Wedded: The Wedding Planner Podcast - podcast cover

Wedded: The Wedding Planner Podcast

Tracy Taylor Ward and Shannon Leahywww.spreaker.com
Welcome to Wedded: The Wedding Planner Podcast. We are Tracy Taylor Ward and Shannon Leahy, wedding planners with a love for event design who work with clients all over the world. Tracy’s company, Tracy Taylor Ward Design, is based in NY and FL, and Shannon’s company, Shannon Leahy Events, is located in CA and MD. After a combined 20 years in the events industry, we’ve “wedded” our expertise to share with you everything we know about weddings and how to run a successful luxury event planning company. Whether you’re a wedding planner looking to elevate your client’s experience, or a bride or groom wondering how to hold a chic, seamless and exceptionally fun wedding, you’ve come to the right place! So grab your favorite pen and notebook, and take a seat. We can’t wait to help you level up your wedding!
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Episodes

The Ultimate Wedding Vendor Gratuity Guide

To Tip or Not To Tip? This week, we answer this million dollar question, and so many more, as we discuss proper tipping etiquette and how to approach the topic of vendor gratuities with clients. PLUS: We share our tips (pun intended) for curating a unique and elevated gifting suite for wedding guests. Discussed in this episode: Tipping Guide Template (Coming soon to WeddedShop.com)

Mar 23, 202221 min

Everything You Absolutely Need to Know About Hosting a Micro-Wedding

While COVID-19 popularized the micro-wedding concept, intimate events are nothing new, and, in our opinion, are here to stay! In this week’s episode we debunk common micro-wedding misconceptions and discuss the etiquette surrounding these smaller celebrations. Plus: We share our advice for handling clients who are challenging communicators (especially in the weeks leading up to their wedding). Discussed in this episode: Lake Tahoe ( https://visitinglaketahoe.com ) Bedford Post Inn ( https://visi...

Mar 16, 202220 min

10 Ways to Seriously WOW Your Wedding Guests

It’s all about the guest experience these days…From unique interactive entertainment to exciting exits, we’re spilling our secrets for how to plan (or host) a truly wow-worthy wedding! PLUS: We chat about how we each handle our preferred vendors lists and whether these should be shared publicly or kept internal. Discussed in this episode: Rockettes ( https://www.rockettes.com/) Humphrey Slocombe ( https://humphryslocombe.com ) Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our Freebies An...

Mar 09, 202220 min

Our Greatest Tips to Grow Your Team

So you’re ready to stop riding solo but aren’t sure where to start when it comes to creating (or expanding) your team? You’ve come to the right place! Today we share tips for finding the right talent, while creating a healthy and happy team environment. Plus: We share advice for our listeners who are hoping to make a career change. Discussed in this episode: Engage Summit ( http://engagesummits.com/) Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our Freebies And Planning Tools: www.Wedde...

Mar 02, 202222 min

Breaking Up with Clients Who Aren’t the Right Fit

They say that breaking up is hard to do…and a challenging client is no exception! In this week’s episode we give you six steps for terminating a professional relationship with a client who isn’t the right fit, while looking out for everyone’s best interest. Plus, we dish on tips for balancing professional and personal time, especially as a parent. Discussed in This Episode: Monthly Planning Checklist ( https://www.weddedshop.com/product-page/monthly-planning-checklist) Visit Our Website: https:/...

Feb 23, 202222 min

How to Create a Killer Wedding Mood Board

If our previous design process episodes left you wanting more—and wondering what the heck the differences are between a “Mood Board” and a “Color Scheme—then today’s your special day! PLUS: Do you really need a formal education in event planning to break into the industry? Tune-in to find out. Discussed in This Episode: How to Create an A+ Design Process: Part One ( https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-create-an-a-event-design-process/id1551208110?i=1000513411874 ) How to Create an A+ De...

