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

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineIt's no secret, with wedding planning can come drama, challenges, and sometimes disappointments.  While I work to help couples plan their wedding as effortlessly as possible, sometimes it's just not that simple! In Part 1, we talk about what it was like to plan a DIY wedding, when they hit their breaking point and decided to hire a planner, and what they originally envisioned for their wedding design.As a gay couple, we also touch on unique issues they encountered while planning a wedding as a gay couple in a heteronormative industry. Throughout our time together, they acted with class and remained positive, and I was eager to share their story with all of you.If you're planning your wedding as a gay couple or if you're a wedding vendor trying to learn how you can make your business more inclusive, you might be wondering: What's it like to plan a wedding as a gay couple?How do you postpone a wedding?  When is the right time to hire a wedding planner? What's a good color palette for a gay wedding?How can you make your wedding business inclusive?Thank you to our podcast sponsors! Visit the Ask the Planner Wedding Planning Template ShopLoveStream - Get 10% off your virtual wedding package with my code Ask10!Planner's Playbook - Use my unique link so you can skip the waitlist and join ANY TIME!For the podcast show notes, visit verveeventco.com/53Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: asktheplannerpodcast@gmail.com

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineWith the seemingly never ending pandemic, more and more couples have had to rethink their wedding plans. Health guidelines,  venue restrictions, and vendor flexibility are all obstacles that make it difficult to book and plan a wedding during this time.  Especially for destination weddings, there is a LOT of hesitation for planning a ceremony this far in advance. As I wrote about in Wedding 2022 Trends, backyard weddings have greatly increased in their popularity. If you want a plan wedding that can happen regardless of COVID guidelines, maybe a backyard wedding is your move!  While hosting can seem daunting, you should ask yourself:Is a backyard wedding possible at my house?How should I prepare to host my wedding? Should we buy our own drinks for guests?Is my yard big enough for a wedding?Keep reading to find out about a real life couples' experience successfully turning their backyard, into a dream wedding venue! Here's a summary of our interview:Meet Pam and Alan Sheldon [7:27]How did you make the decision to change the wedding from South Carolina, to your home? [16:15]What concerns did you have while planning your backyard wedding? [26:13]How much alcohol did you buy for your guests? [31:03]What changes did you have to make to accommodate your backyard wedding?  [43:02]What happened when it rained? [49:56]How was the next day clean up? [56:00]Did you ever regret your decision to move your wedding? [1:04:21]Final thoughts [1:09:39]Links Mentioned in the Episode: Wedding Vendor Email Templates and Interview Questions GuideThank you to our podcast sponsors! Visit the Ask the Planner Wedding Planning Template ShopLoveStream - Get 10% off your virtual wedding package with my code Ask10!Planner's PlaybookFor the episode show notes, make sure you visit verveeventco.com/52 Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: asktheplannerpodcast@gmail.com

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineThrough bouquets, boutonnieres, and arrangements, whether your wedding vibe is dramatic and bold, or whimsical and delicate, the floral decor is going to be a major determinant. Perhaps couples don't immediately think about the massive role (and price point) floral decor play in the ambiance of their wedding.   Furthermore, in the era of sustainability and eco-friendly alternatives, it would be ignorant to ignore the wastefulness that comes from wedding flowers, as most are thrown out the next day. SO, couples may be asking themselves:Is there an eco-friendly alternative to for wedding flowers?Are faux floral decorations right for my wedding? How expensive are fresh vs. faux floral decor? What can make faux flowers be more realistic? If you all follow my wedding planning company’s account at Verve Event Co. , you all know I love beautiful floral arrangements. So I’m really excited for today’s conversation with Amanda and Meghan from the Silk Stem Collective. HIGHLIGHTS FOR EPISODE 51: Fresh vs. Faux Florals Here's a summary of our interview:Meet Megan and Amanda of Silk Stem Collective  [7:30]How to create the product of realistic floral decorations? [11:49]How exactly does renting faux florals work? [13:47] Environmental impact of fresh vs faux flowers? [17:00]So, can couples personalize their arrangements for their ceremony's color palette? [20:57]How to source faux florals? [23:41]What factors make faux flower decorations realistic? [30:20]What moments give you the most joy and are the most meaningful to you? [40:22]Links Mentioned in the Episode: Fresh vs. Faux FloralsSilk Stem CollectiveWedding Vendor Email Templates and Interview Questions GuideConnect with Silk Stem CollectiveInstagram: @silkstemcollectiveOnline: www.silkstemcollective.comFacebook: @silkstemcollective.         Thank you to our podcast sponsors! Visit the Ask the Planner Wedding Planning Template ShopThe Planner's PlaybookLoveStream - Get 10% off your virtual wedding package with my code Ask10!For the episode show notes, make sure you visit verveeventco.com/51 Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: asktheplannerpodcast@gmail.com

