PODCAST · society
Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast
by Alyson Thompson
Planning a wedding is emotional work—no one tells you that. But I will. Handled is a wedding planning podcast for modern couples who want more than vendor checklists and color palettes. Hosted by Alyson Thompson—Chicago wedding planner, bride-to-be, a—this show explores both the how and the heart behind getting married.Each episode blends real talk and reflection: navigating family pressure, decision fatigue, budget stress, and the joy (and weird grief) of growing into a new chapter. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone to say “yes, that’s normal”—you’re not alone
Episodes
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Why Do We Treat Planning Our Own Wedding Like a Test of Competence?
There’s a particular kind of pride that comes with saying, “I planned my entire wedding myself.” And if you loved doing it? Take the victory lap. Planning a wedding is a significant undertaking. But there’s another question hiding underneath that accomplishment: If doing everything yourself is...
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When Did Your Wedding Become Everyone Else’s Business?
In this episode of Let Me Ask You This, Alyson explores what happens when wedding planning becomes a public conversation: why crowdsourcing can be useful but misleading, how other people fill missing context with their own experiences, and the difference between seeking perspective and seeking...
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Do You Actually Need to Care About Every Wedding Decision?
Do you actually need to care about every decision you make for your wedding? Wedding planning can make it feel like you're supposed to have a passionate opinion about everything—from the venue and photographer to the napkins, glassware, chairs, and 17 nearly identical shades of ivory. But not…
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Who Are You Afraid of Disappointing With Your Wedding?
Wedding planning involves other people. Family traditions matter. Relationships matter. The feelings of the people you love matter. But there’s a difference between considering someone’s feelings and organizing your wedding around preventing their disappointment. In this episode Alyson explores...
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Why Does Wedding Planning Make You Question Decisions You Were Sure About?
You loved the venue when you booked it. You were obsessed with the dress when you bought it. You felt great about the photographer you hired. Then you saw another option. Someone made a comment. Your algorithm served you something beautiful. And suddenly you're wondering: Did I make the wrong...
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Does Your Wedding Actually Need to Be Unique?
There’s a lot of pressure for weddings to feel different—to have the unexpected detail, the never-before-seen idea, or the moment guests haven’t experienced anywhere else. But does your wedding actually need to be unique? In this episode of Let Me Ask You This, Alyson explores the difference...
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What If Wedding Inspiration Is Making Planning Harder?
Pinterest boards. Saved Instagram posts. TikToks from weddings you’ve never attended. Before long, you can have hundreds of beautiful ideas—and somehow feel less certain about what you actually want. In this episode of Let Me Ask You This, Alyson explores the point where wedding inspiration stops...
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Let's Talk About RSVPs—And Why They're More Emotional Than Expected
RSVPs are supposed to be simple. Yes. No. Meal choice. But if you've planned a wedding, you know they're rarely just about counting guests. In this episode, we're talking about why RSVP season can feel so unexpectedly emotional—from waiting on responses and navigating cancellations to the...
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Bonus: Is the “Wedding Tax” Actually Real?
You’ve probably heard the advice: Don’t tell them it’s for a wedding—they’ll charge you more. But is every higher wedding price really a “wedding tax”? In this bonus episode of Let Me Ask You This, Alyson unpacks one of the wedding industry’s most persistent debates: why wedding services can cost...
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Dress Codes, Guest Requests, and the Line Between Vision and Hospitality
Can you have a clear vision for your wedding and still be a thoughtful host? I think you can. In this episode, we're unpacking one of the internet's favorite wedding debates: dress codes, unplugged ceremonies, guest requests, and where the line between hospitality and control really exists. We'll...
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How Do You Decide What's Worth the Investment For Your Wedding?
Every couple eventually has the same moment. You open a proposal, look at the price, and wonder... "Is this actually worth it?" In this episode, we're exploring how to evaluate wedding investments beyond the numbers on a proposal. We'll talk about why price is the easiest thing to compare, why...
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Why Planning Your Wedding Can Feel Lonely At Times
Wedding planning is supposed to be one of the happiest seasons of your life. So why do some people describe it as... lonely? In this episode, we're talking about an emotional side of wedding planning that rarely gets discussed. From unmet expectations around family and friends to the mental load…
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What If Hiring a Wedding Planner Gave You More Control, Not Less?
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a wedding planner is that you'll lose control of your wedding. But what if the opposite is true? In this episode, we're reframing what it really means to work with a planner and why the best planning relationships aren't built on someone taking over....
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Are You Evaluating Wedding Venues—or Just Reacting to Them?
Most couples don't choose a wedding venue. They react to one. In this episode of Let Me Ask You This, we're talking about why venue searching feels so overwhelming—and why one of the biggest decisions you'll make in wedding planning is often made before you have enough clarity to know what…
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Why You Feel Behind in Wedding Planning (Even When You're Not)
Within days of getting engaged, most couples are already wondering if they're behind. The venue isn't booked yet. The vendors aren't locked in. And somewhere between the checklist you found online and the third person who asked if you've picked a date yet — the panic set in. But here's what I…
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Bonus Episode: Pricing transparency: Rethinking Value in Wedding Planning
The wedding industry has been having a lot of conversations about pricing transparency lately. Should vendors publish their prices? Should couples have to inquire before knowing an investment? Is sticker shock a transparency problem? In this special bonus episode, we're stepping beyond the debate...
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Wedding Design: It's Not Just About How Your Wedding Looks
Most couples come into the design process with a visual in mind. A color palette. A Pinterest board. An aesthetic they've been collecting images for. And that's a great starting point — but it's only the surface. The most intentional, most memorable weddings aren't designed around what something...
