Wedding Planning Experts | Wedding Planning Tips, Budget, Vendors & Advice for Brides

Dan DeWard - Wedding Planner - Wedding Coordinator
  • 5.0 (16)
  • How To

Would you love to plan your dream wedding without feeling overwhelmed? Do you wish you fully understood the cost of wedding services so you can easily create a budget (and stay on budget)? Wondering how to prioritize vendors that are most important to you and your wedding vision? Want to know where to start in creating a wedding day timeline? We are so excited you're here! This podcast will help you enjoy the wedding planning process, guide you through the various costs for vendors and budgeting, share experiences and planning tips from a wide variety of wedding planning experts and provide valuable wedding day advice. We are Dan & Andrea DeWard. We’ve been married for 30 years as of last St. Patrick’s Day - Yes, we chose St. Patrick’s Day for our wedding and it was amazing! We have been in the wedding industry for over 25 years. When we initially started we thought all weddings were handled the exact same way. Some things we tried worked great and some things did not. We quickly learned every wedding has a unique style and flow to match the bride’s vision. That’s when we really started having fun and our business quickly grew. We have designed, owned and operated three large wedding venues in West Michigan coordinating and hosting hundreds of ceremonies and receptions. We also owned and operated additional lines of business including a bridal gown salon, tuxedo rentals, photography & video studio, DJ company, floral & decor studio, photo booths, limousine, party bus and invitation design. Yes, we owned and operated all of those businesses in the wedding industry! We also organized and hosted a large bridal show for a number of years. All that experience and the many amazing connections we made along the way led us to launching this podcast! If you are a bride that wants to have fun during your wedding planning process, create and stay on budget, connect with a variety of experienced experts and learn tips for your wedding day - this podcast is for you! So, if you have one of those large printed wedding binders… go ahead and close that for now and say “YES” to the Wedding Planning Experts podcast. Let's get started... Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at...  - Full Circle Weddings - West Michigan  -  https://fullcircleweddings.com/ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at...  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts  - FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplanningexperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings. 

  1. May 14

    Why Wedding Flower Quotes Vary So Much — What Brides Need to Send for Accurate Pricing

    Planning your wedding flowers and wondering why floral quotes can vary so dramatically? In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, Dan and Andrea DeWard of Full Circle Weddings break down the real reasons wedding flower pricing changes from one florist to another — and exactly what brides need to send in order to receive accurate floral pricing for their wedding day. From bridal bouquets and centerpieces to ceremony arches, aisle flowers, reception décor, candles, and floral installations, wedding floral design involves far more than simply choosing flowers from Pinterest. Andrea shares insider knowledge from years of hands-on floral experience, explaining how professional florists build proposals, what information impacts pricing the most, and the common mistakes brides make when requesting wedding flower quotes. If you are recently engaged and trying to figure out how much wedding flowers cost, how to stay on budget, or how to communicate your wedding vision clearly to a florist, this episode provides practical wedding planning advice that can save you time, stress, and unnecessary expenses. In this episode, we discuss: • Why wedding flower quotes can vary so much between florists • The exact details brides should send before requesting pricing • How inspiration photos help create accurate floral proposals • Guest counts, centerpiece styles, and ceremony décor considerations • The biggest factors that impact wedding flower costs • Popular 2026 wedding floral trends brides are loving right now • How to prioritize floral spending without sacrificing style • Common floral planning mistakes engaged couples should avoid • Ways to create a luxury wedding floral look while staying on budget With more than 25 years of wedding industry experience, Dan and Andrea DeWard have helped countless couples plan beautiful weddings throughout West Michigan. Through Full Circle Weddings and the Wedding Planning Experts podcast, they share honest advice, professional insight, and behind-the-scenes wedding knowledge to help engaged couples plan with confidence and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you are planning an elegant ballroom wedding, rustic barn celebration, garden ceremony, or modern luxury reception, understanding how wedding floral pricing works can help you make smarter decisions and create a wedding day that feels beautiful, personal, and unforgettable.   💍 Full Circle Weddings - West Michigan Website: https://www.FullCircleWeddings.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR 🎙️ Wedding Planning Experts Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wedding-planning-experts-wedding-planning-tips-budget/id1816096027 or your favorite audio platform. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.

