Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

Kelly A McWilliams

1 Creator

An 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!

#80 in the Top 100 Indie how to All time chart

...more

2 Listeners

1 Comment

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

Top 10 Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Wedding Decisions: Sparklers vs Dance Floor Exits

Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

02/02/21 • 33 min

I would LOVE a text from you!

Everyone 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 & Podcast Host. With over thirteen years of experience in the wedding industry and eight years running Moxie Bright Events, Renée turned her knowledge towards the advancement of the industry as a whole and launched her top-notch educational resources for event pros. In addition to her self-guided Wedding Management e-course, Renée is also the founder and host of the popular B2B podcast, Talk with Renee Dalo. Currently, Renee serves as the President of WIPA So Cal, and she is recognized across the industry, having earned a coveted spot on Honeybook’s 20 On The Rise list.
Also, in the episode I mention the evacuation of the hotel. To clarify, that's the rule, however the fire department arrived quickly and didn't require the hundreds of guests to leave their rooms. We did have to evacuate the ballroom.
Places to go and People to see:

Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com

Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast

Website: moxiebrightevents.com

Instagram: instagram.com/moxiebrightevents/

Previous Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams

About Kelly:
Kelly knows how incredible a well planned wedding can be. Every moment counts and every decision plays a part. Wedding planning should be fun and as easy to do as possible. Besides planning weddings, Kelly travels the globe as an industry speaker. Kelly is a Martha Stewart Top Wedding Planner & this podcast won Brides magazine and WeddingWire's best podcast.
Need a little help planning your wedding?
The Getting Ready Room List (ON SALE NOW)
Wedding Song Ideas: Spotify Playlist Included! (ON SALE NOW)
Download the Wedding Spending Plan

...

1 Listener

This vs That Wedding Decision: Digital (aka Flat) vs Letterpress invitation Printing

Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

12/25/20 • 56 min

I would LOVE a text from you!

There 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 listen to this episode!

Digital or Flat
Letterpress
Foil
Engraved
Embossed
Hand sculpted Embossed
Blind Embossed
Laser engraving
Laser cutting
Embroidered

Emily founded Emily Baird Design in 2011 to create pretty things for wonderful people. She is passionate about custom stationery and design. We've been nationally recognized in the top bridal magazines and blogs for offering exceptional service and beautiful work including Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and more! If you're looking to tell your love story through beautiful paper or want show-stopping event branding she is here to help.
Places to go and People to see:

Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com

Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast

Website: https://www.emilybaird.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilybairddesign/
Also mentioned: 5x7 Designs (episode 13), Swell Press

All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams

...

1 Listener

Traditional Place and Escort Cards vs. Using Unique Items

Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

10/20/21 • 59 min

I would LOVE a text from you!

If you're going to tell your guests where to sit at your wedding reception, you have to let them know what table to go to and maybe what seat to sit in at the table. I had the pleasure of talking to Jordan about ways you can turn a tedious task into a genuine gesture. It's a chance to be creative, unique and elevate your guests experience. We'll also remind you of the different kinds of cards: place cards, escort cards, seating charts, etc
A USER EXPERIENCE DESIGNER BY TRADE, JORDAN’S BACKGROUND IN ART AND DESIGN ISN’T JUST PROFESSIONAL—it’s been a deep-seated passion for as long as he can remember. After years in the advertising industry working in web design and user experience with major brands like Pepsi, Visa, Toyota, and Mercedes, Jordan knew it was time he took his creativity offline so he could get his hands dirty. Out of that realization, he launched a custom brooch business which, ultimately, evolved into wedding stationery, perfectly marrying his experience in digital design with his love for crafting.
Thus, his boutique design firm, A Good Day, was born to serve planners and their couples eclectic, one-of-a-kind stationery that establishes a unique brand for each event. From save-the-dates and invitations to day-of signage and menus, Jordan draws inspiration from his diverse array of interests spanning fashion, architecture, interior design, and film to curate an aesthetic that perfectly matches each clients’ vision for their celebration.
Listen to all your podcasts &leave a 5 star review is the GOODPODS app
Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com

Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast

Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/

Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/

Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams

...

1 Listener

This vs That Wedding Decision: DJs who mix vs DJs who push play

Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

12/05/20 • 48 min

I would LOVE a text from you!

