Wedding Planning Podcast
Kara Lamerato
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This podcast offers a fresh approach to wedding planning, encouraging couples to resist the pressures of the massive wedding industry and instead focus on their personal values and priorities. It provides advice on maintaining a positive mindset during the engagement and designing a celebration that truly reflects the couple. The show aims to help listeners enjoy the process and create a meaningful, joyful wedding experience.
Episode
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Your Wedding Flower Questions & Frequent Flower Mistakes 15.07.2026 21mntThis week, I have an inbox full of your wedding flower questions to share! I also put together a list of the top wedding flower mistakes that I see couples make, to further help guide you to "DIY wedding flower SUCCESS". Today we're reviewing: How much should 5 relatively simple bouquets cost? I'm being quoted over $1200, which feels so ridiculous. Visiting a flower farm to pick stems w/ my bridal party - how early should we pick & arrange them so that they are still fresh? How much time should we allocate to making the bouquets & centerpieces in the day or two before the wedding? Downsides to ordering flowers online? Considering Costco but the prices seem too good to be true We definitely want to do flower bouquets for me & bridesmaid and a simple flower on the guys' jacket, but do you have any ideas for creative centerpieces that are more affordable than flowers? Additional resources mentioned in today's episode: Wedding Flowers by Season Wholesale Flowers from COSTCO Wholesale Flowers from FIFTY FLOWERS -
Simple & Affordable Wedding Flower Options 08.07.2026 21mntWedding flowers are high on the list of things that couples rate "not very" to "not at all" important to them. So why spend thousands of dollars on elaborate, professional floral centerpieces and bouquets? There are so many simple, beautiful & affordable alternatives - Today I have an 5-part formula for you to follow so that you can have beautiful, top quality flowers ... for an affordable price tag. And the tips I'm sharing today don't have to be just for your wedding - you can use the same guidelines for any event, including engagement party, bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, or any special event you'll host between now & your wedding, and even beyond. Tune in and explore exactly how you can maximize the QUALITY AND VALUE of your wedding flowers using 5 simple guidelines. Blog Post for today's show can be found here. RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW: Bulk Florals & Arrangements from Costco Wedding Flowers by Season Find a flower warehouse / wholesaler near you! Simply search, "floral wholesaler near me" In San Diego? Here's my favorite flower / decor wholesaler -
Real Wedding Recap from Rochester, MI + Wedding Q&A 01.07.2026 32mntGet ready for a fun show today! Here's a road map of where we're going: I have a recap of my brother-in-law's 3/30/25 wedding in Rochester, MI. I'll share what was amazing, a detailed rundown of the venue / flow of events, how they took advantage of cost-saving opportunities, their solution to kids at the wedding, and lots more valueble takeaways! I also have an inbox full of your questions on everything from: How to blend "nostalgic elements" into our wedding celebration? Responding to requests to invite more people (ew) Managing pre-wedding stress Proactively planning how to spend our time throughtout our wedding weekend In the Detroit Metro area, and looking for an amazing venue? We LOVED it: Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, MI Be in touch with your wedding questions and / or show requests anytime by visiting weddingplanningpodcast.co/contact. Talk soon! -
Solving the Wedding Reception Seating Chart Puzzle 24.06.2026 33mntCreating your wedding reception seating chart can QUICKLY become one of wedding planning's biggest pains. Between crazy family members, divorces, step-parents, hook-up's gone wrong, introverts, extroverts and lots of alcohol - your seating chart can quickly begin to feel like a jigsaw puzzle from hell. This week on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're going to review some easy tips & tactics for designing your reception seating chart. Simple stuff that will ease the pain, and take this task from dreaded to done! Resources & links from today's show: Find helpful online seating chart tool recommendations here, Search "wedding seating chart" on Etsy for lots of custom options, "Do It Yourself" seating chart signs here, Browse KVW custom place card holders here, And enjoy tons of creative seating chart ideas on this Pinterest board. -
