Ask the Planner with Desirée Adams: A Wedding and Event Planning Podcast - podcast cover

Ask the Planner with Desirée Adams: A Wedding and Event Planning Podcast

Desirée Adams, Verve Event Co.asktheplannerpodcast.com

With over 225K downloads and over 150 episodes, the Ask the Planner podcast gives sophisticated couples like you expert tips on how to style, plan, and execute a thoughtfully curated wedding. Every week, join your host Desirée Adams as she interviews leading wedding industry experts and discusses the often-overlooked details that take weddings from pretty parties to heirloom occasions. Hear how to manage vendors, avoid surprises, and plan your day with honest advice from a pro. New episodes drop every Monday. If you want to binge on past episodes or learn more about the show, visit http://asktheplannerpodcast.com.You can also send questions or suggestions for future topics or guests via your Apple Podcast review, text us at (585) 210-9485, or email [email protected]. Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram and join our broadcast channel @asktheplannerpodcast!

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Episodes

196 | Wedding Planner Fees: What’s the Difference Between Percentage Pricing and Flat Fee Models?

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Hey there, loverves! Welcome to the finale of Season 5 — I can’t believe we’re already here. Whether you’ve been tuning in all season or this is your first time listening, I’m so glad you’re here. Today we’re diving into a topic that comes up a lot — especially among newer planners figuring out how to price themselves and couples trying to understand what they’re actually paying for: percentage-based vs. flat-fee pricing. We’re going to break down what each one ...

May 26, 202538 minSeason 5Ep. 196

195 | What’s In, What’s Out: 2025 Wedding Trends From Both Sides of the Atlantic with Rachel Urban

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Today, we’re diving into the art and strategy behind planning and designing weddings that feel effortlessly beautiful, highly personalized, and truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a couple navigating the wedding planning process or a wedding pro who wants to elevate your services, this conversation covers so much ground—from understanding the difference between a planner and a designer, to what actually sets luxury weddings apart from ultra-luxury ones, and how ...

May 19, 202548 minSeason 5Ep. 195

194 | 5 Overlooked Wedding Essentials Every Couple Forgets To Plan For

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Today we’re talking about a few wedding day essentials you might not find on a standard checklist — but trust me, you’re going to want to know about them. Because yes, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the flowers, the seating charts, and the perfect playlist. But what about things like cash tips for vendors? Extra money for welcome bag deliveries? Or travel costs you might not have budgeted for yet? These are the tiny, easy-to-overlook things that can catch couple...

May 12, 202523 min

193 | Lovely by Design: The New Rules of Wedding Dress Shopping with Erica Smith

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Today we’re diving deep into the wedding gown shopping experience. From timelines and fittings to budgets, emotions, and expectations, we’re breaking it all down so you feel informed, confident, and excited about saying yes to the dress. I’m joined by Erica Smith, owner of Lovely Bride NYC, one of the most beloved bridal boutiques in the country. She’s here to walk us through what really goes into shopping for a wedding dress during these modern times —from time...

May 05, 202544 minSeason 5Ep. 193

192 | Marriage Licenses, Name Changes, and Wedding Paperwork: What You Need to Know

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Today we’re diving into one of those unglamorous but oh-so-necessary parts of wedding planning that no one really tells you about … post-wedding paperwork. I know, I know — after months of planning every little detail, the last thing you want to think about is documents and insurance and name changes. But hear me out. Getting everything sorted now is going to save you so much time and stress down the road — and your future self is going to thank you. We’re talki...

Apr 28, 202537 minSeason 5Ep. 192

191 | The State of Weddings in 2025 with Brittny Drye: Inclusivity, Trends, and Gen Z

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Inclusivity in weddings goes way beyond using the right language on your invitations. It’s about representation, intention, and creating a space where every couple—and every guest—feels seen, celebrated, and respected. To help us dig into what that really looks like in today’s wedding industry, we’re talking to Brittny Drye, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Love Inc., a leading equality-minded wedding publication. In this episode, Brittny shares practical tips for...

Apr 21, 202543 minSeason 5Ep. 191

190 | Wedding Planner vs. Venue Coordinator: What’s the Real Difference?

