Totally Absolutely Engaged

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Totally Absolutely Engaged is your behind-the-scenes look at the modern wedding industry - packed with expert insights, hilarious stories, and honest advice for couples planning their big day. Hosted by Isla and Paul, CEO of one of the UK’s top event rental suppliers, each episode features candid conversations with wedding professionals - from planners and florists to photographers and venue stylists. Together, they share their biggest wedding tips, industry secrets, and even their ultimate wedding icks. Listeners also get to hear real wedding dilemmas sent in by brides and grooms - from seating chart dramas to last-minute vendor chaos - as Isla and Paul unpack the best (and funniest) ways to handle them. Whether you’re planning your own wedding, working in the wedding industry, or just love hearing about love, Totally Absolutely Engaged brings valuable wedding planning advice, insider knowledge, and a healthy dose of humour to help you plan smarter and laugh harder. 🎙️ Tune in weekly for expert wedding tips, relatable stories, and entertaining discussions that make wedding planning a little easier and a lot more fun!

  1. 1d ago ·  Video

    Should Your Dog Be at Your Wedding? The Truth About Wedding Dog Chaperones

    Send us Fan Mail Should your dog be at your wedding? And how do you make sure they're happy, comfortable and part of your big day without the stress? In this episode of Totally Absolutely Engaged, we're joined by Emma Adams, founder of Cheshire Dog Lady and Cheshire Dog Lady Weddings, to talk about everything couples need to know about having their dogs at their wedding. From walking down the aisle and being a ring bearer to wedding photos, dog chaperones and keeping your four-legged family members happy, Emma shares the behind-the-scenes reality of making dogs part of a wedding day. We also hear the incredibly emotional story behind Billy, the 16-year-old dog who went viral after giving his owner away at her wedding. His unforgettable moment has reached millions of views across social media, but there's so much more to the story than the video itself. In this episode, we cover: 🐾 Having your dog at your wedding: How to decide whether your dog will enjoy the experience and which parts of the day they should be involved in. 💍 Wedding dog chaperones: What a professional dog chaperone actually does, what's included and why it's about so much more than simply walking your dog down the aisle. 🐶 Anxious dogs and wedding day stress: Can rescue dogs or nervous dogs attend weddings? How can you prepare them, manage guests and make sure they're not overwhelmed? 📸 Wedding photos with your dog: Creative photo ideas, working with photographers and making sure your dog gets their moment in the spotlight. 😂 Wedding dog disasters: From dogs stealing sausage rolls and wedding food to running off with the groom's shoes just 20 minutes before the ceremony! ❤️ Billy's viral wedding story: The emotional story of a 16-year-old dog who gave his owner away, how Emma captured the moment and why it touched millions of people. 📱 Going viral on social media: Emma explains how one wedding video reached millions of views, the unexpected growth across Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, and how she dealt with the reaction. We also chat about building a wedding business, becoming a recommended wedding supplier, and what it really takes to look after dogs on one of the most important days of their owners' lives. Whether you're planning to include your dog in your wedding, wondering if a wedding dog chaperone is worth booking, or just love a good wedding story, this is an episode you won't want to miss. ABOUT OUR GUEST Emma Adams is the founder of Cheshire Dog Lady and Cheshire Dog Lady Weddings, offering home boarding, daycare and professional wedding dog chaperone services across Cheshire and beyond. Find Emma: 🐾 Cheshire Dog Lady 🐾 Cheshire Dog Lady Weddings ABOUT TOTALLY ABSOLUTELY ENGAGED Honest conversations, real wedding suppliers and advice to help you plan your big day without the overwhelm. Subscribe or follow Totally Absolutely Engaged for more wedding planning advice, supplier conversations, real wedding stories and everything you need to know about planning your wedding. #WeddingDogChaperone #DogsAtWeddings #WeddingPlanning Support the show Get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions https://www.instagram.com/totallyabsolutelyengaged/ Or check out our website https://www.totallyabsolutelyengaged.co.uk for blogs, contact information and more! Check out theaddedextra.co.uk or follow here https://www.instagram.com/theaddedextra?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Follow Rhian here https://www.instagram.com/bake_a_licious_cheshire?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

