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Bridechilla Podcast

The Bridechilla Wedding Podcast back catalogue- audio wedding planner. Catch up on all of the past episodes of the podcast, find wedding inspiration and more.

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407- Top Tips for Planning a Meaningful Honeymoon

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Travel Planner Irina Vishnevskaya returns to share more helpful honeymoon planning and travel tips. Irina is the founder of Allé Travel, a travel planning business that specializes in creating one-of-kind experiences for adventurers. During this episode she shares ways to save time and money when booking your honeymoon, how to decide where to holiday and make sure that you have all of the correct documentation in place prior to jetting off on your honeymoon adventure.

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Never let anyone tell you that what you want, you can’t afford that. They are the wrong person.

Meet This Episode’s Guest

Irina Vishnevskaya is the founder of Allé Travel, a travel planning company based in Brooklyn, New York. Allé specializes in planning one-of-a-kind adventures for travelers. Their goal is to make it easier for people to travel and experience something exciting and unique. Allé pairs customers with a travel planner that handles every detail of the trip which allows them to relax and enjoy without the stress of planning. Irina join today’s show to answer Bridechilla community questions about planning their honeymoon and/or vacations. 

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners


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406- Enjoy Your Wedding Planning: Q&A Episode

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

You can enjoy your wedding planning. And the Bridechilla podcast is here to help. Rather than being worried or stressed out, you can find support and encouragement from brides and couples who have many of the same questions as you. On this episode, Aleisha shares voicemails from other Bridechillas planning their weddings. She addresses how to handle an unwanted tradition, giving your wedding guests guidance about their attire, and how to maintain the joy of planning even when you are around a bunch of Debbie-downers. 

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Know your tradition’s history

Many wedding traditions have specific histories behind them. Though many couples continue to implement these traditions, they don’t often have the same significance in modern culture. One tradition that Bridechilla Mel is not comfortable with is the father giving away the bride. However, Mel’s Father is really excited about giving his daughter away. How can she compromise so that her father is happy without her feeling like a piece of property being exchanged in a business transaction? Hear Aleisha encourage Bridechillas to research the history of traditions and then decide if it is something they want to include in their ceremony.  

Photo by Alvin Mahmudov

Give your guests some guidance

Bliss and her partner have worked together to determine the kind of wedding they both want. Though they have different personalities and backgrounds, they decided to have a small destination wedding. Bliss is particularly excited about her color palette. She wants to know how she can tell her wedding guests so they can match the color pallette. Aleisha shares ways to tactfully give your wedding guests guidance so that everyone’s expectations are aligned. 

As a guest, for me, I really appreciate some guidance of the tone and theme of what to wear

How to connect your friends at the wedding

Through the different phases of life, you meet people who have an impact. When planning your wedding, you want to include those people in your special day. However, not all of the people that you know may have met each other. How can you help your wedding party get to know each other quickly so that the wedding weekend isn’t awkward? By taking a few strategic steps, you can ease the discomfort and break the ice so that everyone has a great time and you have a special wedding with all of your friends. 

If you are considering the use of traditions in your wedding, I think it is very important to learn a little bit about the history and what they represent.

Photo by Banter Snaps 

I truly believe that if these people are important in your life, and you in theirs, that when they come together they will be interested in learning about the other people in your life

Don’t feel bad about enjoying your wedding planning

Bridechilla Cami has started planning her wedding with her partner even though they aren’t officially engaged. They are looking forward to a multi-day wedding that will celebrate their families diverse cultures. However, because the engagement has been delayed, Cami feels like people judge her when she tries to discuss her wedding plans. How can she still feel excited about her wedding when everyone else doesn’t seem to be? Aleisha gives great advice for enjoying your wedding planning even when others want to rain on your parade. 

Show Highlights

  • [0:40] Aleisha introduces the podcast which is a Q&A episode all about wedding planning

  • [2:53] Bridechilla Mel asks about the tradition of the Father giving away the bride and how to compromise with her Father

  • [5:48] Aleisha addresses Mel’s question and talks about the history of that specific tradition

  • [9:18] Bliss and her partner are having a small intimate wedding with an understated color pallette and wants to know if she can provide a dress code for her guests?

  • [12:13] How to tactfully give your attendees some direction for your wedding

  • [15:59] Visit the bridechillastore.com to get the wedding planning guides published by Aleisha and Rich

  • [16:33] How to help the bridal party get to know each other since none of them have already met

  • [19:03] Plan strategic ways to help your bridesmaids get to know each other

  • [22:57] Bridechilla Cami wants to know how to be excited about planning her wedding without feeling bad about not being officially engaged. 

  • [25:55] If you feel unsupported in your planning, join the bridechilla community and receive encouragement and support.

  • [28:49] How to get in touch with Aliesha via social media

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With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

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404- Surviving the Holidays

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

The holidays are right around the corner. You may be looking forward with excitement and anticipation. Or you may be just trying to survive the holidays. On this podcast, Aleisha shares some of the Bridechilla communities concerns and comments about the holidays and gives her take on how to survive them. Whether you are trying to create your own traditions, dealing with divorced parents, or concerned about someone bringing up politics at the dinner table, rest assured you are not alone. The Bridechilla podcast is here to help you survive the holidays. 

