Unbridely - Modern Wedding Planning

How do you create a wedding day that's happy and hopeful, that still feels light and fun, when there's someone who's passed away that you feel a deep need to honour the memory of? This episode isn't about telling you whether to include a tribute or leave it out. Both are completely reasonable choices, and love doesn't disappear just because someone has, along with the instinct to want them included in some way on a day like this. But it is about finding the middle path between ignoring a loss completely and turning your ceremony into something it was never meant to be. You'll hear: the outdoor memorial candle mistake worth knowing before you build your ceremony around one, the one rule for how many tribute moments is too many before your ceremony starts to feel like something else, a real story from an after ceremony cocktail hour personal touch that guests loved, why choosing not to include a visible tribute can be just as loving a choice as choosing to. Plus how to work out where the people closest to the loss stand before you land your heart on any single idea, and a personal share on being judged for the way I choose to remember your own family. RESOURCES 23 Unique Memorial Ideas: https://unbridely.com/blog/unique-wedding-memorial-ideas Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast * The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds This is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔 AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪 Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡 https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

Are the flowers you're dreaming of for your wedding going to be out of season when you want them, or just completely out of your budget? Let me say first, I have so much love and respect for live flower traditional florists. They are some of the hardest working people in the wedding industry, and their artistry deserves to be recognised and valued. This episode is not about choosing a side between real flowers and faux flowers. But it is about the couples who’ve found a sweet spot between fresh and faux that gave them the look, the practicality, the budget, and the environmental impact that worked for them. You'll hear: the surprising truth about how the eco footprint of high quality faux flowers actually compares to fresh, why the difference in weight of a faux vs real flower stem isn't quite as simple as you'd assume, and the questions you need to ask that could protect you from a nasty surprise on the day. Plus what actually happens to those faux flowers once your wedding is over and the affordability question that everybody wants to know the answer to. Resources: The Lily Pipit: https://www.thelilypipit.com.au/ The Lily Pipit on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_lily_pipit/ Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast * The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change . You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done! More info on how to change your name after you get married: https://unbridely.com/blog/name-change-after-marriage For $20 off your Easy Name Change pack for September 2026, use the discount code: UNBRIDELY ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

If you are feeling stuck right now, caught between styling ideas, colour palettes and hire decisions, and not sure what to commit to first, I’ve got something I want you to hear. It sounds unrelated, but I assure you, what I learned this week at a high school book week awards night just might be able to help you find perspective and a solid direction with your wedding planning too. It’s shifted the way I think about that stuck feeling I sometimes find myself in, the same one so many of you describe to me whether you’re trying to lock in a theme or make an important decision for your wedding. I’m going to share the full story from that award night, why it made me rethink the pressure around the seemingly endless wedding decisions you need to make, and what you can lean into instead of day drinking, eating your feelings or calling the whole thing off. Resources Mentioned: Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast *The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

WITH NEVER MISS MOMENTS MID-ROLL AD READ What would you do if your fiancé wanted you to change your last name to theirs after you get married, but you're not completely sold on it? We had someone ask us this on socials recently, so I've brought back Gen from Easy Name Change to answer this question and three other name change questions that our followers most wanted to know the answers to. Including if you can change parts of your given name or names after you get married and what to do if you want to have the same last name as your baby and you’ve left it a bit late – like on the way to the hospital late. Believe it or not, it’s pretty common, and Gen walks you through exactly what to do. Gen was on the Unbridely podcast back in Ep19 with “3 Mistakes People Make When Changing Their Last Name After Getting Married” but that was back in 2023. So quite a few things have shifted since then. She’s also noticed with a new generation now starting to get married that there’s added anxiety around the paperwork and process so she’s going to talk you through how to ease that as well, no matter where you live. Because Easy Name Change has a presence across the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia and all of the processes are a little bit different. Plus if you're listening to this when it's released, for the month of September 2026 (like from the 1st of September all the way through to the 30th of September), there is a $20 Easy Name Change discount code waiting for you at the end of the episode to help you out too. Use the discount code: UNBRIDELY to receive $20 off any Easy Name Change service. Resources Mentioned: Easy Name Change: https://www.easynamechange.com/ Ep19: 3 Mistakes People Make When Changing Their Last Name After Getting Married Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast *The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Never Miss Moments Unbridely's recommended wedding guest photo and video-sharing tool. With your unique QR code, your family and friends can quickly, easily and securely share their snaps with you in your personalised online gallery. Visit nevermissmoments.com/unbridely to receive your 10% discount on your gallery. ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

