Weddings for Real

Megan Gillikin
Weddings for Real

Weddings for Real is the go-to podcast for high-achievers in the hospitality industry who’ve checked all the boxes of success but are craving something more—more ease, more alignment, more realness. Hosted by Megan Gillikin, a former wedding planner turned educator and recovering people-pleaser, this podcast dives deep into the unlearning required to build a business (and a life) that actually feels good. From navigating burnout and boundaries to redefining success and shedding old narratives, each episode offers candid conversations, expert insights, and the occasional wedding industry war story. If you're ready to lead, live, and work on your own terms, you’re in the right place. Let’s keep it real.

  1. 306. Why Your Contact Form Needs a Makeover (And What to Do Instead), with Ian Ramirez

    3 DAYS AGO

    306. Why Your Contact Form Needs a Makeover (And What to Do Instead), with Ian Ramirez

    How many inquiries are slipping through the cracks because your contact form is actually pushing potential clients away instead of drawing them in? 🤯  Today, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked yet wildly important parts of your sales process—your contact form! My guest, Ian Ramirez, is a total genius when it comes to helping wedding venues (and really, all wedding pros) optimize their business operations. As the co-founder of Venue Help Desk and managing partner of Madera Estates, Ian has spent years perfecting the process of attracting better leads, streamlining communication, and increasing bookings. At the Venue Masterclass Conference, Ian's talk on small tweaks that make big differences in converting leads had me scribbling notes like crazy. And today, he’s sharing those exact strategies with YOU! 🎉 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:💡 The small yet powerful change Ian borrowed from a Botox doctor that transformed his contact form strategy.💡 Why the length of your contact form could be costing you bookings (and the ideal number of fields to include).💡 The ONE question every wedding pro should add to their inquiry form to improve follow-ups and conversions.💡 Should you ask for a couple’s budget upfront? (Spoiler: Probably not.)💡 How to set up an automatic yet personal response to inquiries (without sounding like a robot).💡 Why “Congratulations on your engagement!” is the most overused phrase in auto-replies—and what to say instead. -----Connect with Ian Ramirez: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venuehelpdeskWebsite: https://www.venuehelpdesk.comWedding Venue: https://www.maderaestates.com------00:03:03 – Meet Ian Ramirez00:04:44 – The Problem with Contact Forms00:06:22 – The Magic Question to Ask00:10:48 – How Many Fields is Too Many?00:13:36 – Should You Ask for Budget?00:20:40 – How Fast Should You Respond?00:24:16 – Making Auto-Replies Feel Personal00:25:19 – Avoiding the “Sea of Sameness”00:28:17 – Preview of Part Two --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

    31 min
  2. 304. Showing Up Imperfectly: How to Be a Better Ally and Embrace Authenticity This Year

    JAN 23

    304. Showing Up Imperfectly: How to Be a Better Ally and Embrace Authenticity This Year

    What does it truly mean to embrace your authentic self, even when it feels scary or uncertain? In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Don Mamone—photographer, speaker, author, and educator—to share their deeply personal journey of stepping away from societal expectations and living courageously outside the binary. Don’s story is one of vulnerability, courage, and redefining identity. From facing decades of repression to embracing their true self and becoming a powerful advocate for authenticity, Don’s insights will leave you feeling inspired to explore your own journey and show up for others as an imperfect ally. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Don’s journey of self-discovery and the powerful moment they chose authenticity over societal expectations.How to create safer, more inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, including practical tips for allies.What it means to live outside the binary—and how this applies to everyone, not just those questioning gender norms.The concept of "imperfect allyship" and why intention matters more than perfection when supporting others.How unlearning outdated beliefs can lead to freedom, joy, and a deeper understanding of yourself and others.-----Connect with Don Mamone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donmamoneWebsite: https://donmamone.com/Different Doesn't Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646494385/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_44MQ8MNYCWFPDDRBKZFF------[00:02:30] I knew there was something different. [00:05:56] To be authentic is euphoric. [00:14:25] Courage means taking steps into the unknown. [00:21:14] What does living outside the binary mean? [00:28:15] Allyship isn’t perfect—it’s about intention. [00:36:09] Are your actions creating a safer space? [00:45:52] Who you are is exactly enough. --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

    47 min
  3. 303. WTF Does Indemnity (and Other Contract Must-Knows) Actually Mean?!

    JAN 15

    303. WTF Does Indemnity (and Other Contract Must-Knows) Actually Mean?!

    Let’s talk contracts, wedding pros! Are you confident that the clauses in your contracts truly protect your small business? Maybe you’re working off a template you bought years ago or piecing together bits you’ve found online. Or perhaps the thought of reviewing your contract gives you a pit in your stomach, and you’re not quite sure what some of the legal jargon actually means. If that’s you, this episode is here to help. From indemnity clauses to liability concerns to making your contracts work for you, Leah Weinberg’s expert advice will help you feel more confident and empowered to protect your business. -----Connect with Leah Weinberg: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleahweinberg------[00:02:48] Meet Leah WeinbergLeah shares her journey from commercial real estate attorney to wedding planner to legal expert for event pros.[00:05:30] What is an Indemnity Clause?Leah explains this essential contract provision, complete with real-life examples of how it protects wedding vendors.[00:10:50] Liability Issues: Lessons from a Cake DisasterMegan shares a story about a wedding mishap and how an indemnity clause could have saved the day.[00:15:56] Signing Contracts with VenuesLeah discusses the risks of venue agreements and what to watch out for before signing.[00:22:40] Retainer vs. Deposit: Why Words MatterLeah clears up the confusion between these two terms and explains why using the right one can protect your business.[00:29:37] The ABCs of LegaleseLeah introduces her new Instagram series breaking down legal jargon, one letter at a time.[00:32:46] Building a Relationship with an AttorneyLeah’s top advice for wedding pros: Don’t wait until you’re in a bind to find a lawyer.[00:34:55] Final Takeaways and Next StepsMegan and Leah share actionable advice for wedding pros to feel more confident about contracts and legal protection. --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