How to create your own holiday traditions

Every family has their own holiday traditions. But how did those traditions get started? And how can you start new traditions with your partner and family? Parents and extended family can unknowingly place their own expectations for how the holidays should go. However, creating your own special customs is important. Aleisha discusses the difficulty of instituting new holiday traditions while being respectful of the ones already in place. 

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Don’t be too flexible

Accommodating parents can turn into a juggling act during the holidays. When you each have a set of parents who want to spend time with you, it can be difficult to manage your time. If either partner has divorced parents, the scheduling can become exponentially harder. While it is good to be flexible and try to honor everyone’s plans, being too flexible can ruin the holiday. Aleisha recommends having open communication with your families before the holidays so that you don’t overextend or exhaust yourselves. 

Tackling taboo topics at the holiday table

Imagine the spread of food on the holiday table. Ham or turkey with all of the sides. The family is all gathered together, smiling and laughing while enjoying each other’s company. Then imagine that, all of a sudden, someone decides to bring up politics. Now imagine that lovely dinner table atmosphere taking a drastically different turn. Inevitably, each family has that one member that wants to discuss taboo topics during the holidays. How can you handle it without losing your cool? Hear what Aleisha has to say about that and other ways to survive the holidays on this podcast. 

It’s time to start creating your own traditions!

There is more than one day

One way to survive the holidays is to remember that you don’t have to do everything in one day. Trying to go to all of the family gatherings, traveling here and there can be exhausting and could cause you to miss out on a relaxing and enjoyable day. If the day of the holiday isn’t good for you, you can celebrate anytime. The specific day isn’t as important as just finding time to be together. Use the weekend before and after to spend time with the ones you love. With the help of the Bridechilla community and the Bridechilla podcast, you can survive the holidays. 

Show Highlights

  • [0:25] Aleisha introduces the episode which is about making it through the holidays which are drastically different than what songs and commercials portray

  • [3:29] This episode is a companion for while you are traveling and going to family events so that you remember you aren’t the only ones struggling

  • [5:51] Bridechilla Steph posts that she’d like to discuss splitting time between families over the holidays. Aleisha share Bridechilla Kristen’s response

  • [7:36] Corina shares about her inconsiderate family who they try to accomodate

  • [11:34] How to manage parents expectations and why they bristle at the thought of change

  • [12:29] The additional challenge of having divorced parents during holidays

  • [13:40] Bridechilla Ariana comments on how they try to visit all of their families during the holidays

  • [15:31] How to deal with politics and other taboo topics that might come up around the dinner table

  • [18:14] Aleisha explains that she is an introverted extrovert and she handles that during the holidays or time with extended family

  • [21:36] Dealing with unwelcome questions about your wedding from well meaning family members

  • [22:37] Even though it’s difficult, everyone should be willing to compromise

  • [25:02] Start having conversations about the Christmas traditions you want to have before you have kids

  • [26:18] You don’t have cram all of the celebration into one day. Find a weekend close to the holiday and celebrate then

  • [28:58] When in doubt, remember, you can always say “That’s not going to work for me.”

It’s like a weird obligation time of year that we all go through the motions when I think a lot of us would rather be doing our own thing.

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Why do we cram it all into one day when you can take the weekend before, let’s do a family event the weekend before. Or if you are in America and you celebrate Thanksgiving, maybe you can celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and Christmas with my family

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners, Better Help

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403- Honeymoon Planning and Travel Q&A with Irina Vishnevskaya

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

What’s more exciting that planning a wedding? Planning a honeymoon! But just like wedding planning, deciding where to go and what to do on your honeymoon can be challenging. On this week’s Bridechilla podcast, guest Irina Vishnevskaya joins Aleisha for a honeymoon planning and travel Q&A episode. Irina is the founder of Allé Travel, a travel planning business that specializes in creating one-of-kind experiences for adventurers. During this episode she answers questions about booking excursions on a honeymoon, traveling during the winter, and the importance of travel insurance. 

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It takes a really, really shit situation to stress me out honestly at this point. It’s like ‘We can fix that’. Where that’s really stressful if it’s your first time dealing with that and it’s your honeymoon.

How to avoid over-planning your honeymoon

When planning a trip, it is important for you and your partner to consider the type of experience you want. Do you want to see and do as much as possible and make the trip an adventure, or are you looking for a more relaxing and restful getaway? Knowing the goal of the experience will help you decide what type of excursions you might plan at your destination. Irina encourages couples not to over-plan their honeymoon. She gives alternatives for making your trip special even if you aren’t looking to be on the go the entire time.

Even if you are delaying, try to do it within a year of your wedding. To me a year, you are still in that post-wedding vibe.

Delay the honeymoon, not the romance

Honeymoons can be expensive and often require time away from work and other responsibilities. Many couples choose to delay their honeymoon for weeks or months after the wedding. If you are delaying your honeymoon, how can you still make your trip feel as special as a traditional honeymoon? There are several tips that Irina shares during the podcast that can help you create a memorable experience regardless of timing. Listen to this episode to hear those ideas and much more on the Bridechilla podcast. 

