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What in the Wedding
False AI Reviews and Venue Pricing
Summary
In this episode of What in the Wedding, hosts Hannah and Ashley discuss the evolving landscape of wedding planning, focusing on trends in venues, the impact of AI on photography, and the importance of adapting to client priorities. They explore how budget constraints are shaping vendor choices and the significance of networking within the industry. The conversation highlights the shift towards more personalized and experience-driven weddings, emphasizing the need for vendors to stay updated and flexible in their offerings.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Wetting the Wedding Podcast
01:45 Trends in Wedding Venues and AI Impact
03:52 Shifts in Wedding Photography Priorities
07:44 Adapting to Changing Wedding Trends
11:42 The Role of AI in Wedding Planning
17:37 Navigating Budget Constraints in Weddings
23:30 The Evolution of Wedding Vendor Relationships
29:23 The Future of Wedding Planning and Trends
35:32 Networking and Learning in the Wedding Industry
41:27 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement
Takeaways
Expect the unexpected in wedding planning.
AI is changing the landscape of wedding photography.
Budget constraints are affecting vendor choices.
Couples are prioritizing experiences over traditional elements.
The wedding industry is seeing a shift towards backyard and tent weddings.
Networking is crucial for staying updated in the wedding industry.
Vendors need to adapt to changing client priorities.
Communication between vendors is key to a successful wedding day.
The importance of customization in wedding packages.
Understanding generational differences in wedding planning.
Keywords
wedding planning, wedding trends, photography, AI in weddings, budget constraints, vendor relationships, wedding venues, wedding industry, networking, wedding photography
More episodes
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11. Communication & Cash!
34:46||Season 3, Ep. 11Hannah and Ash dig into how wedding vendor communication is changing in real time, from email versus text preferences to response-time expectations and the practical headaches of managing clients across multiple wedding seasons. They also get into payment processing fees, why more vendors are charging for credit card use, and how small-business realities are reshaping the way couples and vendors work together. This part 1 episode is especially useful for couples and vendors who want to understand what clear communication actually looks like in 2026 wedding planning, especially when timelines, family formals, and last-minute logistics all depend on fast, accurate responses.Key topicsIn this episode, Hannah and Ash compare email and text communication, with Ash saying text has become her main tool while Hannah prefers email for clearer tracking.They discuss how response expectations have shifted, especially during wedding season, when vendors may be working late at night and couples may not reply until the next day.Hannah shares that she paid almost $3,000 in credit card processing fees last year, which pushes the conversation toward whether vendors should start charging clients for card use.They break down how cash, check, and card payments affect small businesses differently, including why checks are easier to document than cash.The hosts talk about the growing burden on wedding vendors as more businesses shut down, especially florists and makeup artists dealing with supply issues, fees, and post-COVID market changes.Hannah explains how family formals have become a major communication problem because clients often do not review the family list she sends after planning meetings.Ash emphasizes that couples know their families best, but vendors still need confirmation so they can avoid wedding-day confusion and keep photo timelines on track.They discuss the changing role of planners and coordinators, including when a vendor should be in direct contact with other vendors versus when the planner should handle everything.The episode closes with a broader question for listeners: what is the best way for vendors and couples to communicate now, and how fast should replies really be?Timestamps00:00 - Show intro and wedding-season setup 01:20 - Winter weddings and the challenge of early sunsets 03:30 - Busy seasons shifting and fall versus spring bookings 05:06 - Wedding industry closures and supply chain stress 07:10 - Is cash the same as a check? 08:30 - Why younger clients may be choosing cash again 10:35 - Credit card fees and how vendors absorb them 13:47 - Moving from email-only communication to text expectations 14:59 - Late-night texting and response-time boundaries 17:42 - Automated replies and separate work lines 18:30 - Why read texts on a watch can create missed follow-ups 20:20 - Managing weddings across multiple years at once 22:05 - Communication breakdowns with photographers, DJs, and planners 24:23 - Why family formals need client confirmation 26:57 - Day-of coordination versus full planning communication 29:44 - Hannah’s family-formals style and candid on-site direction 31:19 - Do couples want vendors to nudge them harder? 33:03 - Wrapping up the communication question for listenersKeywordswedding vendor communication, wedding planning, wedding vendor response times, wedding season, wedding business costs, credit card processing fees, vendor payment methods, cash vs. credit card, wedding client expectations, wedding day coordination, family formal photo list, wedding photography timeline, planner and vendor communication, wedding industry challenges, wedding vendor boundaries
10. "For the love of all things weddings, do NOT go on that altar EVER."
