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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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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?

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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. 

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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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393- Planning for the Unforeseen Circumstances

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Though you envision your wedding day as being nothing short of perfect, it is wise to also planning for unforeseen circumstances. No one wants to imagine the things that can go wrong on their special day. However, there are certain events or relationships that can cause issues. Rather than being naive and unprepared, work with your friends, family members, and vendors to develop contingencies so that you can still have a beautiful, magical day. On this episode of the Bridechilla podcast, guest Emily Sullivan or Emily Sullivan Events, joins Aleisha to discuss how brides and grooms can best plan for unforeseen circumstances. 

Listen to episode 393 of Bridechilla

While there are certain circumstances that you simply can’t plan for, you can plan for the eventuality that something will go wrong. Emily says that in her experience, something goes wrong everyday. Building in a contingency plan is what keeps a minor hiccup from turning into a complete train wreck. Emily suggests that the best way to plan for unforeseen circumstances is to start with the best, high quality vendors. When picking out the people who will supply or serve your wedding, make sure that they have the experience and expertise to both avoid unnecessary drama and know how to handle it if it arises. 
When you are trying to get a deal and something bigger comes along, that vendor is going to take that bigger thing because they don’t necessarily have the right work ethic

What situations should you prepare for?

During their conversation, Aleisha and Emily discuss the types of unforeseen circumstances that could threaten your wedding day. Emily’s event company is based out of New Orleans, Louisiana, so she quickly cites natural disasters as one of those threats. It could also be a vendor cancelation or no-show, a rogue family member, or a host of other unexpected events. Hear their list of possible wedding wreckers so that you can better prepare for these things during your wedding. 

I am a big advocate of vendor boundaries. It doesn’t necessarily mean your vendors are available to you 24 hours a day.

Photo by Dmitriy Nushtaev

Working with the right people is a great first step

One of the keys to avoiding or handling unforeseen circumstances is hiring the right vendors. Everything about the wedding day hinges on and celebrates great relationships. However, having great vendors doesn’t necessarily mean that they are at your disposal, night and day. When establishing a relationship with a vendor you want to be sure and respect appropriate boundaries. You can’t expect them to be available all the time, nor can you hold them responsible for issues that might arise. Emily and Aleisha talk about ways to create a great working relationship with vendors and how to mitigate risk during this podcast. 

One of the first things we tell our clients when they hire us is go ahead and get this wedding insurance policy, so that you don’t have to worry about that if it comes down to it.

Disasters aren't always natural...

One common unforeseen circumstances that Emily has seen during her time as a planner comes in the form of difficult family members. Every family has their own share of outliers who, given the opportunity, can cause real trouble. It is important to let you wedding planner or vendors know ahead of time about the potential rogue family members so that they can help formulate a plan. As you are planning your wedding, be sure you listen to this episode and consider what unforeseen circumstances you should be preparing for on your special day. 

The best bet when dealing with family drama is don’t pretend it’s not there. Deal with it

Photo by Sweet Ice Cream Photography

Trust your gut when you are hiring your vendors. Do your research, listen to what your gut is saying and go in that direction.

Listen to the episode

  • [0:34] Aleisha introduces today’s guest, Emily Sullivan, owner of Emily Sullivan events in New Orleans, Louisiana

  • [3:07] During the beginning stages of wedding planning, how can you protect yourself and prepare for things that could go wrong?

  • [6:23] The role of trust in picking vendors is critical in helping mitigate issues that could arise during planning or on the wedding day

  • [9:13] Aleisha and Emily talk through the major types of unforeseen circumstances that could threaten your wedding 

  • [12:45] The importance of wedding insurance and how it can help protect you in the event that something threatens your plans

  • [19:24] Get the audio version of the Bridechilla Wedding Planning Survival guide on audible

  • [22:10] What are some warning signs that you should look for when hiring vendors

  • [23:33] Vendors and clients should show mutual respect and have definite boundaries

  • [27:27] Emily tells a story about a client who wanted to go against her advice and how she dealt with that.

  • [30:02] What do you do if a vendor cancels? What do you do if you don’t have a wedding planner to help you deal with vendors? 

  • [34:07] If you have a cancelation, utilize the expertise of the other vendors to help find a replacement

  • [35:35] How to deal with unreasonable or misbehaving family members. 

  • [41:02] If you think there might be an issue with a family member, think through it beforehand and how you might deal with it. 