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineToday, I'm changing it up and launching a new series called Asked and Answered where I share and answer common wedding planning questions from you all - my podcast listeners, blog readers, and followers on Instagram - as well announcing something really fun for all my aspiring wedding planners out there!  After reading through my DM's, these are the four most common wedding planning questions from you all. The wedding planning process can be a lot to unpack, but learning from others' questions and experiences can be super helpful. In today's episode, you asked, and the planner answered. Yay! EPISODE 50 HIGHLIGHTS: Common Wedding Planning Questions To fast-forward to a specific part of the podcast episode, check out the timestamps below: Big Announcement! [05:29] Ceremony seating? [09:20] Cutting your guest list [13:00]Should we hire a planner if we are on a budget? [18:15]Seating arrangements [23:30]Addressing negative feedback [27:50]Review of the day [34:38]Final notes [36:51]Links Mentioned in the Episode The Ultimate Wedding Planning checklistVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop @AskthePlannerPodcast on InstagramBook a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situation Thank you to our podcast sponsors! The Planner's Playbook! Use my unique link so that you can get access to the Planner's Playbook ANYTIME, otherwise you'll have to wait until the next time Candice is accepting new members to the Planner's Playbook.LoveStream - Get 10% off ANY virtual wedding package with my code Ask10!Visit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates ShopFor the episode show notes, make sure you visit verveeventco.com/50Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: asktheplannerpodcast@gmail.com

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineIt is no secret. After the past two years of pivoting and rescheduling, downsizing, canceling, and social distancing, couples are excited and anxious to finally get married.  There are a ton of couples who got engaged years ago, and are only now getting married.  Consequently, everyone is itching to have their special moment with families and friends.  So today, I am sharing my 2022 wedding trend predictions. Vendors are included in this too. Some of us have couples that have been waiting to get married for 2 years, which means they’ve been planning for three!Suffice it to say, 2022 is going to be an explosive year for weddings. It’s also going to be a reflection of what’s currently happening in society. So, I’m excited to share with you our predictions for trends in 2022. These predictions are based on a little research and a lot of observations from what I’m seeing and experiencing in the industry. Full disclosure, these are still opinions, and nothing is guaranteed. I’m going to start out by looking at what I predicted in 2021 really quickly and seeing if I think any of those trends will apply in 2022, and then move on to new trends for 2022. But I have to make sure I say that you should plan a wedding that YOU want. If you feel pressured to do something because other people are doing it, let them have it. Your wedding is an expression of you and your partner at this moment in time.  Links Mentioned in the EpisodeThe Ultimate Wedding Planning checklistVisit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop @AskthePlannerPodcast on InstagramBook a 90-minute Clarity Call to get wedding planning help specific to your unique situationThank you to our podcast sponsors! LoveStream - Get 10% off ANY virtual wedding package with my code Ask10!Visit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop For the episode show notes, make sure you visit verveeventco.com/48Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: asktheplannerpodcast@gmail.com