    27 min

  2. Apr 30

    Is a Perfume Bar Worth It? Unique Wedding Ideas Brides Are Loving

    Is a perfume bar at your wedding worth it—or just another trend? Brides are always searching for unique wedding ideas that create a memorable guest experience, and custom fragrance is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about luxury wedding trends. In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, we sit down with Alison Keutgen with Chloq to explore the growing trend of custom wedding perfume for brides and grooms, thoughtful fragrance gifts for your wedding party, and the interactive experience of a perfume bar at your reception. From creating a signature scent for your wedding day to designing a sensory experience your guests will never forget, this trend blends personalization, luxury, and creativity into one unforgettable detail. We break down how custom scents can become part of your wedding identity—bringing back memories of your big day every time you smell it. We also talk through the logistics of setting up a perfume bar, how it works during your reception, and whether it’s truly worth the investment or simply a “nice-to-have” add-on. If you’re looking for unique wedding ideas that stand out and elevate your overall wedding experience, this is a trend you’ll want to understand before making a decision. Key Takeaways: • What a custom bridal or groom fragrance actually includes • How to create a signature wedding scent that lasts beyond your wedding day • How a perfume bar works and what guests experience • Creative wedding party gift ideas using custom fragrance • Budget considerations and real-world cost expectations • Whether this luxury wedding trend is worth it for your wedding Dan & Andrea DeWard, owners of Full Circle Weddings, bring over 25 years of wedding industry experience and have helped hundreds of couples plan their wedding stress-free and on budget. Their real-world insight helps couples decide which wedding trends are worth investing in—and which ones to skip—so you can create a wedding day that truly reflects your vision. 💍 Full Circle Weddings - West Michigan Website: https://www.FullCircleWeddings.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR 🎙️ Wedding Planning Experts Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wedding-planning-experts-wedding-planning-tips-budget/id1816096027 or your favorite audio platform. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.

    12 min

  3. Apr 12

    Are Bridal Dress Appointments Really Free? What Shops Don’t Tell Brides

    Thinking about buying your wedding dress online instead of visiting a bridal salon? For many brides, this decision can feel overwhelming—and risky. In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, we break down the real pros, cons, and potential regrets of buying a wedding dress online vs shopping in a bridal salon with expert insight from Cinderella's Closet. If you're an engaged bride trying to stay on budget while still finding your dream dress, this episode is packed with must-know advice. From sizing challenges and quality concerns to the emotional experience of saying “yes to the dress,” we uncover what really matters when choosing where to shop. Bridal salons offer personalized fittings, alterations guidance, and a memorable experience—but online retailers can offer convenience and lower prices. So what’s the right move for you? We also dive into common wedding dress shopping mistakes, how to avoid costly online disasters, and why so many brides still choose local bridal boutiques like Cinderella’s Closet in Muskegon, Michigan. Whether you're a West Michigan bride or planning from afar, this episode will help you confidently decide the best path to finding your perfect wedding dress. In this episode, we cover: Pros and cons of buying a wedding dress online Benefits of shopping at a bridal salon Common online dress shopping mistakes brides make Wedding dress sizing, alterations, and timelines Budget tips for brides shopping for their dream dress Why the bridal salon experience still matters Dan & Andrea DeWard, owners of Full Circle Weddings, have helped hundreds of brides plan their weddings stress-free and on budget. With over 25 years in the wedding industry, they share real-world advice to help engaged couples avoid mistakes and make confident decisions throughout the planning process. 💍 Full Circle Weddings - West Michigan Website: https://www.FullCircleWeddings.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR 🎙️ Wedding Planning Experts Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wedding-planning-experts-wedding-planning-tips-budget/id1816096027 or your favorite audio platform. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.

    17 min

  4. Mar 29

    Planning a Destination Wedding? The Legal & Travel Mistakes That Can Ruin It

    Planning a destination wedding and honeymoon sounds like a dream—but what most brides don’t realize is how quickly things can go wrong without the right guidance. From hidden travel costs to venue mistakes and unexpected issues overseas, this episode breaks down exactly what engaged couples need to know before booking anything. In this episode of the Wedding Planning Experts Podcast, Dan and Andrea DeWard sit down with travel expert Christine Sabin, owner of Viora Travel, to walk brides through the real truth about destination weddings and honeymoons. If you’re an engaged bride feeling overwhelmed with planning, timelines, and budgeting, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and create a stress-free and unforgettable experience. You’ll learn how to choose the right destination wedding location, what to look for in all-inclusive resorts, and how to plan a honeymoon that actually fits your budget and expectations. We also cover important topics like travel insurance, what happens if a guest cancels, what to do if someone gets injured while traveling, and insider tips most brides never think about—like food safety, timing your trip, and avoiding common booking regrets. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical beach wedding, a luxury resort experience, or a romantic honeymoon getaway, this episode is packed with expert wedding planning advice to help you plan with confidence and avoid the biggest mistakes brides regret. 💡 Key Takeaways: The biggest destination wedding mistakes brides make How to choose the right resort, location, and travel dates What travel insurance actually covers (and why it matters) Hidden costs couples don’t plan for What happens if plans change, guests cancel, or emergencies happen Smart honeymoon planning tips to maximize your experience Dan and Andrea DeWard, owners of Full Circle Weddings in West Michigan, have helped hundreds of couples plan their weddings stress-free and on budget. With over 25 years in the wedding industry, they bring real-world experience, practical advice, and insider tips to help engaged couples make confident decisions throughout the planning process. 💍 Full Circle Weddings - West Michigan Website: https://www.FullCircleWeddings.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR 🎙️ Wedding Planning Experts Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wedding-planning-experts-wedding-planning-tips-budget/id1816096027 or your favorite audio platform. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.

