White Dress Optional

You asked, so we answered! In this episode, Mel & Malea are tackling all the wedding questions submitted by YOU, and no topic is off-limits. They’re diving into the pros and cons of buffet vs. plated dinners, where to draw the line on plus-ones, navigating a dry wedding dilemma, do coworkers make the guest list, and MORE. If you’re looking for real advice and relatable solutions for your big day, this episode has all the guidan...

Happy Wednesday! This week, we’re catching up with Mrs. Anna Graham, post-wedding bliss for the final chapter of our “Real Bride’s Journey to ‘I Do’” series. Anna shares the highs, surprises, and lessons from her wedding day—from memorable personal touches to handling unexpected mishaps. We dive into how the Graham’s unique ceremony choices made their day unforgettable and advice every couple should hear. Plus, don’t miss Anna’s ta...

Welcome back, listeners! With new tariff policies on imported goods set to take effect in 2025, we know many couples in the midst of planning might be wondering, 'How will this affect my wedding plans?' In this episode, Mel breaks down what these changes could mean for couples and the wedding industry alike, how wedding pros are responding, and shares solutions to help you navigate this uncharted territory with confidence...

Happy Wednesday! We’re back with another round of wedding registry must-haves! This week, Mel & Malea share their favorite registry picks of 2025, from big-ticket investment pieces that are great for group  gifts to fun and practical finds you’ll use for years to come. Tune in for tips on building a well-balanced registry and snagging gifts that will last well beyond your wedding day. Check out the show notes below for links to...

Wedding planning is full of excitement, but what happens when a vendor doesn’t meet your expectations? This week, we’re joined by Cora Mercer, founder of Tailored in White, to tackle the tough questions couples face when things don’t go as planned. Mel, Malea and Cora have an honest conversation about how to handle vendor disappointments with confidence, share real-life scenarios, and offer their best advice for finding resolutions...

Happy Wednesday, listeners! This week’s episode is all about making wedding day style stress-free for grooms, groomsmen, and fiancés. Eric Acuña from Friar Tux joins Mel & Malea to share expert styling advice, highlight the latest trends, explain how their online rental service makes looking sharp easier and more affordable than ever, and so much more. Plus, we’re thrilled to offer our listeners exclusive savings with Friar Tux...

Wedding RSVPs and seating charts don’t have to be overwhelming! This week, Mel & Malea share how to set RSVP deadlines, follow up with guests who don’t respond, and manage last-minute additions. They’ll also break down the pros and cons of open seating vs. assigned seating, plus share creative advice on matching guests based on shared commonalities. Since this task often comes toward the end of planning, it can feel extra stres...

What if your wedding expenses could fund the honeymoon of your dreams? Believe it or not—they can! This week, Mel & Malea sit down with Aimee Crosby, a travel enthusiast who has mastered the art of optimizing credit card welcome offers and rewards making travel more accessible. Aimee breaks down everything from how to time your wedding spending strategy for maximum benefits to the do’s and don’ts of this method—all while stayin...

Welcome, everyone! If starting a family post-wedding has been on your mind, you’ll love this episode. This week, Mel & Malea get real about the transition from newlyweds to parents, sharing their personal experiences of adjusting to new roles and emotions. They offer tips for managing responsibilities, staying emotionally grounded, and keeping your relationship strong through it all. This candid conversation is filled with hone...

Happy Wednesday, listeners! With just over 30 days until she says “I do”, Anna Davidson is back with Mel & Malea to talk all about tying up loose ends in the final stretch of wedding planning. Anna shares her experiences working with a wedding planner, tracking down RSVPs, navigating last-minute dress stress & tricky guest dynamics. They also cover creative alternatives to a bridal shower, communicating & defining a for...

Hello & Happy Valentine’s Week, everyone! Mel & Malea are swapping wedding planning tips for Valentine’s Day fails this week—seriously, these stories don’t disappoint. From one-too-many heavy handed cocktails to a fountain-side proposal gone wrong, these stories remind us that even the best-laid plans can go awry. If you're in the thick of wedding prep and looking for some laughs and lighthearted advice, this is the ep...

If saying “yes to the dress” is still on your wedding to-do list, you won’t want to miss this week’s episode! Mel & Malea bring over 14 years of bridal industry expertise to simplify the process of wedding dress shopping. In this episode, they’ll guide you through finding inspiration, researching boutiques, and deciding how many to visit, plus share tips on setting your budget, choosing your shopping crew, and navigating bounda...

Happy Wednesday! Warning: This episode may cause extreme cake cravings — but we’re totally here for it! This week, Mel & Malea are serving up a slice of wedding planning sweetness with owner & cake artist, Jo Kohnhorst of 1320 Bakery. From ways to maximize your cake budget to flavor combos your guests will rave about, we've got you covered. Plus, she shares genius tips for keeping your cake fresh, cutting it like a pro...

Hi, everyone! This week, Mel & Malea talk with Elizabeth Marberry, founder of Wedding Dance Coach in Denver, Colorado, to help couples create a first dance that’s fun, unique, and totally true to you - no matter your experience level. Say goodbye to the awkward middle school sway as Elizabeth shares how to add choreography that matches your style and boosts your confidence on the dance floor. She also breaks down when to start ...

If “find our wedding florist” is still unchecked on your to-do list, this is the episode for you! Mel & Malea sit down with Jordan Meek, founder of Fleur PHX, to help couples simplify the process of hiring their florist. They break down when to book a florist, how to communicate your style, and tips on how to maximize your budget and get the most out of your wedding day blooms. Jordan also shares what to avoid when meeting flor...

Happy 2025, listeners! We hope you had a joyful holiday season surrounded by loved ones. We’re thrilled to kick off our "Where to Begin" series with an episode dedicated to wedding planners, featuring our special guest, Ashley Sirjord, Owner and Lead Planner of Calico Weddings! Join Mel, Malea, and Ashley as they dive into the benefits of hiring a wedding planner and how they can make your big day seamless. From breaking ...

It’s engagement season! If you’re starting to suspect a proposal might be around the corner, this episode is for you. This week, Mel is joined by newly engaged Emily Hays from the Brilliant Bridal marketing team to share proposal prep tips you won’t want to miss—think nail care, staying spontaneous, and managing expectations while letting your partner plan the perfect moment. Whether your proposal is grand or intimate, this episode...

Happy Wednesday, listeners! This episode was inspired by a popular question from our Instagram community: What else can guests do at a wedding besides eating, drinking, and dancing? If you’re looking to add a fun twist, Mel & Malea are sharing creative ideas like trivia games, live music, carnival-style entertainment, casino nights with prizes, and more. No matter what the vibe of your big day may be, we hope these ideas spark ...

Welcome, everyone! This week, we’re diving into the exciting, fast-growing world of wedding content creation. Mel & Malea sit down with founder of Socially Weddings, Carmen DeLoux, to discuss everything you need to know about capturing modern-day wedding memories. Learn how content creators work alongside photographers and videographers, the types of content they deliver, and why experience matters. Carmen also breaks down the ...