Money is often the #1 cause of conflict for couples. We are sitting down with financial coach Dylan this week to talk about moving past financial friction and working toward a unified future! Dylan specializes in helping couples align their goals and conquer the consumer-driven world. Grab your fork as we dish on: Why you need an accountability partner (aka your partner) and how to spot "spending leaks" that derail your savings goals. How to have positive, shame-free money conversations by focusing on shared goals and future dreams instead of focusing on past mistakes. The importance of understanding your partner's "money story" (financial habits shaped by upbringing) to foster mutual understanding (more on this in a coming episode when Dylan returns to The Wedding Dish). Practical tips for couples with different incomes: discussing equitable contributions and navigating changing finances with grace. The ultimate financial strategy: consistent 30-minute monthly money meetings - treating your finances like a team sport! This episode is a must-listen for couples who want to start their married life on a strong, unified financial foundation. Guest: Dylan Snowden, Dylan Teaches Finance Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

I'm flying solo to dive into the questions you sent in, focusing heavily on one of the most critical parts of your wedding day: Photography! I'm answering listener questions about timelines, budgets, and what to do when things go wrong. Tune in as I dish on: The Photo Delivery Wait: Why does it take so long? I share insight on the mental health and personal challenges photographers face and when it's okay to check in on that 6-week to 6-month editing timeline. Managing Delay Drama: Practical advice for checking in with your photographer, and when outsourcing the raw files might be a necessary, albeit tricky, solution. Perfecting Your Photo Timeline: How to structure your 1.5 hours before the ceremony to fit in the First Look, portraits, and wedding party photos without feeling rushed. The Budget Dilemma: Tips on prioritizing your photography budget and focusing your limited time on key moments that matter most. The Editing Trap: Why human editing is crucial for nuance and storytelling (and why relying on AI or free services can be a huge mistake). Send your questions for the next Q&A episode to theweddingdish@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @theweddingdishpodcast! Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

We are dishing about how to keep those precious wedding flowers long after the party is over! We sit down with Grace Scott of For Keeps Florals to dive into the beautiful world of flower preservation. Grace shares why turning your bouquet into a piece of art is easier, more popular, and more meaningful than ever. Grab your tea as we dish on: Why flower preservation is skyrocketing in popularity (it's not just sentimentality—think eco-friendliness!). The key differences between professional preservation (like Grace's custom, UV-protected frames) and a DIY approach. Guest: Grace Scott, For Keeps Florals Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

We are getting down to the most nerve-wracking part of the reception: the wedding speeches! We're sitting down with Holly, a professional speechwriter who transitioned from the world of PR to helping couples and their loved ones craft genuinely meaningful and memorable toasts. She's spilling the tea on how to make your speech a heartfelt moment instead of a painful one. Grab your notebook as we dish on: The must-have ingredients for a truly effective wedding speech (hint: it's all about authenticity and structure). Holly’s golden rule for timing: Why 2-3 minutes is the sweet spot and how to keep it concise and engaging. Advice for brides and grooms on setting clear expectations and time limits for all speakers. Guest: Holly Blum, A Speech to Remember Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

This week, we're swapping out the usual centerpiece talk for a dose of personalized fun with Shannon McAllister of Happy Dance Hat Bar! Shannon brings her interactive, mobile hat-making experience to weddings and events, transforming a simple favor into a memorable activity. Grab a seat as we dish on: Why a customized Hat Bar is the ultimate, unique, and personalized alternative to traditional wedding favors. How Shannon’s background in corporate event planning inspired this creative wedding concept. Ideas for incorporating the hat bar into every part of your wedding weekend—from the engagement party and bachelorette/bachelor party to the rehearsal dinner or even the post-wedding brunch. Tips for using custom patches and designs to align the hats with your wedding theme, colors, and unique personalities. How hands-on, personalized activities ensure your guests feel included, engaged, and leave with a truly unforgettable keepsake! This episode is packed with joyful inspiration for couples looking to add a playful and interactive element to their celebration. Listen now and get ready to do the "happy dance!" Guest: Shannon McAllister, Happy Dance Hat Bar Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.  