    1h 14m

  5. Mar 12

    Should a Friend Officiate Your Wedding? The Hidden Risks Brides Regret

    Choosing the right wedding officiant is one of the most important decisions when planning your wedding ceremony. Should you ask your pastor to officiate your wedding, have a close friend lead the ceremony, or hire a professional wedding officiant? In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, Dan and Andrea DeWard sit down with Tom Hamel, wedding officiant and owner of My West Michigan Weddings, to help brides understand how to choose the right officiant for their wedding day. Many couples don’t realize just how important the wedding officiant is until they begin planning their ceremony. The officiant is responsible for legally performing the marriage, guiding the ceremony timeline, delivering the message to your guests, and setting the emotional tone for one of the most meaningful moments of the entire wedding day. A great officiant helps create a ceremony that feels personal, organized, and memorable for everyone attending. In this episode, Dan, Andrea, and Tom break down the real differences between having a pastor, a friend, or a professional wedding officiant lead your ceremony. They discuss the advantages and potential challenges of each option, the legal requirements for officiating a wedding, and how couples can ensure their ceremony flows smoothly from start to finish. If you are planning your wedding and wondering who should officiate your wedding ceremony, this episode will give you the insights you need to make a confident decision that matches your beliefs, personality, and overall vision for your wedding day. In this episode you’ll learn: • The differences between a pastor, friend, and professional wedding officiant • Legal requirements for officiating a wedding ceremony • Common mistakes couples make when asking a friend to officiate • How a professional officiant helps run a smooth wedding ceremony • Questions every bride should ask before choosing a wedding officiant • Tips for creating a meaningful and memorable wedding ceremony Dan and Andrea DeWard are the owners of Full Circle Weddings, helping couples plan unforgettable weddings across West Michigan. Their company provides wedding planning, coordination, DJ/MC services, photography, videography, floral design, décor, and more. Through their podcast Wedding Planning Experts, Dan and Andrea share real wedding experiences, vendor insights, and practical wedding planning advice to help brides avoid common mistakes and truly enjoy their wedding day. 💍 Full Circle Weddings - West Michigan Website: https://www.FullCircleWeddings.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR 🎙️ Wedding Planning Experts Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wedding-planning-experts-wedding-planning-tips-budget/id1816096027 or your favorite audio platform. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.

    43 min

  6. Feb 26

    Is Your Groom Actually Ready? The Getting-Ready Mistakes Brides Don’t See Coming

    Is your groom ready for the wedding day? While so much attention goes to the bride’s hair, makeup, and getting-ready photos, groom and groomsmen prep is often overlooked. In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, Dan & Andrea DeWard break down everything brides and engaged couples need to know about wedding day groom prep, mobile barber services, and getting ready spaces. If your wedding venue doesn’t offer a groom’s room — or if the groomsmen are getting ready off-site — this episode explains how a mobile barber for weddings can transform the entire wedding morning experience. From professional fades and beard trims to stress-free scheduling and photo-ready results, we cover why groom grooming matters for wedding photography, timelines, and overall wedding day confidence. The Bride and the Bridesmaids always have a bridal suite at the ceremony location. Let's make sure the Groom and Groomsmen also have what they need and look sharp for the wedding day. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why wedding day groom prep affects wedding photos • What brides should know about booking a mobile barber for a wedding • How to handle wedding venues without a groom’s getting-ready space • Groom and groomsmen timeline planning tips • How to keep the wedding morning relaxed and organized • The difference between DIY grooming and professional wedding barber services Whether you’re planning a luxury hotel wedding, barn wedding, outdoor ceremony, or traditional church wedding, having a clear plan for groom and groomsmen prep helps your entire wedding day run smoothly. This episode is perfect for engaged brides, grooms, and couples planning their wedding who want polished photos, confident groomsmen, and a stress-free start to the celebration. 💍 Full Circle Weddings - West Michigan Website: https://www.FullCircleWeddings.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR 🎙️ Wedding Planning Experts Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wedding-planning-experts-wedding-planning-tips-budget/id1816096027 or your favorite audio platform. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.

