Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams
93 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 49 ratingsAn award winning wedding planning podcast hosted by expert planner-designer Kelly McWilliams. In each episode Kelly and her wedding professional co-host will help engaged couples navigate planning by weighing the pros and cons, "This vs That", of each decision they'll need to make from engagement to honeymoon and everything in between. Kelly is a 21 year veteran of the wedding industry and is a Martha Stewart Weddings Best in Class: The Top Wedding Planners and Event Designers. This vs That has been recognized as a top podcast by BRIDES.com and WeddingWire.com!
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Episodes
This vs That: Reception Layouts Vs Chaos
June 03, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBTHIS IS PART 2! If you ever wanted to know how to royally screw up your wedding ignore this episode. We had to split into part 1 and part 2 because there was that much to cover. Part 1 is about your timing, this is about where you place everything in your spaces. The only people who are typically at a reception start to finish are the planner/coordinator, the banquet captain and the DJ. So who did I turn to for this episode? This vs That editor Lance Panton. Between Lance and I, we have pr...
This vs That: Free vs Paid Planning Resources
May 25, 2021 12:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBY'all. WEDDING PLANNING IS HARD. There are 4,654,643,842 wedding planning resources (wedding planning tools, checklists, and budgets) available for free on the web. 4,654,643,826 are wrong. LIES! #fakenews. The best example, google "wedding budget". You're going to get 12k arbitrary budgets, none of which have I found to be correct. Why? Because every wedding is different. Depending on where you are getting married in the world, the number of guests you are having, your priorities, etc....
This vs That: Reception Timelines Vs Chaos
May 21, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 50.6 MBIf you ever wanted to know how to royally screw up your wedding reception just ignore this episode. In this episode, we had to split into part 1 and part 2 because there was that much to cover. The only people who are typically at a reception from start to finish are the planner/coordinator, the banquet captain and the DJ. So who did I turn to for this episode? This vs That editor Lance Panton. Between Lance and I, we have probably a thousand weddings to spill the goods on. Lance is a prem...
This vs That: Hiring a solo vs multiple photographer teams
May 04, 2021 12:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBYou just don't know what you don't know. This podcast is to make sure that you know so that you can ask ? with knowledge. Photographer Sarah Roshan and I uncover when its ok to have 1 photographer at your wedding and when it benefits you to have your photographer bring an associate (or 2), the differences between a photography assistant and an assistant photographer (yes, these are 2 VERY different jobs). The decision affects your gallery of images, your end cost & the timeline / flow of yo...
This vs That: Film vs Digital Photography with Liz Banfield
April 27, 2021 13:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBWait? What's this, a decision that you don't HAVE to make? Yep. This is the one where its you can make it or skip it because chances are that you didn't even know that its a question you could ask. However, because there really is something to be said for film photography, Liz Banfield and I wanted to make sure that you were knowledgeable about the differences between this classic format vs the digital that came onto the wedding scene in the early 2000's. I googled it for the sake of simp...
This vs That: The Wedding Rollercoaster, Self vs Outside Funding
April 11, 2021 13:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBNope. Not the fun episode. But if you listen, absorb and take our tips - you'll find that you're going to have a FAR less stressful engagement and planning season. The cool thing is that Leah just released her new book, "The Wedding Rollercoaster" and its a great companion to this episode. I posted a link below. The real deal is, that by taking the opportunity in the beginning to talk openly with your "team" (anyone who holds a stake in your wedding), you will avoid some of the stresses bro...
Bonus episode: What is "My Wedding Spending Plan Workbook"?
April 02, 2021 22:00 - 6 minutes - 4.53 MBIf you listened to Season 2 episode 5 about Budgets vs Spending Plans, you know that planning a wedding takes great financial planning too. I’m ecstatic to let you know that our newest resource, My Wedding Spending Plan Workbook is available for you in Pre-Sale! The workbook is comprised of 5 detailed worksheets that guide you through prioritization, research, spending plan, tracking and payments. The first step to creating your wedding spending plan is to prioritize which aspects of your...