Post-Wedding Checklist: 15+ Things To Do After Your Wedding 17.06.2026 33mntWhen you're in the thick of wedding planning, it can feel like this phase of life will go on forever. But believe it or not, at some point you WILL actually be married, and wedding planning will come to an end (insert cheering emoji / crying emoji here - take your pick!). I see a pretty split reaction to this, with half of us feeling thank universe, the wedding can't come soon enough ... having all that extra brain space back from planning and organizing a million tiny details will be amazing. On the other hand, there are also plenty of us who absolutely love the engagement and planning phase, and are NOT looking forward to it ending. Post wedding blues are a real thing, and we're going to talk about that today too. To start today off, I have some post-wedding takeaways and advice from past WPP couples (including myself!). They share what they loved, and in all honesty, what could have been better. During the second half of today's show, I have an actionable checklist of things that will need to be handled after the wedding. So if you're sad about it all coming to an end … don't worry - it doesn't actually end, there's still lots more to do! Click here for a checklist-style recap Cheers to you, Kara -
Creating the Ultimate Wedding Website 10.06.2026 27mntCreating a simple, info-packed WEDDING WEBSITE is the easiest, most hassle free way to easily share information with your wedding guests. Join me today for a detailed wedding planning workshop on exactly how to create an amazing wedding website - zero technical skills required! To get started, choose your wedding website design from an incredible community of independent artists & designers when you visit Minted Weddings. FREE Minted wedding websites include all the tools you need to get started, and you'll even receive a $50 credit towards your wedding stationery when you visit www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/website. In today's show, we're covering what to include on your website, what not to include, and lots of priceless details on how to leverage this incredible tool to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER over the coming months. I also have a really fun & interactive extension of your website that will make connecting with your guests a breeze between now & wedding day. Even if you've already got a wedding website up & running, I hope you'll stick around for today's conversation - I have lots of important website elements to share that many couples miss, and I want you to be able to leverage your wedding website to your FULL ADVANTAGE over the next few months ... making your life easier, and of course, your guests' lives easier as well! A quick outline of what we're going to cover in today's meeting: Home Page Events Travel & Accommodations FAQ Page Your Story Wedding Party RSVP Details Links to your registry & don't miss my BONUS TIP for keeping in close contact with your wedding guests throughout the coming months via a private Facebook Group! Here's a link that explains exactly how to set one up. -
Ultimate Guide to Save the Dates & Wedding Invitations 03.06.2026 24mntAffordable & beautiful Save the Date announcements and wedding invitations - how hard can that be?? Well, if you've spent 3 hours on a Saturday getting lost down the rabbit hole of 9 different wedding invitation websites, then you know that finding a practical solution that fits your style and your budget is much easier said than done. Today I'm sharing a complete guide to wedding stationery, from Save the Dates to invitations. We'll even review all of those mysterious extras like fancy paper type, additional enclosures, wax seals, envelope liners, and more. And if you're on a budget and looking to keep your invites as minimal and affordable as possible, I've got some exclusive listener savings to share totaling over $300! See below for links & resources. LINKS + SPECIAL OFFERS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW: 25% off Save the Date announcements >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted 830+ Wedding Invitations w/ matching website, Save the Dates, QR code & extras >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/invite $50 stationery credit to use towards your save the dates and / or invitations when you create a wedding website >>> weddingplanningpodcast.co/website Redeem your FREE Wedding Invitation Sample Kit here -
Choosing Your Wedding Color Palette 27.05.2026 16mntGreat news - you don't need to be a professional designer or natural-born artist to select a beautiful & cohesive color palette for your wedding celebration. Today on the Wedding Planning Podcast, we're running through 5 easy steps for choosing the colors to incorporate into your rehearsal, ceremony & reception. I also have a bonus rundown of the top Wedding Color Palette MISTAKES that I see couples make, so be sure to stick around until the end! A lightening speed recap: 1. Start w/ your venue to guide your color selection, 2. Get color inspiration for your Save the Dates & wedding website - the first design elements your guests will actually see! I've linked 78 Save the Date options with beautiful sample color palettes here. 3. Tips for using Pinterest to your advantage, 4. Consider your potential colors actually being worn by your wedding party, 5. And of course, KEEP IT SIMPLE! Enjoy the show! -
