Wedding Planning Collective Podcast

AI Wedding Planning: The Good, The Bad, and The Weird (Sandwiches?!) In this episode, I'm breaking down how to actually use AI for wedding planning, without falling into the traps that trip up so many couples. You'll learn: The 2 things you need to figure out before you ask AI anything (skip this and you'll get generic, useless answers) Where AI genuinely shines — writing vows, vendor emails, brai...

If your wedding budget feels like it keeps growing every time you look at it, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down 15 hidden wedding costs that most couples forget to plan for — and that can quietly add thousands to your total. The truth? Most couples don’t overspend because they’re irresponsible. They overspend because they’re missing categories. Today we’re walking through the pr...

Planning a 2026 or 2027 wedding? This episode is your End-of-Year Wedding Planning Checklist, the tasks every couple should complete before January. I cover: • How to update your budget + priorities • Why now is the time to book your core vendors • What to re-check in your venue contract • The best way to reset your planning systems for 2026 • Practical to-dos couples forget at the end of the year...

In this mini holiday week episode, I’m sharing ten wedding planning tasks you can knock out in fifteen minutes or less. These are tiny, low-pressure wins you can tackle between holiday plans, leftovers, or naps — nothing intense, nothing overwhelming, just simple ways to keep things moving. I’ll give you quick ideas for checking in with vendors, making small design choices, tidying up your plannin...

Holiday gatherings are basically the Super Bowl of unsolicited wedding advice. In this episode, I’m breaking down why family members get extra opinionated during the holidays , the most common types of “wedding commentators” you’ll run into, and exact scripts you can use to shut down the noise politely — without starting drama. You’ll learn: Why the holidays amplify wedding opinions (nostalgia, co...

Today on the Wedding Planning Collective Podcast, I’m answering eight real wedding planning questions submitted by listeners — and we’re covering everything from invitations to aisle etiquette to whether the garter toss is officially dead. If you’re feeling unsure about what’s “normal,” what’s outdated, or what’s actually recommended by a wedding planner… this episode is going to clear a lot up. H...

Planning your wedding with ChatGPT? Before you start asking AI for budget breakdowns and timelines, this episode is a must-listen. I’m diving into the smart ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT during wedding planning — and what can go horribly wrong if you don’t give it the right context. You’ll learn how to use AI to: Write your vows, speeches, and emails Find inspiration that fits your budget and...

Hey friends, Kate here. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to take advantage of Black Friday deals to save money on your wedding without falling into the trap of buying things you don’t actually need. Whether you’re newly engaged or halfway through planning, Black Friday can be an amazing time to save on wedding items, décor, gifts, and even honeymoon essentials. The key is knowing what’s wort...

Hey friends, Kate here. In this episode, we’re taking a look ahead at the biggest 2026 and 2027 wedding trends that are actually worth paying attention to. I’m sharing ten of the most exciting shifts happening across the wedding world, including serpentine table layouts, bold color palettes, sculptural florals, interactive guest experiences, and statement bridal looks. But this isn’t just a list o...

If you’ve ever asked, “How much should we spend on flowers?” or “What’s the average cost for a DJ?” — you might be planning your wedding backwards. In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest (and most common) mistakes couples make when planning their wedding — starting with other people’s numbers instead of their own. I’ll walk you through how to set your budget the right way, what to d...

Ever signed up for The Knot or Zola thinking their checklist would make wedding planning easier… only to feel more confused? Been there. In this episode, I’m breaking down why those one-size-fits-all planning tools can actually make things harder — and how to avoid the overwhelm. I’ll walk you through how to approach your wedding planning in stages, why the order you do things matters so much, and...

Amazon Prime Day is back, and as we gear up for the sales, I wanted to revisit this past episode about the items you can/should be looking for during the sales. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what to shop for, what to skip, and how to make the most of the deals without blowing your budget. Keep in mind that many other stores like Target are jumping in with their "Circle Week" deals. The li...

Planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job — and keeping your budget under control? Even harder. In this episode of the Wedding Planning Collective Podcast, we’re doing a quick budget reality check to make sure your spending is aligned before engagement season ramps up. Here’s what we’ll cover: Why most wedding budgets go off track (and how to spot it early) The 5-step process to review your...