Photo by Jeremy Banks

When should you purchase travel insurance?

Once you’ve decided on a honeymoon destination and you’re ready to book, it’s time to consider travel insurance. Should you always get travel insurance? What circumstances might you not need it? What kind and how much insurance should you purchase? The different options available can be confusing. However, during this episode, Irina clarifies the different types of travel insurance and what kind of coverage you should be prepared to buy so that you have full confidence while on your trip. 

Don’t force yourself to do something just because it’s your honeymoon and that’s what people say you should be doing.

Travel planners v. travel agents

A common misconception is that travel agents and travel planners are the same. As a travel planner Irina understands the differences between to two. The type of trip and the needs of the person or couple will determine which of the two they should use. Irina explains the differences in the training they have and the services they offer and explains how to decide which you might need. Aleisha and Irina also discuss several other Bridechilla community questions on this honeymoon planning and travel Q&A episode of the Bridechilla podcast. 

Photo by Chen Mizrach

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Show Highlights

  • [0:41] Aleisha introduces this week’s show, which is all about answering Honeymoon and holiday/vacation questions

  • [1:15] Guest Irina Vishnevskaya, founder of Allé, shares how she got into the travel business

  • [4:23] How Irina separates professional planning for other from her own vacations and travels

  • [7:28] Is it better to book excursions before you go or when you get to your destination? 

  • [11:19] How do you make a trip feel like a honeymoon when you are taking it several months (or longer) after the wedding?

  • [14:48] How talking about your wedding can make your honeymoon trip even more special, even if it is delayed

  • [16:10] What are some winter destination options for a honeymoon?

  • [20:29] Aleisha and Irina discuss their experiences in Iceland and the opportunity for travel Iceland offers

  • [23:06] Is travel insurance worth it? Is it something you really need to purchase?

  • [29:50] Bridechilla Mia mentions that, with certain airlines recently going under, travlers should be aware of what your travel insurance covers

  • [42:56] What are the benefits of using a travel planner when booking a honeymoon? Irinia also explains the difference between travel agents and travel planners

  • [51:30] A travel planner can remove the stress from planning so that you can enjoy and have peace of mind 

  • [54:34] What is the best way to book a trip where you can experience different customs and cultures

  • [57:04] How to connect with Irinia Vishnevskaya and Allé travel

Meet This Episode’s Guest

Irina Vishnevskaya is the founder of Allé travel, a travel planning company based in Brooklyn, New York. Allé specializes in planning one-of-a-kind adventures for travelers. Their goal is to make it easier for people to travel and experience something exciting and unique. Allé pairs customers with a travel planner that handles every detail of the trip which allows them to relax and enjoy without the stress of planning. Irina join today’s show to answer Bridechilla Community questions about planning their honeymoon and/or vacations. 

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

Show image by Wayan Parmana

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402- Things Everyone Forgets to Plan for On Their Wedding Day

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Are you afraid there might be something you are forgetting while planning your wedding? This episode of the Bridechilla podcast is for you. Even if you think you have everything taken care of, be sure to listen as Renee Dalo, CEO and Lead Planner of Moxie Bright Events, joins the show to talk about things everyone forgets to plan. Renee has been planning weddings professionally for over twelve years. She has seen a lot over that time and has not only great advice but also some funny stories that will help you consider things you may not have thought of while planning your wedding.

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Make the most of the morning

The morning of the wedding can either be crazy and stressful or it can be peaceful and relaxing. The difference is all in how you plan the morning. Renee says that many couples fail to consider the rhythm of the morning, leaving too much opportunity for things to go haywire. She shares her own wedding morning experience that didn’t go as she had hoped. If you want to make the most of the morning of your wedding, be sure to listen to this podcast to get some ideas for how you can plan and ensure you enjoy your day. 

If you are taking some sort of public transportation, which is what I consider Uber or Lift, maybe don’t wear your wedding gown if you can help it. Maybe put that bad boy in a garment bag and carry it.

Communicate clearly to the wedding party

One of the things that everyone forgets to plan is where their wedding party will be getting ready for the ceremony. Often, couples fail to communicate clearly to the wedding party. Renee encourages couples to visit the place where their bridesmaids or groomsmen will prepare for the wedding to make sure it has adequate space and lighting. She also suggests that clear instructions be given to everyone prior to the wedding day so that the wedding party arrives and gets ready on time. 

Photo by Samantha Gades

Whatever you normally need to make your day successful, make sure you are still doing that on your wedding day. You are not a different person on your wedding day.

Do you need a ride?

Transportation is not something you want to have to worry about on the day of your wedding. You may need a ride from the hotel to the wedding venue, or from the wedding venue to the reception location. And at the end of the night, how are you getting back to your hotel? Planning transportation is another thing everyone forgets to plan that Renee highlights during this episode. Listen as she shares helpful tips for using public transportation and ways to save money when planning transportation.