This vs That: Digital Images vs Printed Photos and Albums
April 01, 2021 17:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MBI can not tell you how strongly I feel about actually getting your wedding images printed. After listening to this episode with Manda and I, I would bet that you will feel the same. Here's the thing, yes. You will 100% look at your wedding pictures on your phone (or stream them onto your tv) a thousand times. But there is a very different feeling and reaction that you will have when you see your favorite ones on your fridge, on your desk or framed on the wall in your home. The best thoug...
This vs That: Wedding Budget vs Spending Plan with Renee Sabo
March 24, 2021 17:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBYou better listen to this episode. Maybe listen twice. I know, believe me I know - there isn't anything fun about talking about how much a wedding costs. However you will be able to plan the rest of your wedding without the fear of going over budget or stressing out. I want you to "Listen Linda" as Mateo explained to his mom about how not to burn your butt. In this episode Renee and I will hopefully help you to make the decision to start with a wedding spending plan vs flying by with a ...
This vs That Modern or Custom vs Traditional Ceremonies
March 17, 2021 22:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBIf you haven’t decided whether to write your own vows or to include special traditions in your ceremony this is the perfect episode for you. Or maybe you already did decide, and this episode will help you to determine that you’d like to make a little change. There’s definitely something to be said for making your wedding ceremony personal, unique and memorable not only for you and your spouse but for all of the people who have gathered around you to see you begin your lives together. In this...
Marriage or Mortgage Netflix's New Reality Show
March 10, 2021 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBMarriage or Mortgage, Dream Wedding vs Dream Home In this bonus episode I had the opportunity to interview Nashville wedding planner and the star of the new Netflix series Marriage or Mortgage. I hope you will never have to decide between the 2, but in this episode its all about the fun of reality tv. I was able to preview episodes before they premiered on Netflix today (March 10, 2021) and I will tell you this. I could not tell at all who would choose what. I was VERY tempted to fast forw...
This vs That: Diy Buy vs Rental Professionals
February 25, 2021 14:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBPinterest is great. Etsy is great. So are Homegoods, Hobby Lobby and everyone's favorite, Amazon. Often, we come across things that we think will be perfect for somewhere at our wedding. Wonderful! You're thinking, "this will be great! I can save money and make my wedding more unique!" Let this episode be your guide before you make that buy. There's so much to think about and we are going to get into it big time so that you can make a great decision between buying items or renting items for...
Pop Up Episode for a Pop Up Wedding!
February 17, 2021 22:00 - 14 minutes - 9.79 MBIt's a Pop Up Wedding! Are you tired of waiting for Covid-19 to come to an end? Did you have to cancel or postpone your wedding because of Corona for months or even a year? What if you didn't have to wait anymore? Are you ready to elope? What if you could just show up to your wedding ceremony fully planned and designed for you and up to 30 wedding guests, without any of the stress? What if you could have this spectacular luxury wedding valued at over $11,000 for you and your fiance for an a...
Wedding Decisions: Wedding Cake vs Alternative Desserts
February 17, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBGive me cake with filling, skip the icing. That is my order. But if I had an option... I would go for creme brulee or a key lime tart. Baker friends, please don't disown me. After +19 years of planning weddings I have seen wedding cakes go from being the main attraction to disappearing with the trend of a candy or cookie table. Once that trend died it went to cupcakes. And then Megan & Harry got married and the 3 cake wedding cake was all the rage. But do you know what we're seeing now? St...
Wedding Decisions: Sparklers vs Dance Floor Exits
February 02, 2021 22:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBEveryone has a sparkler exit story right? In this episode we laugh SO much about how sparkler exits have created some crazy memories. But most importantly, how to make sure that you actually think about how you want the last moments of your wedding to be. What do you want your last memory of the best day ever to be? Do you imagine on the dance floor with just your new spouse or with all your guests or a grand exit photo moment. Renee Dalo is a Wedding Planner, Educator, Public Speaker & ...