  • [43:03] How to get in touch with Emily Sullivan

Meet This Episode’s Guest

Emily Sullivan is the owner of Emily Sullivan Events in New Orleans, Louisiana. She started planning weddings in 2006 and has become one of the premiere planners in the area. She is committed to evolving with the times, keeping herself and team relevant within the wedding industry. Her experience, expertise, and personality are a perfect combination to help brides and grooms plan the wedding they want while keeping them calm and secure during the process. 

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

Show image by Ashley Schulze

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392- Q&A- How to Feel Better About Yourself While Planning Your Wedding

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Whether you are planning a wedding or just going through something stressful, it is nice to hear that other people are dealing with similar issues. Sometimes you hear about other people’s problems and it makes you feel better. Helping you get through the wedding planning process is what we are all about on the Bridechilla podcast. That’s why we are sharing problems and questions from the Bridechilla community. On this episode, Aleisha addresses questions about assigning roles and responsibilities to your wedding party, abandoning the first look, and how to know how many invitees will actually be at the wedding.

Listen to episode 392 of Bridechilla

Pick and choose your traditions

When planning your wedding, you might decide there are certain traditions that you don’t want to adhere to. Is it crazy to have a non-traditional wedding. There are many wedding traditions that you might choose to include in your ceremony. However, many customs might not make sense or be meaningful to you. Your wedding is about you, so you can choose to do whatever you want. Bridechilla Kelly doesn’t want just a traditional maid-of-honor. She wants three. Hear Aleisha’s advice for how to define roles for the three maids and how to make this unique arrangement work. 

Photo by Miguel Ángel Hernández

No matter what label we are putting on people we are asking to help, the big thing is having a discussion with them about their expectations and your expectations.

Skip the secrets

Another tradition that a lot of couples choose to do is to keep the bride’s dress a secret until the day of the wedding. They often do a “first-look” prior to the wedding and photographs. However, one bridechilla contacted Aleisha to ask what they should do if they don’t want to participate in a first look. In fact, they don’t want to keep the dress a secret at all. There is no right or wrong way to customize your wedding. Hear what Aleisha’s thoughts about skipping the dress secret and abandoning the first look.  

Plan to pause with your partner

Another way to feel better about yourself when planning your wedding is to plan for quiet moments for you and your partner during the wedding day. There is so much going on during the day, it is easy to reach the end and not remember anything. Though you want your guests to have a good time, the wedding is really about you and your partner. Aleisha encourages finding moments during the day to just pause together, reflect, and ensure that your day is truly memorable.

Photo by Jonathan Borba 

Find a place for the parents

You might think you are juggling a lot of people and relationships for your wedding. But do you have 7 parents to include in your wedding? That’s exactly how many Bridechilla Kristen has. Kristen wants to know how to include all of the parents and step parents in meaningful ways while still keeping the wedding special and according to her wishes. Hear Aleisha’s answer to that and many other questions during this episode of the Bridechilla podcast. 

Look at the day and don’t feel an obligation when it comes to having to appease all these people. That goes for everyone really

Listen to the episode

Show Highlights

  • [0:30] After looking at her inbox, Aleisha decided that another wedding planning Q&A episode was in order.

  • [2:16] Bridechilla Stephanie wants to know a special and creative way to ask a long-distance friend to be a part of her wedding.

  • [6:11] Kelly asks for ideas for how to have three maids-of-honors and how to make each one feel special. 

  • [10:10] Is it crazy to not want to keep your dress a secret for the first look? 

  • [12:32] Courtney calls to get Aleisha’s advice on how to plan for how many people on the guest list will actually attend.

  • [22:40] Get the hardback wedding planning guide written by Aleisha at Bridechillstore.com.

  • [24:02] Kristen is getting married in July and wants to know how to deal with having 7 parents in their wedding and how to assign roles. 

  • [29:41] Aleisha invites the Bridechilla community to continue submitting questions, as there are more Q&A episodes to come.

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

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390- Creating Your Wedding Mood Board with Oleta Collins

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

There are a ton of resources available to help you when you are when creating your wedding mood board. On this episode of the Bridechilla podcast, guest Oleta Collins from Flourishing Art joins Aleisha to talk about the best ways to go about creating a mood board. With pinterest, instagram, and a whole host of wedding related websites, blogs, and podcasts, there is a treasure trove of ideas that you can pull from. Sorting through and knowing which ideas are realistic and within your budget is the real challenge. Oleta shares advice from her wedding planning experience on how to create the most helpful wedding mood board. 