How many times do you expect to email one of your wedding vendors before you get a reply? If you've got a coordinator, someone else is keeping count for you. But if you don't, you're the one deciding whether the non-response is normal or a red flag. I asked four full-service wedding planners, who also oversee each wedding day onsite themselves, 3 questions: When is too long to wait on an email response? What actually happens if a vendor cancels the week of your wedding? When is a late vendor on the day something to worry about? Their answers might surprise you. And if you haven’t booked a full-service planner or a day-of/month-of coordinator, I'm also giving you the 5 steps you need to take to cover that gap yourself. RESOURCES Emily Clarke from The Modern Approach The Modern Approach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themodernapproach_/ Kelly Stephenson from Found Collective Events Found Collective Events on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundcollectiveevents/ Nicole Bailey from Your Event Plannery Your Event Plannery on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youreventplannery/ Laura Shepherd from Couture Events Worldwide Couture Events Wordwide on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coutureeventsworldwide/ Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast *The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by WedSites.com , Unbridely's recommended all-in-one wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool. Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and use code UNBRIDELYPOD to get 10% off any of their paid plans. ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

Are you having the same argument with your partner, over and over? This week I chat with Beaonca Ward, a certified relationship coach and marriage and family therapy expert (or MFT) who spends her days in the thick of it with couples who are wedding planning. You are going to learn what a generational pattern is, and why it has this sneaky habit of showing up the second you start planning a wedding. Beaonca walks us through a real example of how something as simple as being close or distant from your family can change how much pressure you put on your partner, often without either of you even realising where it’s coming from. She also breaks down what healthy communication looks like in that first year of marriage, including the exact words to use when you need a break from a hard conversation without your partner feeling shut out. Plus Beaonca shares a statistic about how many arguments married couples have that can never actually be resolved. It’s eye watering and sounds a bit rough at first, but once you understand the way forward, I promise you it is one of the most freeing things you can learn about communication with your partner. RESOURCES Beaonca Ward on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealbeaonca/ Quiz: What Is Your Marriage Communication Style? https://www.beaoncaward.com/quiz Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast * The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds This is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔 AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪 Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡 https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

Last year a New York bride paid an online witch two dollars for a spell to guarantee sunshine on her wedding day, and the story has gone viral. Since then, brides around the world have been booking Etsy and Tiktok witches ahead of their own weddings, some paying two dollars, some paying up to two hundred. Is it worth it and do you believe that magic will help your chances of good weather on your wedding day? You'll learn: Why weather anxiety in the lead up to a wedding is completely normal. The exact order of operations for bad weather contingencies. A story from Ep 57 guest and wedding planner, Hannah Rose, about a British wedding ritual involving a buried sausage. Resources: The Knot 2026 Wedding Trends: https://www.theknot.com/content/new-wedding-trends Ep57: 4 Things At Your Wedding Your Fam and Friends Will Actually Care About with Hannah Rose Weddings Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast * The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change . You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done! More info on how to change your name after you get married: https://unbridely.com/blog/name-change-after-marriage ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