One of the most confusing parts of wedding planning comes down to three little words: food and beverage. Between minimums, hidden fees, and confusing proposals, catering can easily become one of the biggest budget surprises for couples. In this episode, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about wedding catering costs, including: The difference between onsite and offsite catering What foo...

Hiring wedding vendors can feel a lot like dating — there’s the excitement of the first meeting, the butterflies when you see their portfolio… and then, sometimes, the slow realization that this might not be the right fit. In this episode of the Wedding Planning Collective Podcast, Kate walks you through 10 wedding vendor red flags you should never ignore, plus the “beige flags” that aren’t deal-b...

Weddings come with a lot of so-called “rules,” but here’s the truth — you can skip any tradition that doesn’t feel like you. In this episode, I’m walking you through 10 wedding rules I’d personally break without hesitation and giving you ideas for what to do instead. We’re talking about: -Why you don’t have to wait until the ceremony to see each other -Uneven wedding parties (and how to make it wo...

Feeling overwhelmed by all the wedding planning to-dos? What if I told you that a stack of Post-It Notes could be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed? In this episode of the Wedding Planning Collective Podcast, we’re going back to basics (in the best way) with a low-tech, budget-friendly, ADHD-friendly planning method that’s equal parts visual, satisfying, and wildly effective: the Post-I...

Tired of feeling like everyone has an opinion about your wedding? In this episode of the Wedding Planning Collective Podcast , we’re talking about one of the most common stressors couples face while planning— unsolicited advice and overbearing input , especially from those footing the bill. Here’s what we’re covering: Why wedding planning seems to attract opinions from everyone The different types...

The Knot Just Removed Their Budget Tracker… Here’s What You Can Use Instead If you’ve been relying on The Knot’s wedding budget tracker… we need to talk. The Knot is officially retiring its Budget Tracker tool and replacing it with a Budget Advisor—meaning you’ll no longer be able to track your actual wedding spending. In this episode, I’m breaking down: ✔️ What The Knot’s new Budget Advisor tool...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning advice and wondering what’s actually true? In this episode of the Wedding Planning Collective Podcast, we’re busting 13 of the most common wedding planning myths that leave couples stressed, confused, and wasting time on things that don’t matter. From the myth that wedding planning should take over your life, to outdated family payment expectations,...

Feeling stuck on the logistics of your wedding day? In this Q&A-style episode, I’m answering real questions from brides & grooms about everything from timelines and vendor tips to sparkler send-offs and outdoor wedding logistics. We’ll cover: ✔️ When to start building your timeline ✔️ What your rain plan really needs to include ✔️ Tips for managing vendor arrival times ✔️ What to do if you...

Planning a backyard wedding or getting married at a unique venue that doesn’t come fully set up? This episode is for you! I’m walking you through the 8 most important steps to pulling it off without the stress — from budget breakdowns and rental must-haves to power access and what your neighbors need to know. Grab the free checklist-packed guide at PlanningCollective.com/freeguides so you’re not s...

Amazon Prime Day is here—and it’s the perfect time to save on your wedding must-haves! In this episode, I’ll walk you through what to shop for, what to skip, and how to make the most of the deals without blowing your budget. Get my full checklist at PlanningCollective.com/primeday and browse my curated Amazon Storefront linked in the show notes.

Feeling a little stressed about how your wedding day is going to run? Don’t worry — this episode is just for you! I’m breaking down the four essential worksheets every couple should review with their vendors before the big day. From awkward family photo chaos to music mix-ups, these worksheets will help keep your wedding smooth, organized, and drama-free. Plus, they’re all available as free downlo...

How Much Should You Really Tip Your Wedding Vendors? Wedding Vendor Tipping Guide: Who, How Much, and When Budget-Friendly Ways to Thank Your Wedding Vendors Don’t Forget to Tip! Wedding Gratuity Etiquette Explained The Ultimate Guide to Tipping Your Wedding Vendors Episode Description: Tipping your wedding vendors can feel awkward and confusing — but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode of the...