Listen to episode 390 of Bridechilla

I want to see what they like, what they love, what their inspiration is, but I want to see the dislikes just as much as the likes.

What do you like? What don't you like?

A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to planning a wedding. They can help communicate a look or design you’d like to include in your wedding. They can also stir your creative juices to help create something completely unique and original. When developing your mood board, Oleta suggests not only looking for ideas you really like, but also including some images or things that you don’t like. This will help your vendors better capture the vision you are trying to accomplish for your wedding.

Photo by Annie Gray

Don't be overwhelmed by styled shoots

One of the drawbacks of sites like pinterest and instagram is that they host staged, produced photographs. Many of these images have been painstakingly created, but are incredibly unrealistic to pull off in a real wedding. Unfortunately, these photos can create expectations that do not match the budget needed to pull off such an idea. It is important for couples to have a good understanding of their budget even as they create their mood board so they can then select ideas that are manageable. Oleta says that with an unlimited budget, anything is possible, but most couples don’t have that, so budget must be considered. 

No is an option when there’s no budget. If you have a budget, anything is achievable.

Photo by Annie Spratt 

Always have a contingency plan and budget!

There are two important factors to consider when working with vendors to establish wedding budgets and plans. The first factor is contingencies. Every wedding budget should include a contingency line item. Hear Oleta and Aleisha discuss the likelihood of going over budget and how to handle that during this conversation. The second consideration is bad weather or natural disasters that could potentially derail your wedding plans. Listen to this episode for tips on how to plan for these types of often unexpected events. 

If you are looking at having this amazing, dramatic, wonderful night and you want to remember it for the rest of your life, make sure you have professionals that are going to cover you.

Want to know all the questions to ask your vendors? Download now.

Hiring the 'right' people to make your vision happen

When planning your wedding, it is really fun to dream big and consider what fun and exciting ideas you can include in your wedding. Oleta shares some of the most unique ideas that couples have asked her to include in their weddings. In order to accomplish these things, having the right professionals involved is essential. Going to the flower market on the morning of your wedding trying to pull together decorations is a bad idea. Hire the right people to set your dream in motion and then enjoy your day. Hear all about this and much more on the Bridechilla podcast. 

Show Highlights

  • [0:50] Introduction of guest Oleta Collins and how she started Flourishing Art

  • [4:47] How to start your wedding planning process without being overwhelmed and ensuring that they are asking the right questions

  • [7:57] What kinds of dislikes should you be prepared to share with vendors when showing them your mood boards

  • [10:27] Style shoots are beautiful but can be logistically unrealistic, so expectations need to meet reality when planning

  • [13:41] Oleta discusses how she helps couples understand the budgetary needs to pull off their dream wedding

  • [16:54] Considering the wedding budget and building in a contingency line  

  • [19:40] Make sure that your vendors have insurance so that you and your guests are covered in the event of bad weather or natural disasters

  • [27:48] Oleta shares some of the flashy, big ideas that couples have asked her to accomplish for their wedding

  • [32:50] How many images or pieces of inspiration should you include on your mood board?

  • [37:33] The importance of getting professional to help plan your wedding

  • [43:31] How people can get in touch with Oleta  

Listen to episode 390 of Bridechilla

Meet this episode's guest

A passion for floral design started early for Oleta, with her first job at a family member’s flower shop at the age of 12. Although it was initially just for spending money, she quickly discovered her knack for arranging blooms and never stopped. Since those early days, Oleta has worked on TV and movie set designs, managed the largest design studio in LA, and earned her credentials from the American Institute of Floral Design. Based in Bakersfield, California, she has brought the LA flair to her rural
hometown along with her fresh, new ideas and creations.
Her dream of inspiring clients is brought to life every day, as she meets and falls in love with every couple that she encounters. Oleta dedicates herself to learning the unique quirks of each client and embedding their guests’ partnership into every detail of the wedding experience. When Oleta is a part of an event team, the love she weaves into
every aspect is palpable — guests will experience the scents, colors, textures, sounds, and tastes of each couple’s dreams.
In her spare time, you can find Oleta serving up a lob on the nearest pickleball court or snuggling her plethora of furry and feathered loved ones that she rescued with her husband. In fact, if you come by the shop, you may get to meet one of their pups!