57:03||Season 3, Ep. 10Hannah and Ashley kick off with a wedding-day disaster story. Then dig into why church weddings, indoor ceremonies, and parish hall receptions are making a comeback. They also cover what couples and vendors need to ask ahead of time so church weddings run smoothly, especially when rules, timing, and communication vary so much by denomination and officiant.Timestamps00:00 - Welcome back and what this episode is about02:04 - Wedding wins and womps: Hannah's locked-car disaster07:53 - Breaking the window to make the wedding on time12:53 - Church weddings are back15:50 - Parents are more involved in planning again17:13 - Parish hall receptions and why they are returning18:35 - Why venue pricing works differently than couples think20:40 - Help couples save money through design choices22:12 - What to ask churches before booking23:27 - Catholic church demand and donation-based ceremonies26:32 - Contracts, restrictions, and what vendors need in writing29:21 - Why you should book church venue early30:35 - Respecting church rules as a vendor33:13 - Working with church coordinators and officiants36:25 - Starting early, light issues, and altar boundaries37:55 - Orthodox and other traditions: never assume the same rules39:18 - Rehearsal strategy for smoother ceremonies40:55 - Why vendors should arrive prepared and early42:00 - Catholic first kiss timing can change everything43:55 - The first kiss, the flowers, and the blessing sequence48:25 - Fire alarm chaos and what happens when a venue evacuates50:31 - How church timing affects the full wedding-day timeline52:20 - Gen Z communication habits and what comes nextKeywordschurch weddings, indoor weddings, wedding planning, wedding trends, wedding ceremony, Catholic wedding, religious wedding ceremony, wedding venue, parish hall wedding, budget-friendly wedding, wedding costs, wedding vendors, wedding photography, church photography rules, wedding day timeline, wedding ceremony timing, wedding planning tips, wedding coordination, wedding traditions, wedding guest experience, Gen Z weddings, wedding vendor communication
9. Do not show my job, show me working!
58:49||Season 3, Ep. 9Let's catch up mid wedding season to compare notes from the field, from what couples are actually booking to what is flopping in real time. We cover the pressure of social media marketing, the shift toward more intimate and practical weddings, and a long list of on-the-ground lessons from rainy ceremonies, timeline changes, and vendor teamwork. In this episode, we share what is working, what is not, and what couples should know before making decisions based on trends alone. If you are planning weddings or working in weddings, this one is packed with practical takeaways, real vendor perspective, and a few very honest rants. keywords wedding trends, wedding season, social media, weather challenges, wedding planning, photography, vendor collaboration, wedding colors, wedding venues, wedding tips key topicsWedding season challenges and successesImpact of weather on outdoor weddingsSocial media strategies for wedding vendorsEvolving wedding styles and color trendsVendor collaboration and client relationshipsHandling unexpected wedding day issuesWedding photography and editing tipsVenue selection and unique wedding locationsWedding planning during busy seasonsClient communication and expectations
8. Behind-the-Scenes a REAL Wedding Day
53:57||Season 3, Ep. 8Behind-the-Scenes a REAL Wedding DayDiscover a detailed recount of a beautiful, traditional wedding day, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, personal touches, and the behind-the-scenes logistics that make weddings memorable. Hannah and Ashley share practical tips, funny moments, and insights into managing wedding timelines, locations, and family dynamics.Key TopicsTrends in wedding season: inside vs. outside ceremonies, big weddings making a comebackTips for managing tight timelines and unexpected day-of issuesUnique and personal wedding details: incorporating engagement photos and DIY elementsImportance of vendor relationships and communicationHow to handle logistical surprises like last-minute floral or timing glitchesRespecting venue traditions and maintaining decor integrity during ceremoniesPractical