When you start wedding planning and putting together your wedding budget, it's easy (and important) to account for big ticket items like your venue, catering, photographer and outfits. But what about the smaller items and hidden costa that no one warns you about? What about the things that are easily forgotten or that creep up at the last minute? You've budgeted out every dollar and now you're stuck with a bill for an extra 20% of your total all thanks to tips, taxes, insurance and more.

In this episode, I'm going to help you to keep your wedding budget on track and to not be surprised by hidden wedding costs. I'll go through 12 wedding hidden fees and show how they could creep into your wedding budget.

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

Inspired by https://www.theknot.com/content/hidden-wedding-costs

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REBROADCAST: Congratulations, fiance! You're engaged!

If you're newly engaged (or have a proposal around the corner) or even if you've been engaged for a while, tune in to learn the seven things you'll want to do as soon as you're engaged and before you take your wedding planning to the next level. Congrats on your engagement and happy wedding planning! 

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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REBROADCAST: Congratulations, you're engaged! (Or you're planning on getting engaged soon!) This is a super exciting time for you and your fiance but before you embark on your wedding planning journey, you have to share your engagement news.

Listen in for my top tips on how to announce your engagement, who to share it with and when, how to manage your own expectations and the line you need to memorize for every time someone asks (and they will ask!), "What are your wedding plans?" 

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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I got engaged five years ago and even though the proposal was sweet and we had a very happy engagement, there are a few things I wish I could go back and tell myself. But since I can't time travel, I'm going to tell them to you!

From celebrating my engagement more to prioritizing myself and not opening Pinterest, these are the things I wish I someone had told me right after my engagement!

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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REBROADCAST: Before you get married, make sure you're discussing these six things with your partner! From obvious ones like money and kids, to not so obvious topics like what happens if someone loses their job, these six categories of communication should be a must for all engaged couples during wedding planning.

It's not about having one hard conversation and checking it off your list. It's about opening up communication and making plans for your life together. 

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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In 2025, how are couples meeting? How long do they date before getting engaged? Who proposes, when and how? What kind of ring are they proposing with and how much does it cost?

In this week's episode, I'm diving into the data on 2025 engagements and giving my take on some of the emerging trends. The things I love (like more couples talking about marriage long before getting engaged), the things I hate (like the pressure to have an elaborate proposal) and the things that surprise me (people are visiting how many jewelry stores??), tune in to hear all about 2025 engagements - and see how yours compares!

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

The study: https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-data-insights/real-weddings-study

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REBROADCAST: Wedding planning ain't easy. If you haven't had to make a hard decision as an engaged person planning a wedding...it's coming! Whether it's cutting your guest list, going over budget, changing venues, firing vendors or dealing with restrictions, hard decisions have to be made.

Tune into this week's episode to listen to the story of my latest hard decision (finding a new officiant and photographer 27 days before our wedding!!!) and the lessons you can take with you for your next tough call. 

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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Nothing can derail wedding planning more than making a big mistake with your wedding budget. Whether it's overspending, forgetting insurance, stretching your guest list or not talking about your priorities first, trust me, you really can't afford to make any of these wedding budget mistakes!

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

Inspired by: https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-budget-ways-to-save-money

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REBROADCAST: Calling all extreme budget wedding planners! If you're looking to slash your wedding budget in half and get married as affordably as possible, this is the episode for you.

We've talked budget saving tips on the Unconventional Wedding Planning Podcast before but today we're getting DRASTIC about it. If you want to have the ultimate budget wedding, tune in for these tips that are sure to save you a lot of money!

Warning: These budget wedding tips are not for the faint of heart. We're about to make some serious cuts to your wedding plans!

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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Wait, don't forget! I'm back with 8 more wedding planning tasks that you don't want to forget in the final days and hours before your wedding. What should you be practicing or writing? Who do you have to call? What should you add to the last minute to-do list?

And maybe more importantly, I'm sharing five last minute wedding tasks that I actually think you CAN go ahead and forget. If these are things you're still planning to do, go ahead and skip them!

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

Inspired by: https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-day-essentials; https://www.weddingshoppeinc.com/blogs/weddings/34-last-minute-wedding-planning-tips-you-cant-forget; https://www.queenslandbrides.com.au/30-last-minute-wedding-tasks-you-wont-want-to-forget/; https://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/wedding-planning/wedding-details-to-remember 

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It's only a couple of days before your wedding and your mind is swimming. Do you have everything you need? Does everyone know what they have to do? Will the weather hold out? What on earth are you forgetting about?