Feb 16, 202219 min

How to Brand Your Wedding Business

What IS branding? How do you figure out what YOUR brand is? How did Tracy get so good at it? Get the scoop on the benefits and challenges of defining your brand in the wedding world—and take a shot every time Tracy says “clear”! Plus: a listener asks how to deal with a venue coordinator taking over the wedding timeline. Discussed in This Episode: How to Break into the Luxury Wedding Market https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-break-into-the-luxury-wedding-market/id1551208110?i=1000549054...

Feb 09, 202221 min

Wedding Favors: Take 'em or Leave 'em

We’re dishing our thoughts on wedding favors—and whether we, well, favor them. Should you have them? Should you encourage your clients to have them? What should they consist of? How should you distribute them? As always, we’ve got answers. Plus: a listener asks about black tie wedding etiquette and setting. Discussed in This Episode: Our Monthly Planning Checklist https://www.weddedshop.com/product-page/monthly-planning-checklist Our Brunch Episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/to-brunch...

Feb 02, 202215 min

How to Break into the Luxury Wedding Market

Hope you’re ready to celebrate—it’s our one-year anniversary episode! This week, we’re finally answering our most-asked question: how can planners break into the luxury market? We discuss how we define luxury, the different tiers of luxury weddings, how to use marketing strategies to appeal to the right clients, and what types of research you should invest in to get comfortable with the market. Plus, a listener asks how to communicate with a vendor when they’re doing something they shouldn’t. BO...

Jan 26, 202224 min

Everything COVID and Weddings: In Conversation With Alison Bryan Destinations

This week, we sat down with destination wedding planner extraordinaire, Alison Laesser-Keck, as she quarantines from Covid in Mexico post-wedding. How can you make your guests feel comfortable? Should you postpone your wedding? What kind of testing requirements should you implement? How do you communicate those requirements? Covid brings up tons of questions—and we’re answering them all. Plus: a listener asks how early is too early to start wedding planning. Discussed in This Episode: Alison Bry...

Jan 19, 202226 min

Avoid These Client Management Mistakes at All Costs

We’ve been around the wedding planning block. That means we’ve had lots of time to make lots of mistakes—and you get to learn from them! In this episode, we’re discussing our nine biggest client management faux pas. From not setting realistic expectations to failing to ask couples their preferred methods of communication, we’ll save you lots of time and frustration. Plus: a listener question about proposals vs. contracts. Discussed in This Episode: Our Episode on Boundaries ( https://podcasts.ap...

Jan 12, 202225 min

Top 10 Tips for Creating Your Guest List

Creating a guest list for your wedding can bring up some uncomfortable situations. That’s why we’ve rounded up our top ten questions to ask yourself (or your clients) when getting your list together. From family dynamics to coworker relationships and plus ones, consider us your trusted guides. Plus, a listener asks about how much to tip each vendor. Discussed in This Episode: Suggestion Guide for Creating Guest Lists: https://www.weddedshop.com/product-page/suggestion-guide-for-creating-guest-li...

Jan 05, 202218 min

Lounge Furniture: The Questions You Didn’t Know You Had

Lounge furniture adds warmth and intimacy to your venue and makes guests feel at home. But how do you handle rental companies? How do you set it up? What do you think about when making selections? Why is renting better than buying? Consider it covered. Plus: a listener question about adjusting the wedding timeline when there’s no cocktail hour. Discussed in This Episode: Design Episode Part 1 ( https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-create-an-a-event-design-process/id1551208110?i=100051341...

Dec 29, 202121 min

9 Tips to Score Instant Referrals

From how to get (and give!) referrals to why they’re so important—and how to have that conversation with your couples—we’re here to help you boost your wedding business. Learn how to use social media to your advantage and write authentic emails. Plus, a listener asks us how to classify employees for tax purposes. Discussed in This Episode: Engage Summit ( http://engagesummits.com/) Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our Freebies And Planning Tools: www.WeddedShop.com Email Us ...