advice for couples on location choices and wedding day schedulesTimestamps00:00 - Introduction: wedding trends and season overview00:13 - Recap of Cameron and Chaz's wedding and wedding weather01:21 - Behind-the-scenes: in-home detail shots and location tricks02:50 - Managing tight timelines and detail shot durations03:56 - Handling last-minute adjustments and family involvement05:27 - When to schedule late-night photos and why to stagger videography06:25 - Approaching vendor coordination and minimizing delays07:44 - Personalized details: flowers, jewelry, and documentation09:20 - Balancing formalities with authentic family moments10:27 - Early morning prep and location choices for intimate weddings11:58 - Flexibility in timeline rewrites and quick pivots13:36 - In-the-laundry-room detail tips and lighting tricks15:34 - The importance of personal spaces and DIY setups16:53 - Managing challenging lighting and photography obstacles17:52 - Keeping the ceremony respectful and unobtrusive20:16 - Floral drop-offs and logistical challenges22:23 - Capturing emotional family moments and candid photos23:37 - Overcoming space constraints in church settings25:22 - Cultural wedding elements and ceremony specifics27:25 - The beauty of flexible scheduling and ceremony flow30:23 - Navigating church restrictions and aisle management32:43 - Details of outdoor vs. indoor photo options35:34 - Addressing weather concerns and muddy shoes37:28 - Creative solutions for background and framing39:32 - Surprising surprises: GPS issues and local events impacts44:00 - Celebrating the charm of small-town weddings and community49:06 - The trend resurgence of church weddings and indoor venues54:44 - Building relationships with couples for authentic photos
7. Navigating the Post-COVID Wedding Industry: Insights and Tips
51:36||Season 3, Ep. 7In this episode, Hannah and Ashley discuss the evolving wedding industry post-COVID, including vendor-client relationships, industry trends for 2026, and practical tips for vendors and couples. They share personal stories, industry insights, and future outlooks to help listeners navigate the changing landscape of wedding planning.Key TopicsWedding industry evolution post-COVIDVendor-client relationship managementUpcoming wedding trends for 2026Practical tips for wedding vendors and couplesChapters00:00 Welcome Back and Updates02:08 Controversial Wedding Venue News11:25 Lessons from a Wedding Cancellation18:13 The Changing Landscape of Weddings in 202626:57 Customization in Wedding Planning32:06 Building Genuine Relationships with Clients37:34 The Role of AI in Photography42:21 Collaboration Among Wedding Vendors47:56 Shifts in Wedding Trends and Guest Experience Keywordswedding industry, vendor tips, wedding trends 2026, client relationships, wedding planning, industry insights, wedding vendor advice ResourcesThe Vendor Table Podcast - https://podcastvendor.comAdobe Photoshop and Lightroom - https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.htmlNews Story - https://www.wral.com/consumer/5onyourside/durham-wedding-venue-backlash-refund-groom-death-september-2025/Photography Course - https://katelynjames.com/
6. Bouquets, Budgets & Backup Plans - Real Talk Wedding Floral Chat
56:20||Season 3, Ep. 6In this episode, florist Bria Schutz, owner and lead floral design for her business Event Aesthetics, shares insights on wedding floral design, handling unpredictable weather, pricing strategies, and navigating client expectations. Perfect for couples planning their wedding and vendors looking to refine their craft.Guest: Bria Schutz (Event Aesthetics)Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/event.aesthetics/Website - https://eventaesthetics.comKey TopicsWedding floral design tipsHandling weather challenges in weddingsPricing strategies for floristsClient communication and expectationsTrends in wedding flowersChapters00:00 Introduction to Wedding Planning Podcast00:54 Meet Bria Schutz: The Florist Behind Event Aesthetics02:47 Challenges of Being a Wedding Florist05:51 The Importance of Timing in Floral Arrangements08:40 Common Questions Couples Ask Florists11:48 Customization in Floral Services14:33 Cohesion in Wedding Decor17:43 DIY vs. Professional Floral Arrangements20:32 Misconceptions About Florists23:37 The Hard Work Behind Floral Design26:34 Bridal Bouquet Tips and Tricks31:38 Floral Trends and Design Preferences34:35 Understanding Floral Logistics and Pricing46:15 Navigating Client-Floral Relationships57:51 Final Thoughts on Floral Expectations keywordswedding florals, floral design, wedding planning, florist tips, wedding weather, floral pricing, DIY wedding flowers, wedding vendor advice
