pod.link/1364434224
pod.link copied!
Weddings for Real
Weddings for Real
Megan Gillikin

Real wedding vendors share their tips and tricks for surviving and thriving in this one of a kind industry. Hosted by The... more

Listen now on

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Overcast
Podcast Addict
Pocket Casts
Castbox
Podbean
iHeartRadio
Player FM
Podcast Republic
Castro
RSS

Episodes

300. 2024 Year In Review: Messy Growth, Hard Truths and Goals for 2025

For the past five years, I’ve closed out each year with a special episode where I invite my husband to... more

18 Dec 2024 · 21 minutes
299. Energy Hacks for Entrepreneurs: How to Energize Your Life and Business, with Erin King

Have you ever hit a wall? And I don't mean just a bad day, but a full on stop, like... more

04 Dec 2024 · 52 minutes
298. Permission to Pivot: Why Changing Your Mind is a Power Move, with Jess Ekstrom

As business owners, we’ve all been there—those million ideas a minute, right? Some of them make it through the "friends... more

20 Nov 2024 · 39 minutes
Ask Me Anything, Live from Workcation: Empowering Teams, Navigating Growth, and More

Last week, we gathered with 14 incredible members of The Planner’s Vault at our latest Workation retreat, held in a... more

06 Nov 2024 · 23 minutes
296. What Creates Superfans? Lessons from Flaming Churros, Vet Visits, and a Dentist Meltdown

Clients don't just want great service. They value and prioritize experiences that stand out, that feel personalized, and that make... more

23 Oct 2024 · 34 minutes
295. Is Your Business Ready for Multi-Location Growth? Learn from Shannon Leahy’s Wedding Business Success Story

Should you expand your business to service new locations? It makes sense, right? If you have a business that's thriving... more

16 Oct 2024 · 33 minutes
294. How to Pause the Chaos in Your Life, with Resilience Coach Hannah Abad

In part one of our conversation, Hannah Abad talked through the signs of burnout and how our nervous system reacts... more

11 Oct 2024 · 14 minutes
293. Functional Freeze: The Silent Threat to Wedding Pros During Busy Season

Today we’re diving into a topic that affects so many of us in the wedding industry: resilience and burnout.This summer,... more

09 Oct 2024 · 46 minutes
292. BTS Team Workcation Reflections – Wins, Lessons, and Was It Worth It?

Last week, Gina and Megan gave their insider tips on how to plan a workcation.  With the planning done, they... more

02 Oct 2024 · 36 minutes
291. How to Plan a Workcation That Recharges Your Focus and Energy

How do you plan an effective workcation for your team? Today, Megan and Gina give us the inside scoop on... more

25 Sep 2024 · 25 minutes
290. 10 Life Hacks for Squirrel Brain Entrepreneurs

If you're anything like me, you've got all the ideas - to grow your business, to generate a viral social... more

18 Sep 2024 · 40 minutes
289. Rethinking Time Blocking: How to Make It Work for You and Find Your Flow (With Colleen Carswell, Pt. 2)

Colleen Carswell is ridiculously busy, but she has all the amazing tips on time management, which she actually calls energetic... more

12 Sep 2024 · 38 minutes
288. Rethinking Productivity: How Energetic Alignment Can Transform Your Day (With Colleen Carswell, Pt. 1)

As busy professionals, it can be a never ending journey to try to figure out how to structure your day,... more

11 Sep 2024 · 20 minutes
287. Should Wedding Vendors Require a Planner? (Encore)

Back in 2019, photographer Jillian Knight asked me to coffee to talk about an idea she had for her business... more

04 Sep 2024 · 50 minutes
286. Ask Me Anything: Exit Tips, What I'd Do Differently, and Balancing Work and Parenting

Actually, Ask US Anything, as Gina Johnston from The Planner's Vault joins the podcast today to tackle some big topics,... more

28 Aug 2024 · 44 minutes
285. 4 Marketing Mistakes Small Business Owners are Making, with Enji’s Tayler Cusick Hollman

Let me take a peek into your small business owner brain.  You feel the pressure to be active and showing... more

21 Aug 2024 · 50 minutes
284. Ask Me Anything: Team Pay, Burnout, Tricky Vendor. Situations & More!

You asked the questions, and here are the answers!It's time for another AMA -  a candid, no holds barred, ask... more

14 Aug 2024 · 28 minutes
(Encore) 9 Ways to be A Better Wedding Pro

Let's face it, this is one of the busiest seasons of your career.  It feels like you don't have time... more

07 Aug 2024 · 17 minutes
282. Is Playing It Safe Holding You Back? With Abha Bowers

As the CEO of Walk West, a Triangle Business Journal 40 Under 40 award winner, wife, and mom of 2,... more

31 Jul 2024 · 41 minutes
281. Unlocking Resilience: Navigating Adversity and Owning Your Story with Lauren Sisler

Grieving is unfortunately a universal part of the human experience. Whether it's hit us yet or not, grief will bring... more

24 Jul 2024 · 44 minutes
280. The Power of Slowing Down: Self-Care Strategies for High Achievers (Part 2 with Kinsey Roberts)

How can we navigate burnout by recognizing survival brain, dismantling decades-old beliefs, and prioritizing self-awareness?It's not easy, but today we... more

17 Jul 2024 · 32 minutes
279. What You Need to Know about Growth + Burnout as a High-Achiever (Part 1)

Recently, I’ve been sharing my personal journey with burnout in episodes 272, 274, and 275, and I've heard from so... more

10 Jul 2024 · 30 minutes
278. How to Quiet the ‘Shoulds’ and Build Your Business Your Way, with Steph Zakas

Back when I was starting my planning business in 2010, things were a lot different than today.  Community over competition... more

03 Jul 2024 · 55 minutes
277. 5 Easy Financial Wins for Entrepreneurs: Save Money, Unlock Perks, & Gain Control

Today we're sharing some easy financial wins for you to be able to save more money, unlock some amazing perks,... more

26 Jun 2024 · 28 minutes
276. 6 Ways to Reconnect, Recharge, and Prioritize Yourself

As entrepreneurs, we carry a heavy load. We're leading our teams, we're planning for more growth, we're handling setbacks, trying... more

19 Jun 2024 · 22 minutes
275. How to Audit Your Life + Business to Reclaim Your Joy

On last week's episode, Megan took you on a behind the scenes journey to the beginning of this year when... more

12 Jun 2024 · 28 minutes
274. Burnout Red Flags: How to Spot Them and What to Do Next

If you listened to episode 272, you heard about Megan's burnout and why she took a pause from recording new... more

05 Jun 2024 · 32 minutes
273. How to Navigate Out of Career and Personal Ruts, with KT Merry

One of the quickest routes to burnout (see episode 272) is doing the same thing over and over, staying on... more

29 May 2024 · 42 minutes
272. Burnout: My Old Habits Die Screaming Story

Megan here. I'm back, and I'm inviting you into a personal reflection and behind-the-scenes look at what burnout can look... more

15 May 2024 · 18 minutes
(Encore) Professional Etiquette Tips for Wedding Pros, with Lisa Lyons

Lisa Lyons has been in the wedding industry for 19 years, but she has been drawn to etiquette her entire... more

01 May 2024 · 34 minutes
270. Sell More With Storytelling, with Kelly Swanson

Motivational speaker and award-winning storyteller Kelly Swanson advises wedding professionals (and all business owners who want more sales), "Don't sell... more

24 Apr 2024 · 37 minutes
(Encore) Carving Out Your Own Niche, with Lindsay Lucas

Lindsay Lucas is THE wedding venue consultant.  She's a former wedding planner who now helps venue owners (and those aspiring... more

17 Apr 2024 · 51 minutes
Boosting Belonging at Work, with Smiley Poswolsky

When you hear the word "belonging", what do you think of?  Maybe you think of wedding pros, because we're welcoming,... more

