159: Should You Ask A Friend Co-pilot Your Wedding Ceremony?

Have you heard about the growing trend of co-piloting wedding ceremonies? What does it really mean to have the responsibility of the mic shared on one of the most important days of your life, and how can both engaged couples and celebrants team up to make the experience something truly out of the box? Today I’m chatting with Annie Moz of Celebrant Lady Love about the rise of co-piloting ceremonies, which is when a professional authorised celebrant partners with a friend or family member of the soon-to-be-weds to craft a ceremony that’s engaging, authentic, and full of meaningful connection and laughs too. You’ll learn about: why clear communication and early expectation-setting are absolutely crucial as a baseline, the importance of great chemistry between the celebrant and co-pilot, and how these ceremonies work in a practical sense from the process right through to the cost. Whether you’re just starting to consider the possibility of involving a loved one in your ceremony or you’re a celebrant yourself and curious about this relatively new approach to collaboration, this episode will give you some brilliant insights to help make your co-piloted ceremony a roaring success.RESOURCES Celebrant Lady Love website: https://celebrantladylove.com/Celebrant Lady Love on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrantladylove/Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change.You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done!More info on how to change your name after you get married: https://unbridely.com/blog/name-change-after-marriageTo get $6 off your name change use the promo code UNBRIDELY6 (valid until the end of 2025)  ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:[email protected]

If there’s one question I’ve been getting a lot from couples lately, it’s how to handle all the emotions that come up on your wedding day. Between the joy, the nerves, the deep sense of meaning and connection, it’s a day that’s bound to move you.. sometimes to happy tears.With so many of you asking how to stay present without completely breaking down into an ugly cry, I thought it was the perfect time to revisit one of the most-loved episodes from the Unbridely Podcast.Originally recorded back in 2022, this encore of “7 Strategies to Not Cry on Your Wedding Day” shares some simple, practical, and heartfelt advice to help you feel everything — without totally losing it in front of your guests (and ruining your makeup artist’s work too).Whether you’re newly engaged or counting down the days to your wedding, these tips are here to help you stay grounded, centred, and fully present for one of the biggest moments of your life.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:[email protected]

Have you seen any TikToks about how wedding vendors have ripped off unsuspecting and innocent engaged couples by taking their deposit and then ghosting them, never to be seen again? While some of those stories are true, in my experience in hospitality, events and weddings, they are super, SUPER rare.What many couples are most surprised about is the payment of the booking fee, deposit or retainer payment in the first place:What does a deposit payment actually cover? How much of a percentage of the total cost or a flat fee is standard for the wedding industry?Is a wedding vendor deposit ever refundable?These are questions that I get asked several times a week, and perhaps some of the most frustrating for couples who don’t understand how the majority of professional wedding vendors work and operate their business to protect you and them. RESOURCESConsumer Protection Agency WebsitesAustralia: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): https://www.accc.gov.au​USA: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/the-bureau/USA: Department of Justice - Consumer Protection Branch:https://www.justice.gov/archives/civil/consumer-protection-branch​UK: Consumer Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerprotectionbureau.co.uk​Canada: Office of Consumer Affairs: http://www.consumer.ic.gc.caUnbridely Suppliers who contributed: Terresia from Lyons Den CakesBetty from The Bake SpaceChelsea from Easy As EventsAlison from Alison Pickel CelebrantSam from Amuse Event Lighting and AVPete from Him & Her MusicCarolyn from Sweet Nothings FlowersDax from Tasty Bakes & Wedding CakesHayley from Style To HireSend Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*------This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by WedSites.com, Unbridely's recommended wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool all in one.Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and use code UNBRIDELY10 to get 10% off any of their paid plans.-----Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:[email protected]