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Today we’re talking about something that comes up all the time when I’m working with couples—and honestly, it’s one of the biggest sources of confusion when you’re planning a wedding: the difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator. Links Mentioned in the Episode Find the Full Shownotes Here Grab Our Day of Master Organizer Grab Our Wedding Budget Bundle Grab our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Book a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding pl...

Apr 14, 202541 min

189 | The Ultimate Guide to Wedding and Jewelry Insurance: Protect Your Big Day

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Wedding insurance isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about making sure that if something unexpected happens, you’re covered. Because let’s face it—wedding planning is already stressful enough without worrying about losing thousands of dollars over something out of your control. To help us break it all down, today we’re talking to Dustin Lemick from BriteCo to answer all of our wedding and event insurance questions. Thank you also to today’s podcast sponsor, Br...

Apr 07, 202550 minSeason 5Ep. 189

188 | What’s Trending: Engagement Ring & Wedding Band Styles for 2025

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Engagement rings and bands are something that never go out of style. Yet the styles themselves? They’re always evolving. Whether you're newly engaged, deep into wedding planning, or helping a client pick the perfect piece, this episode is for anyone who believes that your rings should be just as unique as your relationship. Because yes, it’s about the sparkle—but it’s also about the sentiment behind it. Links Mentioned in the Episode Find the Full Shownotes Here...

Mar 31, 202529 minSeason 5Ep. 188

187 | 9 Hidden Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing Your Wedding Venue

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Finding your wedding venue should feel exciting, not stressful—but let’s be honest, not every venue is as perfect as it seems on Instagram. Hidden fees, slow responses, and vague contracts can turn what looks like your dream location into a logistical nightmare. If you’re in the middle of your venue search, this episode is for you. Today, we’re talking about the red flags you need to watch for when touring venues, reading contracts, and communicating with venue ...

Mar 24, 202539 min

186 | Planning a Destination Wedding? Here's What You Need to Know

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline There’s something magical about saying “I do” in a breathtaking destination—whether it’s a romantic villa on the Amalfi Coast, a sun-soaked beach in the Caribbean, or a charming château in the French countryside. After all, a destination wedding is more than just a celebration; it’s an opportunity to bring your closest friends and family together for an unforgettable experience. And while planning a destination wedding is an exciting way to combine your love sto...

Mar 17, 202539 min

185 | Cocktail-style Receptions: What You Need to Know Before Skipping the Sit-down Dinner

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Wedding receptions are evolving, and cocktail-style celebrations are having a major moment. They’re chic, modern, and full of energy—a perfect way to create a social, laid-back atmosphere where guests can mix, mingle, and enjoy an unforgettable evening. But before you trade in the traditional sit-down dinner for passed hors d’oeuvres and lounge seating, there are a few things you need to consider. From guest comfort to food service logistics, a cocktail-style re...

Mar 10, 202534 minSeason 5Ep. 185

184 | What is This Feeling? Steal These Genius Tips from Broadway's Biggest Hits

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Have you ever watched a Broadway show and wondered how everything comes together so flawlessly? The perfect lighting, the seamless scene changes, the actors hitting every cue—it all feels effortless. But we all know that behind the curtain, there’s a whole world of planning, rehearsing, and managing moving parts that make that magic happen. Well, weddings are no different. A beautifully executed wedding isn’t just about the big day—it’s about months (or even yea...

Mar 10, 202534 minSeason 5Ep. 184

183 | Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Flowers

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Picture this: You walk into your wedding reception, and everything is breathtaking—the tables, the candles, the ambiance—but what truly ties it all together? The flowers. Florals have the power to transform a space, set the mood, and add that perfect touch of romance and elegance. But with so much to consider, many couples get overwhelmed with the floral selection and design process. Thanks to one of our loverves, we created this episode to walk you through ever...

Feb 24, 202523 minSeason 5Ep. 183

182 | Stamp, Seal, Deliver: The Surprising Wedding Invitation Details Most Couples Overlook with Cotton & Bow

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline When it comes to wedding planning, your invitations are more than just a piece of paper—they’re the first glimpse into the celebration you’re creating. From setting the tone for your big day to ensuring they arrive flawlessly in your guests’ hands, there’s an art to mailing your invitations with confidence. To help guide us through the process, we sat down with Jaime, a seasoned stationery designer with an impressive background in marketing. After working with s...