Bonus episode: The Season 1 Recap
January 27, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 56 MBWait what? Season 1 is over? Yes it is! 25 episodes. THANK YOU for listening, for subscribing, for sharing, for your reviews and for your 5 stars! On this episode the TVT editor in chief, Lance Panton (aka DJ LP of mydfwdj.com ) and TVT wedding guest, Ashlee Nicole (aka lead wedding photographer ashleenicolephoto.com) chat with me about our favorite moments, surprises and what we learned throughout this inaugural season. I also want to take this moment to thank all the co-hosts who made t...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Destination vs Home Town wedding
January 10, 2021 19:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBThere are 88,345 reasons to have a wedding in your hometown. There are 88,345 reasons to have a destination wedding literally anywhere else in the world. The great thing is that Kehrin and I can pretty much list them all out for you in this one talk. Grab a pen and notebook. There are so many benefits to each that you might even consider a bit of both (which Kehrin and I are both here for). In this episode as usual, we will talk through all the things we've learned while planning over a ...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Intimate vs Full Guest List and what are intimate, micro, mini and pop up weddings
January 10, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 59 MBAt the time of this recording we are in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Which meant many engaged couples are re-examining their guest lists to accomodate what was safe and/or allowed. But even outside of this pandemic, this decision and topic is important. In this episode Sara and I are determined to share with you all the wonderful things that make a small or intimate guest list great, but also the pitfalls and stresses of it. The great thing is that there is the alternative; hosting...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Digital (aka Flat) vs Letterpress invitation Printing
December 25, 2020 03:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MBThere are a litany of pros and cons for all of the below stationery opportunities. Before selecting the style of printing you should consider its important to decide on the style of invitation or the design you're most drawn to. Other factors... paper weight, edges and borders. We also talk about pricing, time frames for processes and even some of the etiquette when it comes to your ultimate choice. What I can say for sure - if you have never ordered printed invitations before you NEED to l...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Veil or No Veil
December 25, 2020 02:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBTo veil or not to veil. Or maybe even yes veil, but what style? I knew from the get go that I didn't have a depth of knowledge on choosing a veil because there are so many lengths and styles to choose from. In this episode Nhi gives all the goods of bridal looks and I give up the logistics of what may go down at your wedding when wearing one. Truth: I asked a bajillion questions, and that's always a good thing for you. Nhi gives some great insight on when to say no to wearing a veil. Di...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Traditional vs Airbrush Makeup
December 25, 2020 02:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB9 out of 10 brides ask which one and that's exactly why Dani and I got in depth into this topic of traditional liquid makeup or airbrush. As it turns out, there's another type of makeup to be introduced during this episode, aerosol foundation makeup. Luckily Dani takes the time to fully explain the differences and the pros and cons to all. Including why your skin type makes all the difference. You can expect to walk away from this episode with the timing differences, the sustainability diff...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Engagement vs Anniversary Shoot
December 24, 2020 13:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBDid you know that you can do a destination engagement or anniversary shoot? Yeah, neither did I and I am HERE FOR IT. In this episode Shauna and I unpacked all that there is to offer with engagement and anniversary shoots including destination (please hire me to help plan and style this...I am now addicted to the opportunity). Topics we also chat about in this episode: lifestyle photography the costs of these shoots and when if they are "included" in your photography package timing your s...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Following vs Making or Breaking Traditions
December 23, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MBEndless traditions. Every time I think I know of all of them I hear about a new one. Depending or how or where you were raised or your culture, ethnicity or religion you are contemplating on what traditions you want to uphold, new ones you want to make and which you are thinking, "not happening at our wedding under any circumstance." Traditions are what make your wedding a wedding and not just a ceremony and a party. By the time you finish this episode you will empowered in making your wed...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Plated vs Buffet (and all the other styles of meal service)
December 23, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBNot everyone has had the opportunity to experience every style of reception so we used this episode to get you acquainted with all of them. Making the decision of the style of service should be at least considered at the very beginning of your planning because of the varied costs, the space and time limitations and the formality of your event. Here are the styles of service: Plated (Signature or choice of entree) Buffet Stations Cocktail Style Alternative (Small Plate and hybrid) Fami...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Indoor vs Outdoor Weddings