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses plays a bigger part in wedding planning than most of us realize. Me? I’m not great at planning in general. And, Victoria isn’t either. Pushing ourselves to do something we’re not the best at can often lead to unnecessary stress, disappointment, and frustration. So, play to your strengths and hire a professional or ask for help for the other stuff.

What’s the difference between a wedding and an elopement? And, what the heck is adventure elopement? Everyone should have the celebration that’s the right fit for them. We’re dishing about the differences between having a traditional wedding and eloping.

Tips so your ceremony pictures look perfect, even if your ceremony is super short! We’re on break, and airing one of our top hits! No guest this week, just me, sharing photography expertise.  Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.

Just because you have an outdoor venue, doesn’t mean you should have to compromise on the bathroom. This week, we’re dishing about luxury portable restrooms. These climate-controlled, aesthetically pleasing portable bathrooms can expanded venue options, enhance the overall event experience, and so much more! Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.

We’re dishing about personal style coaching, and wedding guest attire this week. We cover considering a theme, dress code, venue, and weather when choosing an outfit for a wedding, and the significance of dressing appropriately as a wedding guest (and some mistakes Sara has made in the past as a wedding guest). Guest: Jia, Simply Jia Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.

We’re diving deep into relationships this week! We’re discussing the importance of prioritizing peace and your needs as a couple - and as an independent human - during the wedding planning process, managing difficult conversations with your partner as well as your families, and the role of self-love and understanding in a successful marriage.

Your first dance can be a visual representation of your love story while making lasting impact. This week, Sara’s dishing with a dance instructor who wants to help your first dance wow your guests! Guest: Ernesto, Visionary Productions Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.

We’re covering trends for all your wedding events - from engagement, to your wedding ceremony, to reception dresses, and even brunch! Guest: Julie Hurt, Modern Bride Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.

Planning a destination wedding in France? From choosing your vendor team to guest experience and everything in between, this episode has everything you need to know! Guest: Anne-Laure Renaud, Et Voila Weddings Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.

Live entertainment is... entertaining! Even if you’re not a big dancer, the performance itself is entertaining. Find a band that you vibe with and your guests will love the music, the dancing, and the performance itself! Guest: Kim, Paradigm Party Band Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.

Balloons add a magical element to your wedding. They can have a childhood wander element to them that can really entrance your guests and they can also be elegant. Sean creates jaw-dropping balloon installations, sculptures, and installations at weddings and events - and he creates memorable experiences through balloon animals, crowns, jetpacks or caricatures. The options are truly limitless! Guest: Sean Edwards, The Balloon Guy Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.

African honeymoons can be the ultimate safari and a relaxing beach-side retreat, but it goes well beyond that. Are wineries and waterfalls more your style? South Africa offers incredible food and wine in addition to safari. Michelle and Cayley paint a picture of what a romantic getaways can look like in Africa. I’m booking my ticket right now! Guests: Michelle and Cayley, Journeys by Emerge Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.

Investing in dance lessons is a bonding experience with your partner that you will carry with you beyond the wedding night. Dance lessons can absolutely make an impact during your wedding - and, learning a new skill together is magical. Guest: Krista Ramirez, Your Night Choreo Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.

Dr. Mark Hicks helps us build trust by understanding the five components of love so we can have a happy, healthy relationship in this week’s episode. Guest: Dr. Mark Hicks, author of Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.

I’m sharing my blind reactions to Vogue’s predictions for which wedding trends will be in and out for 2025. See how many I agree and disagree with - and what I get my soapbox about this year! lol Remember to always do what you like. Trends and just trends and your wedding should reflect you as a couple! As I said last year, this article was not as inclusive as it should be. Vogue said ”bride and groom” when referring to couples. If that upset you, know that you are not alone. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com to check out our upcoming events, apply to be a guest, and check out show notes.