You know how it goes in wedding planning. Someone tells you emphatically, you have to do this, or whatever you do, do not do that. And some part of you thinks, noted but we’ll do what’s right for us. This is one of those episodes. Parts 1 and 2 of this series gave you the honest picture of love hires from the people who see them play out from first light to last song. And this episode, Part 3, is the practical part. 8 wedding vendor roles, what can go wrong when they are filled by someone without experience, who to consider booking instead at different price points, and if you are still going ahead with a love hire anyway, the specific steps to take before the day. You’ll learn Why the timeline your MC has been given is a guide, not a command, and what they actually need to do before making a single announcement. The one DIY makeup product that can ruin your photos without anyone realising until it is too late. What a co-pilot ceremony is in Australia and why it’s the only legal path forward in Australia if your person is not an authorised celebrant, plus Why the DJ is one of the highest-risk love hire roles, and what to do if budget means a professional is not possible. Resources Mentioned: Wilson and Lewis Photography: www.wilsonandlewisphotography.com Luke John Photography: www.lukejohnphotography.com Married by Jay (Jay Bingle-Brown, celebrant, QLD): www.marriedbyjay.com.au Mobile Make Overs Australia (Tallora Dee): www.makeoversaust.com.au Tallora's DIY wedding makeup blog: www.makeoversaust.com.au/tips-for-brides/makeup-products-needed-for-diy-wedding-makeup Amuse Event Lighting and Audio Visual (Sam Balfour): www.amuselav.com.au Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast *The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Never Miss Moments Unbridely's recommended wedding guest photo and video-sharing tool. With your unique QR code, your family and friends can quickly, easily and securely share their snaps with you in your personalised online gallery. Visit nevermissmoments.com/unbridely to receive your 10% discount on your gallery. ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

Last week in Part 1 of this 3 part series, Tereza and Tony from Wilson and Lewis Photography broke down what love hires are, why couples are turning to them more than ever, and the ripple effect that runs through a wedding day when an important role is filled by someone learning on the job. This week, they go further. Today in Part 2, you will hear stories from real wedding days, and what it looks and feels like when the opposite is true: when every vendor is exactly where they should be, doing exactly what they were hired to do. Including: What happens when a gap opens up on a wedding day and someone has to decide whether to step in (or watch things unravel) Why a well-oiled vendor team feels completely different from a patchy one, and how that difference shows up in your photos and footage. The moment couples tend to notice something has gone wrong. Part 3 lands next week with the practical: what to consider instead of a love hire, and if you are going ahead with one, the steps you can take beforehand to reduce the risk. RESOURCES Wilson and Lewis Photography on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonandlewis/ https://www.wilsonandlewisphotography.com/ Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast *The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by WedSites.com , Unbridely's recommended all-in-one wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool. Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and use code UNBRIDELYPOD to get 10% off any of their paid plans. ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

In the wedding industry, there is an unspoken code: solve the problems quietly, smile and protect the couple's experience. But it has an unintended consequence, because it means engaged couples are making planning decisions without understanding what they are actually costing them. Tereza and Tony from Wilson and Lewis Photography have witnessed hundreds of wedding days from first light to sparkler exit and they are talking about love hires: what they are, why more couples are turning to them than ever before, and what really happens when an important vendor role is handed to a friend or family member who has no idea how big the job actually is. You will learn: Why the money you save on a love hire is rarely the full cost of the decision, What actually happens to the friend or family member who says yes, and The knock-on effect that runs through every other vendor’s experience and ability to do their job on the day. This is Part 1 of a 3-part series. Part 2 continues the conversation next week, and Part 3 brings the practical, what to book instead. Plus if you do choose to go ahead with a love hire anyway, the planning tweaks that can genuinely reduce your risks. RESOURCES Wilson and Lewis Photography on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonandlewis/ https://www.wilsonandlewisphotography.com/ Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast * The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds This is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔 AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪 Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡 https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