10 Apr 2024 · 30 minutes
(Encore) How to get on a wedding venue's preferred list, with Shannon Tarrant

Fill out this survey and give us your feedback for a chance to win a $50 Amazon.com gift card and... more

03 Apr 2024 · 45 minutes
266. Perfect Your Pitch, with Quinn Conyers

When you're pitching your services to potential clients, are you using Luxury Language? Or are you using Discount Dialect? Today,... more

20 Mar 2024 · 29 minutes
(Encore) Money Mindset for Wedding Pros, with Denise Duffield-Thomas

Do you have money mindset blocks that are preventing your business from growing and preventing you from leading your best... more

13 Mar 2024 · 51 minutes
264. How to Add Corporate Events to Your Revenue Stream and Portfolio

Rachel Sheerin, keynote speaker and Megan's first business coach, is guest-hosting this episode. She comes from a wedding background before... more

06 Mar 2024 · 29 minutes
(Encore) 5 Ways to Get More Referrals in Your Wedding Business

"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel... more

28 Feb 2024 · 19 minutes
262. What Engaged Couples Want (2024 Edition, Part 2)

On this episode (listen to part 1 here), we ask engaged couples the questions you can’t really ask when they... more

21 Feb 2024 · 44 minutes
261. What Engaged Couples Want (2024 Edition, Part 1)

On this episode, we ask engaged couples the questions you can’t really ask when they reach out to you. But... more

14 Feb 2024 · 34 minutes
260. Unraveling and Walking Away from Entrepreneurship, with Inez Ribustello

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

31 Jan 2024 · 44 minutes
259. 5 Tips So Taxes Don't Keep You Up at Night, with CPA Tatiana Podel

With finances, I still have blocks (listen to the intro) preventing me from fully feeling comfortable and empowered when it... more

24 Jan 2024 · 48 minutes
258. Top 3 Priorities for Booking Season Success (+ Bonus Training!)

Today we're tackling engagement and booking season, and I'm going to share three strategies and mindset shifts that will help... more

17 Jan 2024 · 11 minutes
257. Ask Me Anything

At the end of last year, I sent out a survey to my email list asking them to share what... more

03 Jan 2024 · 28 minutes
256. 2023 Year in Review: Wins, Misses, Highlights, and Goals for 2024

Megan and Jason Gillikin talk about their wins for 2023, their misses, most memorable moments, and goals for 2024.  Tune... more

20 Dec 2023 · 52 minutes
Your Guide to Balancing Entrepreneurship & Relationships: Insights from Megan & Jason on the Hustle & Gather Podcast

This week, we're taking a little adventure to explore the not-so-glamorous side of balancing entrepreneurship with personal life. I'm thrilled... more

13 Dec 2023 · 54 minutes
Book the Top Package, from the Own Your Business Podcast

Today we’re sharing an episode of the Own Your Business Podcast, which I was a guest on earlier this year.... more

05 Dec 2023 · 54 minutes
253. Feeling Burned Out? This Unraveling Is For You

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

29 Nov 2023 · 44 minutes
252. Worst Client Experience, Garbage Advice, and the Mistake I Keep Making: Hot Takes with Megan

It's Hot Takes Time. I'll be talking about some common business advice that I think is garbage, my best advice... more

22 Nov 2023 · 36 minutes
Building Relationships as Your Business Superpower (Brands that Book Share)

I’m getting lots of DMs and questions about building relationships and superfans and thought that sharing an episode I was... more

15 Nov 2023 · 48 minutes
250. Podcast Roundup: WeddingMBA, Workcations, and Getting Off The Hustle Hamster Wheel

Hey friends! Today's episode is a short roundup of a few things I want to share with you, including my... more

01 Nov 2023 · 29 minutes
249. 4 Referral-Boosting Relationship Strategies for Wedding Pros

After 12 years as a wedding planner, I can say this with deep conviction.  The number one way I built... more

25 Oct 2023 · 46 minutes
248. Messaging Matters: Exclusive Insights from Luxury Wedding PR Expert Natalie Denyse

Over the years, I've had countless conversations with wedding pros about the constant challenge of nailing down their business messaging... more

18 Oct 2023 · 38 minutes
247. 10 Strategies for Busy Season Stress and Everyday Life Overwhelm (Megan Solo)

Are you struggling to balance too many commitments with a never ending to-do list? (Raising my hand with you)Maybe you're... more

11 Oct 2023 · 23 minutes
246. Hot Takes on Tech and AI for Wedding Pros, with Dawn Richardson

It's time for some more hot takes, this time with the Tech Savvy Creative, and all about the latest tech... more

04 Oct 2023 · 50 minutes
245. Unraveling, with Michelle Norwood

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

27 Sep 2023 · 42 minutes
244. BTS of My Industry Educators' Retreat #YachtForReal

Recently one of small-group coaching students said to me, "Megan, when I think about you and other educators, it's like... more

20 Sep 2023 · 47 minutes
243. How this photographer made $9M in digital downloads

I’ve heard this question from a lot of you out there listening and engaging with us on social media, and... more

13 Sep 2023 · 57 minutes
242. Stepping into Education in the Wedding Industry, with Laylee Emadi

Have I ever told you about the required public speaking class I put off until my last semester of undergrad?... more

06 Sep 2023 · 37 minutes
241. Double Your Revenue, Not Your Work: A Guide to Affiliate Income, with Kendra Swalls

You're in a high-stress industry, your weekends are gold, and nobody's got time for filler content or fluff. That's why... more

30 Aug 2023 · 52 minutes
240. Legit Strategies for Marketing in the Messy Middle, with Tayler Cusick-Hollman

The Messy Middle - it's one of those business owner struggles that we all go through. And over the years,... more

23 Aug 2023 · 54 minutes
239. Use This Strategy to Stand Out in a Crowded Wedding Industry: Insights with Emily Coyne

Have you ever wondered what makes a truly unforgettable experience stand out from the usual client interactions that often end... more

16 Aug 2023 · 58 minutes
238. Unraveling, with Natalie Franke

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

09 Aug 2023 · 50 minutes
237. The Life for Real Rollercoaster Ride with Megan and Jason

Over the last five years, I've spent countless episodes diving into the behind the scenes of working in the wedding... more

02 Aug 2023 · 45 minutes
236. Life for Real: Miscommunications, Mental Load, and Meltdown Moments, with Couples Therapist Dr. Tracy D

Today's episode focuses on our life partners. That’s right, we went there, with psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleigh,... more

26 Jul 2023 · 58 minutes
235. Life for Real: ADHD and Entrepreneurship, with Dr. Amy Teumer (part 2)

In the last episode, I spoke with Carissa Kruse, and we shared our stories of being recently diagnosed with ADHD,... more

20 Jul 2023 · 37 minutes
234. Life for Real: ADHD and Entrepreneurship, with Carissa Kruse and Dr. Amy Teumer

Earlier last year, my life changed when I was officially diagnosed with ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I always felt... more

19 Jul 2023 · 46 minutes
233. Life for Real: Are you a Saver, Spender, Avoider, or Money Martyr?

Today we're navigating a topic that can cause quite a few of us to squirm: our relationship with money. But... more

12 Jul 2023 · 58 minutes
232. Life For Real Series: Adding Resiliency to Your Emotional Toolbelt with Hannah Abad

Today and for all of July, we’re going to do something a little different here. Instead of Weddings for Real,... more

05 Jul 2023 · 1 hour, 8 minutes
231. The Yays and Nays of Building Your Brand, with Emily Foster

Three of my favorite episodes - and our most popular - are the ones where we had a chance to... more

28 Jun 2023 · 40 minutes
230. Navigating Dual Careers: A Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur on Balancing Day Jobs and Dreams

We are all juggling a lot of things and wearing quite a few hats in our day-to-day lives. If you... more

21 Jun 2023 · 46 minutes
229. Lynn Easton shares her secrets for ultra-luxury weddings

Our guest today is an absolute legend in the wedding industry, the one and only Lynn Easton. Her resume alone... more

