Wedded: The Wedding Planner Podcast

Tracy Taylor Ward and Shannon Leahy

Welcome to Wedded: The Wedding Planner Podcast. We are Tracy Taylor Ward and Shannon Leahy, wedding planners with a love for event design who work with clients all over the world. Tracy’s company, Tracy Taylor Ward Design, is based in NY and FL, and Shannon’s company, Shannon Leahy Events, is located in CA and MD. After a combined 20 years in the events industry, we’ve “wedded” our expertise to share with you everything we know about weddings and how to run a successful luxury event planning company. Whether you’re a wedding planner looking to elevate your client’s experience, or a bride or groom wondering how to hold a chic, seamless and exceptionally fun wedding, you’ve come to the right place! So grab your favorite pen and notebook, and take a seat. We can’t wait to help you level up your wedding!

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91 episodes
Updated Apr 30, 2025

Episodes91

Newest first

Jan 12, 2022 · 24 min
Avoid These Client Management Mistakes at All Costs
We’ve been around the wedding planning block. That means we’ve had lots of time to make lots of mistakes—and you get to learn from them! In this episode, we’re discussing our nine biggest client management faux pas. From not setting realistic...
Jan 5, 2022 · 18 min
Top 10 Tips for Creating Your Guest List
Creating a guest list for your wedding can bring up some uncomfortable situations. That’s why we’ve rounded up our top ten questions to ask yourself (or your clients) when getting your list together. From family dynamics to coworker relationships and...
Dec 29, 2021 · 20 min
Lounge Furniture: The Questions You Didn’t Know You Had
Lounge furniture adds warmth and intimacy to your venue and makes guests feel at home. But how do you handle rental companies? How do you set it up? What do you think about when making selections? Why is renting better than buying? Consider it...
Dec 22, 2021 · 21 min
9 Tips to Score Instant Referrals
From how to get (and give!) referrals to why they’re so important—and how to have that conversation with your couples—we’re here to help you boost your wedding business. Learn how to use social media to your advantage and write authentic emails. Plus,...
Dec 15, 2021 · 20 min
The Top Wedding Styles/Themes of 2021
We started with five and ended with seven…but either way, here are our favorite wedding styles! We’re chatting about where to look for inspo, what types of venues go with each style, whether pampas grass is out, and which theme goes best with the hit...
Dec 8, 2021 · 19 min
So You’re Engaged…Now What?!
Congratulations—you’re engaged! We’ve rounded up our seven key steps to focus on once you’ve said “yes.” From our thoughts on ring selfies and insurance to how to find the right wedding planner for you, we’ve got you. Plus: a listener question about...
Dec 1, 2021 · 21 min
Tracy’s Surprise Wedding Decor
Would you ever let your wedding planner surprise you completely with your wedding decor? One super cool couple let Tracy do just that. From finding a new venue just 4.5 weeks out to pivoting the decor based on a single plate, hear all the details this...
Nov 24, 2021 · 19 min
Our Favorite Wedding Ceremony Traditions
It’s arguably the most important part of the wedding—so why save the planning until the last minute? From who is officiating (and how to do it legally) to personalizing your ceremony based on your venue and culture (wine blending and tree planting,...
Nov 17, 2021 · 21 min
Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too: Wedding Cake 101
Time for a mouthwatering episode! Learn what to look for in cake vendors, when to do a cake tasting, and how much cake you should order. You’ll also hear our thoughts on saving the top layer for your one-year anniversary and whether or not we’re team...
Nov 10, 2021 · 17 min
How To Find Amazing Interns
This week’s hot topic? Interns. We’re dishing where to find them, how to train them, and what type of work you should give them. Learn how Tracy’s hiring process scores her the best of the best interns...and how Shannon could up her game. Plus: a...
Nov 3, 2021 · 20 min
Send-offs and Grand Exits: What You Forgot to Consider
Sending the newlyweds off in style isn’t as simple as you might think. Hear from us on everything from why throwing rice is frowned upon and how to distribute and dispose of sparklers to getting guests to exit the venue and the cost of vendors staying...
Oct 27, 2021 · 18 min
Light It Up: Our Lighting Do’s and Don’ts
This week, we’re putting the spotlight on lighting—see what we did there?! From the only lighting color we ever use to explaining what a “pin spot” is, we’re sharing our key info, pet peeves and favorite things when it comes to event lighting. Plus: a...
Oct 20, 2021 · 20 min
Where to Begin Once You’ve Booked a Client
Congrats—you’ve booked a client! So...what’s next?! We’re giving you the three steps we always follow to help kick things off in the best possible way. From length of contracts to how to name your files so you don’t lose track, we’ve got you covered...
Oct 13, 2021 · 20 min
6 Tips to Finding Your Perfect Venue
So, you or your clients are ready to find a venue and start the planning process in full. But, how do you narrow it down when there are SO many places to choose from?! Don’t worry—we’re sharing the six areas we focus on to help you narrow down your...
Oct 6, 2021 · 17 min
Our Best Wedding Advice Ever
If you only listen to one episode, this should be it. Why? It includes our all time best advice that we give to clients during the planning process and on the big day. From managing the bride’s train to what to do if it rains, you’ve come to the right...
Sep 29, 2021 · 21 min
Five Ways to Transform Your Venue
Whether you’re looking to cover up a space or create an entirely unique one, we’re sharing our five fave ways to transform a venue. From changing light fixtures and swapping out artwork to making backdrops and replacing furniture, we go over allll the...
Sep 22, 2021 · 20 min
How to Set Boundaries as a Wedding Planner
As a wedding planner, setting boundaries with clients can be hard—but if you want to prevent burnout, you need ‘em! Hear about the client that taught Tracy why she needed limits, follow Shannon’s agenda tips for streamlining calls, and find out how to...
Sep 15, 2021 · 18 min
To Brunch or Not to Brunch: Post-Wedding Protocol
You wouldn’t believe how divided our couples are on post-wedding brunch. Do you owe it to your guests? Should you collect RSVPs? What should you be serving? Sit down or buffet? And even, what if the newlyweds are too hungover? Plus: we’re chatting...
Sep 8, 2021 · 18 min
How to Uncover Hidden Costs Like a Pro
There are few things worse than thinking you’re within your wedding budget, only to find out you surpassed it thanks to hidden costs. We’re giving you a heads up about things you may not have factored in, like cake cutting fees, admin fees and load...
Sep 1, 2021 · 20 min
Dress Codes Decoded: From Tropical to Black Tie
This week, we’re diving into wedding guest attire. From “come as you are” to black and white tie, we’re explaining what each one really means. Is formal the same as black tie optional? Where should you communicate the dress code to guests? Bonus: a...

Wedded: The Wedding Planner Podcast

Avoid These Client Management Mistakes at All Costs

Top 10 Tips for Creating Your Guest List

Lounge Furniture: The Questions You Didn’t Know You Had

9 Tips to Score Instant Referrals

The Top Wedding Styles/Themes of 2021

So You’re Engaged…Now What?!

Tracy’s Surprise Wedding Decor

Our Favorite Wedding Ceremony Traditions

Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too: Wedding Cake 101

How To Find Amazing Interns

Send-offs and Grand Exits: What You Forgot to Consider

Light It Up: Our Lighting Do’s and Don’ts

Where to Begin Once You’ve Booked a Client

6 Tips to Finding Your Perfect Venue

Our Best Wedding Advice Ever

Five Ways to Transform Your Venue

How to Set Boundaries as a Wedding Planner

To Brunch or Not to Brunch: Post-Wedding Protocol

How to Uncover Hidden Costs Like a Pro

Dress Codes Decoded: From Tropical to Black Tie