You’ve decided the big white wedding is not for you and an elopement or micro wedding is what fits you. So you start looking at potential venues, and you hit a wall fast; half of them have a 50 guest minimum, and the other half never actually tell you what is included, or that you have to share the space, until you are already deep into the contract. Today we share the 9 things you need to check before booking your elopement venue, wherever in the world you are planning it. Including the one clause buried in almost every Airbnb or short-term rental listing that could shut your ceremony down entirely, and it has nothing to do with how much you are paying. Plus one new Adelaide CBD elopement venue that literally ticks all the boxes: Coco NB. Resources: COCO NB: https://camille-coconb.my.canva.site/ Our Wild Love Elopements: https://ourwildloveelopements.com/ Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast * The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change . You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done! More info on how to change your name after you get married: https://unbridely.com/blog/name-change-after-marriage ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

You set a budget before you even got engaged or you had a number in your head. And then someone in your family offers to help, maybe with the venue, maybe with the photographer, and suddenly that number isn't entirely yours anymore. And the problem with an offer like that is you're stuck: You don't actually know what they're picturing. They don't actually know what it costs. Your budget doesn't know what to do with an offer that has no number attached to it. Today we're going to talk about who actually pays for weddings in 2026, why the answer is nothing like what you probably grew up believing, and exactly what to do the next time family offers to help. Including the one finding in this year's data that completely flips what you'd assume happens when family pitches in, and it has nothing to do with how generous they are. Resources Mentioned: Easy Weddings 2026 Australian Wedding Industry Report: https://www.easyweddings.com.au/business/australian-wedding-industry-reports/ Zola 2026 First Look Report: https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2026 Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast *The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Never Miss Moments Unbridely's recommended wedding guest photo and video-sharing tool. With your unique QR code, your family and friends can quickly, easily and securely share their snaps with you in your personalised online gallery. Visit nevermissmoments.com/unbridely to receive your 10% discount on your gallery. ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

You set an RSVP deadline. You put it right there on your wedding invitation. You probably even sent a reminder. And yet, here you are, past that date, staring at a guest list where a chunk of people have just said... nothing. And the problem with no response is that you’re stuck: Your caterer needs final numbers. Your venue needs final numbers. Your seating chart needs names. Today we’re going to talk about why this happens, why it hurts as much as it does, and exactly what you need to do next. Including one strategy that I think is one of the most overlooked tools couples have in this situation, and it has nothing to do with sending another group reminder. RESOURCES Emily Post Institute: https://emilypost.com/advice/reuters-no-excuse-not-to-rsvp Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast *The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by WedSites.com , Unbridely's recommended all-in-one wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool. Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and use code UNBRIDELYPOD to get 10% off any of their paid plans. ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

While you might not label yourself as a feminist, most of my listeners believe in the value of equality. And that means that some traditional wedding customs definitely don't sit well with you. But your wedding doesn't have to be all or nothing, and this episode is going to show you exactly how to make it yours. My guest, Synclaire Warren, is a Gender Equity Leader, Key Note Speaker, and bride-to-be, who’s planning her very own wedding for this September. And when she announced her engagement online, many people commented that she was a sellout. A fake. That she was perpetuating a patriarchal institution. So today we are talking about what it actually looks like to hold strong values and still want a beautiful wedding. How to choose your own adventure when every tradition comes loaded with history and reflects a different era. And how you, whether you're getting married or not, can live by what you believe without turning every dinner conversation into a debate. RESOURCES Synclaire Warren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/synclaire.warren/ www.synclairewarren.co m Vow for Girls: https://vowforgirls.org/ Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast * The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds This is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔 AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪 Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡 https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