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

http://www.swankybadger.com

Show image by Nikiya Christie 

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389- Wedding Photography Q&A with Cavin Elizabeth Part 2

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

One of Bridchilla’s most popular topics (and guests), wedding photographer Cavin Elizabeth, joins the Bridechilla podcast to answer more wedding photography questions. Once word got out to the Bridechilla community that Cavin Elizabeth was joining the show, the questions flooded in. Cavin has tons of wedding photography experience and wisdom from which she shares advice. During this episode, she answers questions about how to trust your wedding photographer, the importance of contracts, whether or not to tip your vendors, and how to plan the wedding day timeline with your wedding photographer.  
(Listen and read the Part 1 blog here)

Listen to episode 389 of the Bridechilla Podcast

Let them (the photographer) be in charge. There’s a reason you hired them. If you don’t trust them to do their jobs then you probably should not have hired them

Hire who you trust, trust who you hire

Bridechilla Jackie asks Cavin how to give a photographer guidance about what kind of pictures they want while still trusting them to do their work well. Cavin encourages couples not to try to micromanage their wedding photographers, especially on the day of the wedding. While it is ok to give them some of your thoughts and ideas, it is best to trust that, if they are professionals, they know how to do their job. Cavin says if you trust them enough to hire them, trust them enough to do their job without micromanaging. 

Bridechilla 389- Wedding Photography Q&A with Cavin Elizabeth Part 2

Image by Cavin Elizabeth

There’s all kinds of tipping alternatives that show your gratitude if you don’t or can’t spend any more money on tips.

Tips for Tipping your Wedding Photographer

Tipping vendors is a recurring question that comes up in the Bridechilla community. Should you tip your wedding photographer? If so, how much should you tip? When and how do you give them the tip? Cavin gives advice from her experience of receiving tips for her wedding photography. She also gives some great tipping alternatives that can allow the couple to show gratitude without shelling out even more money. Hear her advice about tipping and much more on this episode of the Bridechilla podcast. 

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Do not hire anybody for your wedding without a contract.

The facts about contracts

When hiring a vendor, you want to ensure that you are getting exactly what you pay for. Even if you are hiring a freelance photographer, it is essential that you have a contract. The contract should lay out the terms of service, any contingencies, and all of the specifics of what you are paying for from that vendor. If a vendor doesn’t offer a contract, you should ask them for one, or even draw one up yourself. Listen to Cavin’s advice about contracts with vendors on this podcast.  

Bridechilla 389- Wedding Photography Q&A with Cavin Elizabeth Part 2

Image by Cavin Elizabeth

Anything that is sensitive that could possibly come up when that photographer is dealing with the family, especially in family photos, they need to know.

Dysfunctional family photos

Nobody has the perfect family. Everybody has weird or difficult family dynamics of some sort. A wedding offers a unique opportunity for those dysfunctions to be on full display. How can you deal with difficult or dysfunctional family dynamics. Cavin encourages Bridechillas to give the photographer as much information as possible in advance of the wedding day so that they can help avoid any awkward or harmful situations. Hear all about that and much more on this wedding photography Q&A episode of the Bridechilla podcast. 

Bridechilla 389- Wedding Photography Q&A with Cavin Elizabeth Part 2

Image by Cavin Elizabeth

Do not do other people favors for your wedding. If there is something you want for your wedding, do what you want for your wedding

Listen to episode 389 of Bridechilla

Show Highlights

  • [1:46] Bridechilla Jackie asks how to work with a photographer, giving them guidance for what she and her partner want while trusting them to do their job well. 

  • [5:21] One key characteristic of being a bridechilla is treating people with kindness

  • [6:27] Chelsea asks about the rules of tipping your wedding photographer. 

  • [10:30] Cavin Elizabeth talks about the power of referrals

  • [11:57] What are some important issues that should be covered in a photographers contract. 

  • [22:41] Bridechilla asks for tips for dealing with dysfunctional family dynamics while trying to take wedding photos

  • [26:56] How to handle a difficult or potentially disruptive guest coming to your wedding

  • [28:00] When planning the wedding day timeline, how much do you involve the photographer? 

  • [32:16] How to handle frendors and family members who want to work for your wedding, when you don’t want them to?