Feb 17, 202544 minSeason 5Ep. 182

181 | Super Bowl Strategies for Wedding Planning Success: Building a Winning Team for the Big Day

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline The Super Bowl may be over, but I’m still thinking about the strategy, teamwork, and high-stakes execution that made it all happen. And honestly? Wedding planning is no different. Just like a championship-winning team, a wedding day comes together with months of preparation, the right players in place, and the ability to handle any last-minute surprises. So today, we’re breaking down what wedding pros and couples can learn from the biggest game of the year to cr...

Feb 10, 202523 minSeason 5Ep. 181

180 | The Art of Writing Meaningful Wedding Vows and Speeches - Do’s and Dont’s from a Professional Speechwriter with Brian Franklin

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Today's episode is all about one of the most personal—and sometimes nerve-wracking—parts of a wedding: the vows and speeches. Writing your own vows can feel overwhelming, and giving a toast in front of a room full of people? Well, let’s just say it’s not everyone’s idea of fun. But don’t worry! Our guest today is here to help you let go of the anxiety and embrace the magic of speaking from the heart. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: [00:00]: The Importance of Vows and Speech...

Feb 03, 202553 minSeason 5Ep. 180

179 | Don’t Book the Wrong Wedding Venue! 5 Mistakes Couples Always Make

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions in the planning process, and yet, so many couples make costly mistakes along the way. From overlooking key details to skipping expert advice, these missteps can lead to stress, unexpected expenses, and even regret. But don’t worry—I’m here to help! As a luxury wedding planner, I’ve seen it all, and today, I’m breaking down the most common venue selection mistakes and how you can avoid them. Wheth...

Jan 27, 202522 minSeason 5Ep. 179

178 | Should I Get a Prenup? Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed To Ask with Julia Rodgers of Hello Prenup

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline When planning a wedding, most couples focus on the fun and exciting details—choosing the perfect venue, designing invitations, and curating a playlist for the dance floor. But there’s one important topic that often gets overlooked: prenups. We covered: 00:00 Understanding Prenups: A Foundation for Trust 02:51 Demystifying Prenups: Myths and Misconceptions 06:02 The Emotional Aspect of Prenups: More Than Just a Contract 09:11 Who Needs a Prenup? Debunking Common ...

Jan 20, 202547 minSeason 5Ep. 178

177 | Why Rebranding Was the Best Decision for our Business (+ Tips for How to Prepare for a Rebrand)

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Hey loverves! If you’ve been following along for a while, you might’ve noticed something a little different about us recently. That’s right—we’ve had a rebrand (and have shiny new podcast cover art to prove it). Now, rebranding is more than just a fresh logo or a new color palette—it’s about redefining who we are, what we stand for, and how we connect with you, our amazing loverves. So today, I wanted to take some time to pull back the curtain and share what thi...

Jan 13, 202534 minSeason 5Ep. 177

176 | 25 Years of Celebrity Weddings: The Secrets to Stunning Wedding Photography with Gigi de Manio

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of wedding photography—but not just any wedding photography. We’re exploring the art and skill it takes to capture stunning images at some of the most beautiful, complex, and high-pressure events imaginable. From celebrity weddings to intimate celebrations, weddings are packed with stories, surprises, and moments you only get one chance to preserve. We covered: [00:00]: The Art of Wedding Photography [06:04]: Collab...

Jan 06, 202556 minSeason 5Ep. 176

175 | You've Booked Your Vendors, Now What? A Step-by-Step Checklist For What's Next

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Today, we're going to explore that "what's next" feeling you might be having after you've booked your "main" wedding vendors. It's a huge accomplishment to have found and booked those vendors, and as a wedding planner, I know that it can bring a HUGE sigh of relief feeling like "the hard part is over". However, it's important to remember that there are still a million little things to do before your wedding day. So often, couples feel like they're "done" once th...

