A bad vendor can turn your dream day into a disaster. In this episode, I’m walking you through the most common red flags to watch for when booking wedding vendors—plus how to find affordable pros who won’t ghost you or ruin your photos.

I also share my personal checklist for vetting vendors that I use as a professional planner.

🎁 Grab the Wedding Planning Starter Kit
📅 Don’t miss my Small Over Prime Sale on July 12–13: 7 days free inside WedSmart!

What do real couples actually remember about their wedding day? Spoiler alert: it’s not the napkin color.

In this episode, budget wedding planner Marie Hanson reveals the 5 things that truly matter on your wedding day—according to 100 real couples—and the 5 things that don’t matter nearly as much as you think.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by guest lists, table settings, or centerpiece choices, this is the clarity you’ve been craving. You’ll learn how to focus your time, energy, and money on the memories that last a lifetime.

We cover:

• What couples say they remember most (and least!) about their wedding

• Common wedding planning stressors that aren’t worth the anxiety

• Tips for crafting a meaningful ceremony and joyful wedding day

• How to cut through the noise and plan a wedding that reflects you

🎉 Mentioned in this episode:

• Join the Better Budget Weddings membership for vendor discounts + planning support → https://betterbudgetweddings.com/membership

• Stay tuned for the launch of Marie’s signature wedding planning course—members get early access + a special discount!

📌 Resources:

• Free wedding planning checklist and timeline

• More tips & tools at https://betterbudgetweddings.com

What wedding detail are you stressed about? Leave a review or DM Marie on Instagram @betterbudgetweddings—she loves hearing from listeners!

My client Emma spent just $150 on DIY wedding decor that looked so incredible, guests kept asking which high-end florist she hired. Meanwhile, her friend dropped $800 on DIY projects that ended up looking like a craft store explosion. What made the difference? I'm revealing the 5 DIY wedding projects that ALWAYS look expensive + the 3 you should skip at all costs.✅ DIY PROJECTS THAT LOOK LUXE FOR LESS:• Welcome signs - $30 (vs $200+ from Etsy)• Table numbers - $20 total (vs $100+ custom designs)• Ceremony backdrop - $50 (vs $500+ from professionals)• Centerpieces - $8 per table (vs $50+ from florists)• [Plus one more game-changer!]❌ DIY PROJECTS THAT SCREAM "HOMEMADE":• Wedding cake (unless you're a professional baker)• Bridal bouquet (needs that expert touch)• Tablecloths (cheap fabric = instant backyard BBQ vibes)MY INSIDER SECRETS TO LUXURY-LOOKING DIY:✨ Spray paint everything in the same color family✨ Layer textures: candles + fresh flowers + fabric✨ Invest in quality materials (skip the dollar store!)✨ Stick to 3 colors maximum for cohesionReady to create your dream wedding on a budget? Get step-by-step planning help: www.betterbudgetweddings.com📧 FREE My Tried and True Vendor Negotiation Email Templates (save hundreds on your big day)For more wedding planning help visit us at www.betterbudgetweddings.com

Instagram @betterbudgetweddings

Facebook @betterbudgetweddings

YouTube - Better Budget Weddings#DIYWedding #WeddingDecor #BudgetWedding #WeddingDIY #WeddingPlanning #BudgetBride #WeddingHacks