Dec 22, 202122 min

The Top Wedding Styles/Themes of 2021

We started with five and ended with seven…but either way, here are our favorite wedding styles! We’re chatting about where to look for inspo, what types of venues go with each style, whether pampas grass is out, and which theme goes best with the hit show Bridgerton. Plus: a listener asks the difference between a venue’s on-site planner vs. a full wedding planner. Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our Freebies And Planning Tools: www.WeddedShop.com Email Us All Of Your Questi...

Dec 15, 202121 min

So You’re Engaged…Now What?!

Congratulations—you’re engaged! We’ve rounded up our seven key steps to focus on once you’ve said “yes.” From our thoughts on ring selfies and insurance to how to find the right wedding planner for you, we’ve got you. Plus: a listener question about who should give toasts—and whether it’s based on who’s paying for the wedding. Discussed in This Episode: Haiku Mill Hawaii ( http://haikumill.com/) East Coast vs. West Coast ( https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wedding-timelines-east-vs-west-coas...

Dec 08, 202120 min

Tracy’s Surprise Wedding Decor

Would you ever let your wedding planner surprise you completely with your wedding decor? One super cool couple let Tracy do just that. From finding a new venue just 4.5 weeks out to pivoting the decor based on a single plate, hear all the details this week. Plus: a listener question about having multiple ceremonies in one day. Discussed in This Episode: Tracy’s Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/tracytaylorward) Gotham Hall ( https://www.gothamhallevents.com/) Client Planning Workbook ( https...

Dec 01, 202122 min

Our Favorite Wedding Ceremony Traditions

It’s arguably the most important part of the wedding—so why save the planning until the last minute? From who is officiating (and how to do it legally) to personalizing your ceremony based on your venue and culture (wine blending and tree planting, anyone??), we’ll help you get the ceremony in motion. Bonus: a listener question about double microphones. Discussed in This Episode: Brides Video ( https://www.instagram.com/tv/CV06H1Ys7TX/) Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our F...

Nov 24, 202119 min

Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too: Wedding Cake 101

Time for a mouthwatering episode! Learn what to look for in cake vendors, when to do a cake tasting, and how much cake you should order. You’ll also hear our thoughts on saving the top layer for your one-year anniversary and whether or not we’re team sheet cake. Plus: a listener question about tipping vendors. Discussed in This Episode: Our episode with Jasmine Rae Cakes ( https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-conversation-with-jasmine-rae-cakes-finding-your/id1551208110?i=1000518041133 ) Blu...

Nov 17, 202121 min

How To Find Amazing Interns

This week’s hot topic? Interns. We’re dishing where to find them, how to train them, and what type of work you should give them. Learn how Tracy’s hiring process scores her the best of the best interns...and how Shannon could up her game. Plus: a listener question about Google Drive vs. programs like Aisle Planner and Basecamp. Discussed in This Episode: Handshake ( https://joinhandshake.com/) Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our Freebies And Planning Tools: www.WeddedShop.c...

Nov 10, 202117 min

Send-offs and Grand Exits: What You Forgot to Consider

Sending the newlyweds off in style isn’t as simple as you might think. Hear from us on everything from why throwing rice is frowned upon and how to distribute and dispose of sparklers to getting guests to exit the venue and the cost of vendors staying longer. Plus: a listener asks if couples can request RSVPs after save-the-dates are sent. Discussed in This Episode: The Client Planning Workbook ( https://www.weddedshop.com/product-page/client-planning-workbook) Visit Our Website: https://www.Wed...

Nov 03, 202120 min

Light It Up: Our Lighting Do’s and Don’ts

This week, we’re putting the spotlight on lighting—see what we did there?! From the only lighting color we ever use to explaining what a “pin spot” is, we’re sharing our key info, pet peeves and favorite things when it comes to event lighting. Plus: a listener question about politely declining clients that don’t have the right budget to hire you. Discussed in This Episode: The Client Planning Workbook ( https://www.weddedshop.com/product-page/client-planning-workbook) Visit Our Website: https://...