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineWhether it’s for the wedding party, engagement presents, or even just finding the right present for family and friends, there can be a lot of pressure to gift gifting. There’s the tricky balance of finding something useful and sentimental, and that of course won’t break the bank.  When it comes to gifting for weddings, people may ask themselves:   What are practical items for Wedding Party presents?Should I have wedding welcome gift bags?Can I DIY wedding party presents? How much should I spend on wedding favors?Today we’re tackling the Do's and Don'ts of Wedding Gifting.  From Wedding Party Proposals, to Welcome Gifts, to Wedding Gifts for Guests, to Wedding Party Gifts, to DIYing presents, we’re talking about it all.  The holiday season just ended, so I am sure people can resonate with  how stressful it can be getting gifts for everyone on your list. Rightfully so! No one wants a to give OR receive an in-genuine  or impractical present, especially when it comes to weddings.  From wedding party proposals, to wedding welcome bags, to even party favors, there is a lot too unpack.   Of course, you want everyone to be happy with what they receive, without it costing you a fortune!  Links Mentioned in the Episode: The Do's and Don'ts of Wedding GiftingLavender & Pine GiftingVerve's Ultimate Wedding Welcome Bag ChecklistWedding Vendor Email Templates and Interview Questions GuideConnect with Lavender & Pine Gifting Instagram: @lavenderandpinegiftingOnline: www.lavenderandpinegifting.comFacebook: @lavenderpinegiftingThank you to our podcast sponsors! Visit the Ask the Planner Wedding Planning Template ShopLoveStream - Get 10% off your virtual wedding package with my code Ask10! For the episode show notes, make sure you visit verveeventco.com/47 Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: asktheplannerpodcast@gmail.com

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineYour wedding officiant is one of the most important people at your wedding ceremony after you! But like many couples, you might feel lost when starting to put together your wedding ceremony and will need to rely heavily on your wedding officiant.We read about celebrity engagements, and hear about their weddings on social media. But, rarely do we think about what we can learn from these over-the-top weddings.So, today we're interviewing a very special personality in the wedding and entertainment industry to get the inside scoop on one of the most recent celebrity weddings, the union of Hollywood socialite Paris Hilton to her longterm boyfriend, Carter Reum.Rev. Clint Hufft is the officiant to the stars.  Consequently, the ceremony was a social media phenomenon - reporters producing news articles, paparazzi publishing photos, and Peacock TV network broadcasting "Paris in Love," the newest TV production. Furthermore, he performed the wedding ceremony of the first Bachelorette couple Trista ad Ryan Sutter.  So, people planning their own wedding may also ask themselves: Do celebrities have special wedding officiants?How expensive is a celebrity wedding?What is the difference between a celeb and non-celeb wedding? How much planning goes into the production of an A-lister ceremony? Thank you to our podcast sponsors! Visit the Ask the Planner Wedding Planning Template ShopLoveStream - Get 10% off your virtual wedding package with my code Ask10!Links Mentioned in the Episode: They Get Married Just Like Us Meet Rev. Clint HufftWedding Vendor Email Templates and Interview Questions GuideConnect with Celebrity Wedding Officiant Clint HufftInstagram: @hufftclintOnline: reverendclint.weebly.comFacebook: @ReverendClintHufftFor the episode show notes, make sure you visit verveeventco.com/46 Finally, don't forget to leave the podcast a 5 Start review on Apple Podcasts and leave your Instagram handle so we can follow you back and enter you into some giveaways this season!Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: asktheplannerpodcast@gmail.com

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineLet’s talk about how to get what you really want from your wedding vendors. As I’m going to talk about in today’s episode, the past 2 years have been just a little bit stressful both for wedding vendors and for couples. People are experiencing burnout on both sides. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to avoid feeling burned out and how to be the favorite client all your wedding vendors love, and how that will in turn get you the best results for your wedding.How do I pick the right wedding vendor? What's the best time to meet with my vendor?How do I communicate my wedding expectations? Why is flexibility important for my wedding vendor? Today’s episode show notes can be found at verveeventco.com/45. Lauren O'Brien joined me today to share her experience being a wedding vendor in the industry.  Through her knowledge and expertise, we are here to help you and your wedding vendor work together to create the best ceremony possible :)  Thank you to our podcast sponsors! Visit the Ask the Planner Wedding Planning Template ShopLoveStream - Get 10% off your virtual wedding package with my code Ask10!Links Mentioned in the Episode: 5 Hacks To Get What You Want From Your Wedding VendorsWedding Vendor Email Templates and Interview Questions GuideConnect with Lauren O'BrienOnline: laurenoandco.comFacebook: @laurenoandco Finally, don't forget to leave the podcast a 5 Start review on Apple Podcasts and leave your Instagram handle so we can follow you back and enter you into some giveaways this season!Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: asktheplannerpodcast@gmail.com