Your Complete Guide to Wedding & Jewelry Insurance with BriteCo 20.05.2026 26mntYou deserve wedding insurance that's fast and affordable, and protecting your investment in your wedding celebration literally couldn't be easier than a quick online visit to Brite.co/wedpod. Today we're joined by a very special guest, Dustin Lemick. Dustin is the CEO and founder of BriteCo. BriteCo is a modern insurance company built for the digital age, and their goal is to simplify the process of securing jewelry and wedding insurance. Well, mission complete, because streamline and simplify is exactly what BriteCo has done - with plans starting below $80, no hidden fees and up to 15% in discounts! In today's episode, Dustin walks us through everything you need to know about wedding liability & cancellation coverage, and jewelry insurance. We'll explore all of your wedding insurance FAQ's, including how much it costs (spoiler alert, it's shockingly affordable), what exactly is covered, how to determine what type of coverage you need, and even how to file a claim. From your engagement ring to your wedding day, you can protect your most cherished memories with BriteCo. Visit brite.co/wedpod for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing that you're covered! -
Rehearsal Dinner Planning Tips 13.05.2026 24mntYou've done months (maybe even YEARS) of wedding planning & preparation, and the big day is finally almost here! Last stop? Rehearsal dinner. This week we're reviewing everything you need to know for planning & hosting this extra special night with your family & friends. We cover everything from the ceremony rehearsal itself to practical tips for hosting your loved ones afterwards. DETAILED BLOG POST HERE Naturally, I have a ton of creative alternatives to taking 50 of your closest friends & family out to eat at a nice restaurant ($$$). Beyond just saving money, we'll also cover: When to start planning (hint - it might be earlier than you think!) Personality-packed options for location and food selection Tips for keeping the night on pace and organized And meaningful touches that will be remembered beyond the wedding day. This topic is so dear to me - I remember our rehearsal dinner as one of the most special nights of my life. We grilled chicken, steak & veggies with our friends & family on the property where we got married, had all the fave drinks flowing, and a curated list of our favorite songs turned way up. We laughed, talked & celebrated long past sunset, and it was an absolutely magical night. I wish all the same for you! xo, Kara -
Cost Cutting Chaos: When Trying to Save Money Backfires 06.05.2026 39mntToday we're going to chat about a handful of ways when trying to "save" money on your wedding can totally BACKFIRE. Aside of college educations, new homes and new cars, your wedding likely has one of the biggest price tags you've ever paid. You're spending tens of thousands of dollars - of course you're trying to save money when possible! You're not out there researching the most expensive venue in your area, or trying to find ways to spend more money on your invitations. When a potential photographer or caterer gives you a quote for services, you probably don't say "well that sounds OK, but do you have anything that costs more?" If you've been listening to the Wedding Planning Podcast for a while, I hope you know me well enough now to know that I'm NOT the wedding professional who's going to tell you NEVER to try to cut this corner, or don't DARE hire a friend to do x, y, z. I see this type of messaging a lot. If you do your own wedding day hair and makeup it will totally fail, and you should hire a professional to do it for you. If you skimp on a photographer, you will regret it for the rest of your life. The trouble is, professional service providers in pretty much any industry have an agenda - to sell their product or service. And whether you hear from a wedding professional on a podcast, read their articles on a blog, or see their posts on Instagram, their position is probably that hiring a professional is THE BEST way to go. "After all", they say, "this is your wedding - you can't afford to cut corners on the best day of your life." Well, for lots of this, I call BS. Sure, if you have a wedding budget in the 6-figures, then "hire a professional" is a great option for everything I just listed. But most of us DON'T have $100,000 to spend on our wedding, so making swaps and saves here and there is a necessary part of planning so that we don't go thousands of dollars into debt - NEVER a good idea. In today's