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# 183 - Wedding Weekend Planning

Jennifer and Kimberly both come to the event world from creative industries. Jennifer studied fashion in NYC at the Fashion Institute of NY, freelanced in Miami doing film and television and eventually returned to Michigan to join Kimberly in launching a company for someone else. When that didn’t quite pan out, the two sisters started their own event firm.Kimberly studied technical theatre design and production. After college she toured for several seasons with the Big Apple Circus as well as Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey in various roles from electrician and spotlight operator to props master and rigger. After leaving the road she came back to Detroit and fell into the event industry.She and Jennifer started their business in 2002 with a heavy focus on corporate events. They reinvented their business in 2004 and Something Fabulous was born as a Boutique Event Management & Design with Your Moment In Mind. They join us today to talk about all the events surrounding the wedding!Big TakeawaysConsider what memory you want to make, what your wishes are for the events, what your timeline is and what your budget it is. All these are important factors in designing the experiences.Rehearsal dinners don’t have to be in a restaurant. It’s more about the connection and the celebration of the couple. Big ideas that don’t get to make it into the wedding can be done in the rehearsal.Keep the rehearsal simple, anyone involved in the wedding ceremony. The rehearsal dinner can have more people, but you definitely don’t have to invite every out of town guest. It’s a personal choice and a budget choice. Though an invitation is not required, you can send one. You can invite digitally! It’s a great way to save money.Welcome drinks should be considered more of a happy hour and less of a party. There are options for how it’s paid for. Some couples choose to contribute a certain amount of money, or give an optional itinerary and have guests meet at a bar, or they sometimes to choose to pay for the whole thing. Really there is no right away to do the welcome drinks.When it comes to brunch, determine, first, who is coming! Some people want to pack up and head straight home the next day, and some are staying. They are usually very casual, and relaxed. And can be a rolling event, like the food is out and the guests can pop in and out when they want to within the hours of the brunch.Links we referenced unboringofficiant.com/bigwedding somethingfab.com facebook.com/somethingfabulousinstagram.com/somethingfabulous pinterest.com/somethingfab1/something-fabulous-designszola.com/bigweddingThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez.
Edited by Veronica Gruba
Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics
On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!
Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.
Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode
On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#182 Venue Owner Tell’s All

Dixie Bagley is owner of The Farm in Rome, Georgia, a European farm estate set in the north west Georgia mountains. The venue focuses on working with couples who want to give their guests a relaxed but thoughtful countryside weekend wedding experience. In addition to The Sweet Bar Bakery, Dixie Events, and Venue Coach with The Bridal Society.Having previously been in the wedding industry for 10 years, Dixie has experienced a lot when it comes to weddings – from the highs of seeing a surprise proposal to the lows of no-show vendors and fighting wedding parties. She can pin a boutonniere in record time, believes that the wedding planning process should be both fun and stress-free! She loves the educational aspect of wedding planning and aims to make you and your guests feel both comfortable and welcome. She is a master of multi tasking and wants to do a cartwheel every time a couple days I Do!Dixie holds a degree in exercise science from the American Council of Exercise and is Certified Wedding Planner & Venue Coach for The Bridal Society. When sheʼs not hosting weddings at The Farm she and her husband, Lee, an avid flyer, and dogs can be found flying in their plane, bouncing from Montana to Mexico. Dixie joins us today to tell us, as a wedding vendor, what she wishes couples knew.Big TakeawaysRemember your vendors are running a business. Just because you are there for only a weekend doesnʼt mean you can ignore the space you are staying in. Leave it cleaner than you found it.Read your contracts! There is fine print and itʼs super important to understand before signing on the line.Good wedding planners make a big difference! They know how to communicate and work with venues and vendors in a skilled and helpful way.Every single wedding professional needs a certificate of insurance! It may even be required through the venue. This is important to sort through, and figure out way before day of. Pick vendors who are actually insured. Children need to be with an adult at all times. In general, keep an eye on all kids, the rules might not be as clear to them as it is to you.When the crew is setting up, having the wedding party is raiding the bar itʼs super disruptive. Bring a bottle of champagne or something like that, and then wait until the partyʼs started before doing that.Dixie has a clause in her contracts about being respectful. Her property, her work are very important to her. She wants your day to be special. And in order for that to happen, both sides must respect the boundaries and rules and the day will bewonderful.In a venue contract, before itʼs signed, there is some flexibility. All you have to do is ask, worst case scenario they just say no. Also iʼs important to read your contract about things like emergencies, contact times, etc. communicate, ask questions, clarify.Links We Referencedthefarmromega.comThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez.
Edited by Veronica Gruba
Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics
On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!
Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.
Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode
On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#181 The Wedding is Over. Now What?