End of the night planning with your partner

During this episode, Renee discusses several other things everyone forgets to plan for their wedding day. She talks about the risk of drinking too much before the wedding, what to do with your purse or wallet, and making sure every vendor is paid before the end of the night. She and Aleisha also talk about planning what will happen after the wedding with your partner. Setting appropriate expectations for the end of the night will help avoid any hurt feelings or frustration. Listen to this episode of the Bridechilla Podcast to hear all about this and much more.

Photo by @neonbrand

I think not only just knowing logistically how you are getting somewhere but what your intention for the end of the night is and communicating that is important.

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Show Highlights

  • [0:40] Aleisha introduces Renee Dalo, CEO and Lead Planner of Moxie Bright Events and host of two podcasts 
  • [2:17] Aleisha and Renee talk about the two podcasts that Renee produces
  • [5:45] The focus of today’s episode are the things that people forget to think about when planning their wedding
  • [7:22] How are you going to intentionally create the morning you want to have on your wedding day?
  • [8:52] Renee shares about how her wedding morning started off in an unexpected way
  • [11:08] Know where everyone is going to get ready and that it is communicated to your wedding party
  • [13:07] What are some things that you should look for when considering where you will be getting ready? 
  • [14:21] What are you going to eat for breakfast?
  • [16:58] Renee tells the story of her experience with calming lozenges on her wedding day
  • [21:51] How are you getting to your ceremony or reception?
  • [27:02] What do you do with your purse or wallet on the wedding day? 
  • [28:45] Who still needs to be paid on the day, if anyone?
  • [32:34] At the end of the evening or wedding, how do you handle the items that need to be taken from the venue?
  • [35:20] How are you planning on getting home?
  • [38:46] The truth about wedding night sex and communicating expectations of how the wedding night will end
  • [44:47] How Bridechillas can get in touch with Renee

Meet This Episode’s Guest

Renee Dalo is the CEO and Lead Planner of Moxie Bright Events, a boutique wedding planning company based in Los Angeles. Renee turned her background of professional theater and fine dinning into a career of planning fun and elegant events that focus on personalization and intention. Renee is also the producer of two podcasts, Rock Your Wedding Biz and Talk with Renee Dalo. On this episode Renee uses her experiences as a wedding planner and a bride to talk about the things that everyone forgets to plan for their wedding day.  

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

Show image by  by Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz​

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401- Wedding Planning Q&A

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Planning a wedding is an exciting and joyous occasion. Anticipation of the big celebration with your friends and family can be exhilarating. However, the planning process can also be daunting and confusing. The Bridechilla Community is here to support and encourage you during this special and potentially overwhelming time. On this episode of the podcast, Aleisha addresses listener questions including how to find the right vendors, helping family understand and respect your wedding day wishes, and managing the demands of preparing your new home while planning the wedding. 

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Should you hire a wedding planner?

Establishing your budget is the first step to planning your wedding. Many couples try to save money by doing much of the planning themselves instead of hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. Aleisha discusses the value of hiring a wedding planner and what to expect from a budget standpoint. She also gives ideas for how to avoid extra stress when not hiring a wedding planner. The key is finding the right vendors that can best help accomplish the vision you have for your wedding. 

Photo by Amanda Vick

Think about where you are getting married and don’t just assume that ‘wedding season’ is just summer

How can an off-season wedding save you money?

There are several options that can help Bridechilla’s save money that are discussed during this episode. One way is to have an “off-season” wedding. Depending on what area you live in, there might be certain peak times during the year where wedding venues and vendors charge more for their services. Looking for values in a time other than peak season can be a cost-saver. Some couples also choose to use artificial flowers instead of real flowers to save cost and have flowers that may not be in season. Listen to this podcast to hear other advice and tips from Aleisha. 

As long as there is a balance and there is teamwork and as long as you are enjoying yourself and you don’t feel obligated to do it, great! It doesn’t make you any less of a feminist or any less in support of equality if you like to clean a bathroom.

Photo by bruce mars on

Communicating well with family and friends

Often the actions of family and friends during a wedding are well-meaning, but can be unintentionally stressful or off-putting. They may have desires or requests that could come as an unwelcome surprise to the couple. What is the best way to deal with overbearing family members? And how do you catch up with old friends who want to celebrate but who may not be invited to the wedding? How can you communicate effectively without being rude? Aleisha discusses this and much more on this episode of the Bridechilla podcast. 

I do think part of wedding planning for a lot of people is also preparing the nest, preparing the home

Preparing a home while planning a wedding

Bridechilla Ronnie’s fiancé has been very involved in the planning, which has lightened the load for her. However, Ronnie is having trouble knowing what to do with the extra time she has and has found herself doing more ordinary tasks around the house. This question leads into great encouragement for couples who are  not only planning their wedding, but also creating a new home and life together. It is perfectly natural to begin the process of preparing the home and dividing up tasks among each other. Part of the difficulty and fun of marriage is learning how to work together and that can start even in the wedding planning stage. 

Photo by Volha Flaxeco 

Show Highlights

  • [0:53] Aleisha talks about her move back to Australia from London and how it reminds her of the amount of stuff we accumulate 

  • [3:25] Whether it be wedding items or just general stuff, you can buy and sell on online marketplaces and reduce waste

  • [4:34] Is it worth it to hire a wedding planner and if so, how much can you expect to spend?