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineWhether you’re getting married in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, there will likely be some elements of your day that will be outside. Whether it’s the whole ceremony and reception, or if you just want to take photos in a variety of locations, some part of it will be outside.Today I’m sharing with you seven tips on how to have the best outdoor wedding, from what to wear to what to plan for, we’re covering it all.1)     Plan for the worst and hope for the best2)     Talk through your photo locations and think about back-up locations and permits3)     Prepare for extended exposure outside – hot or cold.4)     Order umbrellas5)     Provide a beverage station with either flavored waters, sparkling waters, champagne or warmed drinks liked mulled cider, hot cocoa, etc.6)     Incorporate coordinating scarves, wraps, blankets, or jackets7)     Bring Hot Hands hand warmers for your fall or winter wedding to stay warm – this is also a great tip for engagement photoshoots!Regardless of where you are in your wedding planning journey, this episode will be helpful for you as you think through how the elements will affect your plans.If you’re listening to the episode in the car while driving or working out or cleaning the kitchen, the episode show notes can be found at verveeventco.com/44. Thank you to our podcast sponsors! LoveStream - Get 10% off ANY virtual wedding package with my code Ask10!Visit the ASK THE PLANNER Wedding Planning Templates Shop  Finally, don't forget to leave the podcast a 5 Start review on Apple Podcasts and leave your Instagram handle so we can follow you back! Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: asktheplannerpodcast@gmail.com

Text the Wedding Planning HotlineThere are high stakes when it comes to choosing the entertainment at your wedding. From sentimental ballads to upbeat 2000's jams, couples want entertainment that will not only cause the audience to shed a tear at the slow song but get out on the dance floor to the Macarena. Many might be lost on where to begin when looking for a DJ or band for their wedding. You might be asking yourself:   Should I pick a band or a DJ for my wedding?How big should my wedding venue be for a band?How big should my entertainment budget be?What do I do if the entertainment backs out last minute?The episode show notes can be found at verveeventco.com/43.About Rick Stowe, Managing Director, Dream Fulfiller, and the general Band Guy at East Coast Entertainment.Rick has had a long and storied career in the entertainment business. Over the years Rick has produced entertainment all over the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and Bermuda. A few career highlights include entertainment producer for the Allstate BCS Championship Gala, The Sugar Bowl, major motion picture premiers, numerous corporate events, festivals, college/university concerts, and many other events. He works with some of the biggest names in entertainment like Pit Bull, Usher, Luke Combs, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band, KISS, Earth, Wind & Fire, Fergie, Train, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bently and the list literally goes on. Many events take place in unusual locations, and Rick has seen it all! Whether the event is at a dude ranch in Montana, Puerto Rican rain forest, a three-story arena show production in a ballroom, private residences, on top of swimming pools, rooftops, cruise ships and even a golf course, Rick can make it happen with the right team!Thank you to our podcast sponsors! Visit the Ask the Planner Wedding Planning Template ShopLoveStream - Get 10% off your virtual wedding package with my code Ask10! Links Mentioned in the Episode: East Coast Entertainment Wedding Vendor Email Templates and Interview Questions GuideConnect with East Coast Entertainment.Instagram: @eastcoastentertainemntOnline: Connect with the show!📞 Leave us a Voicemail: (585) 210-9485 (New number!) IG: @asktheplannerpodcastTikTok: @asktheplannerpodcast💻: http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/💌: asktheplannerpodcast@gmail.com