About This EpisodeLeah Weinberg is the Owner & Creative Director of Color Pop Events -- a New York City-based wedding planning company that focuses on the details and lives in the logistics. Now in her seventh year of business, Leah leverages skills like organization, attention to detail, and client service from her prior career as a commercial real estate attorney to excel at event production. Her colorful work and party planning tips have been published online and in print with Vogue, Bravo, Martha Stewart, The Knot, Buzzfeed and more.In this episode, Leah joins Christy to share about the after wedding emotions, how to get through the engagement to the come down process, and introduces the new book she is working on, The Psychology of Weddings (The Weird S*** That Happens When You Get Engaged).Big TakeawaysUnderstanding what others are going through can really allow ease in the wedding planning process. A common topic that is brought up is that friends might be feeling some pain in response to your engagement and marriage. The best idea is to show some grace.Try not to pick apart everything after the wedding. You want to have the memory of your day in a good spot. It feels nice to carry an amazing, glowing feeling. With obvious exceptions, like needing to deal with bad reviews, and customer service issues, let the rest go.A good mindset going in to the wedding goes a long way! It really helps the ability for you to enjoy it. The best decisions will be made when you can compare options, and sleep on it, and really spend time figuring things out. This is where a planner can come in handy too.Reviews mean a lot. It is important to think critically about what you are saying. Most issues can be handled interpersonally. The best way to insure a great wedding day is to meet with the vendors, talk to them, ask questions, and go from there.*Links We Referenced *www.colorpopevents.comfacebook.com/colorpopeventsInstagram.com/colorpopevents@colorpopevents on Twitter and PinterestQuotes:“I try not to say that the wedding is the best and most important day of your whole life.” -Christy“Try to reflect on the really great moments.” - Leah"We all just have to remember that people are humans, and cheesy golden rule, treat people the way that you want to be treated.” - LeahGet In TouchEMAIL: thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.comFACEBOOK: @TBWPpodcastINSTAGRAM: @thebigweddingplanningpodcastBE SURE TO USE THE HASHTAG: #planthatweddingTWITTER: @TBWPpodcastPHONE: (415) 723-1625 Leave us a message and you might hear your voice on the show!PATREON: www.patreon.com/thebigweddingplanningpodcastSpecial Guest: Leah Weinberg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#180 You Ask, We Answer - 26

Our monthly installment of You Ask, We Answer. Where we answer all sorts of questions from our listeners.Ask #1:This has probably been brought up a million times but we are having our ceremony at a chapel that provides a coordinator, organist and a security officer to stand outside (it’s a super popular place to visit and it’s closed on weekends for weddings) do we tip these people? Write them thank you cards? These services are paid for in our contact, but I feel like we have to tip everyone.Ask #2:I would love to put up pictures from my parents wedding and grandparents wedding (both my sisters did that for their weddings) but my fiancé’s whole side of his family is divorced. Should I just put it out at my bridal shower instead? I wouldn’t mind asking my fiancé’s side of the family if it would be okay (they would give their honest opinion) or is it rude and inconsiderate to even ask?Ask #3:I have also had three people invite themselves to my wedding. “I better be invited” or “when is it? We will try to make it”. I would love to be prepped with responses!Ask #4:My parents are divorced and my father is remarried. I don’t get along with his wife— AT ALL. His wife’s presence makes my mom uncomfortable. My father isn’t paying for the wedding. Is it fair to ask my father to leave his wife at home?Ask #5:My parents are helping to pay for the wedding, and my fiancé’s aren't. This is partly because my parents can afford to more than his parents can, but also because his parents didn't really like me during the five years we were dating and now we don't feel comfortable accepting money from them. Is there a way to thank my parents during the wedding reception without making his parents feel left out or hurt? We thought the traditional way would be to make a toast at the reception, but how do you only thank one set of parents when the other is sitting right there? Or do we just thank both anyways?Ask #6:My parents don’t want me to “settle” and want us to go with our gut so are willing to spend the extra money for someone we really love. Still, it’s hard for me to justify spending double on planner B’s package even though we loved her. I’m also scared of making the “wrong” decision and regretting it later in the process. Any advice?Links we referencedunboringofficiant.com/bigwedding : Discount with package!zola.com/bigwedding : promo code SAVE50 for 50% off save the datesThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez.
Edited by Veronica Gruba
Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics
On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!
Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.
Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode
On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#179 Celebrate With Impact