  • [9:04] How to search for a vendor using trusted recommendations and without getting overwhelmed

  • [10:39] The benefits of understanding your location and what time of year is considered wedding season

  • [12:16] What is the best way to go about using artificial flowers at your wedding?

  • [15:48] Bridechilla Hannah asks how to avoid obligation guests popping in on the wedding day while the bride and wedding party are getting ready.

  • [18:40] Hannah also asks how to catch up with friends that she might not be inviting to her wedding

  • [25:51] Ronnie asks how to handle the fact that her fiance is being very helpful in the wedding planning

  • [30:00] Part of wedding planning is also preparing the home for your marriage

  • [33:17] What do you do if you change venues and have to reduce your guest list?

  • [39:32] Aleisha talks about her honeymoon experience in Bali

  • [41:50] How to get in touch and have your wedding planning answered by Aleisha

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With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

Show image by  Alvin Mahmudov

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399- Bring Your Wedding Venue to Life with Kevin Dennis

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

After you’ve made the important decision of where your wedding will be held, then it is time to decide how you can bring your wedding venue to life. What are some ways you can transform your wedding venue? Start by listening to this episode of the Bridechilla podcast with guest Kevin Dennis, owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services in Livermore, California. Kevin has been in the wedding industry for 25 years and has a wealth of experience using sound, video, lighting, and decor to turn boring venues into beautiful and memorable spaces. 

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The more you know up front, the easier the planning process is going to be

Know the rules of your venue

Every venue is unique. Some venues are new and neutral. They provide a blank canvass that you can decorate to create the space of your dreams. Other venues are storied, historic places that don’t need or allow any additions. Every venue has their own set of rules and regulations for how the space can and cannot be used. It is important to know the limitations of the venue before you make decorating and lighting plans. Kevin Dennis shares some of his experiences and gives insight on how to plan for different types of venues.

The other thing that people forget to ask is, how much time do we have for set up?

Photo by Sweet Ice Cream Photography

Transformation takes time

With the amount of information and images available online, couples could make huge plans for the way they want to decorate their venue. The options are endless with hanging draperies, chandeliers, and other venue-transforming decor. In order to bring your wedding venue to life in the way that you’ve dreamed, it takes time. Knowing how much time you will have to work in the venue prior to the wedding will help keep the choices and plans realistic. Kevin explains that time is one of the greatest limitations for accomplishing the vision. 

People should be mindful of asking the venue this questions before you sign contracts if you have expectations that you want to make changes or hang things up or do anything that might require extra work.

Spruce up your space without spoiling your budget 

Bringing your wedding venue to life doesn’t always require a huge budget. While it can be tempting to go overboard with tons of decorations, there are some cheap, easy, and effective options. One way to spruce up your space on a shoestring budget is through the use of lighting. Kevin explains that many times couples will see an image of a wedding that they like that can be accomplished simply with colored lights. He also discusses the trend of using Edison bulbs in venues. Hear more about how you can use lighting at your wedding venue during this podcast.

Photo by Patrick Tomasso 

How to find the right vendors to bring your wedding venue to life

Having been in the wedding industry for so long, Kevin Dennis offers his unique advice and experience of not only transforming venues, but also dealing with other vendors. A typical wedding has several vendors, including sound and lighting, florists, food service, and a wedding coordinator as well as a host of others. How can you ensure that vendors are working well with each other to accomplish your vision? And how can you coordinate with each vendor to establish a timeline? Kevin discusses the importance of working with quality vendors and relying on recommendations to hire the right vendors. If you want to bring your wedding venue to life, then be sure to listen to this episode of the Bridechilla podcast. 

If your venue is doing any kind of open house, showcase, vendor fair, any of that kind of stuff that happens in the evening, go. Because you want to see what your venue looks like in the evening, with nothing

Photo by Oleg Ivanov 

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Show Highlights

  • [0:29] Aleisha introduces this episode’s guest, Kevin Dennis, owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services in Livermore, California

  • [3:53] Kevin talks about how he started his business and some of the fun things he sees when doing an event

  • [6:00] How to start thinking about using lighting and decorations to transform your venue

  • [10:07] The importance of knowing how long you have for set up in the venue where your wedding will be held

  • [13:25] Some venues have limitations on what you can or cannot do. Couples should find out those rules beforehand

  • [19:53] How Kevin works with wedding coordinators and couples to establish the wedding timeline

  • [23:12] Lighting can be a great, inexpensive way to change the look of your venue

  • [25:50] Edison bulbs are a trendy lighting solution that offer a varied, antique look in a wedding venue

  • [29:11] The difference having a quality sound system at your event can make

  • [35:14] If you are using a band, be sure to get the rider so you know their requirements

  • [36:37] Testimonial and recommendations are a great way to connect with quality vendors

  • [38:17] Some venues have requirements for vendors that should be considered when booking a venue

Kevin Dennis- Fantasy Sound Event Services

Kevin Dennis is the editor of WeddingIQ and the owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services, a full-service event company based in Livermore, California. Dennis is the past president for Silicon Valley NACE, and current international president for WIPA.