14 Jun 2023 · 42 minutes
Encore: Navigating Education Overwhelm for Wedding Pros

I've heard you loud and clear - you're overwhelmed by all the wedding pro educators out there, and you're not... more

07 Jun 2023 · 20 minutes
227. Tackling Content Overwhelm Using AI, with Davey Jones

It's time to talk about content strategy, which I know can feel super overwhelming. You feel the pressure to create... more

31 May 2023 · 45 minutes
226. Is it you or is it them? How to know when to fire “THAT” client

If you’ve been in the wedding industry for really any length of time, you’ve probably had a nightmare client or... more

24 May 2023 · 49 minutes
225. Wedding Industry Hot Takes with Terrica (Part 2)

It's Terrica. It's wedding industry hot takes part 2. No need to say more.Part 1Terrica's $9/mo Wedding Pro Workshop---Today's episode... more

17 May 2023 · 38 minutes
224. Wedding Industry Hot Takes with Terrica (Part 1)

It's Terrica. It's wedding industry hot takes. No need to say more.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's... more

10 May 2023 · 32 minutes
223. Lessons Learned from Marriage and Entrepreneurship

Today we bring back Jason Gillikin, my partner of 13 years and fellow entrepreneur. Life gets pretty hectic when you're... more

03 May 2023 · 40 minutes
222. From Clicks to Customers: Writing Copy that Converts, with Lucy Bedewi

How can we guide our potential clients to take that next step?  Maybe they see our Instagram post or TikTok... more

26 Apr 2023 · 35 minutes
221. The Right Time to Add to Your Sales Team, with Kelly Ann Peck

One of the most challenging questions I get asked in my coaching conversations is, “When do I know when it’s... more

19 Apr 2023 · 31 minutes
220. 4 Steps for Having a Brand that Books, with Amanda Shuman

If I was on stage at Wedding MBA in front of hundreds of your peers, and I chose your website... more

12 Apr 2023 · 43 minutes
219. 5 Truths Every Business Owner Needs to Hear

Today we're celebrating five years of the podcast (!), so it's time for a fun and reflective episode on five... more

05 Apr 2023 · 40 minutes
218. Unraveling, with Neillie Butler

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

29 Mar 2023 · 44 minutes
217. Leaning into Community to Grow Your Business: Megan on The Women's Social Club Podcast

The Planner's Vault doors are open! Come join us!----Recently I was a guest on The Women’s Social Club Podcast, a... more

22 Mar 2023 · 37 minutes
216. How to Showcase Your Genius Without Bragging: Copy Tips from Nadine Nethery

When analyzing your own website, you want to ask yourself:Does it pass the caveman test where the user knows in... more

08 Mar 2023 · 33 minutes
215. How Wedding Pros Can Get More Reviews, with Desiree Dent

On episode 211, we interviewed couples to find out what they REALLY are looking for in the vendor vetting process.... more

01 Mar 2023 · 47 minutes
214. 4 Relationship-Sabotaging Strategies to Avoid as A Wedding Pro (Megan Gillikin Solo)

I say this with love...--------Episodes Referenced:168: How to get on a wedding venue's preferred list, with Shannon Tarrant175: 9 tips... more

22 Feb 2023 · 9 minutes
213. BTS Planning the Engage Summit, with Tara Fay

Today we’re talking about Engage, the luxury wedding business summit that happens twice a year in breathtaking locations around the... more

15 Feb 2023 · 35 minutes
212. 4 Sales Mistakes Wedding Pros Make, with Sam Jacobson

What happens when couples inquire (we get the inquiries!), but we’re not booking as many weddings as we want?  Or... more

08 Feb 2023 · 37 minutes
211. Live Interviews: Inside the (Buying) Mind of Engaged Couples

A couple weeks ago, we went to The Merrimon Wynne Winter Wedding Showcase. The Merrimon Wynne is a historic home... more

01 Feb 2023 · 44 minutes
210. Money While You Sleep (even in the events industry), with Kawania Wooten

As much as we all love the events industry, one major challenge is that we’re service based. We need to... more

25 Jan 2023 · 44 minutes
209. TikTok Ads - An Intimidating but Untapped Market for Wedding Pros, with Mark Chapman

TikTok is a platform I have not invested my time in outside creating my profile because it’s yet another app... more

18 Jan 2023 · 32 minutes
208: Unraveling, with Brian Green

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

11 Jan 2023 · 50 minutes
207: Stepping into CEO Mode in 2023, with Tara Melvin

Many of you are running your own business, and that’s something you should be extremely proud of. It takes a... more

04 Jan 2023 · 35 minutes
206: 2022 Wins, Failures, and Goal-Setting: Megan and Jason's End-of-Year Reflection

Megan and Jason Gillikin talk about their wins for 2022, their failures, word-of-the-year, and goals for 2023. Tune in... more

28 Dec 2022 · 53 minutes
BONUS: Wedding Industry Insider - Stick Your Foot in the Door Before it Shuts, with Megan Gillikin

Today we're sharing an episode that Megan guested on - Wedding Industry Insider, hosted by Eddie Babbage, CEO of Timeline... more

14 Dec 2022 · 1 hour, 8 minutes
BONUS: Megan's Unraveling on the Women on Work Podcast

As we get further in our careers and lives, we all encounter a space where transformation is necessary to find... more

07 Dec 2022 · 35 minutes
202: Navigating Education Overwhelm for Wedding Pros

I've heard you loud and clear - you're overwhelmed by all the wedding pro educators out there, and you're not... more

30 Nov 2022 · 19 minutes
201: The Secret Language of Brand Archetypes to Attract Your Ideal Clients, with Kaye Putnam

Let me ask you a couple tough questions - What is your innate brand advantage over your competition? Are... more

23 Nov 2022 · 30 minutes
200: Wedding MBA Recap + Craziest Wedding Stories on Episode 200!

Last week, we were at Wedding MBA in Las Vegas, and it was memorable to say the least - and... more

16 Nov 2022 · 35 minutes
199: Fear, Fundraising, and Finding a Niche: The Merri Story, with CEO Randi Bushell

Starting a small business is not for the faint of heart. There’s fear that you’re not the right person to... more

02 Nov 2022 · 39 minutes
198: Unpopular wedding industry opinions, with Shean Strong

We all have some opinions about the wedding industry that might be considered unpopular. But as I say in the... more

26 Oct 2022 · 48 minutes
197: Unraveling, with Sandra Cassios

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

19 Oct 2022 · 35 minutes
196: Stop settling for less and get to the life you want, with Tony Chatman

Ever since I got into podcasts (and believe it or not, it actually took me a while), I’ve been focused... more

12 Oct 2022 · 39 minutes
195: Business Therapy and Mindset Transformations for Wedding CEOs, with Kelly Ruta

One of the reasons we started the Weddings For Real podcast and then formed The Planner’s Vault is because we... more

05 Oct 2022 · 58 minutes
194: Ask Me Anything (About Burnout, Selling My Business, New Market, and More)

A couple weeks ago, I asked you the listeners for any questions you've been wanting to ask, and I received... more

28 Sep 2022 · 25 minutes
193: Unraveling, with Rachel DeAlto

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

21 Sep 2022 · 39 minutes
192: Entrepreneurship- Mistakes Made, Lessons Learned, and Mindset Shifts with Eddie Babbage of Timeline Genius

You may have heard of Timeline Genius, the platform that creates beautiful, detailed wedding day timelines, saving you hours in... more

14 Sep 2022 · 55 minutes
191: Is Luxury Stealing Your Joy? with Laura Ritchie of Grit & Grace

As we gain experience and raise our prices, we start to get into the luxury market. It’s something many of... more

07 Sep 2022 · 46 minutes
190: Unraveling, with Slice Pie's Kristen Mullins

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

31 Aug 2022 · 43 minutes
189: Rainmakers, Dream Teams, and How They Make You More Money, with Veronica Romney

If you’re looking to grow your business, a hard realization is that you can only go so far if you... more