There’s a good chance (91% in fact) you’ve never planned a wedding before and that you’ll only have one shot at it - with no do-overs. Wedding regret is a real thing that can steal joy from the planning, have you feeling anxious on the day and can haunt you afterwards too. But there are solutions to most dilemmas, circumstances and situations if you’re willing to listen and learn. In this special episode, you’ll learn: 4 wedding truths that you need to accept, the 9 most universally common and heartbreaking (because they can be avoided) wedding regrets that I’ve either experienced, read about or heard about from my couples, plus some extra, more subjective, wedding regrets. Resources: EasyWeddings 2026 Wedding Industry Report: https://www.easyweddings.com.au/business/australian-wedding-industry-reports/ Ep 20: 6 Essential Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Pick Your Bridesmaids Ep 35: 22 Wedding Budget Ideas That Don't Discount Your Style Or Values Ep 61: Micro-weddings With Massive Impact: Why Size Really Does Matter with WedShed Ep 34: How to Give an Amazing Wedding Speech (even if you're really nervous) with Authentically Funny Speeches Ep64: Pt 1 - 6 Most FAQ Will Make or Break Your Wedding Day Timeline With Luke John Photography Ep65: Pt 2 - 6 Most FAQ Will Make or Break Your Wedding Day Timeline With Luke John Photography Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast * The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change . You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done! More info on how to change your name after you get married: https://unbridely.com/blog/name-change-after-marriage ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

You might have arranged an unplugged ceremony, but what about the other 8 to 18 hours of your wedding day when it’s entirely up to your guests as to whether they take photos or video. While many couples don’t mind what’s captured, they often do care about what’s posted to social media, who gets tagged, and when. Today I’m tackling the stuff the unplugged ceremony conversation never touches: spoilers, livestream complications, ex-partners, tricky family dynamics, children being posted without consent and more. You’ll also learn about what one of my couples did this year when they realised that no amount of planning was going to guarantee that their wedding day was going to be what they wanted and why it might be the most brilliant and useful mindset shift of the entire almost 4 years of the Unbridely podcast. Resources Mentioned: Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast *The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Never Miss Moments Unbridely's recommended wedding guest photo and video-sharing tool. With your unique QR code, your family and friends can quickly, easily and securely share their snaps with you in your personalised online gallery. Visit nevermissmoments.com/unbridely to receive your 10% discount on your gallery. ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

How do you make sure your vendors know what an incredible contribution they made to your wedding and what it meant to you? In the United States, the answer is tips and gratuity. It's expected, it's budgeted for, and on an average wedding they add thousands of dollars to a bill engaged couples are already pushed to afford. I recently polled the Unbridely Suppliers Facebook group about this topic. They are all Australian wedding vendors, and their answer was something completely different. So it got me thinking: when a vendor works for themselves and has the privilege of setting their own prices, is a tip really what they need/want? Or is it just the most convenient way for a couple to feel like they've said thank you properly. And is there a better, easier and yes, cheaper way to do it that actually means more to everyone involved? RESOURCES The Knot 2026 Real Weddings Study theknot.com/content/average-wedding-cost Zola 2026 Wedding Spend Survey zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding The Wedding Report 2025 wedding.report/action/wedding_statistics/view/market/id/00/idtype/s/location/United_States/ SoFi January 2026 sofi.com/learn/content/average-wedding-cost/ Fortunly Wedding Cost Statistics 2026 fortunly.com/statistics/wedding-cost-statistics/ The Global Statistics, Wedding Cost Statistics US 2026 theglobalstatistics.com/wedding-cost-statistics-in-us/ North American Community Hub nchstats.com/wedding-cost-in-united-states/ Vendor Tipping Amounts & Etiquette Emmaline Bride 2026 Vendor Tipping Guide emmalinebride.com/planning/who-to-tip-at-wedding/ MasterClass Wedding Tipping Etiquette masterclass.com/articles/how-much-to-tip-wedding-vendors WeddingTipCalculator.com 2026 weddingtipcalculator.com/how-much-to-tip-wedding-vendors/ TheWeddingPlanner.ai theweddingplanner.ai/wedding-vendor-tipping-guide Mike Staff Productions 2026 mikestaff.com/wedding-ideas/how-much-to-tip-wedding-vendors/ Reel Vendor Network reelvendornetwork.com/wedding-vendor-tipping-guide/ Watson Block Wedding Tipping Cheat Sheet watsonblock.com/blog/your-wedding-vendor-tipping-cheat-sheet/ Michelle Leo Events michelleleoevents.com/blog/tipping-wedding-vendors Marryment marryment.com/post/a-guide-to-tipping-your-wedding-vendors You're The Bride yourethebride.com/tip-your-wedding-vendors/ The Drunk Wedding Photographer thedrunkweddingphotographer.com/summerimperfect/tipping-wedding-vendors UK Tipping & Wage Law https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/distributing-tips-fairly-statutory-code-of-practice Canadian Tipping & Wage Law: https://minwage-salairemin.service.canada.ca/en/general.html Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast *The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by WedSites.com , Unbridely's recommended all-in-one wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool. Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and use code UNBRIDELYPOD to get 10% off any of their paid plans. ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