I 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'm going to give you a tasteful turn-up"
Adebola Malike Adigun was born in Queens New York and moved to Cape Coral at the age of 10 in is his now passed mothers attempt to escape an environment that was pulling him down
academically and behaviorally. Since then he has broken many socio-economic barriers. He
received his Bachelors in Education from FGCU, has taught 6th grade World History, started a creative media company that has gained high cultural importance and influence in SWFL and has elevated different artist and creators. He has spent the last 5 years advocating for mental health awareness through social and multimedia platforms. He gives back by going into public school systems and conducting school assemblies based on bullying and suicide. Malike has found a way in every stage of his life to channel the energy that as a kid was seen as negative and put that into successful business and creative ventures. Malike has provided large amounts of entrepreneurs and creative that ability to earn a living and help the local economy grown.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website: https://www.curateentertainment.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curate_entertainment/
All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Mentions: DJ Jason

Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams

...

This vs That Wedding Decision: Boutonniere vs Pocket Square & "What is a bridal stylist?"

Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

11/22/20 • 31 min

I would LOVE a text from you!

This 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 place it
the benefits of having a professional stylist or dresser for the entire wedding party

BETH LINDSAY CHAPMAN is a veteran of the fashion industry and is known for her work

as a bridal boutique owner, stylist, mentor, author, and wedding fashion consultant. After her tenure as a Vice President of Merchandising for Ann Taylor, her love of bridal fashion, and sincere desire to create a memorable shopping experience for brides, compelled her to launch The White Dress by the shore, a Connecticut based luxury bridal boutique, in 2004. Beth is also the founder of Beth Chapman Styling + Consulting. In the consulting arm of her business, she mentors other bridal store owners and wedding pros on elevating their brand and increasing their sales and business profitability.

Education is a passion for Beth. She is an educator for Wedding Pro (a division of The Knot and Wedding Wire) and she empowers and educates fellow bridal store owners and wedding pros through her educational courses- The Series 2.0 and Simplified Selling for Wedding Pros.

Beth is also a sought-after stylist. Through the styling arm of her business, she not only assists brides in selecting fashion for their wedding and provides day of wedding dressing services, but she works with publications and brands on styled editorial shoots. Beth’s fashion artistry has allowed her to style editorial shoots throughout the world and her words and work have been featured in countless bridal publications. She has also authored two books, The White Dress in Color, and The White Dress Destinations.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram:

Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams

...

This vs That Wedding Decision: Indoor vs Outdoor Weddings

Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

12/22/20 • 41 min

I would LOVE a text from you!

Dreaming 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 weddings when it comes to your hair & makeup
Which is best if you don't deal with stress from lack of ultimate control
The significant cost differences between indoor and outdoor
Noise Ordinances, permits, timing restrictions and legal limitations

*exaggeration
Kemari is a Florida girl born and raised. Most days you can find her editing wedding films, playing with her rescue dogs, gardening, or drawing. Kemari is a formally trained filmmaker with a BFA in Motion Picture Arts Production from one of the top film schools in the nation and she's the lead videographer of Kemari Lyn Films. Kemari married her college sweetheart, Jacob, and that same year they became a husband and wife videography team that crafts timeless, intimate, and story driven wedding films for the joyful and wildly in love couple.
Places to go and People to see:

Website: KellyMcWilliams.com

Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast

Website: https://www.kemarilynfilms.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kemarilynfilms/

All Podcast Episodes: https://thisvsthatweddingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams

...

This vs That Wedding Decision: 1st Glance or At the Altar

Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

11/19/20 • 41 min

I would LOVE a text from you!

Deciding 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 emotional factors
alternatives to 1st looks / glances

Cody Hunter and Tiffany Ryan are an award-winning and nationally published husband and wife destination wedding photography team. Their work has most prominently been featured on Martha Stewart, Style Me Pretty, and The Knot. Having captured over 400 weddings in their career, the heart behind their lens is to serve their clients through every detail of their wedding day, help cultivate genuine joy & preserve the legacy of their story - for generations. While they love traveling the world for their couples...their favorite place to be is at home in sunny Southwest Florida sitting on their front porch swing drinking coffee together.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @hunterryanphoto
Website: HunterRyanPhoto.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast

Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams

...

This vs That Wedding Decision: Your Venue, Boutique Inn vs Hotel or Resort vs Family Home or Estate

Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

12/14/20 • 50 min

I would LOVE a text from you!

While 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
Estates
Villas
Your home (or a family home)

There are benefits and negatives for each of these depending on the wedding you are planning. Look to this episode to give you insight in what you can and should look out for for the time you'll have to invest into your planning, the costs involved and the features and flexibilities vs the limitations and restrictions of all of the above.