Don't worry - I've got you. In today's episode I'm sharing 11 last minute wedding planning tasks you don't want to forget in the final week/days before your wedding. These are things that might slip your mind but once you've added them to your to-do list, you're going to feel a whole lot better. Every single one will help make your wedding day smoother and more stress-free!

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

Inspired by: https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-day-essentials; https://www.weddingshoppeinc.com/blogs/weddings/34-last-minute-wedding-planning-tips-you-cant-forget; https://www.queenslandbrides.com.au/30-last-minute-wedding-tasks-you-wont-want-to-forget/; https://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/wedding-planning/wedding-details-to-remember 

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REBROADCAST: Don't worry - I'm not going all woo-woo on you. 

But we're going there - we're talking all about wedding planning mantras. These are the things you should keep in mind while planning a wedding to help you focus on your goals, prioritize your marriage and ensure your planning aligns with your values. It's not all tablecloths and taffeta! Sometimes it's important to zoom out and focus on the aspects of a wedding and marriage that are most important to you. 

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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If you're planning on a long engagement - or maybe you're not even engaged yet but you want to start planning your wedding - this episode is for you! What can you do to get ahead on wedding planning when it's too early to book your venue, choose your caterer or send out invites? Turns out, quite a bit!

Inspired by a listener, I'm sharing 14 things you can do for your wedding even if your wedding date is more than a year in the future. I've also got a few words of caution and things you should watch out for if you're staying in fiance-land for a while!

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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REBROADCAST: Whether you call it a bachelorette, a hen do or a stagette - or you're having a bachelor party, stag night or buck and doe - I think it's time we admit that these pre-wedding parties have gotten out of control.

Remember when we used to just go out for drinks and dancing with our best friends? Now it's a week off work, flights to Mexico, five-star villas, boat trips, all new outfits and more. These parties have become A LOT. While I'm all for having fun with friends, we need to reassess why we have these parties and figure out how to make them more affordable, less stressful and more true to us. 

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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What is a wedding party questionnaire and do you actually need one for your wedding? More commonly known as bridesmaid questionnaires, these surveys help you organize all the info you need from your wedding party in one place.

In today's episode, I'll dive into the best way to craft your wedding party questionnaire, including what questions to ask and which ones to skip, best practices for sending it, and whether or not you really need one!

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

Inspired by https://www.brides.com/bridesmaid-questionnaire-8636139 & https://www.theknot.com/content/things-your-bridesmaids-want-you-to-know

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REBROADCAST: So many newlyweds say they barely got to see their spouse on their wedding day because they were too busy talking to the caterer, catching up with relatives, or getting ready with the wedding party. Want to actually spend time with your spouse on your wedding day? Here's how!

I've found 10 moments throughout the wedding day for you and your spouse to actually spend some time together and celebrate your marriage, just the two of you. Trust me, you want to plan for these ahead of time so you don't miss seeing your new spouse all night long!

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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Inspired by listener Michelle, this week's episode is all about backyard weddings and how to plan them without absolutely losing your sh*t! Because it turns out that a laidback and chill backyard wedding is actually a whole-freaking-lot of work!

We'll talk about how to make backyard wedding planning easier on yourself, enlisting help from loved ones and professionals, the essential elements you'll need to figure out (like restrooms, power and insurance), plus the other little wedding tasks you might be worrying about (like cleaning up the garden the next day!).

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

Resources: https://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-planning-a-backyard-wedding/ & https://www.theknot.com/content/home-wedding-reception-secrets

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REBROADCAST: Back in episode 50 I shared 9 common wedding planning regrets and how to avoid them. So for episode 70, I'm back with 11 more regrets you should watch out for on your wedding day. We're covering everything from long reception lines and uncomfortable heels to DJs who don't have your song and bad photographers. Tune in to make sure you avoid these wedding planning regrets! 

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

Based on this article: https://www.buzzfeed.com/lizmrichardson/wedding-day-regrets

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One of the first major wedding planning tasks you have to accomplish is choosing your wedding date. But how do you actually make that decision? Tune in for my tips on how to narrow down what date is going to work best for you, plus my #1 rule: You don't actually have a wedding date until you have a venue booked!

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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REBROADCAST: I'm back with part two of your wedding planning checklist and timeline. We're picking up where we left off with everything you're "supposed" to do from six months until the day of your wedding.

Along the way I'm offering my advice and perspective, as well as where I'm at with my 2021 wedding planning so you can feel better about yours! 

Have a wedding planning question or episode idea? Let me know what you want to hear! Fill out this quick form with your feedback and/or episode suggestions: https://forms.gle/ANxD6B9M4xzoReZ77

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