Connect with Fantasy Sound:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fantasysound
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fsesevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fantasysound

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

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398- Wedding Planning Q&A

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

One characteristic of the Bridechilla community is their desire and commitment to avoid wedding drama. There is ample opportunity for stress and drama to arise when planning a wedding. On this Q&A episode of the Bridechilla podcast, Aleisha answers questions about areas of potential drama and how to steer clear of them before and during the wedding. Hear voicemails concerning picking a venue, dealing with frendors, and how to handle disapproving family members. 

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There has to be something that, you close your eyes and picture the day. Where is that place. There has to be something that differentiates them

How to pick the right venue for your wedding

One of the hardest parts of wedding planning is deciding on a venue. Do you have a destination wedding, pick a trendy, instagramable location, or go with a more sentimental venue? Bridechilla Lauren is torn between two venues, one that she loves but has no attachment to, and another in the town where she and her fiancé met. However, she already has a venue booked. Why is she still considering another venue? Aleisha helps Lauren think through some of the pros and cons between venues and gives advice for choosing the right place.

I’m just a big believer, when you are hiring wedding vendors, whether you know them personally or not, you need to be able to rely on them

Should you hire a friendor?

Hiring a freindor, or a friend who is also a vendor, can be both a blessing and a curse. It could be mutually beneficial. You may get a discounted service and your friend gets some experience and exposure, which is especially important if they are just starting out. There is a danger that you might not get the quality of service you want or your friendship could be strained or damaged in the process. Should you use friendors? If so, what is the best way to go about it? Hear Aliesha’s answer to that and other questions from the Bridechilla community on this Q&A episode of the podcast. 

Just treat this relationship as a friendly but also a business relationship. You are absolutely a-ok to do that.

Photo by Annie Spratt 

I think weddings are a really good time to start asserting yourself in a way that you deserve to assert yourself.

Avoiding family wedding drama

Family can be one of the biggest sources of wedding drama. Bridechilla Ann is struggling with the demands of family while planning her wedding. She feels the obligation to follow their advice about the ceremony and to invite people she doesn’t really want to attend. While the goal is to have your wedding be only what you want without any obligation to anyone else, sometimes that is just not possible. Aleisha discusses how to still have the wedding you want while balancing the responsibility you have to your family. 

Photo by Haley Phelps

Keys to conflict resolution in wedding planning

Avoiding wedding drama often means that you have to address problems and issues head on. Almost everyone wants to avoid conflict. However, in life, relationships, and wedding planning, conflict is inevitable. Aleisha encourages Bridechillas to use the wedding as an opportunity to be assertive and learn how to effectively handle conflict. One helpful solution is to not consider it a fight, but rather a resolution. Listen to helpful advice about that and other wedding planning issues on this episode of the Bridechilla podcast. 

Sometime it’s good if you can turn the question onto the other person and ask them ‘What would you do if you were in my position?

Listen to the episode

Show Highlights

  • [0:58] Aleisha talks about the booth she records in and the uncomfortable stool that she sits on to record the podcast

  • [1:46] Today’s episode is a Q&A episode, addressing questions from the Bridechilla community

  • [2:42] Bridechilla Lauren asks for help in deciding between two venues, and how to choose the one that aligns with their priorities

  • [6:02] When you have a venue already booked, why would you continue to look for another venue?

  • [7:50] Hailey asks how to handle her friend/make up artist who has been disrespectful to her during the planning process

  • [10:45] Aliesha addresses whether or not taking back a plus one invite for a friend is contentious

  • [11:38] No one likes confrontation, but there is a way to be assertive without being confrontational

  • [15:00] Bridechilla Anna asks about potential missing pages in the field guide for planning food

  • [21:15] Ann is struggling with obligation to her family and difficulty finding a church while planning her wedding

  • [26:22] What do you do when your important family members don’t approve of your life choices? Do you still invite them to the wedding and risk having drama?

  • [31:54] How you can use family members or your wedding planner to help alleviate family drama during the wedding

  • [32:47] Do you invite a friendor to the wedding even though you wouldn’t invite them if they weren’t a vendor

  • [36:05] Aleisha offers thanks to everyone who has been sharing the podcast with their friends and purchasing the Bridechilla field guide

  • [37:36] Bridechilla Amanda is planning her own bachelorette party and wants to know how to best accommodate her bridesmaids for the party since they aren’t all local

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

Photo by Adrianna Van Groningen

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397- Easy Ways To Plan a Sustainable Wedding

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Your wedding doesn’t have to leave a negative mark on the environment. There are some easy ways to plan a sustainable wedding, which is exactly what Aleisha shares on this podcast. Weddings can be incredibly wasteful. Disposable plates and cups, clothing worn only once and then discarded, and flowers that aren’t sustainably sourced are just a few of the ways weddings can take their toll on the environment. However, during this episode, you will hear several great and resourceful ideas for reducing your environmental impact without sacrificing your wedding dreams. 

