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

Plan Your Dream Wedding on a Budget You Can Afford — Without Falling for Pinterest's Biggest Lies

You’ve been pinning your dream wedding for months... but here’s the truth: that $50,000 “real wedding” you saved 47 times? It’s not real. 😳

In this episode of Better Budget Weddings, we’re pulling back the curtain on Pinterest-perfect weddings — and showing you how to plan a beautiful, personal, faith-filled wedding that’s actually in your budget.

✨ Here's what you'll learn:

• The truth behind those dreamy Pinterest wedding photos

• Why most of them are actually styled shoots (not real weddings!)

• How to use Pinterest wisely without blowing your budget

• A step-by-step strategy to create a “Real Wedding” board that helps, not hurts

• Ideas to design a wedding that feels authentic, not just aesthetic

• How to honor your love story — not someone else's highlight reel

If you’ve ever felt discouraged because your $300 dress doesn’t look like that photo, or cried over a $3,000 floral arch you can’t afford... this episode is your reminder that your wedding doesn’t need to go viral to be valuable.

💌 Resources Mentioned

• Free Wedding Vendor Negotiation Templates

• Budget Pinterest Board Strategy

• Join the Better Budget Weddings Membership

✨ Subscribe for weekly wedding planning tips rooted in faith, stewardship, and smart spending.
🎧 Listen wherever you love your podcasts — Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.
📲 Come say hi + share your favorite tip over on IG @betterbudgetweddings!

Think a beautiful wedding can’t be done on a $5K budget? Think again. In this episode, I’m sharing how my client Jessica pulled off a stunning backyard wedding for just $4,847—with 80 guests, gorgeous details, and zero debt. I’ll walk you through her real vendor costs, DIY wins, and the exact strategies she used to save big. If you're planning a wedding on a budget, this one’s a must-listen.

Download the FREE wedding planning checklist she used to plan it all.

💕 Want all my budget planning templates + vendor discount directory? Join Better Budget Weddings.

CONNECT WITH ME:

Instagram: @betterbudgetweddings

Facebook: @betterbudgetweddings

Website: betterbudgetweddings.com

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more couples who need these tips!