    37 min
  4. 302. The Marketing Makeover: Turn Inquiries into "Heck Yes" Clilents, with Becca Pountney

    JAN 8

    302. The Marketing Makeover: Turn Inquiries into "Heck Yes" Clilents, with Becca Pountney

    It's that time of year where marketing is top of mind for small business owners! Except maybe you're frustrated because the marketing efforts you've been putting in aren't quite working, or maybe you're posting on socials hoping to stand out, but it feels like you're blending into that sea of sameness with wedding pros doing the exact same thing.  Or, let's be real, maybe you're stuck in the analysis paralysis stage, where you're so overwhelmed with what to do from a marketing standpoint that you aren't doing much at all.  Need some marketing help? You picked the right episode. -----Connect with Becca Pountney: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccapountney/Done is better than perfect: Building a profitable wedding business, by Becca Pountney: https://www.amazon.com/Done-better-than-perfect-profitable/dp/1399995847Wedding Pros Who are Ready to Grow Podcast: https://beccapountney.com/podcast/------(00:00:00) Building emotional connections to market your wedding business (00:04:30) Couples are overwhelmed with choice (00:09:36) What can Coca Cola teach small businesses about marketing? (00:12:08) How do our services go from "nice to have" to "must have"? (00:25:23) Hot takes including, Should you have pricing on your website? (00:28:50) Strategic Consistency in Marketing Messages --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

    32 min
  5. 301. AI for Busy Pros: Easy Ways to Save Time and Money This Year with Tanisha Lee

    JAN 1

    301. AI for Busy Pros: Easy Ways to Save Time and Money This Year with Tanisha Lee

    How are you currently using AI to lighten your daily load and your to do list?  Have you felt overwhelmed by all the AI things and tech tools out there? Maybe you've bought in on a few, signed up for a few free trials here and there, but you don't have the time and capacity to dig in and explore what's really going to help you in your business.  It's a lot. Well, today's episode is for anyone who's ready to simplify, streamline, and show up with more ease in their business and personal life by using AI tools more intentionally.  -----Connect with Tanisha Lee: Collectively Wed: https://soirees-by-lee-2.showit.site/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectivelywed/-----Tools Mentioned: Motion: https://www.usemotion.com/Honeybook: https://www.theplannersvault.com/honeybook-coupon-codeDubsado: https://dubsado.com/?c=vaultPerplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/Claude: https://claude.ai/Cruise Control: https://www.cruisecontrol.ai/social-media/Whimsy: https://usewhimsy.com/Hearth: https://hearth.ai/Fathom: https://fathom.video/invite/RKiLfw------(00:06:21) AI Tools as Virtual Team Members? (00:16:23) Streamlining Payment Collection (00:18:08) AI Tools for Task Automation (00:21:15) ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity (00:24:30) Whimsy for Your Inbox (00:34:26) AI Integration for Your Business --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

    38 min
  6. 299. Energy Hacks for Entrepreneurs: How to Energize Your Life and Business, with Erin King

    12/04/2024

    299. Energy Hacks for Entrepreneurs: How to Energize Your Life and Business, with Erin King

    Have you ever hit a wall? And I don't mean just a bad day, but a full on stop, like your body and your mind are just done if you've been there?  Well today's episode is all about how you can tap into your energy while avoiding a complete stop burnout. -----Connect with Erin King: Take the Energy Exam: https://info.theenergyexam.com/a/2147929576/eLXvc2XLInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.erin.king/Website: https://erinking.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrserinking/------(00:02:47) Collapsing on a Zoom Meeting and Waking Up in the ER(00:06:11) Study: "When you think about a leader that you think is successful, what is it about them that makes them so successful?" (00:11:46) DUH Method to Maximize Energy (00:15:44) What Happens When You Feel Like You Don't Have Control of Your Life (00:19:33) The 5 Energy Types (00:24:08) Energy Preservation through Processing and Recharging (00:31:55) What We Can Learn from Big Energy Beings (00:42:35) Energy DNA Report for Relationship Compatibility --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

    52 min

Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
257 Ratings

About

Weddings for Real is the go-to podcast for high-achievers in the hospitality industry who’ve checked all the boxes of success but are craving something more—more ease, more alignment, more realness. Hosted by Megan Gillikin, a former wedding planner turned educator and recovering people-pleaser, this podcast dives deep into the unlearning required to build a business (and a life) that actually feels good. From navigating burnout and boundaries to redefining success and shedding old narratives, each episode offers candid conversations, expert insights, and the occasional wedding industry war story. If you're ready to lead, live, and work on your own terms, you’re in the right place. Let’s keep it real.

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