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#377 What to Budget for Photo & Video: A Deep Dive into Wedding Media Costs

This episode delves into understanding the factors that influence what you can expect to pay for photography and videography. We break down different pricing levels and what you can expect within each tier, helping you tailor your choices to your unique needs.Topics We Covered
Reliable sources for accurate budget information
Understanding pricing factors
Different pricing levels & what to anticipate
Smart strategies for maximizing value
Seeing beyond package hours
Evaluating the right level of investment for your wedding
Being specific to get what you really want
The GuestJason McCutchenLinks We ReferencedWedding Film SchoolMerriment Films Stop Go Love  Huxley FilmThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez
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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode

#376 All About The Wedding Emcee

In this ep, we uncover the essential role of an Emcee and why having one solely dedicated to hosting (no DJ duties!) is a game-changer. We dish out the must-have qualities to consider when picking your Emcee superhero and spill the beans on the fantastic benefits of assembling a dream team – planner, Emcee, and DJ/Band. Get ready for a whirlwind of creative ideas to sprinkle ceremony magic into your reception, along with quirky micro-event suggestions to keep the party going. Plus, we explore the "Emcee or Uncle Joe" dilemma, compare Australian and American wedding traditions, and wrap it all up with insider tips on orchestrating a show-stopping grand exit. Tune in for the wedding wisdom you never knew you needed!Topics We Covered
The role of an Emcee
Benefits of an Emcee that does not play any music
Key Qualities to Consider When Choosing an Emcee
The benefits of hiring a planner, emcee and a DJ/Band
Bringing elements of the ceremony into the reception
Alternative & fun Ideas for micro events at weddings
Asking a friend or family member to act as the emcee
Australian vs. American Wedding Traditions
How To Coordinate Guests for the Grand Exit
About The GuestGary Clementson also known as Gazza is a sparky (electrician) and actor who loved his wedding so much, he packed up the tools and became a Marriage Celebrant and Wedding MC. He creates fun, funny and relaxed wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions for all to enjoy - with tears, laughter, celebration and a whole lot of love. Links We ReferencedGary on InstagramGary’s websiteGary on YoutubeGary’s Course. How to be an Amazing Wedding EmceeDiscount code: TBWPP at checkout for 15% offThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez
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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode

#375 Wedding Planning 101: From start to finish

In this episode, I break down the entire wedding planning journey into three distinct stages - The Beginning, The Middle, and The Last. Expert insights and practical advice that will help you at any point of the planning process, from newly engaged to the final stages of planning. It’s all broken down into bite size, easily digestible steps. Topics Covered
How long it takes to plan a wedding
The tools needed to plan a wedding
The phases of wedding planning
The steps in each planning phase
How often you should have planning sessions
The most vital step of planning
Helpful Links Michelle’s Wedding Planning Priorities ExerciseThe Big Wedding Planning Master ClassMichelle’s 1:1 Wedding Planning Coaching ProgramThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez
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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode

#374 You Ask, We Answer - 69

If there’s anyone’s opinion you want on your wedding planning, it’s that of a wedding planner. Only thing better? The opinions of 2 EXPERT Wedding Planners. That’s what this episode is about peeps!Questions We Answered
Outdoor wedding advice and tips
Thoughts on the “Bridal Buddy” product
What pre-ceremony beverages should we serve?
When should we start writing out speeches?
The officiant doesn't share the ceremony script in advance of wedding day
Handling “hand-off anxiety” when turning it all over to the coordinator
What has to get done in the week leading up to the wedding? 
My family can’t seem to get it together and they’re stressing me out!
About The Co-hostKelly is an expert wedding planner and designer based in Florida. She is also the creator and host of the podcast This vs That with Kelly McWilliamsLinksKelly’s WebsiteKelly’s PodcastKelly on InstagramThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez
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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode

#373 Why are weddings so damn expensive?