  2. Oct 26 ·  Video

    Your Anonymous Wedding Planning Questions : You Asked and We Answered

    Send us Fan Mail You asked, and we answered!  In this episode of Totally Absolutely Engaged, Paul and Rhian tackle your anonymous wedding planning questions, sharing honest advice, real wedding stories and the answers to some of those tricky dilemmas couples face while planning their big day. From bridesmaid dilemmas and family fallouts to wedding budgets, invitation timings, photo booths and whether you really need a wedding planner, we're getting into the questions you want answered, without the sugar-coating. Plus, we share some unexpected wedding day disaster stories and discuss how to plan a wedding that feels right for you, rather than getting caught up in Pinterest perfection or other people's expectations. In this episode, we discuss: 💍 Wedding planning advice: How to choose your budget, decide which extras are worth spending on and stay true to yourselves. 👰 Bridesmaids and family dilemmas: Should you ask your groom's sister to be a bridesmaid? What do you do when family members aren't speaking? And how can you keep everyone happy on your wedding day? 🎂 Wedding cake and invitation timings: When should you book your wedding cake, and when is the best time to send your wedding invitations? 📸 Wedding entertainment and extras: Which photo booth is best for your guests, and do you really need a wedding planner? ⏰ Your wedding day timeline: Is a 12pm or 2pm ceremony better? We debate the pros and cons for couples, guests and suppliers. 📱 Wedding inspiration vs reality: How do you deal with the pressure of Pinterest, Instagram and the expectation to have an extravagant, picture-perfect wedding? 😂 Wedding day disasters and honest stories: We share some surprising stories from real weddings, including family drama and a couple whose relationship didn't survive the wedding day. Plus, we tackle your questions about thank-you cards, guest lists, wedding traditions and whether you really need to include all the extras. Our philosophy? Your wedding should reflect you as a couple, not somebody else's expectations or what you've seen on social media. Whether you're newly engaged, choosing your suppliers or putting the finishing touches to your big day, join Paul and Rhian for honest conversations, practical wedding planning tips and a few laughs along the way. 💬 Got a wedding dilemma or a story to share? Send it to us through our website or message us on Instagram. We might discuss it on a future episode! Subscribe or follow Totally Absolutely Engaged for more wedding planning advice, supplier insights, real wedding stories and everything you need to navigate your engagement. Support the show Get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions https://www.instagram.com/totallyabsolutelyengaged/ Or check out our website https://www.totallyabsolutelyengaged.co.uk for blogs, contact information and more! Check out theaddedextra.co.uk or follow here https://www.instagram.com/theaddedextra?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Follow Rhian here https://www.instagram.com/bake_a_licious_cheshire?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

  3. Oct 19 ·  Video

    Wedding Budget Tips: Flowers, Decor, Drinks & Entertainment

    Send us Fan Mail Planning your wedding budget and wondering where to spend, where to save, and what’s actually worth it? In Part 2 of our special supplier interviews from The Hub Show, Paul and Rhian chat to wedding professionals about the decisions that can make a real difference to your big day. From wedding flowers and venue styling to mobile fizz bars, wedding entertainment and preserving your bouquet, we’re getting honest advice straight from the suppliers who know weddings best. In this episode, we discuss: 🌸 Wedding flowers & bouquet preservation: Is it worth preserving your wedding bouquet? How can you make your wedding flowers more affordable, and is Pinterest setting unrealistic expectations? 🏡 Wedding venues & styling: Do you need flowers on every table? Can DIY wedding decor look just as good as professional styling? And what should you consider when choosing a venue for your guest list? 🤵 Wedding suits & outfits: How important is it for the groom’s outfit to match the wedding theme, and are coordinated suits worth the investment? 🥂 Wedding drinks & mobile bars: Is a free bar really the best use of your budget? Could a fizz bar add that extra wow factor, even when your venue already provides drinks? 🎰 Wedding entertainment ideas: Are casino tables worth it for a smaller wedding? And what should you plan for that awkward gap between the wedding breakfast and the evening reception? Plus, we’re sharing listener Planning Panics, hilarious Wedding WTFs, and real-life wedding scenarios involving mismatched suits, fire alarms, signature cocktails and family members rearranging the wedding flowers! Whether you’re newly engaged, choosing your wedding suppliers or trying to make your wedding budget go further, this episode is full of practical ideas, honest opinions and things to think about before your big day. 🎧 Listen to Totally Absolutely Engaged wherever you get your podcasts. Have a wedding dilemma or a funny wedding story? Send it to us and we might feature it on a future episode! Support the show Get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions https://www.instagram.com/totallyabsolutelyengaged/ Or check out our website https://www.totallyabsolutelyengaged.co.uk for blogs, contact information and more! Check out theaddedextra.co.uk or follow here https://www.instagram.com/theaddedextra?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Follow Rhian here https://www.instagram.com/bake_a_licious_cheshire?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

