173: Cost of Living Crisis: 4 Levers To Cut Your Wedding Venue Bill

More and more couples are choosing to offer a thoughtful non-alcoholic bar menu at their wedding; not as a restriction, but as a genuine upgrade in hospitality. Today Camille breaks down exactly how to design a mocktail menu that stands on its own: how to name it (with 10 options you can steal), how to tie it to your love story, make it visually beautiful, and brief your bar staff so it's actually offered with confidence. She also shares 3 of her favourite mocktail recipes and how to present them for maximum impact and Tiktol ready shares.Plus: the 4 actionable steps you can take this week to go from 'soft drinks on the side' to a signature sips menu your guests will be raving about.RESOURCESNCSolutions 2025 Sober Curious Survey :prnewswire.com/news-releases/nearly-half-of-americans-plan-to-drink-less-alcohol-in-2025-up-44-from-2023-according-to-ncsolutions-302354616.htmlBerenberg Research, via Fortune (December 2025):fortune.com/2025/12/13/gen-z-drinking-20-percent-less-than-millennials-alcohol-productivity/CNBC, via Sans Drinks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKRoI6ihryd/Lyre's Non-Alcoholic Spirits: lyres.comLyre's Amalfi Spritz recipe: lyres.com/products/lyres-non-alcoholic-spritz-mocktail-recipeLyre's Espresso Martini recipe: lyres.com/products/espresso-martini-mocktail-recipeLyre's Pink Gin Fizz recipe: lyres.com/products/pink-gin-fizz-mocktail-recipeSans Drinks: sansdrinksco.com.auCanva — free menu card templates: canva.comSend 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 all-in-one wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool.Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and use code UNBRIDELYPOD 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]

Money is almost always a touchy topic in weddings, but in the current economic climate there's definitely an added feeling of pressure and expectations.Making sure you have a wedding budget and are tracking expenses in a way that you are both happy with is crucial to a great wedding for sure, but even more so to the health and longevity of your marriage.So if you're planning the most epic party of your life, but feeling the budget blues, I got you. Because in this episode, I'm gonna give you the insider tips and tricks you need to have your cake and eat it too (pun intended). Today I'm going to share: info about your wedding budget and how it's not a fixed number that you set when you get engaged, and never think about again, how you can prioritize where you're going to spend your hard-earned money while still sticking by your values, the answer to the age-old question of DIY/amateur versus hiring a professional vendor, and22 creative ways to make your dollar stretch further. RESOURCESEP22:These 3 Important First Steps in Your Wedding Planning Change EverythingEP25: 5 smart things to do when you buy a pre-loved wedding dress + Felicia's experience with StillWhiteEP26: The Wedding Tax is Absolutely Real and Here's How You Can Avoid ItSend 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]

Have you wondered which traditions you should keep, ditch, or remix when you’re not a hetero-normative pair tying the knot?Jesse from New York reached DMd me on Instagram, asking for some tips on his same-sex destination wedding in Provincetown, Massachusetts.While this episode is tailored to Jesse’s questions, which include dilemmas around mixed gender bridal party titles, suggestions for outfits and styling, pitching the trip to his future in-law’s family (who are questioning the need, and expense, and why P-town feels more exciting, welcoming, and safe than NYC for the grooms), alternative traditions, and photo list suggestions. I know many hetero couples face the same family pushback when they dare to dream beyond the standard expectations or the usual local wedding celebration. It’s a tricky line to walk and there’s tough conversations to be had, but also real excitement and creativity about what’s possible, and how Jesse and his soon-to be-husband, Justin, can make their day their own. RESOURCES Ep 3: Tim & Simon - How to adapt hetero wedding traditions as a same-sex couple: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54FA4UyVJ4ViWimfqjP6r7Ep169: 169: What a Love Party Really Is (And How to Plan One You’ll Actually Enjoy) with Amy Shack Egan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7b5eLPHpvAPVDth5zhygGYLauren Ashley Grenda: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOSMp68jkA1/?igsh=MXJ5N2FudHRieW84aQ==BCaptured by Ky Luu: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSHwYwbEqo7/?img_index=12&igsh=djdid21uZnViem9vhttps://www.instagram.com/reel/DDMX4vapMP_/?igsh=MTQyaHJobGl3OHBrMg==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-marriage ----- 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]

Do you want to include your dog (or dogs) at your wedding, but maybe bypass the chaos, the chewed bouquets or your dad picking up giant poos in his very best suit? Today we’re talking about how to include your fur-baby in your day in a way that’s truly calm, safe and, honestly, ridiculously cute. With an added secret advantage of actually making your guests relax and laugh more too.You’ll hear how Emily, a vet nurse and founder of I Do Paws, turned her very own “menace at the ceremony” into a wedding dog chaperone service, plus her five expert tips for everything from choosing your dog’s role to managing their nerves and toilet breaks like a pro.We’ll answer questions like “How do I know if my dog will actually cope with a wedding?” and “Is it really fair to ask a friend or family member to look after my dog all day and then, take it home too?”This chat with Emily has become the 4th most‑popular episode of all time on the Unbridely Podcast, and it’s packed with ideas you can steal straight away for your own celebration.And make sure to stay listening to the end to learn the clever ways couples are surprising each other – and their guests – with doggy ring‑bearers, emotional first looks and some of Emily’s favourite tear‑jerker moments that you’ll definitely want to word up your photographer for.Resources Mentioned:I Do Paws: https://www.idopaws.com/I Do Paws on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idopaws_/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 Never Miss Moments Unbridely's recommended wedding guest photo and video-sharing tool. With your unique QR code, your family and friends can quickly, easily and securely share their snaps with you in your personalised online gallery.Visit nevermissmoments.com/unbridely to receive your 10% discount on your gallery.-----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]

Engaged couples everywhere, like literally all over the world, are grappling with the harsh reality of wedding planning amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, and it's causing some people to make the decision to elope or cut back and in some cases even postpone their wedding until a time when they feel, I don't know, more confident about their financial situation.According to the results of the 2026 EasyWedding Industry Report the average cost now for a venue, a wedding venue is $17,500AUD. For the UK, your venue costs vary very widely by type and location, season inclusions, things like that, but an average for 2026 hovers around 8,000- 11,00£, and that would include your basic catering and packages.According to The Knot and Zola and WeddingWire, the prices you are having to deal with, swing hugely from state to state. You've got New Jersey topping at over $27,000 USD with California at approximately $8-15k.The United States is both the least and most expensive country to book a wedding venue in.But the constant is that in Australia, the UK, the United States, the venue cost frequently takes up the lion's share of the whole budget, as in the largest percentage slice of whatever budget a couple is working with. And in my mind, that means that there are opportunities to make choices, compromises, and smart swaps.Stick around to find out what these four levers are that you can adjust on your wedding venue. To help you either redistribute your wedding budget, go on a dream honeymoon, or slash your costs to save for another day. RESOURCES2026 EasyWeddings Australian Wedding Industry Report: https://www.easyweddings.com.au/business/australian-wedding-industry-reports/#download-formGuides for Brides: https://guidesforbrides.co.uk/wedding-ideas/how-much-do-wedding-venues-costThe Knot: https://www.theknot.com/content/average-cost-reception-venueSend 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 all-in-one wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool.Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and use code UNBRIDELYPOD 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]

Did you realise that the success, or dismal failure, of your wedding speeches can throw your reception timeline, energy and atmosphere into total chaos?Poorly planned, badly timed, rambling, or offensive speeches can affect everyone from your caterers, to your friends, your videographer to your DJ.We’re throwing it back to one of your all‑time favourite and value-packed episodes of the Unbridely Podcast: Episode #34 with multi‑Emmy award‑winning comedy writer and founder of Authentically Funny Speeches, Beth Sherman.Beth breaks down her foolproof 6-part speech structure that keeps things heartfelt, hilarious, and crucially, short because you’re aiming for that sweet 3-5 minute spot to avoid derailing your meal service and letting everyone hit the dance floor on time with a bit of enthusiasm left. This is fundamental gold for wedding reception planning.So if the thought of giving a wedding speech makes your palms sweat and your voice go wobbly, or you’ve asked someone to do a speech at your wedding and they seem less than thrilled, this episode is exactly what you, or they, need.You can set them up for success by sharing this episode with them. RESOURCESFor 10% off any of Beth’s speech writing packages, use the code UNBRIDELY at checkout. Authentically Funny Speeches: https://authenticallyfunnyspeeches.com/The FREE Ultimate Wedding Speech Writing Guide: https://authenticallyfunnyspeeches.com/free-how-to-write-a-wedding-speechVideo with Susie Wilkins “Wedding Speech But HATE Speaking In Public? Watch This!”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zxZtS1oeyY2019 article on Psycom.net: https://www.psycom.net/glossophobia-fear-of-public-speakingSend 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]

These 5 wedding mistakes are breaking my heart this wedding season. And on the planning and lead-up side to your wedding, you might dismiss them. They may not seem as important as other things, or that they’ll have much of an impact on your day. But on the other side of your wedding, I see people genuinely upset, disappointed and sometimes angry too that they didn’t give themselves the best chance of success.And perhaps the worst part is that these 5 heartbreaks come from real couples who have shared their regrets with me after the fact, and they could've been dodged.These lessons hit hard for weddings and for life in general. RESOURCES Ep38: Yes, You Need a Photo Captain (or 2) and This Is Why with Valentina Perez StudioSend 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-marriage----- 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]

Joe Karso from Do Better Weddings is on a mission to help men seriously lift their groom game. He shares some eye‑opening mindset shifts and super practical ideas that make it easier for grooms to stop being passengers and actually show up as real partners in the planning, on the day and beyond.We talk about what it looks like when a groom is genuinely present and supportive, how tiny, thoughtful actions can completely shift how supported a bride feels, and why “I don’t care, do whatever you want” isn’t the easygoing line a lot of guys think it is.And because Joe is driven to over-serve, he’s also created a FREE Groom’s Survival Guide for Unbridely Podcast listeners. It is packed with simple, doable ways for grooms to pull their weight and feel proud of how they’ve shown up. Joe shares exactly how your groom can get his hands on it, right at the end of the episode.So if you’re tired of feeling like the default project manager of your own wedding, or you’ve got a groom who wants to help but needs a game plan, Joe’s got you. RESOURCESFREE Groom Survival Guide: https://dobetterweddings.co/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]

Can you guess what a space disco in a Texas ghost town, and a punk rock concert with a merchandise table, have in common with a traditional wedding? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with New York–based founder, author and self-confessed “anti-wedding planner” Amy Shack Egan, the woman behind Modern Rebel, the Love Party movement, and the day-of coordination marketplace, Cheersy. We dive into what a Love Party actually is, how to design a wedding that feels like “you” without forgetting your guests, and why wedding planning can be the ultimate team sport for your relationship.Amy also shares how hundreds of real couples have rewritten the rules of their weddings, and how she’s bottled a decade of experience into her new book, The Rebel Wedding Planning Guide: Rewrite the Rules and Celebrate Your Love, out February 10.If you’re feeling “meh” about planning a cookie-cutter wedding, or you secretly wish someone would give you permission to do things differently, this conversation is going to light you up.Resources Mentioned:Modern Rebel Co: https://www.modernrebelco.com/Cheersy: https://cheersy.com/Amy’s book: The Rebel Wedding Planning Guide: Rewrite the Rules and Celebrate Your LoveSend 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 Never Miss Moments Unbridely's recommended wedding guest photo and video-sharing tool. With your unique QR code, your family and friends can quickly, easily and securely share their snaps with you in your personalised online gallery.Visit nevermissmoments.com/unbridely to receive your 10% discount on your gallery.-----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]

This is a topic I've actually had on my list to talk about for about four months now. Recently, the story about Brooklyn Beckham and his mum, Victoria Beckham, hit the headlines, and the internet just went wild.Brooklyn said in an interview that he and his wife, Nicola, felt uncomfortable and embarrassed by some of his mum's behaviour at their wedding three years ago. And then, chaos.It wasn't just a gossip moment. It tapped into something deeply familiar. Because these sorts of tensions happen in regular families all the time, just without the never-ending memes.It made me think: maybe there's never been a better time to talk about why this topic hits people so hard, and how the expectations of mothers in weddings have shifted so, so far from what they used to be.RESOURCES1800 RESPECT: https://www.1800respect.org.au/White Ribbon Australia: https://whiteribbon.org.au/helplines/Relationships Australia: https://www.relationships.org.au/(USA) National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/(UK) Domestic Abuse Support: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help#get-help-and-support(Canda) Family Violence Support: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/fv-vf/help-aide.html(NZ) Domestic and Family Violence Support: https://www.govt.nz/browse/law-crime-and-justice/abuse-harassment-domestic-violence/domestic-and-family-violence/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 all-in-one wedding website builder, guest management platform & wedding planning tool.Visit WedSites.com to get started on your FREE wedding website and use code UNBRIDELYPOD 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]