A nuptial maestro for a decade, José Rolon specializes in bringing comfort to a process that’s famously filled with tough decisions and mounting stress. After his time at the Foundry, a luxury wedding venue in NYC, José went out on his own with the goal of leveraging his storytelling and relationship building abilities to create emotional and visual experiences for his clients. His work has been celebrated with the Best of The Knot, New York Times, Essence Magazine, BRIDES, and New York Weddings. José lives in Brooklyn Heights with his three children, and as a single dad, has learned how to keep his cool under pressure.He is also the host of The Wedding Buzz, a video podcast that has people’s attention keeping his finger on the pulse of the wedding industry.Just this year, he launched Impact with Choice, a new initiative in sustainability, and today, he joins Christy to do a deep dive.Big TakeawaysDonating parts of your wedding can make a huge difference in the waste you are putting out. All those flowers that are used for a few hours could really make all the people at the nursing home’s day.Impact with Choice takes away a lot of the logistic stress of donating and making an impact. José understands that more work and more money is not necessarily the most appealing thing, but when it can be taken care of before hand, it becomes a gift instead of a stressor.You don’t have to change your entire wedding to make an impact. If any of this resonated with you, the resources are available to help you make your wedding a more sustainable day. Taking even just one of the tips would make such a difference.If this important to you, build it into your planning. Ask your vendors questions!Links we referencedhttps://repeatroses.com/https://cocobundle.co/https://www.garbagegoddess.com/http://chipsonline.org/https://www.visionscontemporary.com/https://www.allseated.com/https://welcome.zola.com/bigweddinghttps://www.aisle-talk.com/https://5pointacupuncture.com/https://www.doterra.com/US/enhttps://thinkcoresmart.com/https://www.melaniekotcher.com/youtube.com/joseroloneventshttps://www.joserolonevents.com/instagram.com/joseroloneventsThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez.
Edited by Veronica Gruba
Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics
On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!
Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.
Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode
On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#178 Wedding Etiquette and Protocol

