The Wedding Dish

Sara Alepin

Grab your fork and knife, and take a seat at our table as we dish on all things weddings. You’ll hear stories and tips from real couples and wedding pros about life, love and entrepreneurship. The Wedding Dish is a casual, conversation-style podcast featuring stories and tips from real couples and wedding pros. Let’s dish!

  1. 1d ago

    Designing a Wedding That Feels Like Home on Steroids

    We are exploring the art of experiential event planning. I am joined by Arielle Tayar, co-founder of Whip Productions, and an expert in creating weddings that linger in your guests' memories long after the final song has played. We discuss how to frame your wedding as a thoughtful narrative, whether you are planning an intimate local celebration or a sprawling destination weekend. Arielle shares her philosophy on why "luxury" is actually about how you make your guests feel and how you can translate your own hosting style into the biggest day of your life. Grab a seat at the table as we dish on: The secret to creating a guest experience that feels like your own living room - just magnified. Why thoughtful details like invitation design, music choices, and small comforts transform an event into a meaningful journey. How to build an engaging narrative across multiple days of events so that every guest feels connected. The honest truth about destination weddings and why you should only host one if you can truly take care of your traveling guests. Practical communication tips that ensure your guests arrive informed, relaxed, and ready to celebrate with you. Whether you are hosting ten people or two hundred, Arielle’s advice will help you move away from the stress of planning and into the joy of hosting. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    20 min
  2. Jun 11

    The Childhood Habits Shaping Your Financial Future

    We are diving into a topic that many couples avoid until the wedding bills start rolling in. Financial coach Dylan, Dylan Teaches Finance, joins us to discuss how our earliest memories of money influence our modern relationships. We explore why some of us get a dopamine hit from a new purchase while others find peace in a growing savings account. Dylan shares how to identify your unique money story and how to start a neutral conversation about finances with your partner. From separate savings buckets to planning for both fun and serious goals, this episode provides a roadmap for financial harmony. Learn how to stop the cycle of impulse spending and start building a future that reflects your shared values. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    29 min
  3. Jun 4

    The Invisible Power of Audio in Your Wedding Story

    We are exploring the world of wedding filmmaking with an international expert who believes that the true heart of your wedding story lies in the things you say. Jonathan Schüßler joins us to talk about the one element most couples forget to prioritize until the day is already over. Grab a seat at the table as we dish on: The reason why spoken words and personal stories carry more weight than the perfect sunset shot. How to capture the voices of your favorite people without turning your celebration into a disruptive movie set. The logistics of hybrid teams and how photographers and videographers can work as a unified front. Why physical fitness is a secret requirement for a high energy wedding team. The art of compressing hours of footage into a curated story that actually captures your essence. Whether you are debating a videographer or wondering how to keep your day feeling natural while the cameras are rolling, Jonathan’s perspective on storytelling will change the way you think about your wedding memories. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    32 min
  4. May 28

    Global Wedding Trends from America to Australia

    We are traveling across the globe without ever leaving our seats. I am joined by Jessica of JEM Weddings and the Weddings Unfiltered podcast for a deep dive into the surprising similarities and unique differences between the American and Australian wedding industries. Take a seat at the table as we dish on: The Seasonal Shift: How peak wedding months vary between hemispheres and the different weather challenges couples face, from cyclones to snow. Global Economic Impacts: How rising fuel costs, tariffs, and supply chain issues are impacting everything from floral availability to the price of a wedding dress. The Modern Timeline: Why the old format of long gaps between the ceremony and reception is disappearing in favor of a more seamless guest experience. New Vendor Categories: The rise of emerging roles like wedding content creators and live artists who are reinventing how memories are captured. Inclusive Traditions: Why the inclusion of pets as ring bearers and the creation of heartfelt memorial tables are trending in both countries. Outdated Practices: Which traditional rituals are being left behind and how couples are choosing creative alternatives for things like the bouquet toss. Whether you are planning a destination wedding or just curious about how celebrations look on the other side of the world, Jessica’s insights provide a wonderful perspective on the shared joys and challenges of the modern wedding industry. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    50 min
  5. May 21