Dec 30, 202427 minSeason 5Ep. 175

174 | Ask Me Anything: Unfiltered Secrets of a Wedding Planner

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline In this episode, I’m answering your questions in an Ask Me Anything session. I’ll share how I got started as a wedding planner, some of the most unusual and challenging moments I’ve encountered at weddings, and my thoughts on the industry. Whether you’re planning your own wedding, working as a vendor, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, I hope you’ll enjoy these stories and insights. Join me as I reflect on my journey, bust a few myths, and off...

Dec 23, 202445 minSeason 5Ep. 174

173 | Eco-Chic Weddings: How to Plan a Sustainably Catered Wedding with Sebastian Lysen

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Today, we're diving into a topic that's incredibly important, especially for anyone planning a wedding or event: sustainability in catering. Sustainability often feels like one of those buzzwords we hear everywhere, but what does it really mean in the context of weddings and events? What does it actually take to make catering sustainable? Are there trade-offs or limitations we should consider? To help us explore these questions and unpack the myths and realities...

Dec 16, 202441 minSeason 5Ep. 173

172 | Winter Weddings: What You Need to Know From Color Palettes to Cold Weather Hacks

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Today, we’re chatting about the magic of winter weddings. They might seem tricky to plan, but with the right approach, they’re unforgettable. From unpredictable weather and transportation to stylish, non-holiday-themed decor, I’ve got tips to help you nail every detail. We’ll cover real challenges like road closures and limited florals, plus how to turn them into opportunities. By the end, you’ll feel ready to tackle winter wedding planning with confidence! Link...

Dec 09, 202424 minSeason 5Ep. 172

171 | Making Weddings Pop with Color and Personality in 2025 with Jove Meyer

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline If you're someone who loves the idea of incorporating color into your event or design but aren't sure where to start, today's episode is just for you. We are diving into the vibrant world of colorful and unforgettable wedding designs. I don't know about you, but I love seeing color used in bold creative ways, and that's exactly why I'm thrilled about today's guest, Jove Meyer. He is a powerhouse in the design world, known for bringing life personality and joys. ...

Dec 02, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 5Ep. 171

170 | Wedding Timeline Tips: How to Create A Schedule (with REAL Examples!)

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Today, we’re diving into one of the most important parts of planning a wedding—the wedding day timeline. I know, wedding timeline tips might not sound like the most glamorous part of a wedding, but trust me: when it comes to making the day feel seamless, they’re absolutely everything. From the ceremony to the reception, hair and makeup to the first look, a well-planned timeline is what keeps everything running smoothly, leaving you and your guests free to enjoy ...

Nov 25, 202438 minSeason 5Ep. 170

169 | Wedding PR Secrets Revealed: How to Make Your Wedding Stand Out with Harmony Walton

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline In this episode of Ask the Planner , we’re diving deep into the world of wedding PR and influencer marketing with Harmony Walton, founder of the Bridal Bar and a seasoned expert in luxury wedding brand-building. PR is often the unsung hero in the wedding industry, but it can be the key to creating memorable, high-profile events that stand out. Whether you’re a wedding pro, a bride or groom, or just fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of the industry, this episod...

Nov 18, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 5Ep. 169

168 | The Final Walkthrough: Behind the Scenes on Event Setup & Post-Event Details

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline We’re pulling back the curtain on some of the often-overlooked parts of wedding day execution. I’ll be covering all the details—from event setup and floral prep to the final day-of walkthrough and the post-event wrap-up that leaves everyone happy (and everything in its place!). Whether you’re a planner gearing up for your next event, a couple curious about the behind-the-scenes magic, or just here for some inspiration, grab your favorite drink and settle in. Let...

Nov 11, 202435 minSeason 5Ep. 168

167 | Are You Getting Your Wedding Signage WRONG? What You Need to Know About The Pretty Details You See On Instagram with Alane of Write Pretty For Me

Text the Wedding Planning Hotline Welcome back to another episode of the Ask the Planner podcast, where we get into the essential details that make every wedding unforgettable. Today, we’re joined by the talented Alane from Write Pretty for Me , an expert wedding calligrapher and signage designer. Alane is here to pull back the curtain on what makes wedding signage so impactful—from creating a flawless guest experience to infusing each piece with personal meaning. She’s sharing her top tips on m...

Nov 04, 20241 hr 7 minSeason 5Ep. 167
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