Listen to the episode

Ways to reduce food waste

We all bear the responsibility of taking care of the environment. With the wedding industry continuing to expand, planning a sustainable, eco-friendly wedding is increasingly important. If you don’t know where to start, this episode includes some great tips. One of the most common items wasted at a wedding is food. Knowing a firm guest-list count and working with your food vendor can keep from food being discarded after the wedding. Listen as Bridechilla Kathryn shares her ideas for reducing food waste and more.

You think about all the stuff you are doing already, there is just a slight pivot in the choices you are making there. And also, it’s not costing you any more money. And actually using recycled and repurposed clothing and decor and renting things will save you money

Clothe yourself in sustainability

Many couples buy brand new dresses and suits for themselves and their wedding party. Often, these items are worn once and either stored for eternity or discarded. There are options that reduce clothing waste, including renting, buying pre-owned, or buying items that can be re-worn in the future. Also, when considering clothing, it is important to think about where and how the clothes are made. Buying ethically made clothing is one easy way to plan a sustainable wedding.

If you can find your dream dress and rent it, why wouldn’t you?

Support charity and find your dream dress

The Brides Project is a bridal boutique…with a heart!  Wedding dresses are donated to The Brides Project from all across the country. Some are “pre-loved” – donated by brides who want to see them dance another day.  Many are donated directly from bridal salons, so they are brand new! The best part of all is that the money raised from the sale of gowns supports families touched by cancer through the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.

I think this sort of fast shopping is really irresponsible in some parts because it is so easy to get stuff that its not even a thought

Wedding Rentals- florals

Something Borrowed Blooms is a rent & return floral boutique who specializes in creating wedding flower collections using premium silk flowers. The flowers are rented to you for your wedding, for a fraction of the cost of a traditional florist. Check out their instagram for inspo.

Jane Bridal Bouquet by Something Borrowed Blooms

Accessories rental

Happily Ever Borrowed is the premiere, luxury, e-boutique that RENTS bridal veils & accessories to brides for their wedding day!  Try their Send Before You Spend Box!  Choose any 3 pieces on our site for just $50 and when you return them to us, you get $25 towards your wedding day rental!

Choose porcelain over plastic

While it might seem easier to use plastic tableware at your wedding, consider the environmental impact all that trash can have. Aleisha discusses the option of using washable plates and cups to serve your guests. She also shares a great way to reduce beer bottle and can waste. Taking a few small steps will not only reduce waste, but will look nicer and can actually save you money. A little creativity goes a long way in saving the environment and saving your wedding budget. Hear more tips during this episode of the Bridechilla podcast. 

There are some really good, modern, very well priced designers out there who make a point of saying ‘we don’t use factories that do bad things, we encourage supportive working environments that are paying a living wage and 4-year-olds aren’t making your wedding dress.

Photo by Freddy G

Planning a sustainable wedding is possible

One of the easiest ways to plan a sustainable wedding is to work with a wedding planner and vendors who are considerate of the environment. Many vendors will have alternative ideas that will help you avoid waste in your wedding.They can draw from their experience to help you come up with helpful ideas. During this episode, Aleisha discusses different partners and sponsors who provide great options that are also eco friendly. A sustainable wedding doesn’t have to be difficult. It just takes mindfulness and collaboration. Listen to this podcast to hear many ideas to help you plan your own sustainable wedding. 

More sustainable steps can make a big difference

  • Join local online wedding sale groups to buy repurposed décor, attire and other wedding items (we have a Bridechilla Buy and Sell Facebook group, you should totally join)
  • Consider going paper-free or at least reducing your paper usage by creating a wedding website and encouraging guests to RSVP and communicate online. Wedding pintables such as menus and programs are often glanced at for 2 seconds by guests and put aside, reduce these items by creating a one menu per table, or one big wedding program timeline that you can make into a sign.
  • Before buying a wedding related item, take a moment to Marie Kondo the shit out of it (google her) and ask yourself, ‘does this item bring me joy?’ and ‘does it add value to my guests (and your own) wedding experience?’
  • Although they had a real moment a couple of years ago balloons and lanterns are something that every sustainable wedding day can do without. Balloons, although colorful and pretty are an abomination to the environment and often end up in the ocean or being eaten by an unsuspecting birds or animals. Lanterns, that are often ceremoniously lit and float up into the atmosphere at the end of the night been have reported to have started wildfires and if they don’t burn out just become litter.
  • Ask your venue about recycling. Do they recycle cans and bottles used at their events? If not, why not?