4. Navigating the Wedding Planning Process
43:56||Season 3, Ep. 4SummaryIn this episode of What in the Wedding, hosts Hannah and Ashley discuss the current trends in wedding planning, particularly focusing on the engagement season, budgeting, vendor selection, and the importance of family dynamics. They provide insights into how couples can navigate the planning process, emphasizing the significance of timely decisions and the evolving role of parents in wedding planning. The episode also addresses listener questions, offering practical advice for couples preparing for their big day.TakeawaysDecember is the most popular month for engagements.Couples are increasingly reaching out to vendors early in the planning process.Budgeting for a wedding should be approached like planning a vacation.Guest count significantly impacts the overall wedding budget.It's important to establish a budget before reaching out to vendors.Moms are taking a more active role in wedding planning than in previous years.Choosing a venue should be prioritized over hiring a planner if couples want to DIY.Vendors should be booked as soon as possible after interviews to avoid losing dates.AI technology is influencing wedding planning and vendor selection.Communication with family members about wedding plans is crucial. Chapters00:00 Welcome to Wet in the Wedding01:13 Engagement Season Insights04:37 Planning Your Wedding: First Steps09:50 Budgeting for Your Wedding14:06 The Role of Parents in Wedding Planning15:57 Choosing Your Vendors20:59 Dresses and Tuxes: When to Shop23:53 The Excitement of Wedding Planning27:50 The Quest for the Perfect Wedding Photo29:37 The Impact of AI on Wedding Photography31:09 Navigating Client Expectations and AI Inspirations33:28 Handling Difficult Family Dynamics41:25 Vendor Booking Timelines and StrategiesKeywordswedding planning, engagement, wedding trends, budgeting, vendor selection, wedding attire, family dynamics, listener questions
3. Photographer Becomes A Planner
55:11||Season 3, Ep. 3In this episode of 'What in the Wedding', Hannah and Ashley discuss the intricacies of wedding planning, sharing personal stories and insights from their experiences. They explore the importance of teamwork, communication, and adaptability in ensuring a successful wedding day, while also reflecting on the evolution of wedding planning and the impact of family dynamics. The conversation highlights the significance of building personal connections with clients and navigating cultural differences in the wedding industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wedding Planning Podcast02:43 Wedding Wins and Personal Stories06:00 The Evolution of Family Dynamics in Weddings10:41 Navigating Wedding Planning Challenges15:28 Vendor Relationships and Communication19:52 Cultural Differences in Wedding Planning24:48 Teamwork and Collaboration on Wedding Day29:45 Conclusion and Future Plans30:33 Navigating Wedding Day Chaos34:26 The Importance of Coordination38:36 Thriving Under Pressure42:05 The Role of a Photographer45:48 Building Client Relationships52:10 Reflections on the Wedding SeasonKeywordswedding planning, wedding wins, family dynamics, teamwork, communication, wedding challenges, cultural differences, personal connections, wedding success, podcastTakeawaysExpect the unexpected in wedding planning.Navigating family dynamics is crucial for a successful wedding.Time heals all wounds, even in family relationships.Teamwork is essential for a smooth wedding day.Communication is key to managing wedding day chaos.Cultural differences can impact wedding planning dynamics.Personal connections with clients enhance the wedding experience.Planning for contingencies is vital in wedding coordination.The importance of being adaptable on the wedding day.Reflecting on past experiences can lead to future successes.