24 Aug 2022 · 34 minutes
188: Unraveling, with Ashlyn Carter

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

10 Aug 2022 · 41 minutes
187: Conquer Your Hot Mess Canva Account, with Brenda Cadman

You probably use Canva almost every day, but if you're just using it to create social media graphics, you're barely... more

03 Aug 2022 · 35 minutes
186: How to use empathy, authority, and authenticity to set yourself apart (Megan Gillikin Solo)

According to the WeddingWire Newlywed Report, the most common sentiments couples feel when planning their wedding right now are stress,... more

27 Jul 2022 · 14 minutes
185: Client conflict resolution tips: Using your influence for good, with Jen Trotter

When you feel your phone buzzing, and you look down to see your client's name, what do you think? ... more

20 Jul 2022 · 41 minutes
184: Unraveling, with Andrea Eppolito

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

13 Jul 2022 · 40 minutes
183: Money Mindset for Wedding Pros, with Denise Duffield-Thomas

Do you have money mindset blocks that are preventing your business from growing and preventing you from leading your best... more

06 Jul 2022 · 51 minutes
182: How to marry aesthetics and logistics, with Becca Rose Atchison

What makes an amazing wedding experience for our clients and their guests? Is it the design elements that make... more

29 Jun 2022 · 42 minutes
181: Personalizing your automated client check-ins to surprise and delight, with Charlotte Isaac

Hi (First Name), Welcome to the (insert podcast here) Podcast! Are you wondering how to personalize some of your automated... more

15 Jun 2022 · 33 minutes
180: Inside Scoop on Selling My Wedding Business + BTS Fun Reflections

In some exciting news, after 12 years of running A Southern Soiree Wedding and Event Planning, Megan has passed the... more

08 Jun 2022 · 40 minutes
179: 5 ways to build connection with new inquiries, with The Big Wedding Planning Podcast's Michelle Martinez

Let’s think about the couples who fill out an inquiry form. They’re interested in the specifics of your services and... more

25 May 2022 · 32 minutes
178: 6 projects for your intern, with Gina Johnston

What are some ways to effectively work with an intern (and not just give them busy work)? Megan and... more

18 May 2022 · 30 minutes
177: Unraveling, with Honeyfund's Sara Margulis

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back,... more

11 May 2022 · 42 minutes
Happy Mother's Day! (Emma and Molly unauthorized takeover)

Emma and Molly Gillikin have taken over the podcast to wish all the moms (especially Megan) Happy Mother's Day!

08 May 2022 · 8 minutes
176: Successful wedding pros understand these 6 things, with Brandee Gaar

When you’re running a business, it can feel pretty overwhelming - like you need to do all the things... more

04 May 2022 · 39 minutes
175: 9 tips for being a better wedding pro during busy season (Megan Gillikin solo)

Let's face it, this is one of the busiest seasons of your career. It feels like you don't have... more

20 Apr 2022 · 16 minutes
174: Does your brand need a redesign or refresh? Branding expert Lisa Aihara explains

Let’s talk about your brand. Does it reflect who you are as a person and as a company - and... more

06 Apr 2022 · 33 minutes
173: 10 AHA! Moments from 4 Years of Podcasting

It’s been 4 years since Weddings for Real came to be. Over the last 4 years we’ve evolved and grown... more

30 Mar 2022 · 32 minutes
(Replay) 152: Wedding Planner Series: 5 Tips to Grow Your Business

In this solo episode, Megan Gillikin answers 5 questions from the Weddings for Real Facebook Group, including how to hire... more

23 Mar 2022 · 24 minutes
172: How to create a culture within your wedding business, with Jonathan Aymin

On last week’s episode, Ashley Ebert gave us the inside scoop on WHY we need to build a team, even... more

16 Mar 2022 · 39 minutes
171: 3 Myths of Building a Team, with Ashley Ebert

When you think about building a team around you, what comes to mind? Is it that your company will be... more

09 Mar 2022 · 37 minutes
170: Energy management 101: Serve couples better by taking care of yourself, with Kara Ghassabeh

As a wedding planner, I’ve found that our jobs are 30% logistics, 30% vision and decor, and about 40% therapy.... more

02 Mar 2022 · 37 minutes
168: How to get on a wedding venue's preferred list, with Shannon Tarrant

One of the most frequent questions we get in The Planners Vault is, How can I get on the preferred... more

09 Feb 2022 · 43 minutes
167: 5 ways to get more referrals from wedding pros (Megan Gillikin solo)

"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel... more

26 Jan 2022 · 19 minutes
166: Professional Etiquette Tips for Wedding Pros, with Lisa Lyons

Lisa Lyons has been in the wedding industry for 19 years, but she has been drawn to etiquette her entire... more

19 Jan 2022 · 34 minutes
165: 5 Hacks to Maximize Your Productivity (Megan Gillikin Solo)

It's time to get serious about your business goals for this year and how you plan to achieve them. I'm... more

12 Jan 2022 · 18 minutes
164: Should wedding vendors require couples to hire a planner? Photographer Jillian Knight does

Back in 2019, photographer Jillian Knight asked me to coffee to talk about an idea she had for her business... more

05 Jan 2022 · 50 minutes
163: Wrapping up 2021, and setting goals for 2022

Megan is joined by her husband Jason Gillikin to discuss their word of the 2021, successes and failures (both personal... more

29 Dec 2021 · 37 minutes
162: Imposter Syndrome in the Wedding Industry (Megan Gillikin Solo Episode)

I'm not good enough. Everything I have is from luck, and when people find out, they'll know I'm a fraud.... more

15 Dec 2021 · 15 minutes
161: Unraveling, with Aleya Harris

Welcome to The Unraveling, where we share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds you back, and the... more

08 Dec 2021 · 36 minutes
(Encore) 140: Daily Routines and Personal Growth for Wedding Pros, with Gurminder Banga

Do you ever find yourself working your butt off, just go go go, working weddings, fixing problems, moving the business... more

01 Dec 2021 · 1 hour,
160: Behind the Scenes at Wedding MBA

This episode is a special behind-the-scenes look at WeddingMBA from its first in person live event since 2019.  Megan spoke... more

23 Nov 2021 · 27 minutes
159: Emotional Marketing, with Renee Sabo

When a couple is considering which vendors to go with, they look at a lot of different factors. Weddings you’ve... more

17 Nov 2021 · 31 minutes
158: Using research to better understand your couples, with Jordan Kentris

Think back to the last 5 weddings you worked. How did they find you?  Did you enjoy working with them?... more

03 Nov 2021 · 39 minutes
157: Unraveling, with Adrienna McDermott

Welcome to The Unraveling, where we share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds you back, and the... more

27 Oct 2021 · 50 minutes
156: The Unraveling Series

Once a month moving forward, we're bringing you a new series - The Unraveling.  These episodes shine a light on... more

20 Oct 2021 · 11 minutes
155: Crushing Content: Wash, Rise, Repeat, with Angela Proffitt

One of the biggest challenges I hear every single week is that there’s not enough time to build content. Or... more

13 Oct 2021 · 48 minutes
154: How to shift your business to meet Amazon-addicted couples, with Michelle Loretta

When I need something for my house or for my business, I order it on my phone and get it... more

06 Oct 2021 · 33 minutes
153: Wedding Planner Series: Live Coaching Call with The Productionista (Part 2)

Join Megan for an inside look at her one-on-one coaching session with Alisha Freeman, The Productionista. Alisha is a member... more

16 Sep 2021 · 24 minutes
153: Wedding Planner Series: Live Coaching Call with Blue Poppy Events (Part 1)

Join Megan for an inside look at her one-on-one coaching session with Carrie Gillard from Blue Poppy Events.  Carrie is... more

14 Sep 2021 · 23 minutes
152: Wedding Planner Series: 5 Tips to Grow Your Business

In this solo episode, Megan Gillikin answers 5 questions from the Weddings for Real Facebook Group, including how to hire... more