Why does it always seem like our skin chooses the most inappropriate moment to “act out” with pimples, acne or redness? And how can you respond with self-compassion and solutions that will actually work instead of harsh steroids and endless TikTok scrolling for let’s face it, questionable remedies?I am proud to have met and interviewed experienced Australian skin therapist, Amelia Goff, from Fresh Face Skin.In our personal chat, she unpacks why stress and hormonal shifts can cause these frustrating flare-ups that we know so well and perhaps more importantly, how to meet them with science, care, and calm.Amelia’s approach isn’t about perfection, but about discovering what it really means to feel comfortable and radiant on the inside and out.That’s why she and her team offer FREE 15 minute online skin consultations to work out exactly what you need, as an individual.Amelia and Fresh Face Skin are offering a 20% discount on your first purchase of their products, available until 31 December 2025. Just use the code Unbridely at checkout and take advantage of the opportunity to uplevel or perhaps even start a skincare routine to look after yourself.Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice is legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. RESOURCESFresh Face Skin: https://freshfaceskin.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfaceskin/FREE 15-min Online Skincare Consultation: https://freshfaceskin.com.au/pages/online-skin-consults20% off Fresh Face Skin skin care with the discount code: Unbridely Just enter the word ‘Unbridely’ at checkout for the automatic discount. Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtdsThis is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:[email protected]

Any chef will tell you that we eat with our eyes; that the way a plate of food is presented and appears will affect the taste of the meal.So then surely, when we first enter a wedding reception space, the visual impact of the room is like the opening scene of a movie and the precursor for everything that comes after. And for those engaged couples who are not booking a stylist, or who have locked in a dry hire venue, one of the most overlooked aspects of wedding planning has to be the lighting, draping and audio visual elements.Today I’m chatting with Sam, from Amuse Event Lighting and Audio Visual.He shares insider tips on how to prioritise your lighting budget, collaborate with stylists or suppliers, and avoid common pitfalls, the things that couples overlook, like functionality and safety, highlighting key features, and how to make your wedding look like a scene straight out of a movie. If the thought of fairy lights, chandeliers, or creative mood lighting feels overwhelming, this conversation will give you clear, practical advice to light your wedding day perfectly.RESOURCES Amuse Event Lighting and Audio Visual: https://amuselav.com.au/Amuse Event LAV on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amuselighting/Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change.You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done!More info on how to change your name after you get married: https://unbridely.com/blog/name-change-after-marriageTo get $6 off your name change use the promo code UNBRIDELY6 (valid until the end of 2025)  ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:[email protected]

The truth often hurts. And in an industry that exists to make dreams come true, no matter the cost, it’s no wonder that it’s commonplace for many vendors to blur the lines a little and to tell engaged couples what they want to hear.However, this is unequivocally NOT the case with my guest today. I first learned that Laura existed through a Reel that was recommended in my Instagram feed titled: “Advice I’d Give You As A Wedding Planner If I Weren’t Afraid of Hurting Your Feelings”.I’m sure you’ve seen these Reels before, and they are super lightweight with advice like: “make sure you find time to eat on your wedding day” and “keep a pair of runners in a bag so you can change into them later in the night”. I mean, they’re true and okay. Not exactly groundbreaking, though.But Laura’s advice was exceptionally transparent and so incredibly timely given the bloated client expectations that many of us have noticed increasing in the last couple of years.I feel like her planning advice is how weddings need to be viewed now and love that one of her favourite sayings is: “design for feelings, not for aesthetics”. And this is coming from a luxury planner who sees budgets in the millions of dollars. So get ready for some tough love, because these are facts, and sometimes we just need a reset on what this wedding thing is all about, right?RESOURCESLaura Shepherd on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laur.shep/Couture Events Worldwide on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coutureeventsworldwide/The Wed Ed: https://www.theweded.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dubaiweddingplannerSend Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*------This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by WedSites.com, Unbridely's recommended wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool all in one.Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and to get 10% off any of their paid plans.-----Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:[email protected]

What if the wedding you thought would take years to plan could actually come together in just 6 months? And what if your stress levels and your bank account were better for it too?In this episode, I sit down with Daisy, Venue Director at The Post Barn in the UK, to unpack the rise of short-leadtime weddings and what that really means for couples today.You’ll learn why more people are ditching two-year planning timelines, how to avoid the overwhelm of decision fatigue, and the smart ways to work with venues and suppliers when the clock is ticking.If you’ve ever wondered whether you really have to wait 18 months to say “I do,” the short answer is ‘no’. And Daisy has the 30-minute answer right here, plus a few cautionary tales to keep you on track. RESOURCESThe Post Barn: https://www.thepostbarn.co.uk/The Post Barn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepostbarnberkshire/Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtdsThis is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:[email protected]

