81: Planning Smarter in 2026: What Couples Actually Need to Know

E84: Ask a Planner Monday with Meredith Benvenuto (Part 2)

The conversation continues! In Part 2 of our special series with Meredith Benvenuto of Meredith Keating Events, we pick up right where we left off, answering more of the questions from Meredith's popular Ask a Planner Mondays on Instagram. This week, we're diving into some of the biggest decisions couples face on their wedding day—from when speeches should happen and who should actually give one, to cake cutting, reception flow, and the age-old debate: should you trust your DJ or build the perfect playlist yourself? Drawing on years of experience, Meredith and Chris share real-world stories, practical advice, and a few laughs while helping couples understand why the best weddings feel effortless. 🎤 When speeches should happen—and who should (and shouldn't) get the mic 🍰 Why unannounced cake cuttings are becoming the new trend ⏱️ How to keep your reception flowing and your guests engaged 🎧 Why a great DJ will always outperform a Spotify playlist 💍 Honest advice from a wedding planner and DJ who've seen it all Whether you're planning your wedding, work in the wedding industry, or simply love hearing what happens behind the scenes, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you create an unforgettable celebration.

E83: Ask A Planner Monday With Meredith Benvenuto

What happens when a wedding planner and a DJ sit down to answer real wedding questions? Apparently... two full episodes worth of conversation. This week, Chris welcomes special guest co-host Meredith Benvenuto—known by many through Meredith Keating Events and her popular Ask a Planner Mondays series on Instagram. While Tony and Victoria are out of the office, Meredith joins the show to tackle some of the biggest questions couples have been asking this week. From planning advice and vendor communication to behind-the-scenes wedding insights, Chris and Meredith share their unique perspectives from working hundreds of weddings together. Along the way, they offer practical tips, real stories, and plenty of laughs that every engaged couple (and even wedding pros) can appreciate. The conversation was so good, we couldn't fit it into one episode! This is Part 1, with Part 2 dropping next week. 🎧 Questions from Meredith's Ask a Planner Mondays series💍 Planner and DJ perspectives on common wedding questions📝 Tips for creating a smoother wedding day🤝 How planners and DJs work together behind the scenes😂 Real stories from years in the wedding industry Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2 next week!

82: Backup Plans & Broken Markets: What’s Happening to Weddings?

Wedding season is just starting to wake up, and in this episode Tony and Chris recap the first few events of the year and some early observations from the dance floor. Chris also shares a recent behind-the-scenes story about getting sick and why having a strong team and backup plan in place saved the day for multiple events. It’s a reminder that great weddings don’t happen because of one vendor , they happen because of a coordinated team working together. From there, the conversation turns into something we’ve both been noticing more and more in the industry: weddings seem to be splitting into two very different markets. On one side are luxury events going bigger than ever, and on the other are smaller micro-weddings and more intimate celebrations. The traditional “middle-tier” wedding? It seems to be disappearing. We talk about what this shift means for DJs, planners, venues, and other vendors and how professionals can adapt to the changing landscape. If you’re in the wedding industry, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear.

81: Planning Smarter in 2026: What Couples Actually Need to Know

What No One Explains About Planning a Wedding in 2026 In this episode, we’re joined by Shelby and Courtney of La Luz Weddings and Events to talk about client education and what couples actually need to know right now. We break down the biggest misconceptions couples have, what planners and vendors are learning in 2026, and the behind-the-scenes realities that don’t always show up on Pinterest or TikTok. We cover timelines, budgeting priorities, guest experience, and the common planning mistakes vendors see every weekend — plus how better education leads to smoother planning, less stress, and better weddings. Whether you’re actively planning your wedding or you’re a wedding professional looking to better educate your clients, this episode is packed with real-world insight and practical advice you can actually use. 🎶 Press play and plan smarter.

80: Outgrowing Your Brand

Rebranding isn’t just about a new logo or a fresh Instagram aesthetic. It’s about alignment, growth, and sometimes letting go of what no longer fits. In this Season 4 kickoff episode, we sit down with Taylor Fail, formerly of Lace & Bow Bridal, to talk about her recent rebrand and the launch of Verdeux and Co. We dive into the real reasons behind the rebrand, the fears that come with changing a well-known brand, and how Taylor knew it was time to evolve. Whether you’re considering a rebrand, in the middle of one, or just trying to build a business that truly reflects who you are now, this conversation will give you clarity, perspective, and encouragement. 🎙️ Press play and let’s talk growth, alignment, and building with intention.