Why is it that the moment you mention the word “wedding”, the price of whatever you are inquiring about goes up? Are engaged couples and their families being taken advantage of? Ok, yes. Weddings are f%*king expensive! In this episode we are breaking down and dissecting the costs of REAL weddings and giving the answers you are yearning for.Topics We Covered
Why wedding costs are sometimes out of control
3 Wedding Budget Case Studies
Why wedding vendors are charging so much
How a wedding in 2023 costs 91% more than it did in 2020
Why so many wedding planners don’t charge enough
About The GuestJoining us today is the incredibly talented Callie Smith, the mastermind behind K Rose Events based in Southern California. Callie has been working in the wedding planning industry for 5 years and started her business driven by a desire to inspire and empower her daughter to pursue her dreams fearlessly. Over the years, she has gained valuable insights into the wedding industry, built strong relationships with vendors and venues, and developed a unique artistic vision. Callie’s dedication to delivering exceptional service and commitment to crafting unforgettable moments for couples have been the driving forces behind her success.Links We ReferencedReel #1 Wedding Budget in January 2020 vs. January 2023. (91% Increase!!)Reel #2 Wedding Budget March 2020 vs. March 2023. (43% Increase)Reel #3 Wedding Budget June 2021 vs. June 2023. (55% Increase)K. Rose Events WebsiteCallie on Instagram https://www.missioninn.com/https://tnkphoto.com/The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez
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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode

#372 Real Wedding Retrospective: Her Big Fat Jamaican-Nigerian Destination Wedding

Our guest, Danielle Ayanru, takes the spotlight as she spills the tea on her fabulous "Big Fat Jamaican-Nigerian Destination Wedding." Get ready for an awesome blend of cultures, traditions, and personal anecdotes that will have you both informed and entertained.As with any wedding, there were highs, lows, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. Danielle candidly shares the triumphs, the challenges, and the "wish I knew this before" moments that every couple can relate to. From guest list strategies to vendor selections, her insights are pure gold for anyone in the midst of wedding planning.Topics We Covered
Destination wedding tips
Mistakes that were made
The best decisions made
How a large guest list can positively impact the budget
What to do when the reception space is no longer available
Budget-friendly tips
Travel tips for your destination wedding
About Our GuestDanielle Ayanru is from Queens, New York City. She and her husband Osaheni had a destination wedding in Mexico. After seeing a huge lack of resources available for destination brides, Danielle started her own business as a destination wedding coach and content creator.Links We ReferencedIG: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrvP-1Ms0-5/?img_index=1Blog:Blog: https://tinyurl.com/2p89hjr8Danielle’s WebsiteDanielle on YoutubeThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez
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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode

#371 When it comes to your wedding flowers…

On this episode, we're joined by a true floral expert, Lucy Vail, all the way from the UK. It’s been a while since we’ve dedicated an ep to flowers, but we’re not just covering the basics here. We are diving in deep. From money saving tips to design help with a garden wedding to how to choose the right bouquet for you. There are so many valuable takeaways here, that there’s too many to count.Topics We Covered
Turning any space into a botanical wonderland
Design advice for a an outdoor wedding 
DIY florals for your wedding
Practical advice, tips and hacks
Money-saving tips and working within a budget
Smart design ideas
Minimizing Waste & sustainability tips
How to dry your flowers
How to choose your bouquet
About Our GuestLucy Vail is a florist located in the United Kingdom and owner of Lucy Vail Floristry, an award-winning luxury floral design studio specializing in weddings, events, and installations. All of their projects are seasonable, sustainable and most are made from solely British Flowers. Lucy started out making Christmas wreaths as a teenager to make some cash. A few years later, a customer asked her if she could help arrange flowers for her daughter’s wedding and that was when she realized that florals and transforming spaces was her calling. Links We ReferencedLucy onInstagramLucy Vail’s WebsiteFloral Angels UKTaylor Swift Dress of dried flowersFloret Flower FarmFlower MoxieChelsea Physic Garden LondonThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez
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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode

#370 Wedding Day Emergency Kits, Bathroom Baskets and More

You've probably heard of the infamous wedding day emergency kit. We're not stopping at the classic emergency kit. Oh no, we've got other nifty kits and baskets up our sleeves that you might want to whip up for your special day! There's a TON of info out there about these kits online, and people tend to go a li'l cray-cray and break the bank! 💸💸 But fret not, my sweet wedding planning warriors, because we're gonna show you how to keep it simple, savvy, and oh-so-sensible! Join my and my lovely guest Margaux Fraise as we cover all things Kits and Baskets for your wedding day. Topics We Covered
Who puts these kits and baskets together
What NEVER gets used
What ALWAYS gets used
Who keeps an eye on the baskets during the wedding
Who sets them out and breaks them down
What if the venue has more than 1 wedding at the same time?
Where to place them so they are easily accessible
How much $$ should you spend on these kits and baskets?
About The GuestMargaux Fraise is the owner and creative director of Harmony Creative Studio, an award-winning boutique wedding firm in Los Angeles, CA. Margaux's goal has been to design weddings with intention, infusing celebrations with her signature organic and minimal style yet still tailored to each couple. Margaux serves as a wedding business educator and speaker, and hosts the twice-yearly premiere online summit for wedding pros: The Wedding Summit Series.Links Harmony Creative StudioThe Wedding Summit SeriesMargaux on InstagramThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez
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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode

#369 You Ask, We Answer - 68

Christy Matthews is back this month. Yay! We've got lots of wedding planning questions from subscribers to answer.Questions We Answered
Drinking for the first time in front of my mom at my wedding. How do I handle this?
What can I expect for set up and tear down from a Day Of Coordinator? 
The B-list: Who do we consider moving forward as space permits?
The B-list: How can we tactfully let them know that they are now invited?
How do I avoid decision fatigue when it comes to decor? 
How many bartenders do we need? We don’t want long lines!
What should I be prioritizing in the next seven months out?
About The Co-hostChristy Matthews co-created and co-hosted The Big Wedding Planning Podcast from it's inception in 2016 all the way to episode #283 in 2022. Christy was a wedding planner for 13 years and is now an elementary school teacher. She lives in Texas with her husband Lance and two sons, Joey and Tom. We Love Christy!!The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez
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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode

#368 Vendor Contracts. What you need to know

Many couples are seeking legal advice from attorneys after something has gone wrong with their wedding. My guest on this episode is Rebecca Carter, a lawyer for over 20 years. We are discussing everything you need to know about  reading the fine print of your vendor contracts. Also, did you know that hiring a lawyer to read review your contracts before yor sign them is easily accessible and not as expensive as you might think?Wedding TikTok has brought to light just how often couples experience nightmare situations with their vendor contracts. Unfortunately, this trend isn’t a shock given new data from LegalShield that reveals only 15% of people planning a wedding in 2023 are arranging to work with a lawyer. Further, 68% of couples had to get out of a signed contract with a vendor, which is unsurprising given the fact that 31% of respondents admitted they were not reading their contracts thoroughly.Topics We Covered
What you want to be thinking about before you sign a vendor contract
Not wanting to annoy your vendor with contract questions or revisions
When reviewing a contract, you want to think about “the what ifs”
A good contract needs to protect both parties
What happens when a parent signs instead of the couple?
Taking your goals and expectations into consideration when reading your contract
The difference between a deposit and a retainer
How and when to create an addendum
What Provisions you should look for in a contract
How to handle situations where the vendor does not want to make revisions
What you can add to a contact to protect your financial and emotional investment
About The GuestRebecca Carter has been a lawyer for 20 years with a background in Family Law. Rebecca joined the Friedman, Framme & Thrush firm in 2004, and is currently a principal and manages the Legal Services Department. The firm is part of a network of provider lawyers that works to bring comprehensive and affordable legal solutions to individuals, families, and businesses across the U.S.Links We ReferencedLegalShieldLegalShield on InstagramRebecca on LinkedinFriedman, Framme & Thrush, Attorneys at LawThe Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez
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 hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode