The Wedding Dish

Hosted by Sara Alepin

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194

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Jul 2026

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About the show

Grab your fork and knife, and take a seat at our table as we dish on all things weddings. You’ll hear stories and tips from real couples and wedding pros about life, love and entrepreneurship. The Wedding Dish is a casual, conversation-style podcast featuring stories and tips from real couples and wedding pros. Let’s dish!

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60 recent

July 9, 2026Episode 18019 min

The Reality of Planning a Destination Wedding

We are diving into the complex world of destination weddings with Mary Hanna , the founder of Simply Mary'ed Travel . If you are wondering how to manage a guest list, navigate resort contracts, or handle room blocks while keeping your budget under control, this episode is for you. Mary breaks down the essential role of a destination wedding specialist and addresses the common misconceptions about who pays for what, why guest attendance is often higher than you think, and how choosing the right location can actually save you money compared to a traditional local wedding. Grab a seat at the table as we dish on: The true cost of destination celebrations and why they are often more affordable than a traditional wedding in places like New Jersey or New York. How to handle the guest experience so that your attendees feel like they are on a vacation rather than a financial burden. The secret value of room blocks, concessions, and how professional specialists manage the complex travel logistics for your group. The importance of clear communication when your guests are traveling long distances to celebrate with you. How to find the balance between your dream vision and the reality of international resort policies. Whether you are just starting to browse destinations or you are ready to book your resort, Mary’s expertise will help you plan your journey with confidence. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com ! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty , a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss , a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

July 2, 2026Episode 17721 min

The Fine Print That Reveals Your Vendor’s True Colors: Wedding Contracts

Ware pulling back the curtain on the most overlooked part of wedding planning: the contract. I am joined by Casey Glasser , founder of Foundwell Legal , to discuss why your contract is more than just a list of rules. It is a roadmap for how your vendors handle problems, communication, and professionalism. We explore the red flags every couple needs to spot before signing and how to navigate those uncomfortable conversations when a term just does not sit right with you. Grab your seat at the table as we dish on: Why the quality of a contract is the ultimate indicator of a vendor’s level of experience and organization. The boilerplate sections you should never ignore, including the truth about force majeure clauses. How to handle hidden fees and service charges that are not reflected in the initial quote. The strategy for spotting potential conflicts between different vendor contracts, especially in complex venues. Practical tips for requesting changes or seeking clarification without ruining your relationship with your vendor. Whether you are just starting to book your team or you are looking over final agreements, Casey’s advice will help you protect your investment and your peace of mind. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com ! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty , a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss , a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws , human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

June 25, 2026Episode 17827 min

The Art of Heirloom Transformation and Custom Jewelry Design

We are exploring the world of custom jewelry design and the sentimental journey of reimagining family heirlooms. I am joined by Carter Eve , an expert in the custom design process, who explains how to turn a vague inspiration or a dusty piece of jewelry into a meaningful modern treasure. We discuss the step-by-step evolution from a simple sketch to a 3D design, and finally into a finished metal piece. We also get real about the timeline, why you should embrace a longer planning window, and how to choose stones that actually suit your lifestyle. If you have been dreaming of creating something unique or wondering how to safely breathe new life into your family jewelry, this episode is your guide. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com ! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty , a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss , a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws , human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

June 18, 2026Episode 17920 min

Designing a Wedding That Feels Like Home on Steroids

We are exploring the art of experiential event planning. I am joined by Arielle Tayar, co-founder of Whip Productions , and an expert in creating weddings that linger in your guests' memories long after the final song has played. We discuss how to frame your wedding as a thoughtful narrative, whether you are planning an intimate local celebration or a sprawling destination weekend. Arielle shares her philosophy on why "luxury" is actually about how you make your guests feel and how you can translate your own hosting style into the biggest day of your life. Grab a seat at the table as we dish on: The secret to creating a guest experience that feels like your own living room - just magnified. Why thoughtful details like invitation design, music choices, and small comforts transform an event into a meaningful journey. How to build an engaging narrative across multiple days of events so that every guest feels connected. The honest truth about destination weddings and why you should only host one if you can truly take care of your traveling guests. Practical communication tips that ensure your guests arrive informed, relaxed, and ready to celebrate with you. Whether you are hosting ten people or two hundred, Arielle’s advice will help you move away from the stress of planning and into the joy of hosting. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com ! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty , a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss , a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws , human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

June 11, 2026Episode 17628 min

The Childhood Habits Shaping Your Financial Future

We are diving into a topic that many couples avoid until the wedding bills start rolling in. Financial coach Dylan, Dylan Teaches Finance , joins us to discuss how our earliest memories of money influence our modern relationships. We explore why some of us get a dopamine hit from a new purchase while others find peace in a growing savings account. Dylan shares how to identify your unique money story and how to start a neutral conversation about finances with your partner. From separate savings buckets to planning for both fun and serious goals, this episode provides a roadmap for financial harmony. Learn how to stop the cycle of impulse spending and start building a future that reflects your shared values. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com ! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty , a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss , a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws , human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

June 4, 2026Episode 17531 min

The Invisible Power of Audio in Your Wedding Story

We are exploring the world of wedding filmmaking with an international expert who believes that the true heart of your wedding story lies in the things you say. Jonathan Schüßler joins us to talk about the one element most couples forget to prioritize until the day is already over. Grab a seat at the table as we dish on: The reason why spoken words and personal stories carry more weight than the perfect sunset shot. How to capture the voices of your favorite people without turning your celebration into a disruptive movie set. The logistics of hybrid teams and how photographers and videographers can work as a unified front. Why physical fitness is a secret requirement for a high energy wedding team. The art of compressing hours of footage into a curated story that actually captures your essence. Whether you are debating a videographer or wondering how to keep your day feeling natural while the cameras are rolling, Jonathan’s perspective on storytelling will change the way you think about your wedding memories. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com ! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty , a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss , a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws , human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

May 28, 2026Episode 17450 min

Global Wedding Trends from America to Australia

We are traveling across the globe without ever leaving our seats. I am joined by Jessica of JEM Weddings and the Weddings Unfiltered podcast for a deep dive into the surprising similarities and unique differences between the American and Australian wedding industries. Take a seat at the table as we dish on: The Seasonal Shift: How peak wedding months vary between hemispheres and the different weather challenges couples face, from cyclones to snow. Global Economic Impacts: How rising fuel costs, tariffs, and supply chain issues are impacting everything from floral availability to the price of a wedding dress. The Modern Timeline: Why the old format of long gaps between the ceremony and reception is disappearing in favor of a more seamless guest experience. New Vendor Categories: The rise of emerging roles like wedding content creators and live artists who are reinventing how memories are captured. Inclusive Traditions: Why the inclusion of pets as ring bearers and the creation of heartfelt memorial tables are trending in both countries. Outdated Practices: Which traditional rituals are being left behind and how couples are choosing creative alternatives for things like the bouquet toss. Whether you are planning a destination wedding or just curious about how celebrations look on the other side of the world, Jessica’s insights provide a wonderful perspective on the shared joys and challenges of the modern wedding industry. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com ! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty , a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss , a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws , human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

May 21, 2026Episode 17328 min

Presence is the Real Luxury. Reclaim Your Emotional Space on the Wedding Day

We often spend months planning every visual detail, but have you planned for how you actually want to feel? This week, we are joined by international documentary wedding photographer Raphaëlle Granger to discuss a concept that is often overlooked in the hustle of wedding planning: presence. Raphaëlle believes that the ultimate luxury on a wedding day isn’t the decor or the venue - it’s the emotional space the couple has to truly exist in the moment. Grab your fork as we dish on: The What's Next? Test: Why turning to your photographer for direction is a sign you’ve lost presence, and how to stay in the flow instead. Buffer Time is for You: The importance of building emotional safe spaces into your timeline that are strictly for recentering - not for more photos. Performance vs. Reality: How to avoid performing for the camera by staying in motion and trusting your natural instincts. The Power of No: Making the invisible decisions about where not to compromise, even when professionals suggest otherwise. Protecting the Atmosphere: Practical tips for managing your getting ready space to ensure it remains a calm, organized sanctuary. Whether you are an introvert who needs time to recharge or a couple who simply wants to remember how the day felt rather than just how it looked, Raphaëlle’s insights will change the way you look at your wedding timeline. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com ! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty , a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss , a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws , human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

March 5, 2026Episode 17236 min

The 3-1-1 Strategy: How to Maximize Your Honeymoon Without Burning Out

We all want that Pinterest-perfect honeymoon, but how do you plan a trip that is actually relaxing and safe? This week, we are dishing with Becki , the travel expert behind Research Travel Repeat . Becki shares her journey from a life-changing study abroad in Rome to helping couples solve the complex "puzzle" of travel planning. Grab your fork (and your passport!) as we dish on: The AI Warning: Why relying on AI for travel itineraries can be dangerous—literally. Becki shares a cautionary tale about travelers getting stranded on a mountain in Japan due to AI hallucinations. The 3-1-1 Philosophy: How spending at least three nights in each destination ensures you actually enjoy your honeymoon instead of just living out of a suitcase. Maximizing Limited PTO: Strategies for couples who want big adventures but have a limited number of vacation days. Social Media vs. Reality: How to avoid the trap of "over-planning" based on influencers and instead focus on shared rituals and reconnection. Consultation vs. Full-Service: The difference between getting a "Dream Trip Blueprint" and having a pro handle every single detail for you. Whether you’re getting scuba certified or looking for the perfect beach to lounge on, Becki’s expert advice will help you navigate the world with confidence and ease. Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com ! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty , a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss , a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws , human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

February 19, 2026Episode 17127 min

Don't Go to Bed Angry? Why That (and Other Marriage Myths) Are Ruining Your Vibe

We’ve all heard the well-meaning advice: "Never go to bed angry." But what if that’s actually making your relationship harder? This week, we are sitting down with relationship coach and author Monica Tanner to debunk the clichés and talk about the actual skills needed for a thriving marriage. Grab a seat at the table as we dish on: Sifting Through the Noise: Why Monica’s son getting married inspired her to write a book debunking harmful "traditional" marriage advice. The Power of Curiosity: How replacing anxiety with curiosity and vulnerability can transform your communication (including the game-changing phrase Monica’s husband uses to calm her fears). Collaboration vs. Compromise: Why compromise often leads to resentment and score-keeping, and how to choose collaboration instead. Sweating the Small Stuff: Why habits like how you load the toilet paper or close the toilet seat matter - and how to address them before they turn into major disputes. Learning the Skills: Why "happily ever after" isn't a fairy tale gift, but a set of abilities you can develop together over time. Whether you’re in the middle of wedding planning or already settled into married life, Monica’s practical, heart-centered advice will help you move from "fine" to "thriving." Need your dish fix? Visit theweddingdishpodcast.com ! This episode is brought to you by... Photos from the Harty , a small but mighty team of wedding and event photographers in Washington, D.C. We believe our couples need to love their photographers as much as their photos, and bring their personalities to each and every shoot. District Bliss , a community of business owners; get the support you need to skyrocket your business with ease! 17hats. Business just got easier. At The Wedding Dish, we use 17hats for scheduling guests, questionnaires, to develop our show notes, and for our all of guest management. It’s the CRM that makes it easy to run two businesses and two podcasts seamlessly. Chill Paws , human-grade CBD for your furry pals (use CLOU15 for a discount) Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.