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

Aug 25, 2021 · 21 min
Rain or Shine: Inclement Weather Planning
Sometimes the rain refuses to come again another day—which is why you always need rain plans! We’re chatting what to do during inclement weather at both traditional venues and private properties. Think: when to make the call, why you need flooring and...
Aug 18, 2021 · 22 min
Kids at Weddings: Every Question You’ve Wanted to Ask
It’s time for a hot topic: kids at weddings. Should you have ‘em in your ceremony? If so, who buys the outfit? How old is too old for a flower girl? Should they rehearse? Is there a “cleaner” alternative to throwing flower petals? Does the ring bearer...
Aug 11, 2021 · 19 min
Wedding Websites: All the Details
Do you need a wedding website? Which one should you use and what should you put on it? Who should you send it to and how should you share it? What should go up right away and what should be added later? So. Many. Questions. But don’t worry, we have...
Aug 4, 2021 · 18 min
Wedding Trends: 2021/2022 Edition
This week, we got together to compare notes on what’s trending this year and next. From what everyone’s wearing and what type of venues are “in” to popular colors, food choices and even ceremony backdrops...we’re checking allll the boxes. Discussed...
Jul 28, 2021 · 20 min
Ceremony Rehearsals 101
This episode taught us that we have very different ceremony rehearsal styles—are you a Shannon or a Tracy?! From when to rehearse to who should attend, we’re laying it all on the table...well, aisle. Plus: how to make sure guests understand an...
Jul 21, 2021 · 18 min
From Chairs to China: Table Mockups
How far in advance of the wedding should you set up a table mockup? Should it include florals only or every detail down to table numbers? Is your napkin folding up to par? We’re answering all your burning questions on our latest episode! Visit Our...
Jul 14, 2021 · 22 min
Camera Ready: How to Find the Best Photo and Video Team
Do wedding photographers and videographers typically work together? What can you expect from the final, edited product? Should you use a drone? We’re answering all of your burning questions to make sure you’re ready for your close up! Discussed in...
Jul 7, 2021 · 19 min
Private Estate Weddings: Everything You Need to Know
A wedding at a private home might sound simple, but it’s far from it! We’re here to give you the 411 on everything from parking and tree trimming to permits and power. Plus, how many toilets do you need? Should you use a fan or AC? We’ve got all your...
Jun 30, 2021 · 19 min
You Asked, We Answered: Listener Questions
Indecisive brides. Difficult mother-in-laws. Wedding rehearsal hacks. Partial planning vs. full coordination. This week, we’re taking on a whole bunch of questions from you, our beloved listeners! Tune in to hear our best advice—20 years in the...
Jun 23, 2021 · 19 min
The Unwritten Rules of Catering Tastings
Should you take #FoodPics? Is it ok to eat with your hands? How can you try the wine pairings without getting tipsy? We’re tackling all of the questions about wedding catering tastings you didn’t even know you had. Bonus: we tell a listener how to...
Jun 16, 2021 · 18 min
The Event Prep Hacks You Didn’t Know You Needed
The more you do in advance of the big day, the smoother the wedding will go. We’re sharing tips on alphabetizing escort cards, prepping favors, nailing the bathroom kit and so much more. Plus, a listener asks how to expand into a new city! Visit Our...
Jun 9, 2021 · 18 min
How to Create an A+ Design Process: Part Two
Since you couldn’t get enough, we’re continuing the convo about our design process! This time, we discuss when to get started and how to present (especially when in-person meetings can’t happen). Plus, we answer a listener question about how much to...
Jun 2, 2021 · 21 min
You’re Invited: All Things Invitations
Want to avoid making the same invitation mistakes we have in the past? We’ve got you. This week, we’re getting real about working with graphic designers, uploading addresses online, and our beef with the post office. Discussed in This Episode:...
May 26, 2021 · 17 min
Ceremony Music: How to Choose the Right Entertainment for Your Wedding
Ceremony music sets the tone for the entire event—so what style should you go with? From sitars to flash mobs, we’re chatting all things entertainment and how to set the mood. You’ll even hear Shannon dust off her singing skills! Tune in now. Visit...
May 19, 2021 · 18 min
Married to Wedding Work: Why a Supportive S.O. Is Key to Success
In a committed relationship with more than just your business? Listen in as we chat about our husbands’ involvement in our companies and how we balance our professional vs. personal lives. Plus, we reveal the one thing every industry badass has in...
May 12, 2021 · 19 min
Crisis Averted: Wedding Day Emergency Kits
This week, take a peek inside our wedding day emergency kits! Find out what we carry, whether we charge our clients for use, and how chalk has saved the day on more than one occasion. Plus, we’ll tell you which items we use the most so you can stock...
May 5, 2021 · 18 min
How to Staff Your Crew: Teamwork Makes the Dream (Wedding) Work
On-site event coordinators, support staff, assistants...no matter what term you use, your wedding team is a major key to your success. We’re discussing how many staff members you need, what roles they play, and what to do about destination weddings....
Apr 28, 2021 · 19 min
Ceiling Treatments: Creating a “Wow” Factor
“Hang” out with us as we talk about ceiling treatments and installations...see what we did there?! Whether you’re working with a tent, barn, or traditional venue, learn how to freshen up a space—and all the factors you need to consider. Hint: make...
Apr 21, 2021 · 27 min
In Conversation With Jasmine Rae Cakes: Finding Your Unique Voice Within The Wedding Industry
We sat down with fine art cake maker Jasmine Rae to discuss defining her signature style, how she tells a story with cakes, and why she sometimes “just needs to get ugly” when decorating! Plus, we’re tackling what to do if someone uses your photos...
Apr 14, 2021 · 20 min
How We Find the Best Wedding Vendors
Curious how to find wedding planners to work with as a vendor (and vice versa)? You’re in luck, Wedheads! We’re sharing our priceless tips on how to get your foot in the door, how to reach out, and how to make sure you’re a match. Plus, we’re weighing...

Wedded: The Wedding Planner Podcast

Rain or Shine: Inclement Weather Planning

Kids at Weddings: Every Question You’ve Wanted to Ask

Wedding Websites: All the Details

Wedding Trends: 2021/2022 Edition

Ceremony Rehearsals 101

From Chairs to China: Table Mockups

Camera Ready: How to Find the Best Photo and Video Team

Private Estate Weddings: Everything You Need to Know

You Asked, We Answered: Listener Questions

The Unwritten Rules of Catering Tastings

The Event Prep Hacks You Didn’t Know You Needed

How to Create an A+ Design Process: Part Two

You’re Invited: All Things Invitations

Ceremony Music: How to Choose the Right Entertainment for Your Wedding

Married to Wedding Work: Why a Supportive S.O. Is Key to Success

Crisis Averted: Wedding Day Emergency Kits

How to Staff Your Crew: Teamwork Makes the Dream (Wedding) Work

Ceiling Treatments: Creating a “Wow” Factor

In Conversation With Jasmine Rae Cakes: Finding Your Unique Voice Within The Wedding Industry

How We Find the Best Wedding Vendors