elegant and affordable. From negotiating contracts to skipping a bridal party and leaning on her venue’s multi-...

Where does all the money really go when you plan a wedding? In this episode, I uncover the hidden wedding costs couples often miss and explain how to prepare for them before they derail your plans. From venue service fees and catering surprises to alterations, décor, photography add-ons, and even permits, these extra expenses can add thousands of dollars to your big day. I share why these costs ex...

Your wedding stationery is more than just paper. It is the first impression your guests will have of your celebration and the thread that ties your event together from start to finish. In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Wiedenfeld, the owner and artist behind Rachel Wiedenfeld Studio, to talk about save the dates, invitations, and day of stationery. Rachel shares expert advice on when to send...

You’ve planned every detail of your wedding, and now it’s time to bring it all together. In this episode, I cover how to execute your wedding week and day-of coordination with confidence. From final vendor confirmations and must-have printed items, to packing your emergency kit, assigning a reliable point person, and preparing gratuities, this is your ultimate wedding week checklist. I also cover...