December 22, 2020 14:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBDreaming of a crystal chandelier ballroom wedding or a ceremony under a grand oak tree? Fancy downtown loft or Mountain views? Museum or toes in the sand? What are you thinking for your wedding? Well before you decide listen to this episode where Kemari and I talk about the pros and cons of indoor and outdoor weddings. 6 of the 60,398* points and considerations we came up with: Why guys should have 2 shirts What to plan for when it comes to plan B from DAY ONE The effects of outdoor we...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Professional vs Friend Officiant
December 21, 2020 22:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBIts become more and more common to have a friend or family member preside over wedding ceremonies over the last few years so I thought it would be great to have an episode talking through the pros and cons of having a traditional spiritual leader (pastor, priest, rabbi, etc), judge, notary, friend or family member. Its a personal decision and a big decision. During this chat Cinnamon and I chat about experiences we've had at our hundreds of weddings and lay out all the things that you shoul...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Assigned vs Open Seating
December 21, 2020 19:00 - 53 minutes - 36.4 MBWhat kind of reception are you considering for your wedding? Cocktail Style? Plated with options? Signature plates? Buffet? Stations? Did you know that the type of service you choose should also influence the kind of seating you'll have at your wedding? In this episode we uncover all the things you'll want to consider and weigh the pros and cons on when making the decision of having open vs assigned seating. From the costs for each to the level party or formality and atmosphere that they o...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Minimoon vs Honeymoons
December 14, 2020 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBConfession: I wasn't fully aware of what a minimoon was defined as until we recorded this episode. While I have always suggested a getaway to clients prior to their big honeymoon, I didn't realize there was a name for it. If you don't know, don't worry you will after this. Another great thing about this episode, Oniki drops some great tips about how to take advantage of being a newlywed for these getaways. So be sure to listen through the whole episode to the scoop. Oniki Hardtman is the...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Your Venue, Boutique Inn vs Hotel or Resort vs Family Home or Estate
December 14, 2020 17:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBWhile you may have imagined your entire lifetime where you would get married, sometimes there are circumstances that are now swaying you in another direction. In this episode Janice and I uncover and talk through all the pros and cons of the the different types of wedding venues that there are. And there are more than what I put in the episode title: Boutique Inns Lodges B&Bs Hotels Parks and gardens Historic Venues Private Halls Golf and Country Clubs Resorts Museums Lofts Es...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Welcome Party vs Rehearsal Dinner
December 05, 2020 01:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBWhile your wedding day is ultimately the highlight of your wedding weekend, a rehearsal dinner or welcome party can be a great start to your celebration. In this episode Curtis and I discuss what the differences are between a rehearsal dinner or welcome party (or welcome reception or dinner), what happens at each (and what should not happen), how to come up with the best guest list for each and the price differences you can expect. We also talk about the benefits of hosting these events, in...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Welcome Party vs Rehearsal Dinner
December 05, 2020 01:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBWhile your wedding day is ultimately the highlight of your wedding weekend, a rehearsal dinner or welcome party can be a great start to your celebration. In this episode Curtis and I discuss what the differences are between a rehearsal dinner or welcome party (or welcome reception or dinner), what happens at each (and what should not happen), how to come up with the best guest list for each and the price differences you can expect. We also talk about the benefits of hosting these events, in...
This vs That Wedding Decision: DJs who mix vs DJs who push play
December 05, 2020 00:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBI confess. I didn't have a great knowledge of the differences between Push Play Weddings DJ, Club DJs and Wedding DJs who mix. After this episode, you will be fully educated on what to ask and what to expect from DJs. We also make the case that a mix DJ might come at a validly higher price point because there is the additional skill that they have to offer. Be sure to listen to the end if you're of the mindset that you want a "club dj". My favorite line from Malike in this episode was, "I...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Custom vs template invitations
December 04, 2020 23:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBIf you don't know what type of invitation you are looking to have or maybe you don't even know what your options are, this episode is for you. We get into all the details of the elements of your wedding stationery and will help you understand enough so that you can make a great decision. From save the dates to cocktail hour napkins. Things to look forward to in this episode: Stationery vs Stationary, let's clear these 2 words up real quick What is a template or semi-custom invitation an...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Band vs DJ