show, let's explore some common areas of wedding planning where couples to try to cut a corner, save some money, leave something out, and then sadly have it backfire in terms of lost money, lost time, lost sanity - and sometimes all three. If you find yourselves at a cost-saving opportunity crossroads and you don't know which way to turn, I have some smart questions to ask yourselves, and potential vendors, that I hope will guide you towards making the best decisions for you and your wedding day. So when you find yourself wondering, hmmmmm ... should we cut that corner? What are the potential outcomes or pitfalls that might come of it? Hopefully after today's show, you'll have some solid answers to some of the most common situations, so that you can make the best decision for you. For one wedding, that might mean hiring a photographer off craigslist for $500. For another couple, that will NEVER be an option that's on the table. And you know what? Both sides are totally fine ;) -
Bachelorette Party Planning Tips + Sample Itineraries 29.04.2026 24mntYour bachelorette party is a really fun engagement milestone AND it'll be a breeze to plan with these easy planning guidelines + sample itineraries! Today's show also includes lots of your questions on party etiquette, gift giving, who plans what, and even a "tale of two parties" ... two very different bachelorette formats, each with their own pro's, and each guaranteed to result in an unforgettable night(s). Who plans the bachelorette party? Who should get invited? When should we start planning & schedule it? Honoring & accomodating everyone's financial circumstances, TWO sample bachelorette party itineraries, What are some creative bachelorette gift ideas? Early access to new episodes + bonus planning resources are available inside WPP Premium on Apple Podcasts. Tap "Subscribe" for instant access. -
How to Plan a Wedding Ceremony That's Personal, Meaningful & Unforgettable 22.04.2026 25mntYour WEDDING CEREMONY is undoubtedly the most important part of your wedding day celebration - it's literally the WHY of every single thing we touch on here on the Wedding Planning Podcast! Unfortunately, many couples push the ceremony logistics to the very bottom of their wedding planning to-do list, and as a result, this critical piece of your wedding day misses getting the full attention & creativity that it deserves. Tune in to the full show for a start-to-finish guide for infusing your ceremony with deep meaning and your personalities. We're also going to cover: Ceremony flow of events, Who walks who down the aisle, and in what order? The role of your officiant / celebrant, Intentionally setting the desired vibe with ceremony music & decor, Signing your marraige license, Tips for finding an officiant, Crafting your wedding vows, And finally, some additional ways to incorporate meaning and personality. A well-crafted wedding ceremony will perfectly express your relationship as a couple. It should make your guests understand exactly why they are at the wedding, and may address the couples past, present and future. We can be serious, lighthearted, traditional or a mix of all three - your ceremony doesn't have to follow any script, and you're free to personalize this portion of your day in any way you like! ADDITIONAL LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Sample Wedding Vows & Guide / Examples Creative unity ceremony ideas -
Preparing For Wedding Day Stress Points + Wedding Q&A 15.04.2026 26mnt"What's really bothering me lately is I'm in a stress cycle over anticipating what might go wrong during our wedding weekend and wanting to proactively jump in and plan for those things. What are some unexpected stress-points that we can be prepared for as much as possible?" Do yourselves a favor - plan to be caught off guard by something on your wedding day! Next step, mentally prepare to brush it off in the moment so that you can be fully present and enjoy your wedding day. Survey 100 couples in the week after their wedding, and 97 of them will have multiple stories of things that went off the rails and/or not according to "The Plan". The magic is in how you choose to react to the issue, combined with some tactical ways that you can be proactive and prepared. Tune in for the rundown on 7 common wedding day surprises that are shockingly easy to proactively plan for. And stick around 'til the end for a handful of listener questions on moms, dress codes & more. Cheers to being prepared! Written blog post & link to submit your questions can be found here. Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all of your wedding details in one place, and exclusive listener perks. -
