Let Me Ask You This: Wedding Planning for the Logic and the Love

Not sure what to do when—or if you’re already behind? In this episode of Handled , I’m walking you through why a planning timeline matters, what a customized one looks like for my couples, and when to book your key vendors. I’ll also break down the difference between your planning timeline and your day-of schedule (and who’s managing what). Whether you’re feeling stuck or just want to get ahead, t...

When it comes to planning your wedding, everyone suddenly has something to say. Whether it’s opinions about your guest list, your budget, or the color of your napkins—outside voices can get loud, fast. In this episode of Handled , Alyson shares how to navigate the flood of feedback while staying true to your vision. She reflects on why this is such a common challenge for engaged couples, what you...

Venue or guest list—which one comes first? I get this question all the time, and my answer is clear: make the guest list first. In this episode, I walk you through why starting here gives you more clarity, less stress, and way fewer regrets down the road. We’ll talk about how to actually make that list (even when family dynamics are messy), why it’s the real roadmap for your planning, and how it h...

In this special episode, I’m joined by my fiancé to share how we’ve navigated our own wedding planning process as a couple. From budget convos and venue visits to decision fatigue and division of labor—this is a real, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like when a planner gets engaged and suddenly becomes the client. (Spoiler: it’s still hard sometimes.) We talk about communication, compromise, a...

Not sure if you need a full-service planner, just a little coordination help, or something in between? In this episode, I walk through the different types of wedding planning support available—what they mean, what’s included, and who they’re best for. Whether you’re Type A, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, you’ll walk away with more clarity (and a lot less guilt) around getting help. ✨ Let’s...

In this first episode, I’m sharing why I created Handled —and why planning a wedding is about so much more than checklists and color palettes. As a wedding planner and a bride, I’ve seen how overwhelming this process can be—not just logistically, but emotionally. So this podcast is here to support you through both. Whether you’re in the early stages or deep in the details, I hope this episode help...

Welcome to Handled , a wedding planning podcast for modern couples who want more than checklists and timelines. Hosted by Alyson Thompson—Chicago-based wedding planner, bride-to-be, and founder of Birdcage and Blushers Weddings—this show explores both the how and the heart behind getting married. Each episode blends real talk and reflection to support you through the emotional, logistical, and ver...