The big group photo. Your wedding photographer might be quietly dreading it. Your guests have mentally clocked where the bar is. And the chances of everyone having their eyes open at the same time are roughly fifty-fifty at best. So is it actually worth it? By the end of this episode you will know: The recent history of the big group photo and how it changes how you think about it Why so many photographers have complicated feelings about this shot and what it really costs you on the day How the acceleration of wedding trends is reshaping what couples want from their photography, and What the legacy value of the big group photo actually is. You will also find out 4 questions you can ask yourself and your fiance to make sure your choice of the big group photo is an informed choice rather than a default tradition. RESOURCES 178: 8 Brilliant Wedding Tweaks From My Smart Couple (And How To Steal Them) Ep38: Yes You Need a Photo Captain (or 2) and This Is Why with Valentina Perez Studio Luke John Photography Marcel Van Der Horst Photography Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast * The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds This is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔 AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪 Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡 https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

How can you be sure you’re planning a wedding that your family and friends will actually enjoy? In my job as a celebrant here in Australia this wedding season, I’ve been reminded of some of the basics of wedding planning and how, frequently, it doesn’t matter how big or modest your budget is. These concepts are about making a welcoming and comfortable space for your guests so they want to stay, and in fact, when the lights come on after last drinks have been called: 1) There’ll still be people there and 2) There’ll be an audible groan that the celebrations have come to an end. Today I’m sharing the top 10 things that wedding guests secretly hate, but won’t complain about (to you, at least). Resources: EP85: Is A Seating Chart Absolutely Necessary For Your Wedding? Ep34: How to Give an Amazing Wedding Speech (even if you're really nervous) with Authentically Funny Speeches Ep67: How To Write A Memorable And Gracious Wedding Speech For Your Own Wedding with Authentically Funny Speeches Australian National Support: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-crisis-support#:~:text=Lifeline%20%E2%80%94%20call%2013%2011%2014,or%20with%20thoughts%20of%20suicide Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html New Zealand: https://1737.org.nz/ United Kingdom: https://www.spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline-uk/ United States of America: https://988lifeline.org/ Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast * The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ----- This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change . You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done! ---- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com

Have you ever received a wedding invitation and felt a ping of disappointment when you saw it was on a Wednesday? The excitement for your friend was real, but so was the mental load that followed. In this episode, we talk about weekday weddings from both the guest and engaged couple’s side of the situation. While the cost savings of a weekday wedding can be significant (like 30-40% off the venue alone), they come with real trade-offs for your guests. Couples who are considering a weekday wedding need to go into their planning with all the info they can get their hands on. From attendance rates and format options to handling family pushback, this episode gives you everything you need to decide whether a weekday wedding is genuinely right for you. Resources Mentioned: RSVPify 83% baseline figure for standard weddings, based on their analysis of millions of wedding RSVPs: https://rsvpify.com/wedding-rsvps-guest-count-numbers-infographic/ Industry planning guideline: 65-75% weekday attendance estimate and 30% weekday venue cost reduction from Saturdays. Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast *The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.* ------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Never Miss Moments Unbridely's recommended wedding guest photo and video-sharing tool. With your unique QR code, your family and friends can quickly, easily and securely share their snaps with you in your personalised online gallery. Visit nevermissmoments.com/unbridely to receive your 10% discount on your gallery. ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/ or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely Email the Unbridely Podcast: hello@unbridely.com