Wedding Venue Math: How to Calculate Your Real Costs Before You Book 08.04.2026 26mntCheap wedding venue… or financial trap? In this bonus episode, we're breaking down one of the biggest budgeting decisions you'll make during wedding planning: choosing between a lower-priced blank space venue and a higher-priced all-inclusive option. At first glance, the DIY venue looks like the obvious win. Lower rental fee. More flexibility. Total creative control. It feels like the ultimate budget-savvy move. But here's where impulse can quietly take over. That "great deal" can spiral fast once you start layering in rentals, catering, staffing, power, restrooms, décor, insurance, and all the little logistical details no one warns you about. Meanwhile, the all-inclusive quote might make you choke on your coffee — but it may also include far more than you realize. In this episode, I walk you through six major cost categories you must have detailed pricing for before deciding if a blank space venue is truly the money-saving move… or if it could end up costing you more in the long run. Early access to new episodes + bonus planning resources are available inside WPP Premium on Apple Podcasts. Tap "Subscribe" for instant acess. Links & Resources Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all your details in one place, and exclusive listener perks: weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted -
Dinner for Vendors, Shame from Family Members, What to Look for in a DJ, Desserts on a Budget? Let's Talk. 01.04.2026 40mntEnjoy a jam-packed show full of your wedding planning questions, including: What's an ideal wedding planning timeline? >>> check out my bonus series that shows you exactly how to use ChatGPT to build a completely personalized planning timeline. Subscribe to WPP Premium in Apple Podcasts for instant access. How can we include family members who want to "help" with the wedding? Helping a younger bridesmaid feel included w/ the older girls, Are wedding expos / bridal shows worth going to? (spoiler alert - YES!) What to look for in a DJ Unity Ceremony Ideas? (visit weddingplanningpodcast.co/unity for images) Managing wedding planning stress & anxiety / shifting my focus / finding my wedding vision Cost-effective dessert options Decor / centerpiece advice for family-style long tables at our reception Do we have to pay for our vendors' meals? VENT - Why is it so hard to stay on budget?? Unrealistic expectations based on social media White bridesmaid dress = wedding dress? Any downsides? When should we host our engagement party? Uncomfortable family situation re: living together before marriage Assigned seating for the ceremony? Can we have a wedding registry even if we're having a destination wedding? To submit questions or topic requests for upcoming shows, visit this link PS - Planning a wedding can feel like a second full-time job, but it doesn't have to. When you subscribe to Wedding Planning Podcast Premium on Apple Podcasts, you'll get early, ad-free access to all six feature episodes and unlock an exclusive bonus series that shows you exactly how to use ChatGPT as your free, personal wedding planner. We'll walk you through how to save hours of research, make confident decisions faster, and keep your budget on track—without hiring another vendor. Just tap "Subscribe" on Apple Podcasts to get instant access. -
Online Bridesmaid Dress Shopping Made Easy: Styling Tips, Mismatched Magic & Trends with Lulus Weddings 25.03.2026 26mntShopping for bridesmaid dresses online doesn't have to feel risky, overwhelming, or chaotic. In this episode, we're diving into how to confidently pull off a seamless online bridesmaid dress experience with featured brand Lulus Weddings. Whether you're coordinating a perfectly polished lineup or embracing the mismatched trend, we're breaking down exactly how to make it look intentional and elevated - not thrown together. You'll learn: Professional styling strategies to flatter every body type, The 5 keys to creating a cohesive color palette with mismatched dresses, The real advantages of letting your bridesmaids choose their own look, How Lulus' free bridal concierge service can simplify the entire process, 3 wedding trends that will influence bridal party style If you want bridesmaid dresses that feel effortless, modern, and beautifully coordinated — this episode is your blueprint. Shop the 2026 Lulus Bridesmaid Collection here Get free, one-on-one assistance from our expert team of bridal stylists with Lulus Bridal Concierge Today we're joined by Lulus Senior Buyer, Cher Irlandez. Cher has been with Lulus for 5.5 years, and recently got married in her hometown of Las Vegas. Her experience in the fashion industry as both a Developer and Buyer, along with her own recent bridal journey, gives her a unique perspective that I'm really excited to share with you. My sister Kate's wedding - we coordinated our Lulus dresses from California, Maine, Canada, British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico - if we can do it, anyone can!! 😅 -
