Weddings 101

How Megan Planned an Austin, Texas Micro Wedding and After Party for Under $5,000 | Ep. 060

Can you really plan a beautiful wedding and celebration for under $5,000? Megan did. In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with Megan, a bride who planned an intimate wedding at Chapel Dulcinea in Austin, Texas, followed by a separate after-party celebration with family and friends, all for less than $5,000. With just two months to plan before starting medical school, Megan and her husband focused on what mattered most: getting married surrounded by the people they love. Instead of a traditional wedding and reception, they hosted a family-only ceremony in the Texas Hill Country and celebrated with a larger Airbnb after-party a few days later. Megan shares how she found creative ways to save money without sacrificing the experience, from DIY florals and affordable wedding attire to working with talented friends and newer wedding professionals. We also talk about planning a micro wedding, keeping guest counts manageable, finding vendors on a budget, and creating a wedding day that felt meaningful, relaxed, and completely true to who they are as a couple. If you're planning a wedding in Austin, considering a micro wedding, or looking for ways to create a beautiful celebration without spending tens of thousands of dollars, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world inspiration. Photo by: @sarahphipps_photo Vendors: Ceremony Venue: @chapeldulcinea Ceremony Music: @angelicstrings Wedding Photography: @sarahphipps_photo Wedding Dress: @ladypipa Flowers & Wedding Supplies: @samsclub Episode music license code: YV8EDCMLZCSTJU5L

Pre-Wedding Parties Explained: Engagement Parties, Bridal Showers, Bachelorette & Bachelor Parties | Ep. 059

Planning pre-wedding events can feel exciting, but also confusing once you start wondering which celebrations you actually need, who plans them, who gets invited, and how much everything is supposed to cost. In this episode of Weddings 101, Kyleigh Grace walks through the most common pre-wedding celebrations including engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and bachelor parties to help couples understand what each event typically looks like and how to decide what feels right for them. You’ll learn the purpose of each celebration, who traditionally hosts them, typical guest lists and timing, and how to keep these events meaningful without adding unnecessary stress or pressure. This episode also covers practical tips for communication, budgeting, guest etiquette, and setting expectations so everyone involved feels comfortable and included throughout the planning process. Whether you’re deciding which events to have, helping plan one for a friend, or simply trying to simplify your wedding experience, this episode will help you approach pre-wedding celebrations in a practical, thoughtful, and stress-free way.

Wedding DJ vs Playlist: Which Option Makes Sense for Your Wedding? | Ep. 058

Trying to decide between hiring a wedding DJ or using a playlist for your reception? In this episode, I break down the real pros and cons of DIY wedding music versus hiring a professional DJ. From reception flow and dance floor energy to ceremony audio, microphones, and hidden logistics couples often overlook, I walk through what a wedding DJ actually does and when a playlist can realistically work well. I also share practical tips for making a playlist setup successful and questions to ask your venue before you decide to DIY your music or to book a DJ. Whether you’re planning a backyard wedding, a laid-back dinner reception, or a high-energy dance party, this episode will help you decide what makes the most sense for your wedding vision, budget, and stress level.

First Look vs Traditional Aisle Reveal: Pros, Cons, Timeline Tips, and How to Decide | Ep. 057

Should you do a first look before your wedding ceremony, or wait for the traditional aisle reveal? In this episode, I break down the emotional, practical, and logistical differences between first looks and traditional ceremony reveals so you can decide what truly fits your wedding day vision. This decision impacts far more than just your photos. It can affect your wedding timeline, photography schedule, stress levels, cocktail hour experience, and even how calm or emotional you feel throughout the day. I walk through what a first look actually is, why so many couples choose them, and one of the biggest misconceptions brides hear online: that doing a first look somehow “ruins” the aisle moment. For many couples, the first look and the ceremony end up feeling like two completely different emotional experiences. The episode also explores the benefits and drawbacks of both options, including why first looks can help reduce anxiety, create more private time together, and make timelines significantly easier, especially for winter weddings, large wedding parties, or venues with tight schedules. At the same time, I explains why many couples still deeply value the anticipation and emotional build-up of waiting until the ceremony to see each other for the first time. You’ll also hear practical advice about photography timing, cocktail hour trade-offs, early morning getting-ready schedules, and how to decide what matters most to you as a couple. The episode includes alternative ideas like first touches, private vows, and reading letters without seeing each other, proving you don’t have to follow wedding traditions exactly as social media presents them. Whether you’re fully decided or completely torn between the two options, this episode will help you think through both the emotional experience and the logistical realities so you can create a wedding day that feels meaningful, personal, and true to you.

How to Save Money on Wedding Catering: Affordable Food Options Every Bride Should Know About | Ep. 056

Catering is one of the biggest expenses in wedding planning, and for many couples, it’s also one of the most surprising. If you’ve started getting quotes and are wondering why wedding food costs so much, you’re not alone. In this episode of Weddings 101, I break down why catering is so expensive in the first place and, more importantly, how to save money without sacrificing your guest experience. I walk you through the biggest factors that impact your catering budget, including your guest count, your service style, and your venue restrictions, so you can make informed decisions from the start. I also share a variety of affordable wedding catering options that couples use to cut costs, from buffet-style meals and brunch weddings to drop catering, food trucks, and bulk food ordering. Along the way, I explain how to decide if a plated dinner is worth the cost, how to simplify your cocktail hour, and how to choose budget-friendly foods that still feel elevated. Whether you’re planning a large wedding or trying to stay within a tight budget, this episode will help you rethink traditional catering and find an option that fits your priorities. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by catering decisions, this episode will give you practical, realistic ways to feed your guests well without overspending.