  4. Oct 12 ·  Video

    Wedding Mistakes Couples Make (And What Suppliers Really Think!)

    Send us Fan Mail Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, so we’re bringing you honest advice straight from the people who know weddings best! 💍 In this special episode of Totally Absolutely Engaged, Paul and Rhian head to The Hub Show to chat with a brilliant line-up of wedding suppliers about the questions couples really want answered before their big day. 🎧 In this episode, we’re talking about: 🎵 Wedding DJs and music: Should your DJ stick to your do-not-play list, even if the dance floor is empty? How many songs should you give your DJ, and should you let them have some creative freedom? 💍 Personalised wedding ceremonies: Are personal vows better than traditional vows? How long should your ceremony be, and do you really have to write everything yourself if you book a celebrant? 🎤 Live wedding music: Does a live singer create a better atmosphere than a playlist? Can you have both a live singer and a DJ, and what happens if you and your partner have completely different music tastes? 🍫 Wedding favours and personal touches: We chat about personalised chocolate, edible wedding favours and how to make your details feel thoughtful without adding unnecessary stress. 🏰 Wedding venue planning: From menu deadlines and communication with your venue coordinator to backup plans and evening timings, we get into the practical details couples need to think about. As always, expect honest opinions, real supplier experiences, wedding dilemmas and a few laughs along the way. Whether you're newly engaged, planning your wedding reception or choosing your final suppliers, this episode is packed with advice to help you feel more confident about your decisions. Planning a wedding? Follow Totally Absolutely Engaged for honest wedding advice, trusted supplier conversations and the questions you might not have thought to ask. Support the show Get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions https://www.instagram.com/totallyabsolutelyengaged/ Or check out our website https://www.totallyabsolutelyengaged.co.uk for blogs, contact information and more! Check out theaddedextra.co.uk or follow here https://www.instagram.com/theaddedextra?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Follow Rhian here https://www.instagram.com/bake_a_licious_cheshire?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

  5. Oct 5 ·  Video

    Wedding Dress Shopping: The Mistakes Brides Make & How to Avoid Them

    Send us Fan Mail Wedding dress shopping is meant to be exciting… but between budgets, family opinions, social media, alterations and suddenly questioning every decision you make, it can also feel VERY overwhelming. In this episode of Totally Absolutely Engaged, Paul and Rhian are joined by Jez and Jacob, the directors of SayOui, a bridal boutique in Sandbach, Cheshire, to get the honest truth about what actually happens when you go wedding dress shopping. From why around 70% of brides arrive with a completely different dress in mind to the one they eventually choose, to whether you really should bring six people to your first appointment, Jez and Jacob share plenty of advice for brides who don't know where to start. We chat about: 👰 How to know which wedding dress style actually suits you 💷 What you should realistically budget for a wedding dress ✂️ Why wedding dress alterations can cost more than you expect 👠 When you actually need to choose your wedding shoes 🤍 What underwear you should wear to your bridal appointment 👯 How many people you should take wedding dress shopping 📱 Why social media can cause serious wedding dress FOMO ✨ What to do if you suddenly think you've chosen the wrong dress 💡 How bridal boutiques can help you stay within your budget 🎀 Customising and bespoke wedding dresses 🥂 Why smaller bridal appointments might actually be better 🚨 And some very relatable Wedding WTF moments from the bridal shop! Plus, we tackle listener dilemmas including falling in love with a dress that's £900 over budget, worrying you've chosen the wrong dress after seeing other gowns online, and bringing a whole crowd of opinions to your first bridal appointment. If you're wedding dress shopping or about to start this is one to save. Find SayOui at @sayoui.uk and online at sayoui.co.uk And don't forget to send us your wedding dilemmas and stories, we might answer yours on a future episode! Support the show Get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions https://www.instagram.com/totallyabsolutelyengaged/ Or check out our website https://www.totallyabsolutelyengaged.co.uk for blogs, contact information and more! Check out theaddedextra.co.uk or follow here https://www.instagram.com/theaddedextra?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Follow Rhian here https://www.instagram.com/bake_a_licious_cheshire?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