08 Sep 2021 · 26 minutes
151: All About Your Welcome Guide: My Top 5 Tips

In this solo episode, Megan Gillikin gives her 5 tips on how to set boundaries, ease anxiety, and build trust... more

01 Sep 2021 · 14 minutes
150: Turn your service into a money-making digital product, with Christina Scalera

As a wedding pro, you are the expert in your field. Your clients hire you for your expertise. But you’re... more

25 Aug 2021 · 40 minutes
149: Wedding Pros - Do You Have a Market Niche?

When a couple finds your website or your social media presence, do they know right away why you’re unique?  Do... more

18 Aug 2021 · 38 minutes
148: 3 Sales Tips to Book More Weddings

In this solo episode, Megan Gillikin gives 3 actionable sales tips for incoming inquiries that you can try right now. ... more

11 Aug 2021 · 11 minutes
147: Managing Wedding Day Stress from Event Planner (and Former Olympian!) Jess Gelder

As wedding pros, we’re dealing with a lot of stressful situations, and we need to be at our best when... more

04 Aug 2021 · 43 minutes
146: 11 years of business advice in less than 20 minutes

The release of this episode marks the 11-year anniversary of Megan running her wedding planning business, A Southern Soiree. She's... more

28 Jul 2021 · 17 minutes
145: How Facebook Groups Can Help You Book More Couples, with Margaux Fraise

When you think about marketing your business with Facebook, most of us look at what kind of content we should... more

21 Jul 2021 · 44 minutes
144: Tips for Handling Difficult Conversations in the Wedding Industry, with Beth Kramer

According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, before we can experience love, we need to feel safe and secure.  But with... more

14 Jul 2021 · 54 minutes
143: Do You Need a Workcation? Yes, You Do!

On this solo episode, Megan Gillikin dives into all things workcations - what it is, who you should go with,... more

07 Jul 2021 · 15 minutes
142: Avoid These Business Mistakes, from Lawyer and Accidental Entrepreneur Kunbi Odubogun

You probably started your business because you had a special passion or a superpower. Maybe you were amazing at logistics... more

30 Jun 2021 · 49 minutes
141: The client experience starts before the couple books - tips for adding value, with Lynne Reznick

If you’re in the wedding industry, there's a high probability that you're a people pleaser. But as much as we... more

23 Jun 2021 · 47 minutes
140: Daily Routines and Personal Growth for Wedding Pros, with Gurminder Banga

Do you ever find yourself working your butt off, just go go go, working weddings, fixing problems, moving the business... more

09 Jun 2021 · 1 hour, 6 minutes
139: How to Deal with Pride and Ego in Weddings, with Leah Weinberg

We've all seen it happen - ego and pride get in the way of the best wedding experience. And it's... more

02 Jun 2021 · 46 minutes
138: 3 Tips to Change Your Mindset for More Sales, with Maria Bayer

Do you feel like you’re on the way to achieving your goals and making the money you deserve?  Or...is there... more

26 May 2021 · 45 minutes
137: Using Enneagram for Your Business Strategy, with Kristen Edwards

Enneagram. For a better understanding of people we work with, people we're in relationships with, and most importantly, a better... more

12 May 2021 · 49 minutes
136: Book More Weddings with these Marketing Tips, with Heidi Thompson

What are some of the challenges you're running into when marketing your business? For many of the wedding pros... more

05 May 2021 · 51 minutes
135: How you can leverage podcasting (even without having one)

We have been podcasting for over 3 years now! Crazy but true, we dropped our first 5 episodes on April... more

28 Apr 2021 · 37 minutes
134: Building a Business Exit Strategy, with Donald Thompson

Take a moment to reflect on your business - are you working a job that pays your bills? Or are... more

21 Apr 2021 · 48 minutes
133: Selling Styles for Wedding Pros, with Ideaction's Sam Jacobson

We all have different sales styles - what works for one wedding pro might be different than what works best... more

07 Apr 2021 · 1 hour,
132: 3 Pinterest Myths and Misconceptions, with Gabby Pinkerton

You all know the reasons why to focus on Pinterest - it’s great to generate traffic to your website, it’s... more

31 Mar 2021 · 41 minutes
131: Relationship Marketing and #StopTheDoubleTap

Over the past year, with the wedding industry in shambles, Don Mamone has come up with a new outlook on... more

17 Mar 2021 · 42 minutes
Introducing Hustle + Gather, with Courtney and Dana

Today we're sharing a few minutes of a new podcast, Hustle + Gather, with my friends Courtney Hopper and Dana... more

15 Mar 2021 · 9 minutes
130: Marriage or Mortgage? Meet the hosts of Netflix's new show

Sarah Miller and Nichole Holmes are the hosts of Netflix's new show, Marriage or Mortgage, where couples have to choose... more

10 Mar 2021 · 28 minutes
129: 3 Step SEO Checklist, with Sara Dunn

We all want to know - how can I have better rankings on Google so more couples come visit my... more

03 Mar 2021 · 38 minutes
128: 5 Tips to Avoid Being a Website Horror Story, with Brenda Cadman

Have you ever woken up to find your website gone?  Every other site on the web works except for yours,... more

18 Feb 2021 · 41 minutes
127: Is Community Over Competition for Real?

Kinsey Roberts (She Creates Business Podcast) and I first heard about community over competition from Natalie Franke of the Rising... more

27 Jan 2021 · 43 minutes
126: Wedding Planners: Why do venues refer you (or not)?

Wedding venue coordinators are likely to be your number one source for referral business.  So why aren't they referring you... more

20 Jan 2021 · 24 minutes
125: Protecting Yourself Legally from the Next Disaster, with Girija Patel

As an industry in 2020, we had some pretty major legal issues. With events being delayed, we all had to... more

13 Jan 2021 · 43 minutes
124: Wedding Planner Series: What's Your Superpower?

Any wedding planner - including your competition - can put together an amazing event if they have enough budget to... more

08 Jan 2021 · 16 minutes
Weddings for Real Trailer

Hey there, I’m Megan Gillikin, and this podcast is for fellow wedding pros that know what it really takes to... more

30 Dec 2020 · 1 minute
123: 2020 Recap: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself

2020 was a year like none other, but there were many silver linings and hidden blessings throughout the chaos.  Today,... more

22 Dec 2020 · 41 minutes
122: Collaboration Tips for Business and Creative Growth, with James and Schulze

You know that competitor in your market you just can't stand? The one that you're always up against, and you... more

16 Dec 2020 · 50 minutes
121: Daily Habits to Build Trust in Yourself, with Kim Montoya

What are your daily habits?  Do you wake up early? Do you read? Do you journal? Unless you pressed the... more

02 Dec 2020 · 48 minutes
120: The 4 People You Need in Your Circle of Trust

Do you have a circle of trust?  A proverbial board of advisors?  I do and it’s made up of a... more

23 Nov 2020 · 17 minutes
119: Preventing Squirrel Brain: Time Blocking and Productivity Tips from Brandee Gaar

Do you suffer from squirrel brain?  Symptoms include not being able to get $h!t done because your mind is wandering... more

11 Nov 2020 · 56 minutes
118: 3 Cash Flow and Tax Mistakes You're Making in Your Wedding Business, with Braden Drake

Today we're talking to Braden Drake, who describes himself as "your gay best friend, but also an attorney who's going... more

04 Nov 2020 · 30 minutes
117: 8 Quick Tips to Audit Your Website for Booking Season

Join me on this solo episode where I give you 8 quick and easy (yet important and impactful) tips to... more

28 Oct 2020 · 14 minutes
116: Words Matter: Inclusive Language in the Wedding Industry, with Taylor Griffith from Lemon Tree Editorial

Today we’re talking all about inclusive language - what to say and what not to say in what has historically... more

09 Oct 2020 · 42 minutes
115: Tips for Improving Your Wedding Consultations, with Sam Jacobson

Today we’re talking to Sam Jacobson from Ideaction Consulting about the sales process, how to empathize with your clients right... more

23 Sep 2020 · 1 hour, 3 minutes
114: Is Work/Life Balance Possible in the Wedding Industry?

Join me on this solo episode where I give you 7 tips for balancing it all - life, business, family,... more

10 Sep 2020 · 22 minutes
113: What is Entrepreneurship Costing You? (She Creates Business Podcast with Kinsey Roberts)

Today we're sharing an episode previously published on the She Creates Business Podcast with Kinsey Roberts. From SCB: I'm honored to welcome... more

20 Aug 2020 · 1 hour, 14 minutes
112: How are You Diversifying to Survive 2020 and Thrive in 2021?

It’s August 2020, five months removed from our two-week pause that we were supposed to have in March.  That’s about... more

09 Aug 2020 · 35 minutes
Bonus: Come Join The Planner's Vault - Free Survival Guide Training August 5th

Have your wedding planning goals gone up in flames in 2020? Come join me Wednesday, Aug 5th at 8:30 pm... more

04 Aug 2020 · 6 minutes
111: 10 Lessons from 10 Years in Business

Megan and Jason Gillikin celebrate the 10-year anniversary of A Southern Soiree, and Megan shares her top ten lessons learned... more

28 Jul 2020 · 49 minutes
110: 3 Things You Can Change Right Now for More Bookings

This pandemic has caused delays, cancellations, stress, tears, more delays, unanswerable questions, confusion...it really sucks to be in the wedding... more

22 Jul 2020 · 17 minutes
109: Finding Your #2 Employee, with Julie Bunkley and Courtney Wolf from Invision Events

In 2012, Julie Bunkley had run Invision Events in Birmingham Alabama for 7 years, and the business was doing...fine. But... more

10 Jul 2020 · 39 minutes
108: Networking Tips in a Pandemic

How can you network and build vendor relationships when there are no weddings and no networking events?  Megan gives her... more

03 Jul 2020 · 13 minutes
107: Sustainability in Weddings, with Aaron Shook

Aaron Shook has been in the hospitality industry for 30+ years in restaurants, catering, and now in wedding planning at... more

18 Jun 2020 · 38 minutes
106: Racism, Inclusion, and The Keys to Change, with Terrica

It's time to talk about racism in the United States, (the lack of) diversity and inclusion in the wedding industry,... more

03 Jun 2020 · 47 minutes
105: How to Work with a Virtual Assistant, with Julie Painter from Dallas Girl Friday

Julie Painter (aka Dallas Girl Friday) is a virtual assistant who specializes in the wedding industry, and today she gives... more

27 May 2020 · 37 minutes
104: Defining Luxury on Your Own Terms, with The Flower Guy Bron

Have you ever felt the pressure of keeping up with what looks "elegant" or "luxurious" on Instagram? Why? Why do... more

20 May 2020 · 38 minutes
102: Bringing Your Clients, Vendors, and Team Into the Digital Age, with Nora Shiels

Today we’re talking all about how to get your clients, your vendors, and your team on board with the digital... more

06 May 2020 · 31 minutes
101: Building Business Stability through Email Marketing, with Aleya Harris

So be honest. Is email marketing something you do for your business? Are you bringing future clients into your sales... more

23 Apr 2020 · 44 minutes
100th Episode Awards Show Extravaganza

Welcome to the Weddings for Real 100th Episode Extravaganza! On this special episode, you'll hear who won the awards for: Toughest... more

15 Apr 2020 · 31 minutes
99: Multicultural Wedding Do's and Don'ts, with Petronella Lugemwa

Some of the most lavish and exciting weddings to work are the ones where culture plays a big part in... more

01 Apr 2020 · 37 minutes
98: Finding Your Way through the Chaos of COVID-19 in the Wedding Industry

What a crazy, chaotic, noisy, tearful, and stressful week. In a world that's completely upside down because of COVID-19, what... more

24 Mar 2020 · 40 minutes
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and Weddings - Now What Do We Do?

With the Coronavirus causing chaos throughout the world, it has taken its toll on the wedding industry as well. Gatherings... more

15 Mar 2020 · 33 minutes
97: Offboarding Your Clients: Tips for a Lasting Impression with Renee Dalo

Do you ever meet a new friend, it's a solid connection, and then one day, BAM, she ghosts you? It... more

11 Mar 2020 · 50 minutes
What is The Planner's Vault?

On February 27, 2020, Megan launched The Planner's Vault, a membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow,... more

03 Mar 2020 · 14 minutes
96: Top 5 Reasons You SHOULD Be Working More Corporate Events, with Roar Events' Caryl Lyons

How many of you are REALLY going after corporate events?  You probably can work a corporate event just fine, and... more

26 Feb 2020 · 44 minutes
95. Carving Out Your Own Niche, with Venue Consultant Lindsay Lucas

Lindsay Lucas is THE wedding venue consultant.  She's a former wedding planner who now helps venue owners (and those aspiring... more

12 Feb 2020 · 52 minutes
94. What Engaged Couples Want 2.0, Interviews from the Merrimon Wynne House Bridal Showcase

We interviewed engaged couples at The Merrimon-Wynne House Bridal Showcase, so that you could have an understanding of what couples... more

29 Jan 2020 · 45 minutes
93: Working Together, Living Together, and Liking Each Other (Most Days), with Steve and Jenn Van Elk

Do you work with your wife or husband? Well, working together for so many hours – and possibly living together... more

15 Jan 2020 · 44 minutes
92: You Down with SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)? With Morgan Montgomery!

If you’re a solopreneur or you run a small team, and you’re thinking about growing, but you haven’t quite figured... more

01 Jan 2020 · 40 minutes
91: 2019 Year in Review: Wins, Fails, and Goals for 2020

How was 2019 for you?  What were your wins and losses?  Did you hit your goals?  What are your plans... more

18 Dec 2019 · 43 minutes
90: Impactful Gifting Strategies for 2020, with Margaux Fraise

Today's guest is Margaux Fraise from Harmony Creative Studio in Los Angeles. Margaux has been planning weddings and events for... more

11 Dec 2019 · 52 minutes
89: Shared Values and Different Personalities: Building an A-Team with Aneesa Glines

Aneesa Glines can best be described as a force of nature with a huge smile and even bigger laugh, whose... more

04 Dec 2019 · 1 hour,
88: A Kick in the Pants from Cindy Novotny, The Radical Mentor

Cindy Novotny has been called "The Radical Mentor" for good reason. She is a no-nonsense, call-it-like-it-is, whether-you-want-to-hear-it-or-not speaker and hospitality... more

27 Nov 2019 · 29 minutes
87: The Power of Enneagram: How to Grow Professionally and Personally by Knowing Your Number, with Joanna Kenney

If you're anything like Megan, 2019 has been all about personal and professional growth - how to be a better... more

20 Nov 2019 · 55 minutes
86: Does Working With a Wedding Planner Make Your Job More Difficult? Danielle Pasternak from the Put A Ring On It Podcast Has Opinions

If you’re a member of the Rising Tide Society Facebook Group, you might have seen a post (since deleted) a... more

13 Nov 2019 · 50 minutes
85: What My Children Have Taught ME About Business, with Single Dad Jose Rolon

Jose Rolon is the lead wedding planner at Jose Rolon Events in New York City.  Jose is a single father of... more

06 Nov 2019 · 54 minutes
84: Brand Building Through Mentorship, with 42 North's Francie Dorman and Britt Cole

Among other incredible accolades, Francie Dorman and Britt Cole of 42 North Weddings in New England have been named one... more

30 Oct 2019 · 45 minutes
83: On the Couples' Therapy Couch with Christian Charette, Part 2: Tips for Better Communication

Megan and Jason went onto the couples' therapy couch and got some amazing advice from their own therapist, Christian Charette... more

22 Oct 2019 · 46 minutes
82: On the Couples' Therapy Couch with Christian Charette, Part 1: Roadblocks in Relationships

Megan and Jason went onto the couples' therapy couch and got some amazing advice from their own therapist, Christian Charette... more

