Wedding Hive Podcast

We tackle the controversial question of whether couples with different political views should get married, exploring the challenges these fundamental differences create in long-term relationships. • Different political views create challenges when tough conversations arise • Political and religious differences are foundational elements that rarely change • Having children complicates mixed-belief...

We dive into the divisive world of wedding hashtags, debating whether they're a cute addition to modern celebrations or an unnecessary trend that's more cringe than cool. • Wedding hashtags can be cute if they naturally flow with the couple's names • Many hashtags feel forced when names don't mesh well together • The functional purpose of hashtags is questionable beyond collect...

Planning a destination wedding comes with unique challenges, especially when guests complain about travel expenses. We dive into the definition of destination weddings and offer practical advice for couples navigating guest expectations. • The term "destination wedding" has softened—technically it's any wedding outside the couple's hometown, not just exotic locations • When gue...

Grace and Kelsey dive into a heated debate about whether married women should change their last names to their husband's, with Grace firmly supporting tradition while Kelsey advocates for personal choice. • Grace believes changing your last name shows respect to your husband and symbolizes starting a new family • Kelsey waited five years to change her last name after marriage • Changing your...

Molly from Love Story Films discusses the rise of women in the previously male-dominated wedding videography industry and shares essential business advice for new videographers. She explains how women bring a unique perspective to capturing weddings and how the influence of social media has created pathways for women to pursue cinematography. • Women are increasingly entering wedding videography,...

Molly, owner of Love Story Films, shares her journey in luxury wedding videography and how she captures authentic moments for couples on their special day, creating personalized heirlooms that last a lifetime. • Started Love Story Film 13 years ago after studying broadcast journalism and documentary work • Defines luxury as creating a personalized experience with white-glove service for each coupl...

Molly from Love Story Films shares her expert advice on wedding videography essentials, from booking timelines to final film deliverables. • Coverage length should be minimum 8 hours, with 10-12 hours being typical depending on reception events and dress changes • Book videographers 18-24 months in advance, making them a top priority alongside venue, planner, and photographer • Drone footage is hi...

We dive into the world of wedding DJing with Javier from SeaWest Entertainment, exploring everything from outrageous song requests to the art of reading a dance floor. Javier shares his professional insights on music selection, revealing that minimal song requests are actually the mark of a well-prepared DJ who understands their audience. • Javier recalls his weirdest song requests, including &quo...

Javier Carlos, the 23-year-old owner of C-West Entertainment, shares his journey from middle school DJ dreams to running a successful wedding entertainment business with innovative production elements and special effects. • Started DJing in eighth grade, inspired by Calvin Harris and electronic dance music • Recommends first dances last no more than 90 seconds – with 45 seconds being ideal • Expla...

Javier from C-West Entertainment shares his expert DJ strategies for reading crowds and selecting the perfect songs for any event situation. His insights reveal the complex art of managing dance floor energy throughout an event, from waking up a dead crowd to selecting the perfect last dance. • Pitbull songs at 128 BPM are universally effective for reviving a dead dance floor • Song selection shou...

We tackle the complex question of hiring friends and family during wedding planning, exploring how to set healthy boundaries while maintaining relationships throughout the process. • Setting boundaries is crucial when family or friends help plan your wedding • Clearly define their level of involvement and decision-making authority from the start • Distinguish between planning assistance and day-of...

Grace and Kelsey share their contrasting marriage experiences, comparing Grace's first year of marriage with Kelsey's twelve years of marital wisdom, cultural adjustments, and surprise additions to their family. • Moving in together before marriage and navigating finances as newlyweds • Kelsey's whirlwind romance: meeting in October, moving in together in November, and marrying in D...

Grace and I explore the emerging trend of wedding content creators and debate their place in the modern wedding industry landscape. We examine how these iPhone-wielding professionals differ from traditional photographers by capturing raw, behind-the-scenes moments specifically for social media use. • Content creators focus on candid, unscripted moments that photographers and videographers might mi...

We tackle the important wedding planning question of when bridesmaids should purchase their dresses, with honest advice from our personal experiences both as a bride and as bridesmaids. • Let bridesmaids choose their own dress style within your chosen color scheme • Consider that bridesmaids have different body types and comfort levels • Order dresses 6-8 months before the wedding to allow for siz...

We answer a Wedding Hive listener's burning questions about wedding etiquette, tackling everything from inviting exes to RSVP timelines with brutal honesty and practical advice. • Never invite exes to your wedding - both hosts agree this creates awkward situations and raises questions about your readiness for marriage • The devil's advocate perspective: even childhood friends who became...

Grace and Kelsey dive into the essential dos and don'ts of wedding etiquette, covering everything from guest behavior to wedding planning decisions. • Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption on your wedding day to ensure you remember your special event  • Why wearing sunglasses during the ceremony is tacky and ruins emotional photography moments • The importance of meeting catering headcounts...

We dive into the controversial topic of scheduling weddings around major holidays, exploring the pros, cons, and unexpected consequences of each holiday wedding date. • MLK Day creates a convenient three-day weekend for guests who don't need to take extra time off work • Valentine's Day weddings mean sharing your anniversary with a major holiday when restaurants are already packed • Prop...

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez finally tied the knot in a staggering $50 million wedding in Venice, Italy, attracting A-list celebrities and generating plenty of gossip. The multi-day extravaganza featured transportation headaches, fashion highlights, and even drew public criticism from Bezos's ex-wife on social media. • Ivanka Trump's outfits were consistently stunning throughout the wed...

Wedding videographers are worth every penny, capturing precious moments you'd otherwise miss during your busy day. The wedding day experience feels surreal and almost like an out-of-body experience, with professional videography preserving those memories in a way photos alone cannot. • Videography captures perspectives you physically couldn't see on your wedding day • Professional videos...

Kelsey and Grace break down everything you need to know about the vendor booking process, from establishing your budget to selecting the perfect team for your wedding day. • Setting your budget and finalizing your guest list before booking any vendors • Priority checklist for booking: venue first, followed by catering, photography, videography, planner, DJ, florals, and attire • Secondary priority...

We tackle the challenging task of finding perfect groomsmen gifts and share creative ideas that go beyond the usual options.  • Custom pocket knives with names and wedding roles make practical keepsakes • Personalized cowboy boots and hats can become cherished items long after the wedding • Consider gifting items that serve double-duty during wedding festivities like matching pajamas for bridesmai...

Our hosts tackle the tricky question of managing family time around weddings when relatives from both sides want to spend time with the couple during an already busy period.  • Grace recommends avoiding family gatherings the week before the wedding due to last-minute preparations • Welcome parties a few days before or combined with rehearsal dinner offer good alternatives • Consider family dynamic...

We explore Sola Wood flowers, a popular wedding floral alternative that's gaining attention on social media. These wooden blooms look remarkably real while offering cost savings and lasting forever as keepsakes. • Sola Wood flowers feel surprisingly soft, not woody, and don't create splinter concerns • The flowers are lightweight, making them comfortable for boutonnieres and extended wea...

We tackle two listener questions about navigating difficult family dynamics around weddings and marriage. From in-laws who want to change you to parents who cling to wedding traditions, we share personal experiences and practical advice for setting healthy boundaries. • Establishing boundaries with in-laws who want you to change requires evaluating what changes they're suggesting • Consider w...

We tackle a listener question about selecting the perfect bridal party for your wedding day. Grace shares her newlywed wisdom on making these important decisions that will impact your wedding photos and experience forever. • Keeping bridal parties small with siblings and one close friend can simplify decisions • Consider having an even number of attendants on both sides for visual balance • Altern...