WPP PREMIUM

VIP PASS > Early access, always ad-free. Cheers!🥂

$12.99/month or $99.00/year

Wedding Planning Podcast

Kara Lamerato
  • 4.6 (306)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Get ready to experience the ALL NEW WAY to thrive throughout your engagement by embracing who you are, prioritizing what you value, and ultimately designing an unforgettable wedding celebration of your dreams! Welcome to the WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST, where we say "NO" to the $72 billion dollar wedding industry, and we say "YES" to a more joyful engagement season where your mindset, values & wedding strategy are all in perfect alignment with YOU. Ready to get started?

  1. Setting a Realistic Wedding Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide for Engaged Couples

    4D AGO

    Setting a Realistic Wedding Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide for Engaged Couples

    Setting a realistic wedding budget that actually works for you is one of the most important decisions you'll make after getting engaged, and it's one that sets the tone for every planning choice that follows. If you're newly engaged and feeling overwhelmed by numbers, opinions, or online "averages" that don't feel realistic … or if you're already planning and realizing your budget needs a reset - you're in exactly the right place. In today's episode, I'm walking you through a clear, step-by-step process for creating a wedding budget that reflects your priorities ... not the wedding industry's expectations. We'll talk about how to define what matters most, allocate your money with intention, and build a financial plan that supports your vision - without all of the overwhelm and second-guessing. Will wedding planning be completely free of financial stress?  Probably not.  But with the right framework in place, it can feel organized, intentional, and manageable - so that you're not always making decisions from a place of panic or pressure. By the end of this episode, you'll have the clarity and confidence to move forward with a budget that truly works for you. Want to save time, money, and your sanity while planning your wedding? Subscribe to Wedding Planning Podcast Premium on Apple Podcasts for early, ad-free access to all weekly episodes—plus a bonus series that teaches you how to use ChatGPT as your free wedding planning assistant. Save hours, avoid overwhelm, and make confident decisions faster. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and start planning with clarity. Thank you to today's show sponsor, Minted: Just engaged and wondering where to start?  One of the easiest first steps is your wedding website. With Minted, you can build a free wedding website designed by independent artists - so it looks elevated without the custom-design price tag. Everything lives in one place: your story, wedding details, RSVPs, and registry links - simple, clean, and stress-free.  Click here to get started today and unlock exclusive listener perks on save-the-dates, invitations, and more. Click Here to read the complete blog post and follow along with today's episode.

    24 min
  2. Newly Engaged? Exactly What to Do First

    JAN 28

    Newly Engaged? Exactly What to Do First

    Just engaged and not sure where to start? This episode breaks down the exact first steps every newly engaged couple should take - plus the mistakes to avoid - so you can plan with clarity, confidence, and zero panic. In today's episode, I'm walking you through the Ultimate Engagement Checklist: 10 must-do steps to take before you book venues, sign contracts, or lock yourself into decisions you'll regret later. The days after getting engaged are exciting and overwhelming. Between sharing the news, flashing that ring, and daydreaming about dresses and cake, most couples accidentally slip into planning autopilot. After working with thousands of engaged couples over 10 years, I've seen the same mistakes over & over: rushing into big decisions too soon - and limiting what's actually possible for their wedding. This episode helps you slow down strategically, get grounded, and set yourself up for a wedding that truly reflects the two of you. Inside this episode: The first things you should do after getting engaged (and what can wait) How to avoid common early planning mistakes that cost couples time, money, and options The mindset shift that leads to better decisions later A simple checklist to move forward with confidence - minus the overwhelm Think of this as a free audio planning meeting to help you start smart and stress less. Early access to new episodes + bonus planning resources are available inside WPP Premium on Apple Podcasts.  Tap "Subscribe" for instant acess. Links & Resources Engagement ring insurance: Is it right for you? Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all your details in one place, and exclusive listener perks: weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted Click here for a full written recap of today's episode.

    23 min
  3. Hiring Your Wedding Vendors: Research & Budgeting Tips, Questions to Ask, When to Book

    JAN 23 • WPP PREMIUM ONLY

    Hiring Your Wedding Vendors: Research & Budgeting Tips, Questions to Ask, When to Book

    Hiring your wedding vendors is one of the most important (and most overwhelming) parts of wedding planning. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to research and book your dream vendor team without busting your budget. You’ll learn: How to research wedding vendors efficiently Which vendors are must-haves vs. optional What to book first, and what can wait The key questions to ask every wedding vendor before signing a contract Universal budgeting rules to help you stay on track throughout your engagement PS - I would LOVE to hear from you!  Whether it’s about a planning challenge or question you’re facing, a post-wedding day recap that you’d like to share, or requests for upcoming show topics, you can be in touch any time - simply send an email to:  kara@karasvineyardwedding.com Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all of your wedding details in one place, and exclusive listener perks.

    28 min
  4. Family Drama & Wedding Planning: Let’s Talk Boundaries

    JAN 22 • WPP PREMIUM ONLY

    Family Drama & Wedding Planning: Let’s Talk Boundaries

    Wedding planning can stir up complicated family dynamics, emotional pressure, and strong opinions. In today’s episode, we talk honestly about navigating family expectations during your engagement. From financial contributions and blended families to estranged relationships, religion, tradition, and setting boundaries with well-meaning relatives, this episode offers reassurance and practical tools for protecting your peace. You’ll walk away with clear grounding affirmations, boundary-setting phrases, and permission to plan a wedding that reflects your values - not your family's expectations. Personal affirmations that you can hold close in the coming months: We will never please everyone, and that’s OK. I can lovingly hold boundaries with my _______ . (fill in the blank family member) Other peoples’ emotions are not my responsibility. I am allowed to say no without explanation. I trust our wedding vision - we know what’s right for our day. Boundary-setting taglines to keep in your back pocket: Thanks — we’ll think about it and let you know. We appreciate the suggestion, but we’re going in a different direction. We already have a firm plan for that, but thanks for the idea! Let’s circle back on that later. And my Golden Rule when managing family input and expectations: Over-explaining invites further conversation and negotiation. Short + sweet shuts it down. To wrap up this week, I would LOVE to hear from you! Whether it’s about a planning challenge or question you’re facing, a post-wedding day recap that you’d like to share, or simply requests for upcoming show topics, you can be in touch any time by sending me an email - kara@karasvineyardwedding.com PS - Enjoy early access to ad-free episodes each week when you subscribe to WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST PREMIUM in Apple Podcasts. Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all of your wedding details in one place, and exclusive listener perks.

    13 min
  5. Crafting Your Wedding Guest List: Where to Start, Setting Boundaries & How to Edit

    JAN 21 • WPP PREMIUM ONLY

    Crafting Your Wedding Guest List: Where to Start, Setting Boundaries & How to Edit

    Today we’re breaking down one of the most complicated and often emotionally charged - parts of wedding planning: crafting your wedding guest list. From where to start, to how to handle tricky family dynamics, this episode offers a clear, practical approach to navigating the process with confidence. Bonus: I’m answering many of your real guest list questions along the way! Tune in for a step-by-step guide that covers: How to get started with your wedding guest list Smart strategies (and benefits) of using an A-List / B-List invitation system How to handle plus-one expectations and non-invited guests Effective ways to thoughtfully trim your guest list Navigating family requests - and demands - with clarity and boundaries And more! A detailed blog post to accompany today’s episode can be found here. A special thank you today's show sponsor: Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all of your wedding details in one place, and exclusive listener perks: weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted

    35 min
  6. Smart Tips for Finding Your Perfect Wedding Venue

    JAN 20 • WPP PREMIUM ONLY

    Smart Tips for Finding Your Perfect Wedding Venue

    Choosing your wedding venue is the single most important decision you’ll make during the planning process - and yes, that can feel like a lot of pressure. Your venue isn’t just the backdrop for your wedding day. It also sets the vibe, drives your budget, impacts your guest experience, and influences nearly every other decision you’ll make from here on out. That’s why this is not a decision to rush. In today’s episode of The Wedding Planning Podcast, we’re breaking down exactly how to choose the right wedding venue with clarity and confidence - before you sign a contract or close doors you didn’t even realize were there. You’ll learn: Why your wedding venue impacts every other planning decision How to define your wedding vision before you start touring spaces Smart ways to set yourself up for a successful venue search The most important questions to ask every potential venue The key differences between traditional and all-inclusive venues How to research and find the best wedding venues near you We’ll also talk through budget considerations, guest experience, logistics, décor implications, and how to trust your instincts when you walk into the one. Blog post with pdf Venue Shopping Checklists If you’re newly engaged - or feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start - this episode will help you slow down, get clear, and make a venue decision that truly aligns with your vision, priorities, and budget. A special thank you to this week's show sponsors: • Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all of your wedding details in one place, and exclusive listener perks: weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted

    24 min
  7. ChatGPT Bonus Episode 5: Wedding Planning Timelines & Logistics

    JAN 17 • WPP PREMIUM ONLY

    ChatGPT Bonus Episode 5: Wedding Planning Timelines & Logistics

    In this premium bonus episode, we’re tackling one of the most searched (and most overwhelming) wedding planning topics: wedding planning timelines and miscellaneous logistics. From long-term planning timelines to month-by-month checklists and detailed wedding-day schedules, I’ll show you exactly how to use ChatGPT to create completely customized timelines that actually reflect your wedding, your priorities, and your reality. You’ll hear practical, real life examples for: Newly engaged couples who want a clear place to start Couples working within a specific timeframe (like 6 months out) Creating a detailed, easy-to-follow wedding day-of timeline for a coordinator, friend, or family member Asking ChatGPT to coordinate complex wedding logistics in just seconds This episode is all about helping you stay organized without overthinking every step. You’ll learn how to identify what truly needs to happen early, what can wait, and how to assign responsibilities so that nothing falls through the cracks. If you’re craving structure, clarity, and a calmer planning process, this episode will help you put ChatGPT to work as your on-demand planning assistant. Premium Subscribers - here's my email address so that you can get a copy of my Copy-Paste Wedding Planning Guide for ChatGPT: kara@weddingplanningpodcast.co *There's a passphrase within this episode that you will need to include in the subject line. Emails without the correct passphrase will be filtered into Spam*

    7 min
  8. ChatGPT Bonus Episode 4: Hiring Your Dream Team of Wedding Vendors

    JAN 16 • WPP PREMIUM ONLY

    ChatGPT Bonus Episode 4: Hiring Your Dream Team of Wedding Vendors

    In this premium bonus episode, we’re focusing on one of the most time-consuming (and overwhelm-inducing) parts of wedding planning: hiring your vendors. You’ll learn how to use ChatGPT as a smart, supportive assistant to research vendors, draft inquiry emails, compare proposals, and even negotiate professionally - without second-guessing every word you send. This episode walks through practical, plug-and-play prompts you can use to: Find budget-friendly vendors that align with your style, location, and priorities Draft clear, polished outreach messages in seconds Compare quotes and proposals more confidently with side-by-side resources Ask about flexibility and negotiate scope or pricing in a professional, respectful way We’ll use real-life examples, including florists and photographers, to show how the same prompts can be applied to any wedding vendor, from planners and caterers to rentals, DJs, transportation & more. If you want to spend less time stressing over endless hours of vendor research & outreach, and more time making confident decisions, this episode will show you exactly how to put ChatGPT to work for you. Premium Subscribers - here's my email address so that you can get a copy of my Copy-Paste Wedding Planning Guide for ChatGPT: kara@weddingplanningpodcast.co *There's a passphrase within this episode that you will need to include in the subject line. Emails without the correct passphrase will be filtered into Spam*

    8 min
See All (173)

Trailer

Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
306 Ratings

About

Get ready to experience the ALL NEW WAY to thrive throughout your engagement by embracing who you are, prioritizing what you value, and ultimately designing an unforgettable wedding celebration of your dreams! Welcome to the WEDDING PLANNING PODCAST, where we say "NO" to the $72 billion dollar wedding industry, and we say "YES" to a more joyful engagement season where your mindset, values & wedding strategy are all in perfect alignment with YOU. Ready to get started?

Information

  • Creator
    Kara Lamerato
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    173
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All show audio & written transcript materials are copyrighted by KVW, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Wedding Planning Podcast
  • Provider
    KVW

You Might Also Like