16 Oct 2019 · 34 minutes
81: Creating a Cozy Courtship with Your Clients, with Alisha Chadee

Alisha Chadee is the co-owner of Events by Whim Event Planning in Toronto Ontario, and she comes on the show... more

09 Oct 2019 · 46 minutes
80: Time to Stop Neglecting Pinterest, with The Bridal Theory's Amanda Writesman

Amanda Writesman is screaming from the rooftop that - if you're a wedding vendor - you need to get your... more

02 Oct 2019 · 47 minutes
79: Going the Extra Mile for Your Clients, with Entertainer Artem Lomaz

Artem Lomaz is DJ Times' Entertainer of the Year two years in a row, in 2018 and 2019!  Today he... more

25 Sep 2019 · 48 minutes
78: Check Yo' Site: 3 Easy Audit Tips Before Engagement Season

Engagement season is right around the corner, and you don't want a website that repels your ideal client right? On... more

18 Sep 2019 · 32 minutes
77: Diversifying Your Business to Reach Different Clientele, with Sapphire Events' Valerie Gernhauser

Valerie Gernhauser runs two wedding planning companies - Sapphire Events and Ruby and Pearl Events - in the same market (New... more

11 Sep 2019 · 47 minutes
76: The 100% Definitive Guide to Mastering Motherhood (JK!), with Rachel May

Wedding photographer Rachel May talks to Megan about motherhood, and they come up with the definitive guide to how to... more

04 Sep 2019 · 53 minutes
75: How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, with International WIPA President Kevin Dennis

Kevin Dennis has been in the wedding industry for 30 years (!!) as the owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services near San... more

28 Aug 2019 · 51 minutes
74: Imposter Syndrome, with Fancy This Photography's Nikki Whitt Belch

Imposter Syndrome: a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed... more

21 Aug 2019 · 49 minutes
73: Relator, Analyzer, Boss, and Dreamer: How to Sell To and Work With the 4 Types of Wedding Clients, with Ideaction's Sam Jacobson

Sam Jacobson, founder of Ideaction Consulting, has found that there are 4 types of buyers in the wedding market -... more

14 Aug 2019 · 1 hour, 4 minutes
72: YouTube Videos to Market Your Business, with Wedding Photographer Cavin Elizabeth

When Cavin Elizabeth moved to the San Diego market, she was wondering if making educational videos and sharing them on... more

07 Aug 2019 · 49 minutes
71: Toxic Stress and How It's Killing Your Business, with Therapist and Executive Coach Andy Maurer

At the Engage Luxury Wedding Summit in June, therapist and entrepreneurial coach Andy Maurer gave the most impactful and self-reflective... more

31 Jul 2019 · 1 hour, 1 minute
70: Do's and Don'ts of Styled Shoots, with Color Pop Events' Leah Weinberg

Styled Shoots.  You get your friendors together and create a completely unique pretend wedding that you don't have to plan... more

24 Jul 2019 · 45 minutes
WWD13: Back in the Closet with Megan and Jason

Weekend Wine Down Time! Megan and Jason talk about the live show coming up in August, where to spend a... more

20 Jul 2019 · 20 minutes
69: Individuality in a Saturated Wedding Market, with Photographer Julia Wade

In a wedding market already filled with planners, photographers, videographers, DJs, florists....every wedding vendor you can possibly imagine, how can... more

17 Jul 2019 · 46 minutes
68: How to Weigh the Financial Risks of Your Big Business Decision, with Michelle Loretta from Sage Wedding Pros

Michelle Loretta from Sage Wedding Pros is a wedding business consultant with a mind for numbers and a passion for... more

10 Jul 2019 · 46 minutes
67: Opening a Wedding Venue 101, with Kinsey Roberts from the She Creates Business Podcast

Kinsey Roberts is the owner Vista View Events on Open Heart Ranch in Colorado, but you probably know her best... more

26 Jun 2019 · 1 hour, 2 minutes
66: Top Ten Takeaways from Engage! Luxury Wedding Business Summit

The latest Engage! Summit was last week in the Bahamas, and Megan was there for the full luxury wedding and... more

19 Jun 2019 · 52 minutes
65: Marketing to Generation Z, with Analytics and Wedding Marketing Expert Christie Osborne

Generation Z is the next generation of consumers and (wedding) clients.  Christie Osborne from Mountainside Media is an expert on... more

12 Jun 2019 · 58 minutes
64: The House of Creativity, with Wedding Photographer Perry Vaile

Some believe the creative path is a winding road from zero to (one-day) reaching your full creative potential.  But for... more

05 Jun 2019 · 48 minutes
63: LGBTQ Weddings and Equality-Minded Content, with Brittny Drye (Love Inc) and Sha'Quitta Brown

Brittny Drye started Love Inc Magazine in October 2013 as the first equality-minded wedding publication. And although the wedding industry... more

29 May 2019 · 44 minutes
62: How to Respond to Negative Online Reviews

If you've been in business long enough, you've probably had a negative online review (or several). Whether the review was... more

22 May 2019 · 52 minutes
61: Pricing for Profitability, with Lindsay Longacre from LVL Academy

Lindsay Longacre from LVL Events (Southern California) and LVL Academy comes on the show today to talk all about pricing for... more

15 May 2019 · 46 minutes
WWD12: Happy Mother's Day! Interviews with Megan and Megan's Mom, plus Invisible Pants?

On this Mother's Day Weekend Wine Down, we have interviews with Megan, Megan's mom, and oldest daughter Emma. Happy Mother's Day!

11 May 2019 · 57 minutes
60: Moms for Real - A Vulnerable and Hilarious Look at Balancing Business and Motherhood, with 5 Entrepreneur Moms

Happy Mother's Day! Today we give a real, honest, vulnerable, and hilarious look at the balancing act of being a... more

08 May 2019 · 1 hour, 8 minutes
59: How to Promote Your Wedding Business, with PR Expert Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting

Meghan Ely, Wedding PR and Marketing Expert at OFD Consulting comes on to share the best ways to promote your... more

01 May 2019 · 50 minutes
58: Mental Health Tips for Creative Entrepreneurs, with Root & Restore's Catrina Ballard

Life is stressful. Owning a business is stressful. Clients are stressful. Parenting is stressful. Relationships are stressful. As a creative... more

24 Apr 2019 · 57 minutes
57: Creative Dining in Weddings, with Snap Pea's Jacob Boehm

Jacob Boehm, owner and head chef of Snap Pea Creative Dining, doesn't run a typical catering company. He caters a... more

17 Apr 2019 · 47 minutes
56: Eva Clark on Compassion in Weddings

International Wedding Planner Eva Clark from Eva Clark Events has planned over 400 events. Some of those clients have been... more

10 Apr 2019 · 44 minutes
WWD11: IndyWeek Best Local Podcast Nomination, One-Year Anniversary, Weddings on Mars, and More!