Oct 27, 202119 min

Where to Begin Once You’ve Booked a Client

Congrats—you’ve booked a client! So...what’s next?! We’re giving you the three steps we always follow to help kick things off in the best possible way. From length of contracts to how to name your files so you don’t lose track, we’ve got you covered as always. Bonus: a listener asks about our very first weddings as planners! Discussed in This Episode: The Wedded Shop ( www.weddedshop.com ) Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our Freebies And Planning Tools: www.WeddedShop.com E...

Oct 20, 202121 min

6 Tips to Finding Your Perfect Venue

So, you or your clients are ready to find a venue and start the planning process in full. But, how do you narrow it down when there are SO many places to choose from?! Don’t worry—we’re sharing the six areas we focus on to help you narrow down your options and find the perfect location for your big day. Plus: a listener question about vendor meals. Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our Freebies And Planning Tools: www.WeddedShop.com Email Us All Of Your Questions and Comments...

Oct 13, 202121 min

Our Best Wedding Advice Ever

If you only listen to one episode, this should be it. Why? It includes our all time best advice that we give to clients during the planning process and on the big day. From managing the bride’s train to what to do if it rains, you’ve come to the right place! Plus: a listener question about toast etiquette. Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our Freebies And Planning Tools: www.WeddedShop.com Email Us All Of Your Questions and Comments: Questions@WeddedPodcast.com Find Us On So...

Oct 06, 202117 min

Five Ways to Transform Your Venue

Whether you’re looking to cover up a space or create an entirely unique one, we’re sharing our five fave ways to transform a venue. From changing light fixtures and swapping out artwork to making backdrops and replacing furniture, we go over allll the deets. Plus, a listener question about walkie talkies. Discussed in This Episode: Shannon’s Before and Afters ( https://www.shannonleahy.com/before-after) Tracy’s Gallery ( https://www.tracytaylorward.com/gallery/weddings) The Plaza New York ( http...

Sep 29, 202121 min

How to Set Boundaries as a Wedding Planner

As a wedding planner, setting boundaries with clients can be hard—but if you want to prevent burnout, you need ‘em! Hear about the client that taught Tracy why she needed limits, follow Shannon’s agenda tips for streamlining calls, and find out how to lay out your expectations before it’s too late. Bonus: a listener asks about transporting precious cargo for clients. Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our Freebies And Planning Tools: www.WeddedShop.com Email Us All Of Your Que...

Sep 22, 202121 min

To Brunch or Not to Brunch: Post-Wedding Protocol

You wouldn’t believe how divided our couples are on post-wedding brunch. Do you owe it to your guests? Should you collect RSVPs? What should you be serving? Sit down or buffet? And even, what if the newlyweds are too hungover? Plus: we’re chatting about couples exchanging gifts on the wedding day! Discussed in This Episode: N/A Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our Freebies And Planning Tools: www.WeddedShop.com Email Us All Of Your Questions and Comments: Questions@WeddedPod...

Sep 15, 202119 min

How to Uncover Hidden Costs Like a Pro

There are few things worse than thinking you’re within your wedding budget, only to find out you surpassed it thanks to hidden costs. We’re giving you a heads up about things you may not have factored in, like cake cutting fees, admin fees and load in/load out. Bonus: a listener question about who gets a plus-one! Discussed in This Episode: Our Venue Planning Master Kit https://www.weddedshop.com/product-page/venue-kit Visit Our Website: https://www.WeddedPodcast.com Grab Our Freebies And Planni...

Sep 08, 202118 min

Dress Codes Decoded: From Tropical to Black Tie

This week, we’re diving into wedding guest attire. From “come as you are” to black and white tie, we’re explaining what each one really means. Is formal the same as black tie optional? Where should you communicate the dress code to guests? Bonus: a listener question about arrival times for vendors. Discussed in This Episode: Suit Supply ( www.suitsupply.com ) The Black Tux ( www.theblacktux.com ) The Suit Shop ( www.thesuitshop.com ) Wedded Shop ( www.weddedshop.com ) Visit Our Website: https://...

Sep 01, 202120 min
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