Julian Leaver joins us today to talk wedding etiquette and answer some burning questions about the best way to plan, budget, and more.Wedding couples usually face their biggest challenge immediately after the excitement of their actual engagement wears off. They now know what needs to be done, but the how is not as certain. Julian Leaver’s expertise is in applying practical techniques to the basic tasks laid out for most couples on their standard wedding checklist.Julian’s background in the wedding world gives him the perfect breadth of experience.Hosted by The Dapper Diplomat is Julian’s medium for providing the skills that wedding couples need in-between the checklist and the chapel. He also speaks to the event community and conducts workshops for some of the nation’s finest brands to elevate communication, dining, business and social skills.Big TakeawaysMost of the time, people overthink the guest list! There are so many factors that play into the guest list, there is no 100% right answer. When things are getting crazy and confusing, return to the two of you (couple). It is your wedding, no one else’s.You should tip. Julian’s advice is you should only tip vendors who are present on the day and remain the entire time. The drivers should be tipped if they are not already tipped. Hair and make-up should be tipped. You can use tipping to be proactive. Tipping the wait staff on the front side can be quite a different experience than tipping them at the end. For the hotel staff, gratuity is typically already included.To invite children or to not invite them? This is a spot where everyone has an opinion. The standard, with children vs none, is the invitation. If you are planning to not invite children, you should preemptively tell your guests so they understand where you’re coming from. You’ll have an opportunity to explain the factors to them. Always do this in person!Don’t overthink the registry. It’s your wedding. Make the decision, move on, and don’t worry.When it comes to seating charts with divorced parents, complicated situations, have an in person conversation. It’s hard, but it will relieve the stress that can easily build when it goes untouched. Remember your guests are adults. Your parents are grown adults. It’s easy to revert to the role of child parent. But remember it is an adult to adult conversation.Make sure that you build in buffer time. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the timeline, and then you can miss the real magical moments in the in betweens.Links we referencedhttps://www.psow.eduwww.dapperdiplomat.comwww.instagram.com/dapperdiplomatwww.julianleaver.comwww.instagram.com/julianleaverzola.com/bigwedding and promo code SAVE50Quotes“The guiding principle here is if you would have them to your house for dinner, they can be invited to the wedding. If you wouldn’t host them at your house, then why are they on the list?” - Julian“I am a huge advocate for not writing on anything, ‘adult only reception.’” - Julian“As much as Michelle and I are always preaching that it’s about you, do you, throw out the rules, turn things on the side, it’s your wedding, we do recognize that this is different than any other event you will plan.” - Christy“Keep in mind that there is life after your wedding.” - Christy“These conversations never go away, the only thing that happens is that you get better at them.” - JulianGet In TouchEMAIL: thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.comFACEBOOK: @TBWPpodcastINSTAGRAM: @thebigweddingplanningpodcastBE SURE TO USE THE HASHTAG: #planthatweddingTWITTER: @TBWPpodcastPHONE: (415) 723-1625 Leave us a message and you might hear your voice on the show!PATREON: www.patreon.com/thebigweddingplanningpodcastSpecial Guest: Julian Leaver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#177 Heart on sleeve photography

Jonny MP is a heart on sleeve sort of guy who loves the emotion and feeling of a wedding day and it's those moments that matter and drive him to shoot 'heart on sleeve photos'. Jonny joins Michelle today to share his journey into becoming a wedding photographer, and his love for the love of it all.
After spending 11 years in the world of marketing and advertising for big brands in London like Coca-Cola and Kraft Foods, Jonny became a wedding photographer. He started Jonny MP Photography in 2011 after being asked to shoot a friend's wedding, and quickly realized it felt like him and he'd discovered his 'thing'. He has now gone on to shoot over 300 weddings across the UK and worldwide (including Mexico and NYC) and his personal, emotive style has provided many happy couples with photos they love.
Big Takeaways
Choosing your wedding photographer is a bit like the dating world. Look at your photographer and speak to several to find who you connect with. The better connection, the better photos.
Giving the couple a little bit of “couple time” during their photoshoot is so meaningful. They are running around all day, and it’s nice to capture the real moments with them.
It’s so important to click with your photographer. Jonny believes in a two-way connection with the couple and always makes room for them to be real so he can capture the true feelings on camera.
Jonny tries to learn everyone’s names before he arrives. It creates such a warmness, and eases everyone into the day.
Differences in the UK wedding scene: Barely anyone does engagement photoshoots.
Most weddings finish by midnight (photographer is generally there for 10 hours.)
Ceremonies are usually early, at 1 or 2pm.
The big day often includes a 2 hour cocktail reception.
Links we referenced
http://jonnymp.com
zola.com/bigwedding and promo code SAVE50
instagram.com/jonnymp
https://www.unboringofficiant.com/bigwedding/
Quotes
“It was the reaction of the bride and groom when I gave them the pictures, seeing what it meant to them, seeing what these photos brought to them. It was this amazing feedback loop of joy.” - Jonny
“The more you put into this, the more connection and love and energy and excitement and appreciation of each other, the more there is for me to capture.” - Jonny
“I really believe in treating my couples how I would want to be treated.” - Jonny
Get In Touch
EMAIL: thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: @TBWPpodcast
INSTAGRAM: @thebigweddingplanningpodcast
BE SURE TO USE THE HASHTAG: #planthatwedding
TWITTER: @TBWPpodcast
PHONE: (415) 723-1625 Leave us a message and you might hear your voice on the show!
PATREON: www.patreon.com/thebigweddingplanningpodcastSpecial Guest: Jonny MP.Sponsored By:
Zola: Zola makes wedding planning easier and less stressful by creating everything couples need, all in one place: wedding vendors, save-the-dates and invitations, free websites, registry, and more.
Save 50% off your save the dates. You can also get FREE personalized paper samples before you purchase. Promo Code: SAVE50
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#176 The Ceremony Layout

