Weddings 101

Kyleigh Grace

Weddings 101 features interviews with brides, bridal party members, venue owners, and wedding vendors, offering real-life insights and practical tips from every corner of the wedding world. We know that planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming, and our goal is to provide you with a one stop spot for advice, support, and inspiration from those who have gone through the wedding planning process themselves. Whether you're making big decisions or handling the little details, we’re here to ensure you feel confident and connected every step of the way. Let’s make wedding planning simpler, so you can focus on what truly matters, celebrating your love.

  1. Whimsical Mountain Wedding in Banner Elk, NC: Planning Tips & Personal Touches | #Bride Highlight Ep. 050

    3D AGO

    Whimsical Mountain Wedding in Banner Elk, NC: Planning Tips & Personal Touches | #Bride Highlight Ep. 050

    What does it really look like to plan a wedding that feels deeply personal while still being beautifully designed and seamlessly executed? In this episode, I sit down with Annie Nesbit to talk through her experience planning a whimsical mountain garden party wedding in Banner Elk, North Carolina. From the very beginning, her love for the mountains shaped every decision, creating a celebration that felt intentional, romantic, and true to who she and her husband are. Annie shares how choosing her venue first influenced everything from her color palette to the overall guest experience. She walks through how she incorporated meaningful symbolism throughout her wedding, honored loved ones who had passed, and created thoughtful details that made the day feel both elegant and welcoming. We also dive into the logistics, including managing a large guest list, navigating transportation challenges, and working with a full-service wedding planner. Annie explains why having a planner was essential, even as someone who loves planning herself, and how that support allowed her to actually be present and enjoy her wedding day. Throughout the conversation, Annie shares honest advice on budgeting, writing personal vows, and deciding what truly matters during the planning process. If you are in the early stages of planning or feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions, this episode will help you refocus on what creates a meaningful and memorable wedding experience. Photo by: @flightlessbirdphotography Vendors: Venue: @whitecrowwedding Planner: @eleganteventweddings Photo & Video: @flightlessbirdphotography Live Painter: @dolceartstudios Florist: @thistleandtwigflowers Hair & Makeup: @bella_bridalartistry Nails: @blue_iris_nails_studio Bridal Gown: @nybgcarolinas Bridesmaids: @birdygrey Bagpiper: @highcountrybagpiper DJ: @lucaslondon Catering: @gadabouts_catering Cake: @siftedsugar_nc Beverages: @peabodysofboone Paper Goods: @allisoncappsdesign Officiant: Ricky Netherton

    29 min
  2. Building a Healthy Marriage Mindset During Wedding Planning | #Relationship Coach Highlight Ep. 049

    MAR 18

    Building a Healthy Marriage Mindset During Wedding Planning | #Relationship Coach Highlight Ep. 049

    Wedding planning can bring out stress, conflict, and emotions you may not have experienced in your relationship before. But it can also be an opportunity to strengthen how you and your partner communicate and show up for each other. In this episode of Weddings 101, I’m joined by Monica Tanner, an RLT-trained relationship coach, host of Secrets of Happily Ever After, and Amazon best-selling author of Bad Marriage Advice. Monica shares what a healthy marriage mindset actually looks like during engagement and why this season matters so much for building a strong foundation for your future marriage. We talk through the real challenges couples face while planning, from decision fatigue to money stress and family pressure. You’ll learn how to handle these moments more intentionally, communicate more effectively, and stay on the same team even when things feel overwhelming. If wedding planning has started to feel heavier than expected, this episode will help you navigate it in a way that brings you closer, not further apart.

    59 min
  3. How to Decide Between Wedding Catering & Bar Options | Ep. 048

    MAR 11

    How to Decide Between Wedding Catering & Bar Options | Ep. 048

    Choosing your wedding food and drink options can feel surprisingly overwhelming, especially when catering and bar service are some of the largest expenses in your wedding budget. Many couples start planning thinking they will simply choose between a buffet or plated dinner and decide whether they want an open bar, but quickly realize their venue rules, guest count, and budget all play a major role in what is actually possible. In this episode of Weddings 101, I walk you through how to decide between a buffet and a plated meal, and how to evaluate bar options like open bar, beer and wine only, or limited bar service. I explain how venues often influence or control catering decisions through in-house catering requirements, food and beverage minimums, and preset menu packages. You’ll also learn how food and beverage pricing typically works, including per-person pricing versus consumption-based bar service, and what questions to ask your venue about staffing, minimum spends, and hidden costs that can affect your final budget. I also talk through how guest count, reception timelines, and venue logistics can impact whether a buffet or plated meal makes the most sense for your wedding. Plus, I share the most common mistakes first-time brides make when evaluating catering and bar options so you can avoid unexpected costs or limitations later in the planning process. If you’re trying to decide what type of wedding dinner service and bar setup will work best for your venue, budget, and guest experience, this episode will help you understand your options and make confident decisions.

