173 episodes

A fun-loving, wildly experienced (20+ years) Wedding Planner shares her deepest, darkest secrets to help you plan your wedding. You'll learn a lot. Laugh even more. And most importantly get the inside scoop on how to make the most of your big day. Inclusivity is of the utmost importance to us, so this podcast is for EVERYONE.........We've made the switch to a SUBSCRIPTION-based model, because let's be real, creating awesome podcast episodes and building a community of fellow wedding planning enthusiasts ain't cheap! But don't worry, this change will only mean even more support, guidance and resources for you as you navigate the wild world of wedding planning. Go to our website and click Subscribe for more info and pricing.

The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Michelle Martinez

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.8 • 548 Ratings

A fun-loving, wildly experienced (20+ years) Wedding Planner shares her deepest, darkest secrets to help you plan your wedding. You'll learn a lot. Laugh even more. And most importantly get the inside scoop on how to make the most of your big day. Inclusivity is of the utmost importance to us, so this podcast is for EVERYONE.........We've made the switch to a SUBSCRIPTION-based model, because let's be real, creating awesome podcast episodes and building a community of fellow wedding planning enthusiasts ain't cheap! But don't worry, this change will only mean even more support, guidance and resources for you as you navigate the wild world of wedding planning. Go to our website and click Subscribe for more info and pricing.

    #377 What to Budget for Photo & Video: A Deep Dive into Wedding Media Costs

    #377 What to Budget for Photo & Video: A Deep Dive into Wedding Media Costs

    This episode delves into understanding the factors that influence what you can expect to pay for photography and videography. We break down different pricing levels and what you can expect within each tier, helping you tailor your choices to your unique needs.

    Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

    Ad-free, full episodes

    TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center

    Monthly Wedding Planning Happy Hours via Zoom with Michelle

    Bonus Episodes

    Extra tools and gifts get sprinkled in every so often!


    Topics We Covered

    Reliable sources for accurate budget information

    Understanding pricing factors

    Different pricing levels & what to anticipate

    Smart strategies for maximizing value

    Seeing beyond package hours

    Evaluating the right level of investment for your wedding

    Being specific to get what you really want


    The Guest
    Jason McCutchen

    Links We Referenced
    Wedding Film School
    Merriment Films 
    Stop Go Love  
    Huxley Film


    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 28 min
    #376 All About The Wedding Emcee

    #376 All About The Wedding Emcee

    In this ep, we uncover the essential role of an Emcee and why having one solely dedicated to hosting (no DJ duties!) is a game-changer. We dish out the must-have qualities to consider when picking your Emcee superhero and spill the beans on the fantastic benefits of assembling a dream team – planner, Emcee, and DJ/Band. 
    Get ready for a whirlwind of creative ideas to sprinkle ceremony magic into your reception, along with quirky micro-event suggestions to keep the party going. Plus, we explore the "Emcee or Uncle Joe" dilemma, compare Australian and American wedding traditions, and wrap it all up with insider tips on orchestrating a show-stopping grand exit. Tune in for the wedding wisdom you never knew you needed!
    Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

    Ad-free, full episodes

    TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center

    Monthly Wedding Planning Happy Hours via Zoom with Michelle

    Bonus Episodes

    Extra tools and gifts get sprinkled in every so often!


    Topics We Covered

    The role of an Emcee

    Benefits of an Emcee that does not play any music

    Key Qualities to Consider When Choosing an Emcee

    The benefits of hiring a planner, emcee and a DJ/Band

    Bringing elements of the ceremony into the reception

    Alternative & fun Ideas for micro events at weddings

    Asking a friend or family member to act as the emcee

    Australian vs. American Wedding Traditions

    How To Coordinate Guests for the Grand Exit


    About The Guest
    Gary Clementson also known as Gazza is a sparky (electrician) and actor who loved his wedding so much, he packed up the tools and became a Marriage Celebrant and Wedding MC. He creates fun, funny and relaxed wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions for all to enjoy - with tears, laughter, celebration and a whole lot of love. 

    Links We Referenced
    Gary on Instagram
    Gary’s website
    Gary on Youtube
    Gary’s Course. How to be an Amazing Wedding Emcee
    Discount code: TBWPP at checkout for 15% off

    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 22 min
    #375 Wedding Planning 101: From start to finish

    #375 Wedding Planning 101: From start to finish

    In this episode, I break down the entire wedding planning journey into three distinct stages - The Beginning, The Middle, and The Last. Expert insights and practical advice that will help you at any point of the planning process, from newly engaged to the final stages of planning. It’s all broken down into bite size, easily digestible steps. 

    Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

    Ad-free, full episodes

    TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center

    Monthly Wedding Planning Happy Hours via Zoom with Michelle

    Bonus Episodes

    Extra tools and gifts get sprinkled in every so often!


    Topics We Covered

    How long it takes to plan a wedding

    The tools needed to plan a wedding

    The phases of wedding planning

    The steps in each planning phase

    How often you should have planning sessions

    The most vital step of planning


    Helpful Links 
    Michelle’s Wedding Planning Priorities Exercise
    The Big Wedding Planning Master Class
    Michelle’s 1:1 Wedding Planning Coaching Program

    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 23 min
    #374 You Ask, We Answer - 69

    #374 You Ask, We Answer - 69

    If there’s anyone’s opinion you want on your wedding planning, it’s that of a wedding planner. Only thing better? The opinions of 2 EXPERT Wedding Planners. That’s what this episode is about peeps!

    Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

    Ad-free, full episodes

    TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center

    Monthly Wedding Planning Happy Hours via Zoom with Michelle

    Bonus Episodes

    Extra tools and gifts get sprinkled in every so often!