Janice Carnevale (car-neh-VALLEY) has been a wedding professional in the Washington DC area since 2002, and in 2006 she founded Bellwether Events to help modern, professional couples plan a wedding with purpose so that it stays with their family and friends for a lifetime. Bellwether Events has been a part of over 200 weddings to date. Janice works primarily in the DC metro area, but has traveled to Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Napa California, and Edinburgh Scotland for her clients. In 2013, Janice published The Elegant At-Home wedding, a free ebook detailing how best to plan a wedding at your home. The book can be downloaded, again for free, from her website. Janice lives in Falls Church with her husband Larry and 2 rescue dogs, Luna and Sparkles. When she isn't working, you can find her in section 309 Row C seat 17 at Nationals games from April to October.
Places to go and People to see:
Website: KellyMcWilliams.com
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast
Website:

Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams

...

Wedding Decisions: Wedding Cake vs Alternative Desserts

Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

02/17/21 • 65 min

I would LOVE a text from you!

Give 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? Statement wedding cakes are back on the rise but they're not standing alone. Enter the mini desserts!
So in this episode we not only do this vs that but we also talk about:

Why cakes cost more than you think
How you could display your cake in the room (the size of the table) and NOT SHOVE IT IN A CORNER OR AGAINST AN UGLY WALL NEXT TO THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Alternative options for desserts
Who should decorate the cake when there are fresh flowers to be added
When you should reach out to cake bakers/artists
Learn what makes a cake. The difference between a tier, a layer, a filling and an icing.
Buttercream, Fondant, Ganache, Whipped Cream - these are the outsides that you'll learn about.

Lexie loves cake! She grew up baking with her grandma and fell in love with the art and design that goes into custom cakes. She graduated top of her class from the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, and then went on to study art, sculpture, jewelry, and floral design; which all play a crucial component in her ability to create anything out of sugar! She opened Sweetified in Southwest Florida in 2015 and has been featured on television competitions and even won the prize of making celebrity chef Cat Cora's wedding cake!
For more about wedding cakes, check out my blog post on 4 ways to serve your wedding cake!
Places to go and People to see:

Website: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com

Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast

Webs

Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams

...

Wedding Decision: Flowers vs Greenery, all about floral blooms vs leaves

Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams

09/16/21 • 52 min

I would LOVE a text from you!

82.985% of the answers Brian and I receive when we ask, "What do you think you'd like for your wedding?" is, "I would like ____________and greenery. It's almost like someone told you that the only way to go North and South is via the highway. Well guess what folks, there's all kinds of cool back roads with small towns and great views you're missing out on when you take the highway!
Often when we try to get to the root of why its for 1 of 2 reasons:

Its expected to be cheaper (listen to the episode for the answer on this one)
It's what you're seeing everywhere (do you want to do what everyone else did?)

Brian Watson co-owns Myrtie Blue - a floral-focused event design studio that services clients along Florida's Emerald Coast and beyond. His experience in flowers and design started 30 years ago after college where he studied studio arts and digital and imaging arts.
Brian created Myrtie Blue with his husband 11 years ago and has seen fads come and go with couples from nearly every background. Brian and his team create weddings and events for clientele that LOVE and enjoy flowers and want them to be a standout.

Want to see a wedding Brian & I did together? You do. It's on Style Me Pretty ; click here
175 questions to know you are prepared for your wedding day. A workbook to ensure every detail has been planned & finalized. On sale now!
Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com

Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams @thisvsthatweddingpodcast

Lance's Website: https://www.mydfwdj.com/

Lance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydfwdj/

Listen to all the previous episode

Places to go - People to see:

Kelly's Site: http://www.kellymcwilliams.com
Kelly's Blog: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog
Instagram: @kellyamcwilliams

...

Show more best episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams have?

Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams currently has 86 episodes available.

What topics does Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams cover?

The podcast is about Society & Culture, Wedding, How To, Podcasts, Education, Relationships and Planning.

What is the most popular episode on Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams?

The episode title 'Wedding Decisions: Sparklers vs Dance Floor Exits' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams?

The average episode length on Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams is 43 minutes.

How often are episodes of Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams released?

Episodes of Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams are typically released every 6 days, 23 hours.

When was the first episode of Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams?

The first episode of Wedding Planning Decisions, This vs That with Kelly McWilliams was released on Mar 10, 2019.

Show more FAQ

Comments

Kelly A McWilliams

@kellyamcwilliams

Oct 23

All about unique ways to inform your wedding guests on where to sit