    8 min
  4. Wedding Childcare 101 with Carson Wagner of Lifetime of Love Nannies | #Wedding Nanny Highlight Ep. 047

    MAR 4

    Wedding Childcare 101 with Carson Wagner of Lifetime of Love Nannies | #Wedding Nanny Highlight Ep. 047

    Should you have kids at your wedding, and if so, who takes care of them? In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with Carson Wagner, founder of Lifetime of Love Nannies, to break down everything couples need to know about offering childcare on their wedding day. From onsite kids rooms and hotel based nanny care to child to nanny ratios, safety protocols, and accommodating infants, toddlers, school age children, and kids with special needs, we cover it all. Carson shares how childcare can actually increase RSVP yes responses, reduce stress for parents, and create a better guest experience overall. If you are planning a family friendly wedding or trying to decide whether to provide childcare as an option, this episode will help you understand what it looks like, when to book it, and how to make it seamless for everyone involved. Want to connect with Carson? Follow her on Instagram @lifetimeoflovenannies or visit lifetimeoflovenannies.com to learn more.

    48 min
  5. How to Choose Your Wedding Entertainment: DJ vs. Live Band vs. Hybrid | Ep. 046

    FEB 25

    How to Choose Your Wedding Entertainment: DJ vs. Live Band vs. Hybrid | Ep. 046

    Choosing your wedding entertainment can feel overwhelming faster than you expected. DJs, live bands, hybrid options, pricing, logistics, emcee styles, and song lists can quickly turn what seemed like a simple decision into one of the most stressful parts of planning. In this episode, I break down the real differences between DJs, live bands, and hybrid entertainment so you can make a confident decision that fits your vision, guest list, and budget. We talk through what each option truly offers, the hidden limitations and advantages couples often don’t realize until it’s too late, and why your entertainment impacts your timeline, guest experience, and overall vibe more than almost any other vendor. You’ll learn how to think beyond trends and social media and instead focus on the energy you want your reception to have, the type of experience you want your guests to walk away with, and how your venue, space, and priorities should guide this decision. Whether you’re planning a formal celebration, a destination wedding, or a modern dance-focused reception, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes, ask the right questions before signing a contract, and choose entertainment that creates a packed dance floor and an unforgettable night. Save this episode to revisit when comparing quotes and share it with your partner before making your final decision.

    8 min
  6. Wedding Flower Planning: Seasonality, Priorities, and Budget Tips From Jensen Creations | #Wedding Florist Highlight Ep. 045

    FEB 18

    Wedding Flower Planning: Seasonality, Priorities, and Budget Tips From Jensen Creations | #Wedding Florist Highlight Ep. 045

    Wedding flowers can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start, what’s in season, or how to make your vision work within your budget. In this episode of Weddings 101, I sit down with local wedding and events florist Abby Jensen of Jensen Creations to walk through everything couples need to know before booking their floral vendor. We talk about how to prioritize your ceremony space, why your bridal bouquet and a strong focal point are often the most important starting place, and how couples can repurpose florals throughout the day to get the most value from their investment. Abby also shares her “rule of three” approach to colors, textures, and design, along with how shape, size, and structure can completely change the look and feel of your wedding. We dive into common floral misconceptions, including why lush designs are possible even with tighter budgets, what actually drives pricing, and why not every flower is available year round. Abby explains how choosing seasonal blooms leads to stronger, healthier flowers and how substitutions can still bring your vision to life beautifully. You’ll also learn how florals can reflect your love story, what information to prepare before your first consultation, how to know if a florist is the right creative fit for you, and the ideal timeline for booking your wedding florist. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to begin, or want your wedding flowers to feel meaningful and personal, this episode will give you clarity and confidence as you plan. Photo by: Vines Studios

    48 min
  7. How to Make Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception Flow Seamlessly | Ep. 044

    FEB 11

    How to Make Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception Flow Seamlessly | Ep. 044

    Your wedding ceremony and reception should feel like one seamless experience, not a series of rushed or confusing transitions. In this episode, I share how to create a smooth, stress-free flow from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. You will learn how to build a realistic wedding timeline with buffer time, manage travel between venues, keep guests comfortable during transitions, and avoid common flow mistakes that can disrupt the energy of the day. Whether you are planning a church ceremony, same-venue celebration, or destination wedding, this episode will help you design a day that feels intentional, connected, and enjoyable from start to finish.

    9 min
  8. How to Navigate Wedding Rentals: Tables, Chairs, Linens, Lighting & Essential Questions | Ep. 043

    FEB 4

    How to Navigate Wedding Rentals: Tables, Chairs, Linens, Lighting & Essential Questions | Ep. 043

    Wedding rentals are one of the most overlooked and expensive parts of planning your big day. From tables and chairs to linens, lighting, and ceremony décor, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or accidentally overpay. In this episode, I break down what wedding rentals actually include, what your venue may provide, and how to manage your rental orders efficiently. You’ll learn the key questions to ask vendors, avoid common mistakes, and build a rental setup that matches your vision and budget. Whether you’re planning your ceremony, reception, or both, this episode will give you the confidence to handle rentals like a pro.

    8 min
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About

Weddings 101 features interviews with brides, bridal party members, venue owners, and wedding vendors, offering real-life insights and practical tips from every corner of the wedding world. We know that planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming, and our goal is to provide you with a one stop spot for advice, support, and inspiration from those who have gone through the wedding planning process themselves. Whether you're making big decisions or handling the little details, we’re here to ensure you feel confident and connected every step of the way. Let’s make wedding planning simpler, so you can focus on what truly matters, celebrating your love.

Information

  • Creator
    Kyleigh Grace
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kyleigh Grace
  • Show Website
    Weddings 101