Some exciting news — I recently got engaged and am in the throes of planning a 150-person destination wedding. We plan on chronicling the whole experience and demystify the wedding planning process for you, because it can be very overwhelming and if I’m honest, the wedding industry will take advantage of you if you don’t come prepared.
With that in mind, I plan on passing along all of my advice and learnings so if you are currently planning a wedding (congrats!) or do so in the future, these guides will help uncomplicate the process for you, and hopefully save you some money. So, be sure to check back regularly as we share our tips on everything from picking a venue to hiring a planner and decor.
This week, we are starting with my favorite Wedding Planning Podcasts. Let me tell you, these podcasts have not only helped me keep my sanity, but have given me so much guidance on everything from guest list to vow writing and how to save money on the big day. Luckily, these podcasts have large backlogs of shows to listen to and are so informative. Here’s what’s on constant rotation since I’ve gotten engaged:
Bridechilla: This hilarious podcast hosted by an Australian badass named Aleisha McCormack is something I binge-listen to on the regular. I love that Aleisha is a straight shooter but also really funny, bringing levity to the planning process. She gives brides and grooms permission to have the wedding they want and defy convention and what the industry tries to force on you and has developed a term I use all the time called “The fuck-it bucket.” I’ve put so many things into my wedding fuck-it bucket: Garter toss? No thanks. Paper save the dates? Pass. Church ceremony? Nah. I’ve also learned lots of great ideas on interviewing my vendors and such through the podcast. It’s a must listen to in my eyes.
From Ring to Veil: Run by two wedding planners in Seattle, From Ring to Veil offers up loads of great, practical wedding planning advice that you can implement into your wedding. One of my favorite episodes was how to interview your wedding photographer as well as their episode dedicated to wedding invites, which delved into language, paper stock etc. These women know their stuff and pass down their sage advice to listeners.
The Big Wedding Planning Podcast: This podcast is also run by two wedding planners with big personalities. Michelle and Christy have a great rapport and make wedding planning seem approachable. They are straight shooters who cut through the clutter. I like that in addition to big picture subjects, such as a budget, they also get granular — there is a whole episode dedicated to welcome bags and setting up your wedding timeline.
Put a Ring on It: This podcast is run by a wedding photographer and wedding planner who offer unique perspectives on the wedding industry. I really loved the episode on wedding photographers, which helped guide who we hired for our big day. The hosts also have pretty good banter.
Millennial Money: So this isn’t technically a wedding podcast, but budgeting and weddings go hand in hand. As do finances and marriage. So, I’ve found it immensely helpful to listen to a bunch of personal finance podcasts as we plan our wedding. These podcasts, such as Millennial Money, have helped my fiance and I discuss our finances, prioritize our financial goals beyond just our wedding (we want to buy a house and will also likely have to fund subsequent rounds of IVF), consider the amount we are saving and what vehicles we are using to save. I highly recommend throwing some personal finance podcasts in the mix because it will help not only with your wedding planning, but likely your marriage.
Stay tuned for loads more wedding planning posts coming to BellaVitaStyle and send along any questions you have!
More Wedding Coverage:
The Best Wedding Planning Podcasts For Brides to Be
The Best Devices to Get In Shape for the Wedding
Chic Gifts To Add To Your Wedding Registry
Why We Registered With MyRegistry.com
Inside Sarah Jessica Parker’s New Bridal Collection