    Questions We Answered

    Outdoor wedding advice and tips

    Thoughts on the “Bridal Buddy” product

    What pre-ceremony beverages should we serve?

    When should we start writing out speeches?

    The officiant doesn't share the ceremony script in advance of wedding day

    Handling “hand-off anxiety” when turning it all over to the coordinator

    What has to get done in the week leading up to the wedding? 

    My family can’t seem to get it together and they’re stressing me out!


    About The Co-host
    Kelly is an expert wedding planner and designer based in Florida. She is also the creator and host of the podcast This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

    Links
    Kelly’s Website
    Kelly’s Podcast
    Kelly on Instagram

    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 25 min
    #373 Why are weddings so damn expensive?

    #373 Why are weddings so damn expensive?

    Why is it that the moment you mention the word “wedding”, the price of whatever you are inquiring about goes up? Are engaged couples and their families being taken advantage of? 
    Ok, yes. Weddings are f%*king expensive! In this episode we are breaking down and dissecting the costs of REAL weddings and giving the answers you are yearning for.
    Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

    Ad-free, full episodes

    TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center

    Monthly Wedding Planning Happy Hours via Zoom with Michelle

    Bonus Episodes

    Extra tools and gifts get sprinkled in every so often!


    Topics We Covered

    Why wedding costs are sometimes out of control

    3 Wedding Budget Case Studies

    Why wedding vendors are charging so much

    How a wedding in 2023 costs 91% more than it did in 2020

    Why so many wedding planners don’t charge enough


    About The Guest
    Joining us today is the incredibly talented Callie Smith, the mastermind behind K Rose Events based in Southern California. 
    Callie has been working in the wedding planning industry for 5 years and started her business driven by a desire to inspire and empower her daughter to pursue her dreams fearlessly. 
    Over the years, she has gained valuable insights into the wedding industry, built strong relationships with vendors and venues, and developed a unique artistic vision. Callie’s dedication to delivering exceptional service and commitment to crafting unforgettable moments for couples have been the driving forces behind her success.

    Links We Referenced
    Reel #1 Wedding Budget in January 2020 vs. January 2023. (91% Increase!!)
    Reel #2 Wedding Budget March 2020 vs. March 2023. (43% Increase)
    Reel #3 Wedding Budget June 2021 vs. June 2023. (55% Increase)
    K. Rose Events Website
    Callie on Instagram 
    https://www.missioninn.com/
    https://tnkphoto.com/

    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 25 min
    #372 Real Wedding Retrospective: Her Big Fat Jamaican-Nigerian Destination Wedding

    #372 Real Wedding Retrospective: Her Big Fat Jamaican-Nigerian Destination Wedding

    Our guest, Danielle Ayanru, takes the spotlight as she spills the tea on her fabulous "Big Fat Jamaican-Nigerian Destination Wedding." Get ready for an awesome blend of cultures, traditions, and personal anecdotes that will have you both informed and entertained.
    As with any wedding, there were highs, lows, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. Danielle candidly shares the triumphs, the challenges, and the "wish I knew this before" moments that every couple can relate to. From guest list strategies to vendor selections, her insights are pure gold for anyone in the midst of wedding planning.

    Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:

    Ad-free, full episodes

    TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center

    Monthly Wedding Planning Happy Hours via Zoom with Michelle

    Bonus Episodes

    Extra tools and gifts get sprinkled in every so often!


    Topics We Covered

    Destination wedding tips

    Mistakes that were made

    The best decisions made

    How a large guest list can positively impact the budget

    What to do when the reception space is no longer available

    Budget-friendly tips

    Travel tips for your destination wedding


    About Our Guest
    Danielle Ayanru is from Queens, New York City. She and her husband Osaheni had a destination wedding in Mexico. After seeing a huge lack of resources available for destination brides, Danielle started her own business as a destination wedding coach and content creator.

    Links We Referenced
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrvP-1Ms0-5/?img_index=1Blog:
    Blog: https://tinyurl.com/2p89hjr8
    Danielle’s Website
    Danielle on Youtube

    The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is...
    Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez

    Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics


    On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention!

    Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook.

    Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 23 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
548 Ratings

548 Ratings

Big Podcast Fan 23 ,

Only wedding podcast you need!!

This podcast is the only wedding podcast you need!! You will truly learn something and be entertained. I’m a July 2023 bride who started listening in June 2022 right before getting engaged. I used so many of the tips I learned from this podcast while planning my wedding, including the timeline (!!!), conversations/coordinations with bridesmaids and family members, tips for vendors, order of events for the day, transportation, and so much more! This podcast was also such a great outlet for consuming and enjoying wedding content during this bridal phase of life. It’s a great substitute for feeling like you’re annoying your friends and only talking about weddings all the time. I binged all the episodes and am so thankful for this podcast!

Maya730! ,

Michelle is the best!

This review is long overdue but I couldn’t be happier to write it. I have been listening to Michelle since the fall, and she was my frequent listen on my long commute to work. Listening to her podcasts made me excited for my big day and helped me learn so many helpful things. Do yourself a favor and become a subscriber, it is more than worth it to hear the full episodes and have access to her resources. She is incredibly kind and helpful to her subscribers and is there when you need a professional opinion! Love you and love the show Michelle!

Ponduh ,

Worth every penny 💕

Recently engaged, I started out listening to the free feed in late 2022. After just a few episodes, I knew I HAD to join the premium feed. Of all the things you will spend money on for your wedding - this will have the greatest payoff! I've listened to SO many episodes and have learned so much. I truly wonder where I'd be in the planning process without this podcast as a resource. Even more importantly, the monthly zoom happy hours have given me a supportive community of marry-ers; lovely people who understand the joys and stresses of wedding planning. I recommend this podcast to ANYONE involved in planning a wedding!

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