The Complete Wedding Planning Podcast

Josh is joined by Andrea Gonzalez-Evans (The Pritzlaff) and Yvette Tenorio (Boerner Botanical Gardens) of Zilli Hospitality Group to break down two of the biggest early wedding decisions: venue selection and catering—and how closely they impact each other.They recommend starting with two essentials before touring: a realistic guest-count estimate (so you don’t fall in love with a space that can’t fit your people) and a clear style/vibe (often helped by a Pinterest board). The trio also emphasizes choosing a venue team you genuinely connect with, since you’ll likely work together for a year or more.The conversation then dives into the benefits of in-house or exclusive catering: fewer vendors to coordinate, fewer repeated planning steps, and a smoother experienceoverall. An in-house team already knows the venue’s layout, inventory, and logistics—meaning couples don’t have to worry about setup details, cleanup, or last-minute surprises.Finally, Andrea and Yvette highlight what makes their venues unique—Pritzlaff’s historic Milwaukee charm and capacity flexibility, and Boerner’s lush garden setting packed withphoto locations and a calm, destination-like feel close to the city.

In this episode of the Complete Wedding Planning Podcast, the conversation turns to one of the biggest make-or-break wedding priorities: catering. Josh welcomes Dan Nowak of Brazen Standard Hospitality in Milwaukee to break down what wedding catering includes and how couples can makesmart decisions that fit their vision, timeline, and budget.Dan explains the service styles—buffet, plated, family-style, and interactive food stations—and how each choice shapes the guest experience. He also highlights a growing trend: couples increasingly want food to be part of the entertainment, not just a meal.A major theme is timing and coordination. Josh notes meal start time as a key timing—food service must begin when the kitchen is ready—so couples should build their schedule around the caterer’s timing (and around sunset for photos. Unexpected speeches and timeline surprises canimpact service and food quality, making communication across vendors essential.The episode also walks through what couples should expect when hiring a caterer: inquiry and availability, a proposal with menu ideas and pricing, a consultation call, a tasting, and the ongoing support from contract signing through the wedding day. Dan walks couples through comparing catering quotes by checking what’s truly included—linens, china, glassware, tables/chairs, staffing, cleanup, trash handling, and gratuity—and to ask questions if any line items are unclear.Finally, hear about tipping norms, including differences between food service gratuity and bar service (tip jar vs. included gratuity). The episode wraps with practical guidance: prioritize what matters most, know your budget range, and choose transparent, collaborative vendors who help you create a great guest experience—because guests may forget the details, but they’ll remember how well they were fed and how much fun they had.

Welcome to Décor Part 2 of our podcast series, where we dive into all things wedding reception décor! In this episode, we'll be focusing on key considerations and tips for creating a memorable and beautiful reception atmosphere. Join us on this episode as we uncover insider tips and insights on reception décor. From contract considerations to risk management, DIY techniques to centerpiece heights, and candle selection to incorporating fresh flowers, we have you covered. Tune in to create an unforgettable reception experience for you and your guests!

Welcome to the Décor Podcast Part 1! In today's episode, we discuss must-haves and optional items for ceremony décor. Churches don't require much, while outdoor ceremonies benefit from framing the couple with an arbor. Optional items include aisle décor, signage, and lighting. DIY depends on the venue and your craftsmanship. Repurposing ceremony flowers can save money. Focus on the altar area to stretch your budget, serve drinks for outdoor ceremonies, and plan for a rain backup. Join us for this and more valuable tips on creating a stunning wedding ceremony. As always, a great planner decorator, like the team from All About You is a call away.

In this episode of the "Complete Wedding Planning Podcast," we dive into the topic of "Old School Necessities." Join Josh and Tara as they explore the ever-changing landscape of weddings and how modern couples are redefining traditions, and what relationship advice we can learn from this. From personalizing and modernizing marriage celebrations to the potential benefits of holding onto time-honored customs, we discuss the delicate balance between embracing new trends and recognizing the value of old norms. Throughout the episode, we explore specific aspects of wedding traditions that are often overlooked in the modern era. We touch on the importance of enjoying a post-dinner coffee, the value of conversing with all guests, the charm of finger foods during cocktail hour, and the significance of prioritizing the ceremony. You may even get some great ideas on how to the choose the best songs for instagram travel reels. As always, we invite our listeners to share their thoughts and experiences with us. Have you found creative ways to blend modern elements with timeless traditions? Do you have any memorable stories related to these old school necessities? We'd love to hear from you and feature your insights in future episodes. Tune in to this thought-provoking discussion, and get ready to uncover the beauty and meaning behind these old school necessities. Remember to stay connected with us on social media for updates, bonus content, and to engage with our growing wedding planning community. Happy listening, and let's keep redefining weddings together!

In this episode, we're taking on some of the most frequently asked questions and dilemmas that couples face during the wedding planning process. From how to handle friends who aren't officially members of the wedding party to deciding who is invited to the rehearsal dinner, our expert panel is here to provide answers and guidance. They'll also offer tips and advice on topics such as how to manage phones and photos during the ceremony and reception, handling vendors, addressing seating arrangements, choosing bridal party attire, and timing the sending of save-the-dates and invitations. Join us for this insightful and informative conversation as we "Ask the Pros" about some of the most commonly asked wedding-related questions.

Are you looking for an LGBTIQA+ friendly vendor for your upcoming wedding, event, or gathering? We understand the importance of being able to find vendors that honor diversity and inclusivity. In this episode, we discuss finding that perfect ally vendor who can help make your occasion unique and extraordinary. We cover topics like websites with diverse couples, the importance of inclusive language and looking for year round allies. Don't miss out on finding the perfect LGBTIQA+ friendly vendor! Our guests are Amber and Rachael, owners of new Milwaukee venue, Denizen.

The Knot is a great place to follow trends. We review the top personalization trends from this article.

We wrapped our eight part wedding planning series in episode 95. Over the series we walked wedding planning couples through a step by step planning process. Joslin from Complete Lancaster joins us to recap what we learned AND help apply this to individual couples and their needs.

We conclude our epic series covering the eight steps of wedding planning. In this episode we discuss building a timeline you and your vendors can follow. For more time line tips make sure to also check out episodes 31 and 80. Guest is Danielle Wheaton from Family Roots Photgraphy.