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us over the past year plus! And we're so excited to... more

08 Apr 2019 · 18 minutes
55: Rachel Sheerin on Preventing Burnout and the 80-20 Rule

Rachel Sheerin is a keynote speaker and trainer focused on helping hospitality professionals sell more and be happy! Featured in... more

03 Apr 2019 · 54 minutes
54: SEO for Wedding Vendors, with Jason Gillikin

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is all about making sure your website is found instead of your competitors' websites, when people... more

27 Mar 2019 · 38 minutes
53: How to Prevent (or Manage) Difficult Clients, with Wedding Planner Erin McLean

Nightmare Clients. If you've been in the wedding industry long enough, no matter what vendor category you're in, you've had... more

20 Mar 2019 · 55 minutes
52: Candice Coppola on Why You Need a Business Plan

Candice Coppola - wedding planner at Jubilee Events, business mentor, podcaster at Power in Purpose, author of The White Dress... more

13 Mar 2019 · 53 minutes
51: Diversifying Your Wedding Business with Maddy K

Madeleine Kojakian, better known as Maddy K, is a wedding planner and serial entrepreneur.  She has had many successes (and... more

06 Mar 2019 · 52 minutes
50: Peace Out! Exiting the Wedding Industry, with Sam Dockery

Sam Dockery is the former owner of Bliss by Sam, wedding planning company in both Raleigh and Chicago, until she... more

27 Feb 2019 · 54 minutes
49: What Startups Can Teach Wedding Vendors, with Mayflower Venues' Veronica Armstrong

Veronica Armstrong, head of marketing at Mayflower Venues, is all about that startup life.  She was the 4th employee and... more

20 Feb 2019 · 41 minutes
48: What Do Engaged Couples Want From Wedding Vendors? We Asked Them!

At the Carolina Inn (Chapel Hill NC) Event Showcase on January 27th, Megan and Jason Gillikin walked around and interviewed 15... more

13 Feb 2019 · 50 minutes
47: From Side Hustle to Full-Time, with HMUA Nina McCaskey from Wedded Kiss

Are you in the side hustle mode of your business?  Are you trying to figure out when to take it... more

06 Feb 2019 · 48 minutes
46: Hurricanes and Wedding Plan B's with Kickstand Events

Wilmington NC wedding planners Sally Lindroos and Courtney Stone from Kickstand Events come on the show today to talk all... more

30 Jan 2019 · 45 minutes
45: 16 Years of Wedding Planning with Ivy Robinson

Ivy Robinson is the wedding planner for celebrities like Dale Earnhardt Jr and Emily Maynard, has been on wedding reality... more

23 Jan 2019 · 42 minutes
43: Wedding Industry Hiring and Onboarding with A Southern Soiree's Gina Johnston

Finding the right employee in any business is challenging, but it's a unique challenge in the wedding industry because it's... more

08 Jan 2019 · 48 minutes
42: Inside the Barn of Chapel Hill with Kara Brewer and Jennifer Wood

The Barn of Chapel Hill on Wild Flora Farm is one of the hottest new venues in the Triangle area... more

02 Jan 2019 · 46 minutes
WWD 10: Reflecting on 2018 and Goals for 2019

Megan and Jason Gillikin are back for a Weekend Wine Down, where we reflect on the chaos that was 2018... more

30 Dec 2018 · 32 minutes
Megan Gillikin on the Holderness Family Podcast, "Our Wedding was NOT the best day in my life!"

Megan Gillikin was the guest on the Holdermess Podcast with Kim and Penn Holderness, on their episode, "Our Wedding was... more

26 Dec 2018 · 48 minutes
Megan Gillikin on the Day in the Life Podcast

It's the Day in the Life Podcast on the Weddings for Real feed!  If you don't know Day in the... more

19 Dec 2018 · 1 hour, 14 minutes
41: Lessons Learned from My 5 Biggest Business Mistakes

Megan Gillikin, host of the podcast, has been a wedding planner in the Raleigh NC market since 2010. Over the... more

12 Dec 2018 · 1 hour, 4 minutes
40: Vendor Communication = The Key to a Stress-Free Wedding Day, with Harrison Wedding Films

Deanna and Grant of Harrison Wedding Films in Washington DC came on the show to talk lessons they've learned in... more

05 Dec 2018 · 43 minutes
39: Are You Ready for Engagement Season?

Did you know that 40% of engagements occur between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day?!?!  Wedding Vendors, is your business ready for... more

28 Nov 2018 · 42 minutes
38: 5 Tips for Submitting to Wedding Publications, with Brklyn View Photography's Jaine Kershner

Jaine Kershner, owner of Brklyn View Photography, has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and... more

21 Nov 2018 · 41 minutes
37: Laura Wasser on Prenups: Celeb Divorce Attorney on why they're not about pre-planning for divorce

Laura Wasser, Celebrity Divorce Attorney, comes on the show to talk prenuptial agreements. What can and cannot be included in... more

14 Nov 2018 · 42 minutes
WWD9: Live at the Forest Hall at Chatham Mills Open House!

We walked around with a microphone at the Forest Hall at Chatham Mills Open House on Sunday, talking to wedding... more

10 Nov 2018 · 56 minutes
WWD 8: Instagram Marketing Follow-Up and More of Megan's Instagram No-No List

Weekend Wine Down 8! Megan and Jason follow up on this week's episode on Next-Level Instagram with Tyler J McCall,... more

03 Nov 2018 · 21 minutes
35: Next Level Instagram for Wedding Professionals with Tyler J McCall

Tyler J McCall is a social media strategist and coach...actually that's selling him way short...Tyler is THE Instagram Guru, and... more

31 Oct 2018 · 52 minutes
WWD 7: Rocky Horror at Booth Theatre in Cary Review & Yes, the Cat Story

Megan and Jason just came back from the Rocky Horror Show at Booth Theatre in Cary NC, and it was... more

28 Oct 2018 · 19 minutes
34: On Top of Beech Mountain: Overlook Barn Owners Katie Elder and David Schumann

The Overlook Barn on Beech Mountain (North Carolina) is an absolutely stunning wedding venue both inside and out, with views for... more

24 Oct 2018 · 48 minutes
33: Kim and Penn Holderness on Tips for a Healthy Marriage and How to be a Great Guest at a Wedding

Kim and Penn Holderness are known for their viral videos on YouTube where they sing and dance, sometimes in their... more

17 Oct 2018 · 1 hour, 7 minutes
Weekend Wine Down 6: Advice to our 20-year-old selves, plus a preview of the Holderness episode

Megan and Jason give advice to their 20-year-old selves, Megan on kissing frogs and Jason on traveling more. Coming up on... more

14 Oct 2018 · 17 minutes
32: Day-Of Wedding Coordination with Erin McCauley with Chestnut and Vine

Day-Of Wedding Coordination, sometimes called month-of wedding coordination, can actually be more difficult than full-service planning - or at least... more

10 Oct 2018 · 44 minutes
Weekend Wine Down 5: Purple Feet, Throwing Lettuce, and It's Epsom with an M

In this weekend wine down, Megan just got back from a wedding, so she talked about that - why she... more

07 Oct 2018 · 11 minutes
31A: Van Eure on the Angus Barn History, Commitment to Service, and Opening the Wedding Pavilion

The Angus Barn Way, their commitment to unparalleled service, is legendary in the local hospitality industry. The owner of the... more

02 Oct 2018 · 53 minutes
Weekend Wine Down 4: Not Sharing the "Dead Cat as a Groomsman" Story Yet

In this weekend wine down, we talk about the new intro where Megan mentions a dead cat as a groomsman.... more

01 Oct 2018 · 12 minutes
Weekend Wine Down 3: Stoned Speed, The Big Fake Wedding, and Alan Berg The Speakingest Speaker

Thanks for listening! On this Weekend Wine Down, Megan and Jason talked about 2 seminars coming up on October 22nd,... more

22 Sep 2018 · 15 minutes
29: Becca Atchison on Percentage Based Pricing and Bringing on a Business Partner

Rebecca Rose Events founder, owner, and creative director Becca Atchison comes on the show to talk about how and why... more

19 Sep 2018 · 55 minutes
Weekend Wine Down 2: Hurricane Florence and the Instagram No-No List

Megan and Jason talk about what a weird week that was because of the Hurricane, and the new seminar Brunch... more

16 Sep 2018 · 13 minutes
28: Inside the Bridal Suite with Makeup Artist Michelle Clark

Makeup Artist and all-around hilarious and amazing person Michelle Clark came on the show today, not so much to talk... more

12 Sep 2018 · 49 minutes
Weddings for Real
29: Becca Atchison on Percentage Based Pricing and Bringing on a Business Partner
Weddings for Real
0:00
-0:00

Listen now on

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Overcast
Podcast Addict
Pocket Casts
Castbox
Podbean
iHeartRadio
Player FM
Podcast Republic
Castro
RSS

Description

Rebecca Rose Events founder, owner, and creative director Becca Atchison comes on the show to talk about how and why her pricing... more