Smart Tips for Natural, Effortless Engagement Photos 18.03.2026 16mntYour engagement photos should feel like you on your very best day - relaxed, connected, glowing, and maybe even a little giddy. These are the images you'll splash across your save-the-dates, wedding website, holiday cards, and possibly display on your wedding day. No pressure … right? But here's the reality: Choosing outfits that photograph beautifully (and still feel like you), dialing in hair and makeup so it looks polished but not overdone, and somehow posing "naturally" in front of a camera can feel way harder than expected. Picture this: Showing up in last-minute outfits that aren't flattering or comfortable, Rushing through hair and makeup an hour before go-time, Discovering your fiancé has sudden stage fright and is channeling Friends - specifically "The One with the Engagement Picture" - because they've forgotten how to smile. We're not doing that. In today's episode of the WPP, I'm walking you through exactly how to: • Choose outfits that photograph beautifully and coordinate without looking matchy-matchy • Decide whether professional hair and makeup is worth it (and how to keep it looking natural) • Pick a location(s) that is meaningful to you • Feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera — even if you think you're "awkward in photos" • Pull off a stylish, low-stress DIY engagement shoot with your iPhone and a friend With a little preparation and the right mindset, your engagement session can be smooth, fun, and surprisingly effortless — and you'll walk away with photos you truly love. Early access to new episodes + bonus planning resources are available inside WPP Premium on Apple Podcasts. Tap "Subscribe" for instant acess. Links & Resources Tune in for all the details, and grab the full written recap (plus links and resources) at: www.weddingplanningpodcast.co/engagement-photos Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all your details in one place, and exclusive listener perks: weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted Click here for a full written recap of today's episode. -
Hiring Your Wedding Vendors: Research & Budgeting Tips, Questions to Ask, When to Book 04.03.2026 28mntHiring your wedding vendors is one of the most important (and most overwhelming) parts of wedding planning. In today's episode, we're breaking down exactly how to research and book your dream vendor team without busting your budget. You'll learn: How to research wedding vendors efficiently Which vendors are must-haves vs. optional What to book first, and what can wait The key questions to ask every wedding vendor before signing a contract Universal budgeting rules to help you stay on track throughout your engagement PS - I would LOVE to hear from you! Whether it's about a planning challenge or question you're facing, a post-wedding day recap that you'd like to share, or requests for upcoming show topics, you can be in touch any time - simply send an email to: [email protected] Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all of your wedding details in one place, and exclusive listener perks. -
Family Drama & Wedding Planning: Let's Talk Boundaries 25.02.2026 13mntWedding planning can stir up complicated family dynamics, emotional pressure, and strong opinions. In today's episode, we talk honestly about navigating family expectations during your engagement. From financial contributions and blended families to estranged relationships, religion, tradition, and setting boundaries with well-meaning relatives, this episode offers reassurance and practical tools for protecting your peace. You'll walk away with clear grounding affirmations, boundary-setting phrases, and permission to plan a wedding that reflects your values - not your family's expectations. Personal affirmations that you can hold close in the coming months: We will never please everyone, and that's OK. I can lovingly hold boundaries with my _______ . (fill in the blank family member) Other peoples' emotions are not my responsibility. I am allowed to say no without explanation. I trust our wedding vision - we know what's right for our day. Boundary-setting taglines to keep in your back pocket: Thanks — we'll think about it and let you know. We appreciate the suggestion, but we're going in a different direction. We already have a firm plan for that, but thanks for the idea! Let's circle back on that later. And my Golden Rule when managing family input and expectations: Over-explaining invites further conversation and negotiation. Short + sweet shuts it down. To wrap up this week, I would LOVE to hear from you! Whether it's about a planning challenge or question you're facing, a post-wedding day recap that you'd like to share, or simply requests for upcoming show topics, you can be in touch any time by sending me an email - [email protected] PS - Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all of your wedding details in one place, and exclusive listener perks.