Show Highlights

  • [0:33] Aleisha explains the inspiration behind this week’s podcast, which is about planning a sustainable wedding

  • [3:50] Bridechilla Kathyrn shared a post in the Bridechilla podcast detailing her ideas for reducing waste at her wedding

  • [5:41] Aleisha mentions the blog that Bridechilla Sarah shares with the community with other sustainable wedding planning ideas

  • [6:49] Alexis includes her plans for reducing waste which includes rewearable bridesmaid dresses, not using plastic for food service, and avoiding using water bottles

  • [8:00] One way to reduce waste is to use kegs instead of individual beer cans or bottles

  • [9:53] How to work with a spouse that might not be as open to making sustainable decisions during wedding planning

  • [13:15] There are increasingly more companies who rent high end, classy wedding apparel that help you avoid buying new dresses that you’ll never wear again

  • [15:53] Bridechilla Karen is using used wine bottles as their centerpieces, did everything electronically, and did edible favors

  • [22:46] Ask your venue what environmentally friendly measures they take

  • [23:57] Knowing where and how your clothes are made is another way to mindfully and ethically plan your wedding

  • [29:29] Picking a good florist can also help you reduce your wedding’s environmental footprint

  • [32:03] Communicating your desire for sustainability requires savvy communication skills

  • [35:36] Bridechilla Sarah, a wedding planner, tries to help her clients think of eco-friendly ideas for their wedding, including using one glass for the evening, potted plants as centerpieces, etc. 

  • [39:09] Aleisha discusses the jewelry industry and the importance of researching the company and how they source their diamonds and metals.

Listen to the episode

Recommended further reading

Wildlife friendly wedding guide

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

Show image by James Owen

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396- Avoiding Wedding Planning Burnout

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

This week’s Bridechilla Podcast episode is all about how to avoid wedding planning burnout. We all know what it is like to feel the effects of stress. There is a mental, physical, and emotional toll. Burnout can happen at any stage in life, but wedding planning can be a particularly vulnerable time. Trying to organize and plan an event, the size and scope of which you probably have never done before, while also managing the normal aspects of life is no small task. How can you avoid burnout and enjoy the wedding planning process. Hear some of Aleisha’s tips on this podcast.

There is no right way to do all this stuff.

Listen to the Bridechilla Podcast episode

It’s all about perspective

There is a lot of pressure to have the most amazing wedding ever. The internet is full of picturesque weddings that look incredible and effortless. Many of those pictures are staged and unrealistic. Wedding planning is highly involved, but it shouldn’t be considered the peak of achievement. It is important to keep the wedding in perspective with all of the other responsibilities and accomplishments in your life. This perspective will help you from being overwhelmed and give you the freedom to plan the kind of wedding you want. 

Even if you are not feeling stressed...it’s also good to just be aware of how you’re feeling and to take a little moment to check in and plan for the future when it may very well happen

Photo by Victoria Heath​

What are the symptoms of burnout

Burnout can sneak up on you if you aren’t paying attention. You can continue to push, trying to manage all of your responsibilities without taking the time to care for yourself. However, if you take a moment and assess, you will notice the symptoms of stress and burnout. Aleisha talks about several symptoms of burnout, including what she calls “stress breath”. Listen to this episode to hear other symptoms and how you can identify them in your life. 

The pros and cons of a wedding planning timeline 

One way to avoid wedding planning burnout is to utilize a wedding planning timeline. They can help you prioritize your tasks and make decisions as needed. However, timelines aren’t perfect. Every wedding is different. Timelines are simply tools to be used, and should be adapted to your unique situation. It is ok if you don’t follow the timeline exactly. Listen to this episode to hear the ways timelines can be both helpful and harmful, and how you can use them in a way that reduces stress during wedding planning. 

With wedding planning, something that a lot of us hasn’t done before, you go through this stage where you are like ‘what now? What do i do?

Photo by Jacob Postuma

Wedding planning limbo

During the wedding planning process, there will be a time when you will start to feel overwhelmed. You will feel like you haven’t done enough, or that you don’t know what to do next. Be encouraged that this feeling is normal. Every couple planning a wedding has experienced this. However, when you reach this wedding planning limbo, don’t give in to the stress. Aleisha gives helpful ideas for what to do when you reach this stage of planning. Listen to hear about that and much more on this episode of the Bridechilla podcast. 

Timelines should be something that are helpful to be able to tick off different tasks but you shouldn’t feel like you have to do something at a certain stage because every event is different.

Listen to the Bridechilla Podcast episode

Show Highlights

  • [0:43] Aleisha introduces this episode’s topic, avoiding wedding planning burnout

  • [3:02] Wedding planning isn’t the peak achievement of life and shouldn’t be treated as such

  • [5:05] Burnout can happen quickly, especially when you are planning a wedding while also trying to balance all of the other commitments and obligations you have in everyday life. 

  • [7:14] Aleisha describes the token symptoms of burnout and how she senses it coming.

  • [11:36] How to effectively use a wedding planning timeline without letting them overwhelm you. 

  • [15:38] Streamlining your wedding planning and completing small tasks can help alleviate stress

  • [21:40] The importance of clarity in avoiding burnout

  • [23:08] The stage of engagement when most couples hit burnout in wedding planning.

  • [25:48] How regular should communication with vendors or coordinator happen?

  • [29:54] The physical symptoms of stress and burnout. 

  • [32:03] Aleisha talks about the new group she has set up for the Bridechilla community called Bosschilla. 

  • [34:00] How to get in touch with Aleisha

For me, one of the big symptoms of burnout is physical, feeling tired, feeling puffy and bloated, feeling vague and reactive

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

Show image by mari lezhava​

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