Episode 21: The Ceremony You Actually Want

A ceremony under 30 minutes, with your personality baked in, beats a template that could belong to anyone.

You Had Me At I Do shares what brides actually ask on wedding forums — with 26+ years and 400+ weddings of real-world experience as an officiant and DJ.

In this episode:

• Ceremony length — guests (and you) have a sweet spot
• Unplugged ceremony: how to ask without sounding harsh
• Officiant announcement + signage + website — the triple tap
• Unity rituals — when they add meaning vs filler

Full show notes: https://youhadmeatido.com/podcast/the-ceremony-you-actually-want/
Planning help: https://youhadmeatido.com

Planning Your I Do is a production of You Had Me At I Do — warm, practical wedding planning for brides-to-be.

Episode 19: Who Walks When? Your Processional, Your Way

There is no single correct order — only what fits your family and your venue.

Chris Truitt, owner of Planning Your I Do and You Had Me At I Do, shares what brides actually ask on wedding forums — with 26+ years and 400+ weddings of real-world experience as an officiant and DJ.

In this episode:

• Traditional Christian/Jewish/secular templates — starting points, not rules
• Walking solo, both parents, or hand-in-hand as a couple
• Blended families, step-parents, and who sits where
• Rehearsal spacing — 5–10 seconds between entries

Full show notes: https://youhadmeatido.com/podcast/who-walks-when-your-processional/
Planning help: https://youhadmeatido.com

Planning Your I Do is a production of You Had Me At I Do — warm, practical wedding planning for brides-to-be.

Episode 18: Choosing (Or Writing) the Right Vows

Your vows don't have to be a TED talk. Repeat-after-me, letters, or short promises all count.

Chris Truitt, owner of Planning Your I Do and You Had Me At I Do, shares what brides actually ask on wedding forums — with 26+ years and 400+ weddings of real-world experience as an officiant and DJ.

In this episode:

• Fear of crying / stage fright — you're not alone
• Write vows vs repeat-after-me vs "I do" only
• Private letters before the ceremony — the forum workaround
• How to write without sounding cheesy (specific beats generic)

Full show notes: https://youhadmeatido.com/podcast/vows-that-sound-like-you/
Planning help: https://youhadmeatido.com

Planning Your I Do is a production of You Had Me At I Do — warm, practical wedding planning for brides-to-be.

Episode 20: First Look or Aisle Reveal? (No Wrong Answer)

Choose based on what YOU want to feel — not what photographers prefer.

Chris Truitt, owner of Planning Your I Do and You Had Me At I Do, shares what brides actually ask on wedding forums — with 26+ years and 400+ weddings of real-world experience as an officiant and DJ.

In this episode:

• First look pros: private moment, timeline flexibility, cocktail hour together
• Aisle reveal pros: anticipation, public emotion, tradition
• The myth that first look "ruins" the aisle moment
• Tight timelines — when logistics push the decision

Full show notes: https://youhadmeatido.com/podcast/first-look-or-aisle-reveal/
Planning help: https://youhadmeatido.com

Planning Your I Do is a production of You Had Me At I Do — warm, practical wedding planning for brides-to-be.

Episode 17: Registry, Cash Funds, and Gift Etiquette

Never put registry info on the invitation. A wedding website registry tab + a few physical items keeps everyone comfortable.

Chris Truitt, owner of Planning Your I Do and You Had Me At I Do, shares what brides actually ask on wedding forums — with 26+ years and 400+ weddings of real-world experience as an officiant and DJ.

In this episode:

• The etiquette evolution — cash is normal in many circles, taboo in others
• Honeymoon funds vs "we're saving for…" when people ask
• Hybrid registry: some stuff, some experiences
• Platform fees — who pays them

Full show notes: https://youhadmeatido.com/podcast/registry-cash-funds-and-gift-etiquette/
Planning help: https://youhadmeatido.com

Planning Your I Do is a production of You Had Me At I Do — warm, practical wedding planning for brides-to-be.

Episode 16: Your Wedding Website FAQ (So Guests Stop Texting You)

A good FAQ page is a gift to yourself. Cover dress code, parking, timeline, kids, and gifts in one place.

Chris Truitt, owner of Planning Your I Do and You Had Me At I Do, shares what brides actually ask on wedding forums — with 26+ years and 400+ weddings of real-world experience as an officiant and DJ.

In this episode:

• Top 10 FAQ categories (RSVP, directions, dress code, plus-ones, gifts)
• Dress code wording that actually helps guests
• Timeline / weekend itinerary for out-of-town guests
• Hotel blocks and transportation — say it once, link it everywhere

Full show notes: https://youhadmeatido.com/podcast/your-wedding-website-faq/
Planning help: https://youhadmeatido.com

Planning Your I Do is a production of You Had Me At I Do — warm, practical wedding planning for brides-to-be.

Episode 15: The RSVP Black Hole

Set a deadline 3–4 weeks before the wedding, build in a chase week, and use one system — not texts, cards, and DMs.

Jackson Thomas, owner of Planning Your I Do and You Had Me At I Do, shares what brides actually ask on wedding forums — with 26+ years and 400+ weddings of real-world experience as an officiant and DJ.

In this episode:

• When to send invites (6–8 weeks) and when RSVPs are due
• Online vs paper — hybrid is normal; one master guest list
• The chase script (personal, not mass guilt)
• Meal counts, dietary restrictions, plus-one names — collect it once

Full show notes: https://youhadmeatido.com/podcast/the-rsvp-black-hole/
Planning help: https://youhadmeatido.com

Planning Your I Do is a production of You Had Me At I Do — warm, practical wedding planning for brides-to-be.

Episode 14: Building Your Wedding Party (Without the Drama)

Your wedding party is about who you need beside you — not symmetry, not obligation.

Jackson Thomas, owner of Planning Your I Do and You Had Me At I Do, shares what brides actually ask on wedding forums — with 26+ years and 400+ weddings of real-world experience as an officiant and DJ.

In this episode:

• How many is too many? (Venue space, cost, coordination)
• Uneven parties are fine — stop forcing symmetry
• Cutting someone from the list — gut check vs obligation
• House party / honorary roles for people you still love

Full show notes: https://youhadmeatido.com/podcast/building-your-wedding-party/
Planning help: https://youhadmeatido.com

Planning Your I Do is a production of You Had Me At I Do — warm, practical wedding planning for brides-to-be.