    15 min

  7. Feb 18

    Are Barn Weddings a Mistake? What Brides Regret After Booking

    Barn weddings are one of the most popular wedding venue styles today — but are they the right choice for a bride and groom on their wedding day? In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, hosts Dan & Andrea DeWard sit down with barn wedding venue owners Bob and Dana Adams of The Barn at Adams Acres to give brides an honest, behind-the-scenes look at wedding planning in a West Michigan barn style venue. From rustic charm and scenic countryside views to hidden costs, ceremony location, DJ and audio equipment, catering, bar service, hair and makeup, weather concerns, floral and decor, power requirements, restrooms, cocktail hour and dancing, we break down what brides need to know before booking a barn wedding venue. This episode is designed to help engaged brides avoid surprises, manage their wedding budget wisely, and create a stress-free wedding day that looks beautiful and runs smoothly. In this episode, you’ll learn: Are barn wedding venues worth the investment? What brides love most about barn wedding venues What couples often overlook before booking How barn venues impact flowers, timelines, and rentals Is there a bridal suite for bride and bridesmaids Is there a groom's room for the groom and groomsmen How is wedding catering handled Where is the wedding ceremony held Tips for planning a smooth, guest-friendly barn wedding day Hosted by Dan & Andrea DeWard, owners of Full Circle Weddings, this episode combines real venue-owner insight with 25+ years of professional wedding planning experience. If you’re an engaged bride considering a barn wedding or rustic wedding venue, this conversation will help you make a confident, informed decision. 💍 Full Circle Weddings - West Michigan Website: https://www.FullCircleWeddings.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR   🎙️ Wedding Planning Experts Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wedding-planning-experts-wedding-planning-tips-budget/id1816096027 or your favorite audio platform. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.

    31 min

  8. Feb 11

    Are Wedding Tuxedo Rentals Worth It… or a Huge Mistake in Photos?

    Wedding tuxedo rentals and suits can make or break how a wedding looks in photos — so are they really worth it? In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, Dan & Andrea DeWard break down what brides and grooms need to know before choosing tuxedo rentals or wedding suits for the big day. From fit and style to color coordination and overall presentation, we explain how wedding tuxedo rentals impact wedding photos, guest perception, and the overall feel of the celebration. We also cover the most common tuxedo rental mistakes grooms make — and what couples should ask before committing to a rental company. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Are wedding tuxedo rentals worth the investment? Tuxedo vs suit for a wedding: what’s the real difference? What brides notice first about the groom’s attire How poor fit affects wedding photos What to do if a tuxedo doesn’t fit before the wedding Smart ways to keep wedding attire stress-free and on budget Hosted by Dan & Andrea DeWard, owners of Full Circle Weddings with over 25 years of real wedding experience, this episode gives engaged couples practical, honest advice about wedding tuxedo rentals, suits, and wedding party attire. Perfect for engaged brides and grooms who want their wedding party to look polished, timeless, and photo-ready. 💍 Full Circle Weddings - West Michigan Website: https://www.FullCircleWeddings.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FullCircleWeddingsGR 🎙️ Wedding Planning Experts Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wedding-planning-experts-wedding-planning-tips-budget/id1816096027 or your favorite audio platform. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.

    40 min
See All (15)

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Would you love to plan your dream wedding without feeling overwhelmed? Do you wish you fully understood the cost of wedding services so you can easily create a budget (and stay on budget)? Wondering how to prioritize vendors that are most important to you and your wedding vision? Want to know where to start in creating a wedding day timeline? We are so excited you're here! This podcast will help you enjoy the wedding planning process, guide you through the various costs for vendors and budgeting, share experiences and planning tips from a wide variety of wedding planning experts and provide valuable wedding day advice. We are Dan & Andrea DeWard. We’ve been married for 30 years as of last St. Patrick’s Day - Yes, we chose St. Patrick’s Day for our wedding and it was amazing! We have been in the wedding industry for over 25 years. When we initially started we thought all weddings were handled the exact same way. Some things we tried worked great and some things did not. We quickly learned every wedding has a unique style and flow to match the bride’s vision. That’s when we really started having fun and our business quickly grew. We have designed, owned and operated three large wedding venues in West Michigan coordinating and hosting hundreds of ceremonies and receptions. We also owned and operated additional lines of business including a bridal gown salon, tuxedo rentals, photography & video studio, DJ company, floral & decor studio, photo booths, limousine, party bus and invitation design. Yes, we owned and operated all of those businesses in the wedding industry! We also organized and hosted a large bridal show for a number of years. All that experience and the many amazing connections we made along the way led us to launching this podcast! If you are a bride that wants to have fun during your wedding planning process, create and stay on budget, connect with a variety of experienced experts and learn tips for your wedding day - this podcast is for you! So, if you have one of those large printed wedding binders… go ahead and close that for now and say “YES” to the Wedding Planning Experts podcast. Let's get started... Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at...  - Full Circle Weddings - West Michigan  -  https://fullcircleweddings.com/ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at...  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts  - FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplanningexperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings. 

Information

You Might Also Like