  6. Sep 28 ·  Video

    Wedding Singer Secrets: Pricing, Song Requests & What Couples Don't See

    Send us Fan Mail What does it REALLY take to be a wedding singer? This week, Paul and Rhian are joined by Tasha Bennett, a wedding singer, songwriter and former successful photographer who has built a huge following online and now has a diary that stretches years into the future. But being a wedding singer isn't just turning up, singing a few songs and going home. Tasha talks honestly about everything couples don't necessarily see, learning songs, preparing tracks, protecting her voice, travelling to weddings, dealing with song requests, managing enquiries and why booking a wedding singer isn't simply about the number of hours they spend performing. With over 850 songs in her repertoire, Tasha explains what she will and won't learn for couples, why she has had to put boundaries around new song requests, and why the songs that sound easy can sometimes be the hardest ones for a singer to perform. We also get into her journey from chasing a record deal and working in the music industry, to building a successful photography business, before eventually returning to singing, something she originally thought she'd never be able to make a living from. Plus: 🎤 How many songs does a wedding singer actually know? 🎶 Can you request ANY song for your wedding? 💷 Why wedding singers cost what they do 🫖 How singers actually look after their voices 📱 Why Tasha prefers WhatsApp voice notes to phone calls 👗 Why she doesn't want to look like every other wedding singer 💍 How far in advance should you book? 🎧 Why being yourself matters when choosing a wedding supplier 😂 The reality of performing when your voice is exhausted 🎵 Jazz, Spice Girls, 90s R&B and some very questionable song requests And, as always, we get the honest, unfiltered version of what it's really like working in the wedding industry. Follow her on Instagram/TikTok and Spotify @tashabennett Support the show Get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions https://www.instagram.com/totallyabsolutelyengaged/ Or check out our website https://www.totallyabsolutelyengaged.co.uk for blogs, contact information and more! Check out theaddedextra.co.uk or follow here https://www.instagram.com/theaddedextra?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Follow Rhian here https://www.instagram.com/bake_a_licious_cheshire?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

  7. Sep 24 ·  Video

    What Actually Happens at a Wedding Fair? | The Hub Show Explained

    Send us Fan Mail Thinking about coming to The Hub Show? Here’s exactly what you can expect. In this special episode of Totally Absolutely Engaged, Paul and Rhian go behind the scenes and talk through everything happening at the next Hub Show on Saturday 4th October, 12–3pm. With 27+ trusted wedding suppliers, free entry, free parking, food, drinks, entertainment, demonstrations, samples and plenty of advice, this isn’t your typical wedding fair. Paul and Rhian explain: 💍 Who will actually be there: From venues, photographers and florists to cake makers, makeup artists, hair stylists, DJs, singers, celebrants, bridal wear, jewellery and more. 🎁 What’s in the luxury gift bags: Including samples, exclusive supplier offers, an emergency kit, treats and even the chance to win a prize. 🥂 What happens when you arrive: Including prosecco, orange, registration and how the whole show is laid out. 💬 Why The Hub Show is different: There’s no pressure to hand over your details or be dragged around supplier stands. Come in, ask questions, take your time and get honest advice. 🎧 The live podcast: We will be recording at the show, with a post-show debrief coming too. 🍰 Food, cake samples and entertainment: Including coffee, noodles, sweets, cake samples, a singer, DJ and more. ✨ What you can actually get sorted in one afternoon and how to make the most of your time if you're seriously planning your wedding. Paul and Rhian also chat about how The Hub Show has grown from just six suppliers to more than 27, why they wanted to create a relaxed, non-pushy wedding event, and what couples can expect when they walk into the warehouse. Whether you're newly engaged, halfway through planning or just want to meet some genuinely helpful wedding suppliers, this episode gives you the full lowdown before you arrive. 📍 The Hub Show 📅 4th October ⏰ 12pm–3pm 🎟️ Free entry + free parking Register in advance for the chance to get one of the luxury gift bags or just turn up on the day! Support the show Get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions https://www.instagram.com/totallyabsolutelyengaged/ Or check out our website https://www.totallyabsolutelyengaged.co.uk for blogs, contact information and more! Check out theaddedextra.co.uk or follow here https://www.instagram.com/theaddedextra?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Follow Rhian here https://www.instagram.com/bake_a_licious_cheshire?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

  8. Sep 21 ·  Video

    How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding Photographer? | Maddie Farris Photography

    Send us Fan Mail Wedding photography is about so much more than simply showing up for eight hours and taking a few pictures. In this episode of Totally Absolutely Engaged, Paul and Rhian are joined by Maddie Farris Photography, a Manchester-based wedding photographer known for her relaxed, natural approach and alternative wedding style. Maddie chats honestly about finding your people, why she doesn’t follow wedding trends too closely, and how couples can make sure their wedding day reflects who they actually are, rather than what they think a wedding should look like. We get into the questions couples really want to ask, including: 📸 Candid vs posed wedding photos, can you have both without spending the whole day taking pictures? 💍 Do you really need an engagement shoot? Who benefits from one, and when might it actually be worth doing? 🌧️ What happens if it rains on your wedding day? Why embracing the weather can sometimes create the best photos. 👰 How to handle a groom who hates having their photo taken, including Maddie's very honest approach! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family group photos, how to stop them taking 45 minutes because nobody knows where anyone is. 💷 Why wedding photographers cost what they do and why you’re paying for much more than the time they spend taking photos on the day. 🌅 First looks, sunset portraits and wedding-day timelines, what couples should consider before deciding how they want their photos captured. 🐶 Plus, we chat about dogs at weddings, content creators, twilight weddings, working alongside videographers and why finding a photographer whose personality matches yours can make such a difference. Maddy also shares why being upfront about who she is, from her interests to her alternative style, has helped her attract couples who genuinely feel like her people. Expect honest advice, a few controversial opinions, plenty of wedding dilemmas and a reminder that your wedding photos should feel like you. 🎧 Listen now and follow Totally Absolutely Engaged for more honest wedding advice, real supplier conversations and absolutely none of the wedding planning fluff. Support the show Get social and follow us on Instagram where you can get in touch with any questions https://www.instagram.com/totallyabsolutelyengaged/ Or check out our website https://www.totallyabsolutelyengaged.co.uk for blogs, contact information and more! Check out theaddedextra.co.uk or follow here https://www.instagram.com/theaddedextra?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Follow Rhian here https://www.instagram.com/bake_a_licious_cheshire?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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About

Totally Absolutely Engaged is your behind-the-scenes look at the modern wedding industry - packed with expert insights, hilarious stories, and honest advice for couples planning their big day. Hosted by Isla and Paul, CEO of one of the UK’s top event rental suppliers, each episode features candid conversations with wedding professionals - from planners and florists to photographers and venue stylists. Together, they share their biggest wedding tips, industry secrets, and even their ultimate wedding icks. Listeners also get to hear real wedding dilemmas sent in by brides and grooms - from seating chart dramas to last-minute vendor chaos - as Isla and Paul unpack the best (and funniest) ways to handle them. Whether you’re planning your own wedding, working in the wedding industry, or just love hearing about love, Totally Absolutely Engaged brings valuable wedding planning advice, insider knowledge, and a healthy dose of humour to help you plan smarter and laugh harder. 🎙️ Tune in weekly for expert wedding tips, relatable stories, and entertaining discussions that make wedding planning a little easier and a lot more fun!

Information

  • Creator
    TAEPodcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Totally Absolutely Engaged
  • Show Website
    Totally Absolutely Engaged

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