    Presence is the Real Luxury. Reclaim Your Emotional Space on the Wedding Day

    We often spend months planning every visual detail, but have you planned for how you actually want to feel? This week, we are joined by international documentary wedding photographer Raphaëlle Granger to discuss a concept that is often overlooked in the hustle of wedding planning: presence. Raphaëlle believes that the ultimate luxury on a wedding day isn’t the decor or the venue - it’s the emotional space the couple has to truly exist in the moment. Grab your fork as we dish on: The What's Next? Test: Why turning to your photographer for direction is a sign you’ve lost presence, and how to stay in the flow instead. Buffer Time is for You: The importance of building emotional safe spaces into your timeline that are strictly for recentering - not for more photos. Performance vs. Reality: How to avoid performing for the camera by staying in motion and trusting your natural instincts. The Power of No: Making the invisible decisions about where not to compromise, even when professionals suggest otherwise. Protecting the Atmosphere: Practical tips for managing your getting ready space to ensure it remains a calm, organized sanctuary. Whether you are an introvert who needs time to recharge or a couple who simply wants to remember how the day felt rather than just how it looked, Raphaëlle’s insights will change the way you look at your wedding timeline. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    28 min
  6. Mar 5

    The 3-1-1 Strategy: How to Maximize Your Honeymoon Without Burning Out

    We all want that Pinterest-perfect honeymoon, but how do you plan a trip that is actually relaxing and safe? This week, we are dishing with Becki, the travel expert behind Research Travel Repeat. Becki shares her journey from a life-changing study abroad in Rome to helping couples solve the complex "puzzle" of travel planning. Grab your fork (and your passport!) as we dish on: The AI Warning: Why relying on AI for travel itineraries can be dangerous—literally. Becki shares a cautionary tale about travelers getting stranded on a mountain in Japan due to AI hallucinations. The 3-1-1 Philosophy: How spending at least three nights in each destination ensures you actually enjoy your honeymoon instead of just living out of a suitcase. Maximizing Limited PTO: Strategies for couples who want big adventures but have a limited number of vacation days. Social Media vs. Reality: How to avoid the trap of "over-planning" based on influencers and instead focus on shared rituals and reconnection. Consultation vs. Full-Service: The difference between getting a "Dream Trip Blueprint" and having a pro handle every single detail for you. Whether you’re getting scuba certified or looking for the perfect beach to lounge on, Becki’s expert advice will help you navigate the world with confidence and ease. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    37 min
  7. Feb 19

    Don't Go to Bed Angry? Why That (and Other Marriage Myths) Are Ruining Your Vibe

    We’ve all heard the well-meaning advice: "Never go to bed angry." But what if that’s actually making your relationship harder? This week, we are sitting down with relationship coach and author Monica Tanner to debunk the clichés and talk about the actual skills needed for a thriving marriage. Grab a seat at the table as we dish on: Sifting Through the Noise: Why Monica’s son getting married inspired her to write a book debunking harmful "traditional" marriage advice. The Power of Curiosity: How replacing anxiety with curiosity and vulnerability can transform your communication (including the game-changing phrase Monica’s husband uses to calm her fears). Collaboration vs. Compromise: Why compromise often leads to resentment and score-keeping, and how to choose collaboration instead. Sweating the Small Stuff: Why habits like how you load the toilet paper or close the toilet seat matter - and how to address them before they turn into major disputes. Learning the Skills: Why "happily ever after" isn't a fairy tale gift, but a set of abilities you can develop together over time. Whether you’re in the middle of wedding planning or already settled into married life, Monica’s practical, heart-centered advice will help you move from "fine" to "thriving." Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    27 min
  8. Feb 12

    Experiences Over Toasters: 2026 Wedding Trends with Honeyfund CEO Sara Margulis

    The way couples celebrate and gift is changing faster than ever. This week, we are sitting down with a true industry trailblazer - Sara Margulis, CEO of Honeyfund. We’re diving into their latest travel reports and the shifting landscape of wedding etiquette to see what "I do" looks like in 2026. Grab your passport as we dish on: The Domestic Destination Boom: Why 25% of couples are choosing domestic destination weddings this year to combine travel goals with affordability. Experience-Based Gifting: How the shift from traditional registries to crowdfunding is allowing couples to prioritize shared memories over material possessions. The Global Hotlist: From Hawaii and Italy to the rise of Japan and Thailand, we discuss where couples are heading for their dream honeymoons. The Etiquette Evolution: We tackle the tough questions: Are QR codes for cash gifts okay? And is the handwritten thank-you note officially a thing of the past? Whether you’re dreaming of a cliffside ceremony in Hawaii or wondering how to politely ask for honeymoon contributions, Sara Margulis brings the data and the heart to help you plan with confidence. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty, a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss, a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws, human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    29 min
5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Grab your fork and knife, and take a seat at our table as we dish on all things weddings. You’ll hear stories and tips from real couples and wedding pros about life, love and entrepreneurship. The Wedding Dish is a casual, conversation-style podcast featuring stories and tips from real couples and wedding pros. Let’s dish!