  • [38:00] Cavin Elizabeth talks about her resources and how you can book her to photograph your wedding. 

Meet This Episode’s Guest

Cavin Elizabeth is an international wedding film and digital photographer based in San Diego. She operates a boutique studio with a focus on personal connection that makes couples more at ease while being photographed for their special day. This gives Cavin’s picture a natural, authentic and romantic look. She also wrote a book entitled A Bride’s Guide to a Picture Perfect Wedding that teaches brides how to get the most out of their wedding photography and have magazine worthy images. Catch up on Cavin's previous episode of Bridechilla, all about how to find the right wedding photographer for your wedding here. 

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

Show image by Cavin Elizabeth

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388- Wedding Planning Q&A, with Rich

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

On this episode of the Bridechilla podcast, Aleisha’s husband Rich joins the show to answer wedding questions from the Bridechilla community. Being a part of the Bridechilla community gives you access not only to Aliesha’s knowledge and insight about planning a wedding, but also a great support system of men and women who are going through a similar journey as you. During this podcast, you’ll hear questions about appropriate tipping for a European wedding, how to deal with bad customer service from a wedding venue, and engagement gift ideas for the groom.

Listen to episode 388 of Bridechilla

A wedding day is about wearing things that make you feel comfortable and fabulous.

One year countdown

The engagement period is full of excitement. You are looking forward to a great celebration and a wonderful, meaningful marriage thereafter. There can also be a lot of stress. There are so many plans to be made, vendors to book, and guests to invite. Depending on the length of your engagement, you will have to be strategic in how you prioritize your time and finances. Ellie writes in asking for Aleisha’s advice about how to go about prioritizing her planning with one year left before the wedding day.

Photo by Alvin Mahmudov

Tips on tipping

In America, it is customary to tip generously. It is a way of showing gratitude for excellent service. However, if you are planning a destination wedding in another country, you should be sure to consider their customs. Acting like an American in other countries can often be seen as rude or pretentious. Aleisha discusses the tipping customs specifically in Italy and encourages listeners to be savvy when visiting other countries. Rather than risking the chance of offending your foreign hosts, take some time to research and understand their traditions and then follow suit. Here all about that and many more Wedding Q&As on this podcast.

The last 6 months of wedding planning really flies and that’s when things happen that you might not be ready for. Even when you are really organized you still have to be a bit ninja.Enter your text here...

Putting the service back into customer service

When planning your wedding, it is important to first know what you and your partner want. Once you are in agreement, and you have set a prioritized budget, then the goal is to make your dream a reality. So what do you do when poor customer service threatens to get in the way of your dream day? How do you handle a vendor who is inconsiderate or unhelpful when problems arise? Aleisha shares a pertinent story of how she handled a recent experience with poor customer service and gives tips for how couples can handle a similar situation when planning their wedding. 

Photo by George Coletrain 

I feel like art is something that everyone underestimates as gifts

Engagement gift ideas

When a couple gets engaged, typically the groom-to-be gives the bride-to-be a really nice, expensive ring as a symbol of their love and betrothal. Less common is for the bride-to-be to give her partner something in return. However, one Bridechilla wanted to do just that. What are some good gift ideas for your partner to celebrate your engagement. Hear Rich and Aleisha give some great ideas as they answer that and many other questions on this Wedding Q&A episode of the Bridechilla podcast.   

Listen to episode 388 of Bridechilla

Show Highlights

  • [0:43] Aleisha and Rich start the show by speaking in Spainish and talking about why Rich is joining today’s podcast

  • [4:14] Ellie asks for tips from the Bridechilla community for the one year countdown for her wedding. 

  • [8:36] How do you handle tipping vendors in Europe so that you show gratitude without offending?

  • [19:32] Bridechilla Kim asks how to deal with family who wants the partner to wear a dress when she doesn’t want to. 

  • [24:41] What do you do when you discover that your wedding venue has some issues that you don’t want to deal with? 

  • [31:04] Aleisha shares a story of bad customer service she experienced with a vendor and how she handled it.

  • [34:20] What would be a good gift to give your male partner as a way to celebrate your engagement.

  • [39:15] Rich and Aliesha give some ideas for gifts to give your fiance

  • [42:56] How can you submit a question for Aleisha and/or her guests to answer on the podcast

With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners

Subscribe to Bridechilla Podcast

Show image by insung yoon

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