November 29, 2020 03:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBThis is one of those wedding decisions that I find most couples are most set on from the get go but perhaps shouldn't be because there's so much to consider for both! Here's the thing, it only takes one bad DJ or one great band to completely influence your decision. Truth is that there are so many reasons to consider both before making a decision: Price difference (yes, its striking) Variety of music and the limitations on both Ambiance and vibe Size and scale (of the room) Number of g...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Kids Invited or Adults only
November 29, 2020 03:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBThe decision almost nobody wants to make and it never seems to be an easy one. Let's face it, kids are so stinkin cute, but a wedding can be hard on little ones and those who are responsible for them throughout the day. In this episode we tackle all things nobody wants to say out loud. When it comes down to it, the decision is a personal one. In this episode Beth and I will tell you how to prepare if the decision is yes. After nearly a decade working at Chicago’s top advertising agencies ...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Escort Cards vs Seating Charts
November 29, 2020 02:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MBEscort cards, seating charts, and place cards. These are of the utmost importance to ensure your guests will know where to sit at your wedding reception. How to communicate your guests table assignment and what place setting is theirs can be a nightmare or a delight! In this episode Saundra and I talk about: What a place card is What a seating chart is What an escort card is The benefits of each and the cons of each Some neat ideas that we've implemented in the past and ones we hope w...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Farewell Brunch vs After Party
November 29, 2020 02:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBWhile your ceremony and reception are no doubt the peak of your wedding celebration, you may be considering having events to start off and end the weekend. For example, rehearsal dinner, welcome reception, bridal luncheon, grooms gathering, after party or a farewell brunch. In this episode Erin and I talk about all the reasons why you could choose to host an after party or not and the same for a farewell brunch. Factors we considered were: budget & spending plan guest experience how long ...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Short vs Long Engagements
November 22, 2020 21:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBGuess what? You don't have to take exactly a year to plan your wedding. You could do it in 3 weeks or over plan it over 2 years. In this episode, Kimberly and I talk about all the reasons, benefits, pros and cons to having a short engagement vs a long engagement. In this episode we'll chat about how: your personality is something you need to consider when deciding money can play a part, both with saving and spending more venue and vendor availability you should consider your guests and...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Boutonniere vs Pocket Square & "What is a bridal stylist?"
November 22, 2020 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBThis is a bonus episode because not only do we discuss whether the gentlemen in your wedding should wear boutonnieres or pocket squares or even both; but Beth also takes the time to explain what a bridal stylist (also referred to as a dresser). In this episode you'll learn: what a pocket square is how the pocket square can level up the mens attire things to consider about wearing flowers (this goes for ladies hair flowers as well) how to prepare for wearing a boutonniere and wear to pla...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Wedding Party vs No Wedding Party
November 20, 2020 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBWarning, there is crying in this episode. Hopefully it doesn't bring you to tears like it did Ashtyn and I, but does give you some insight into what to expect with different sized wedding parties. Here's what you can expect to hear about in this half hour of fun to help you make the decision on the size of wedding party you want to have: How the size of your wedding party can influence the "mood in the room" while you're getting ready for the ceremony and celebration the costs involved:...
This vs That Wedding Decision: 1st Glance or At the Altar
November 19, 2020 22:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBDeciding to see your fiance before the ceremony or for the 1st time at the altar is a big and personal decision. In this episode, destination wedding photographers Tiffany, Cody and I talk through all the things to consider when deciding if a first look (also referred to as a 1st glance or reveal) is a good decision for you and your wedding. A few of the topics we brought up during this episode are: what 1st look and 1st glance are timing for a 1st look cost considerations the emotiona...
This vs That Wedding Decision: Hair up vs Hair Down
November 19, 2020 21:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBIn this episode Katelyn McCullough and I will guide you through the options, good bad and otherwise when it comes to making the decision on whether you and the ladies in your wedding should wear hair down or have an up-do hair style. We talk about: Why your dress and the style of your wedding should influence your hairstyle decision the difference in cost between up-do styles and hair down styles how weather plays an important factor in determining what is best how your veil or hair acc...
Introducing This vs That Wedding Podcast, Wedding Decisions with Kelly McWilliams
October 31, 2020 01:00 - 2 minutes - 2.04 MBWelcome to the This vs That Wedding Podcast! I’m your host, Kelly McWilliams and I could not be more excited to start this new wedding planning adventure with you. My hope is that with each episode my co-host and I will help you to make all your wedding decisions by hearing the pros and cons. We’ll cover topics such as · having your wedding in your hometown vs hosting a destination wedding weekend · having Buffet dinner vs a plated dinner · having a 1st glance vs seeing...