Welcome back to Part 2 of my interview with Peter and Chelsea from Him and Her Music, where we continue our deep dive into how you can collaborate and work with your wedding musicians to get the very best experience in the lead-up and on the day for yourself, for you, your fiancé and your future memories too.If you joined us for Part 1, you’ve already heard how Chelsea and Pete’s expertise, transparency, and heartfelt advice make them more than just performers; they’re planners, curators and pros at creating moments that matter. And you’d also now realise how that doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a lot of experience, thought, and coordination too.So in this episode, Part 2 of our chat, you’ll hear some of their real wedding stories that prove just how powerful live music can be, like how they transformed a brief for “old Italian vibes” into an unforgettable evening.You’ll learn how to choose your wedding songs, everything from your aisle song to your first dance and also hear Chelsea’s personal approach to choosing her processional and how she dealt with feeling overwhelmed on their wedding day.And stick around to the end, because Peter and Chelsea offer their best tips and very candid guidance for sourcing, booking, and working with musicians who do more than just sound good, because experienced wedding musicians can also reduce your stress levels and weave a magic atmosphere for you and your guests. RESOURCES Him & Her Music: https://himandhermusic.com/Him & Her Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/himandhermusic/Status Official on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statusofficial.au/Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change.You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done!More info on how to change your name after you get married: https://unbridely.com/blog/name-change-after-marriageTo get $6 off your name change use the promo code UNBRIDELY6 (valid until the end of 2025)  ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:[email protected]

You know, I’ve not realised until recently that, for most engaged couples, they’ve never booked and worked with musicians before. In fact, your wedding day might just be the only time you need to discuss an event run sheet, set list, and power requirements with musicians.There are some things that they need from an engaged couple to work and perform to the best of their ability. And the thing is, you probably don’t know what those things are.So in today’s episode, you’ll meet the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Peter and Chelsea from Him and Her Music. For over a decade, they’ve made it their mission to turn ordinary gatherings into extraordinary celebrations.They aren’t just musicians—they’re musical translators, planners, and memory-makers, bringing a deep understanding, expertise, talent and some awesome insider secrets for couples dreaming of their perfect wedding soundtrack.In this episode, Part 1, you'll discover:Why live music is so much more than just a checkbox on your planning list.The most overlooked decisions and biggest mistakes that couples make when they choose and book their musicians.Why you actually don’t want to be too rigid with your playlist.And how your dancefloor energy is a living thing and how to let it grow, develop and thrive so more of your guests get to enjoy it and have a brilliant time. RESOURCESHim & Her Music: https://himandhermusic.com/Him & Her Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/himandhermusic/Status Official on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statusofficial.au/Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*------This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by WedSites.com, Unbridely's recommended wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool all in one.Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and to get 10% off any of their paid plans.-----Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:[email protected]

When was the last time you truly listened to the sound of a loved one’s voice?Have you ever noticed how it evokes certain memories and super-charged emotions for you?What if the most meaningful memory of your wedding day wasn't captured in a photo because we chose to think a little differently about, and expanded on, the way we document weddings?My guest, Kate Mishkin, is the founder of Spirit and Sound, a company that creates one-of-a-kind audio documentaries of couples’ wedding days.Kate shares how she draws out deeply personal stories from newlyweds, their families, and friends, why the human voice has an intimate quality that photos can’t capture, and the coolest way couples are preserving these recordings for future generations to enjoy.Make sure you stay listening until the end, because Kate also reveals her favourite unexpected moments from weddings, and the simple steps you can take, even if you don't hire a producer, to start preserving your own love story in sound.RESOURCESSpirit & Sound: https://www.spiritandsnd.com/Spirit & Sound on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritandsnd/Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtdsThis is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. 🤔AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. 💪Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! 🧡https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:[email protected]