This is a learning episode! Today we are going to role-play our way through meeting with a month-of planner to perfect the ceremony layout! Everything from where to seat your guests, and how to format the processional.Big TakeawaysUsually around 6-8 people fit in a row on either side of an aisle.Don’t stress about filling the front row. The photographer won’t capture an empty row, and they’ll be focusing on the couple and their parents.There are lots of dynamics to consider when filing the assigned seats. The planner can be a great guide to making sure you don’t have to think about these things last minute.Reserved seating does not need to be even on each side.While there is no right or wrong way to do things, your planner will have lots of info on how to make sure things work smoothly. Ask questions! Let them know your plans.Links we referencedQuotes“Somebody else, that has never seen anything about your wedding could run through the rehearsal with the ceremony layout in hand, that’s the goal. That’s how detailed and succinct it is.” - Christy“Adults do tend to get their shit together for one day, when it involves a really big day in their children’s lives. But sometimes, they don’t and you (the person getting married, who this day is all about) might have to just make the decision to not give it any of your attention.” - ChristyGet In TouchEMAIL: thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.comFACEBOOK: @TBWPpodcastINSTAGRAM: @thebigweddingplanningpodcastBE SURE TO USE THE HASHTAG: #planthatweddingTWITTER: @TBWPpodcastPHONE: (415) 723-1625 Leave us a message and you might hear your voice on the show!PATREON: www.patreon.com/thebigweddingplanningpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#175 Happy Holidays! A Replay

We wish you all THE very best this holiday season. Soon we will be announcing a contest/giveaway. In the meantime, we thought you might like to listen to the very first YAWA-type episode. We had no idea this would become a TBWPP tradition. Happy, happy!!xoxo,Christy & Michelle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#174 Heart-Centered Wedding Planning

Neillie Butler is a three-time cancer survivor. In 2009, she decided to start her own business, so she could serve people with her whole heart and do work that rewarded her in a meaningful way.Today, Neillie Butler, the founder and Lead Planner of Mariée Ami is joining us to chat about bringing a heart-centered approach to weddings as well as her experience planning exquisite southern soirees. Mariée Ami is a premier full-service wedding planning and design studio in Birmingham, Alabama serving clients worldwide. Mariée Ami has been recognized as one of the nation’s premier event planning and design firms by notable media including BRIDES Magazine and Southern Weddings Magazine.Big TakeawaysWeddings that feel like an extension of home-entertaining, with that same level of warmth and intimacy are on the rise. More attention than ever is being paid towards the guest experience - and really ‘wowing’ friends and family in a way that feels genuine and thoughtful. Multi-day events will always be popular because it affords everyone time to truly reunite in a relaxed and inclusive environment.Mariée Ami feels that their role is to advocate on their clients behalf, to protect and maximize their investment while alleviating any unnecessary ‘overwhelm’ that can come with planning an event of this significance and magnitude. They believe their job is not to dictate what the couple should focus on, but rather understand their priorities as a couple and translate that into a celebration that feels deeply personal.People want to be involved, and want to help! So if you have family you want to include, like a step-parent, just find a task that feel good about delegating. It will make them feel better, and take the ease off of one of the many tasks you have to think about.Communicate along the way with anyone that is involved in the wedding. Email check ins, etc. are immensely helpful.Links We Referencedhttps://www.marieeami.com/https://www.instagram.com/mariee_ami/https://www.marieeami.com/ami-a-viehttps://www.hellonoemie.comhttps://hismileteeth.com/ - 20% off with CODE: BIGWEDDINGThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez.
Edited by Veronica Gruba
Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics
On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!
Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.
Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode
On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices