What in the Wedding

Hannah Barlow, Ashley Kirchner

A fun and quirky wedding planning podcast designed to help couples think outside the box! That’s right—expect the expected. We’ve seen it all (or so we thought), and we’re here to share the stories, surprises, and lessons from behind the scenes on real life wedding days. Join a wedding planner and a wedding photographer as they chat about all things weddings—so you can get ready for your big day in ways you never imagined! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Oct 21

    Communication & Cash!

    Hannah and Ash dig into how wedding vendor communication is changing in real time, from email versus text preferences to response-time expectations and the practical headaches of managing clients across multiple wedding seasons. They also get into payment processing fees, why more vendors are charging for credit card use, and how small-business realities are reshaping the way couples and vendors work together. This part 1 episode is especially useful for couples and vendors who want to understand what clear communication actually looks like in 2026 wedding planning, especially when timelines, family formals, and last-minute logistics all depend on fast, accurate responses. Key topics In this episode, Hannah and Ash compare email and text communication, with Ash saying text has become her main tool while Hannah prefers email for clearer tracking.They discuss how response expectations have shifted, especially during wedding season, when vendors may be working late at night and couples may not reply until the next day.Hannah shares that she paid almost $3,000 in credit card processing fees last year, which pushes the conversation toward whether vendors should start charging clients for card use.They break down how cash, check, and card payments affect small businesses differently, including why checks are easier to document than cash.The hosts talk about the growing burden on wedding vendors as more businesses shut down, especially florists and makeup artists dealing with supply issues, fees, and post-COVID market changes.Hannah explains how family formals have become a major communication problem because clients often do not review the family list she sends after planning meetings.Ash emphasizes that couples know their families best, but vendors still need confirmation so they can avoid wedding-day confusion and keep photo timelines on track.They discuss the changing role of planners and coordinators, including when a vendor should be in direct contact with other vendors versus when the planner should handle everything.The episode closes with a broader question for listeners: what is the best way for vendors and couples to communicate now, and how fast should replies really be? Timestamps 00:00 - Show intro and wedding-season setup 01:20 - Winter weddings and the challenge of early sunsets 03:30 - Busy seasons shifting and fall versus spring bookings 05:06 - Wedding industry closures and supply chain stress 07:10 - Is cash the same as a check? 08:30 - Why younger clients may be choosing cash again 10:35 - Credit card fees and how vendors absorb them 13:47 - Moving from email-only communication to text expectations 14:59 - Late-night texting and response-time boundaries 17:42 - Automated replies and separate work lines 18:30 - Why read texts on a watch can create missed follow-ups 20:20 - Managing weddings across multiple years at once 22:05 - Communication breakdowns with photographers, DJs, and planners 24:23 - Why family formals need client confirmation 26:57 - Day-of coordination versus full planning communication 29:44 - Hannah’s family-formals style and candid on-site direction 31:19 - Do couples want vendors to nudge them harder? 33:03 - Wrapping up the communication question for listeners Keywords wedding vendor communication, wedding planning, wedding vendor response times, wedding season, wedding business costs, credit card processing fees, vendor payment methods, cash vs. credit card, wedding client expectations, wedding day coordination, family formal photo list, wedding photography timeline, planner and vendor communication, wedding industry challenges, wedding vendor boundaries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Oct 6

    "For the love of all things weddings, do NOT go on that altar EVER."

    Hannah and Ashley kick off with a wedding-day disaster story. Then dig into why church weddings, indoor ceremonies, and parish hall receptions are making a comeback. They also cover what couples and vendors need to ask ahead of time so church weddings run smoothly, especially when rules, timing, and communication vary so much by denomination and officiant. Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome back and what this episode is about 02:04 - Wedding wins and womps: Hannah's locked-car disaster 07:53 - Breaking the window to make the wedding on time 12:53 - Church weddings are back 15:50 - Parents are more involved in planning again 17:13 - Parish hall receptions and why they are returning 18:35 - Why venue pricing works differently than couples think 20:40 - Help couples save money through design choices 22:12 - What to ask churches before booking 23:27 - Catholic church demand and donation-based ceremonies 26:32 - Contracts, restrictions, and what vendors need in writing 29:21 - Why you should book church venue early 30:35 - Respecting church rules as a vendor 33:13 - Working with church coordinators and officiants 36:25 - Starting early, light issues, and altar boundaries 37:55 - Orthodox and other traditions: never assume the same rules 39:18 - Rehearsal strategy for smoother ceremonies 40:55 - Why vendors should arrive prepared and early 42:00 - Catholic first kiss timing can change everything 43:55 - The first kiss, the flowers, and the blessing sequence 48:25 - Fire alarm chaos and what happens when a venue evacuates 50:31 - How church timing affects the full wedding-day timeline 52:20 - Gen Z communication habits and what comes next Keywordschurch weddings, indoor weddings, wedding planning, wedding trends, wedding ceremony, Catholic wedding, religious wedding ceremony, wedding venue, parish hall wedding, budget-friendly wedding, wedding costs, wedding vendors, wedding photography, church photography rules, wedding day timeline, wedding ceremony timing, wedding planning tips, wedding coordination, wedding traditions, wedding guest experience, Gen Z weddings, wedding vendor communication Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jul 1

    Behind-the-Scenes a REAL Wedding Day

    Behind-the-Scenes a REAL Wedding Day Discover a detailed recount of a beautiful, traditional wedding day, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, personal touches, and the behind-the-scenes logistics that make weddings memorable. Hannah and Ashley share practical tips, funny moments, and insights into managing wedding timelines, locations, and family dynamics. Key TopicsTrends in wedding season: inside vs. outside ceremonies, big weddings making a comebackTips for managing tight timelines and unexpected day-of issuesUnique and personal wedding details: incorporating engagement photos and DIY elementsImportance of vendor relationships and communicationHow to handle logistical surprises like last-minute floral or timing glitchesRespecting venue traditions and maintaining decor integrity during ceremoniesPractical advice for couples on location choices and wedding day schedulesTimestamps00:00 - Introduction: wedding trends and season overview 00:13 - Recap of Cameron and Chaz's wedding and wedding weather 01:21 - Behind-the-scenes: in-home detail shots and location tricks 02:50 - Managing tight timelines and detail shot durations 03:56 - Handling last-minute adjustments and family involvement 05:27 - When to schedule late-night photos and why to stagger videography 06:25 - Approaching vendor coordination and minimizing delays 07:44 - Personalized details: flowers, jewelry, and documentation 09:20 - Balancing formalities with authentic family moments 10:27 - Early morning prep and location choices for intimate weddings 11:58 - Flexibility in timeline rewrites and quick pivots 13:36 - In-the-laundry-room detail tips and lighting tricks 15:34 - The importance of personal spaces and DIY setups 16:53 - Managing challenging lighting and photography obstacles 17:52 - Keeping the ceremony respectful and unobtrusive 20:16 - Floral drop-offs and logistical challenges 22:23 - Capturing emotional family moments and candid photos 23:37 - Overcoming space constraints in church settings 25:22 - Cultural wedding elements and ceremony specifics 27:25 - The beauty of flexible scheduling and ceremony flow 30:23 - Navigating church restrictions and aisle management 32:43 - Details of outdoor vs. indoor photo options 35:34 - Addressing weather concerns and muddy shoes 37:28 - Creative solutions for background and framing 39:32 - Surprising surprises: GPS issues and local events impacts 44:00 - Celebrating the charm of small-town weddings and community 49:06 - The trend resurgence of church weddings and indoor venues 54:44 - Building relationships with couples for authentic photos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Mar 4

    Bouquets, Budgets & Backup Plans - Real Talk Wedding Floral Chat

    In this episode, florist Bria Schutz, owner and lead floral design for her business Event Aesthetics, shares insights on wedding floral design, handling unpredictable weather, pricing strategies, and navigating client expectations. Perfect for couples planning their wedding and vendors looking to refine their craft. Guest: Bria Schutz (Event Aesthetics) Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/event.aesthetics/ Website - https://eventaesthetics.com Key Topics Wedding floral design tips Handling weather challenges in weddings Pricing strategies for florists Client communication and expectations Trends in wedding flowers Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wedding Planning Podcast 00:54 Meet Bria Schutz: The Florist Behind Event Aesthetics 02:47 Challenges of Being a Wedding Florist 05:51 The Importance of Timing in Floral Arrangements 08:40 Common Questions Couples Ask Florists 11:48 Customization in Floral Services 14:33 Cohesion in Wedding Decor 17:43 DIY vs. Professional Floral Arrangements 20:32 Misconceptions About Florists 23:37 The Hard Work Behind Floral Design 26:34 Bridal Bouquet Tips and Tricks 31:38 Floral Trends and Design Preferences 34:35 Understanding Floral Logistics and Pricing 46:15 Navigating Client-Floral Relationships 57:51 Final Thoughts on Floral Expectations  keywords wedding florals, floral design, wedding planning, florist tips, wedding weather, floral pricing, DIY wedding flowers, wedding vendor advice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Feb 12

    False AI Reviews and Venue Pricing

    Summary In this episode of What in the Wedding, hosts Hannah and Ashley discuss the evolving landscape of wedding planning, focusing on trends in venues, the impact of AI on photography, and the importance of adapting to client priorities. They explore how budget constraints are shaping vendor choices and the significance of networking within the industry. The conversation highlights the shift towards more personalized and experience-driven weddings, emphasizing the need for vendors to stay updated and flexible in their offerings. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Wetting the Wedding Podcast 01:45 Trends in Wedding Venues and AI Impact 03:52 Shifts in Wedding Photography Priorities 07:44 Adapting to Changing Wedding Trends 11:42 The Role of AI in Wedding Planning 17:37 Navigating Budget Constraints in Weddings 23:30 The Evolution of Wedding Vendor Relationships 29:23 The Future of Wedding Planning and Trends 35:32 Networking and Learning in the Wedding Industry 41:27 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement Takeaways Expect the unexpected in wedding planning. AI is changing the landscape of wedding photography. Budget constraints are affecting vendor choices. Couples are prioritizing experiences over traditional elements. The wedding industry is seeing a shift towards backyard and tent weddings. Networking is crucial for staying updated in the wedding industry. Vendors need to adapt to changing client priorities. Communication between vendors is key to a successful wedding day. The importance of customization in wedding packages. Understanding generational differences in wedding planning. Keywords wedding planning, wedding trends, photography, AI in weddings, budget constraints, vendor relationships, wedding venues, wedding industry, networking, wedding photography Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Jan 13

    Navigating the Wedding Planning Process

    Summary In this episode of What in the Wedding, hosts Hannah and Ashley discuss the current trends in wedding planning, particularly focusing on the engagement season, budgeting, vendor selection, and the importance of family dynamics. They provide insights into how couples can navigate the planning process, emphasizing the significance of timely decisions and the evolving role of parents in wedding planning. The episode also addresses listener questions, offering practical advice for couples preparing for their big day. Takeaways December is the most popular month for engagements. Couples are increasingly reaching out to vendors early in the planning process. Budgeting for a wedding should be approached like planning a vacation. Guest count significantly impacts the overall wedding budget. It's important to establish a budget before reaching out to vendors. Moms are taking a more active role in wedding planning than in previous years. Choosing a venue should be prioritized over hiring a planner if couples want to DIY. Vendors should be booked as soon as possible after interviews to avoid losing dates. AI technology is influencing wedding planning and vendor selection. Communication with family members about wedding plans is crucial.  Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Wet in the Wedding 01:13 Engagement Season Insights 04:37 Planning Your Wedding: First Steps 09:50 Budgeting for Your Wedding 14:06 The Role of Parents in Wedding Planning 15:57 Choosing Your Vendors 20:59 Dresses and Tuxes: When to Shop 23:53 The Excitement of Wedding Planning 27:50 The Quest for the Perfect Wedding Photo 29:37 The Impact of AI on Wedding Photography 31:09 Navigating Client Expectations and AI Inspirations 33:28 Handling Difficult Family Dynamics 41:25 Vendor Booking Timelines and Strategies Keywords wedding planning, engagement, wedding trends, budgeting, vendor selection, wedding attire, family dynamics, listener questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

A fun and quirky wedding planning podcast designed to help couples think outside the box! That’s right—expect the expected. We’ve seen it all (or so we thought), and we’re here to share the stories, surprises, and lessons from behind the scenes on real life wedding days. Join a wedding planner and a wedding photographer as they chat about all things weddings—so you can get ready for your big day in ways you never imagined! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.