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What Wedding Planning Reveals About Your Relationships
One of the most common conversations happening among engaged couples right now is this: wedding planning revealed something about the people in my life that I wasn't prepared for. The friend who went quiet. The family member who made it about themselves. The person you expected to show up who...
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The Truth About the "Weddings Are for the Guests" Mentality
At some point during planning, someone is going to say it. "You have to invite so and so." "The wedding is really for your family." "Your guests traveled, you need to think about them." And they're not entirely wrong — your guests matter. But somewhere along the way that idea gets distorted into...
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The Part of Wedding Planning Nobody Warns You About
You got engaged and you expected to feel excited. And you do — but somewhere in the middle of the planning process, something else showed up too. Something heavier. Something nobody really prepared you for. The decisions are endless. The opinions are loud. The emotions that surface are ones you...
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What You're Actually Paying For When You Hire a Wedding Planner
The investment in full service wedding planning is significant. And most couples, when they see the number, immediately ask: is it worth it? In this episode I want to reframe that question entirely — because the real question isn't whether you can afford a planner. It's what you're actually…
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Why Wedding Planning Decisions Feel So Hard (It's Not What You Think)
You've done the research. You've compared the options. You've asked everyone in your life. And you still can't decide. Sound familiar? In this episode I want to tell you why that happens — and why more information is almost never the answer. We'll talk about the real reason decisions feel...
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How I Actually Think About Wedding Planning — And Why It Might Surprise You
Most people think wedding planning is primarily a logistical exercise. And yes — the logistics are real. But in this episode I want to challenge that assumption and share what I've learned after 13 years of doing this work: wedding planning is, at its core, a decision making experience. And the...
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Same Show, Clearer Voice — Here's What's Changing
If you've been here before, you may have noticed things look a little different. New name, new cover, new energy. In this episode, I'm taking a few minutes to talk about what changed, what didn't, and why this evolution felt necessary. Because the show I kept wanting to make wasn't quite fitting...
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Trailer — Let Me Ask You This
Wedding planning is emotional work. The decisions are endless, the opinions are loud, and somewhere in the middle of all of it, it's easy to lose the thread of what this is actually supposed to feel like. That's exactly why this show exists. I'm Alyson Thompson — Chicago wedding planner, creative...
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The Biggest Mistake Couples Make When They Start Wedding Planning
If you’re newly engaged, the pressure to start immediately is real — venues, Pinterest boards, vendor outreach, all at once. But the biggest mistake couples make in the first 30 days isn’t choosing the wrong vendor. It’s planning for aesthetics before their priorities are clear. In this episode…
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What I’m Grateful for as a Wedding Planner (And Why It Matters)
This final episode of the year is a reflective one. In this episode of Handled, Alyson shares what she’s most grateful for after a full season of wedding planning — not as a highlight reel, but as a reminder of what truly matters during the planning process. From couples who trusted the process…
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The Emotional Architecture of Wedding Planning
Wedding planning isn’t just about logistics, budgets, or aesthetics — it’s about identity, relationships, expectations, and emotion. And that’s why it can feel so overwhelming, even for the most capable, organized couples. In this episode of Handled, Alyson explores the emotional architecture of…
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How to Tell If a Venue Fits Your Budget, Design, and Priorities
Choosing a wedding venue isn’t just about falling in love with the aesthetic — it’s about making sure the space truly fits your budget, your guest count, your design vision, and your priorities. In this episode of Handled, wedding planner and bride-to-be Alyson Thompson breaks down the real...
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Wedding Budgets: What No One Says Out Loud
In this episode of Handled, Alyson breaks down the part of wedding planning no one likes talking about: the budget. Not the line items, not the price tags — but the feelings, confusion, misconceptions, and comparison culture that make couples feel shamey, stressed, or totally lost when it comes…
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Do These Things FIRST When You Get Engaged
You got engaged — now what? Before you make a Pinterest board, book a venue tour, or say yes to anything with a deposit attached… there are foundational steps every couple should take first. And most couples skip them. In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact process I walk my Birdcage &...
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What Planners Wish You Knew Before Booking Them
In this episode of Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast, Alyson shares the insider truths every couple should know before they book their planner. From understanding what a planner actually does (and doesn’t do) to knowing what makes a great planner-client relationship thrive, this conversation is...
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Lets Talk About Timelines
In this episode of Handled, Alyson is pulling back the curtain on how she builds timelines that keep couples calm, organized, and fully present on their wedding day. She talks about everything that goes into a seamless timeline — from vendor load-ins and hair and makeup schedules to photo timing,...
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The Truth About Arguing During Wedding Planning
In this episode of Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast, Alyson unpacks why tension shows up during planning (spoiler: it’s rarely about napkin colors), how to understand the emotions beneath disagreements, and ways to communicate and compromise without losing connection. Let’s stay connected...
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The Vendor Maze: How To Choose Without Getting Overwhelmed
Choosing your wedding vendors shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze of emails, contracts, and conflicting opinions. In this episode of Handled, Alyson breaks down how to find the right vendors for you—the ones who align with your values, energy, and vision, not just your budget. Let’s stay...
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Budget Stress Without the Shame
Money and emotions are deeply connected — especially when you’re planning a wedding. In this episode of Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast, Alyson opens up about the pressure couples feel around wedding budgets, from navigating family opinions to comparing costs online. She shares how to reframe...
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More Than a Moment: The Emotional Side of Wedding Photography
Wedding photos are more than beautiful portraits—they’re emotional time capsules. In this episode of Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast, Alyson sits down with Chicago-based photographer Winterlyn Stebner of Winterlyn Photography to explore the feelings behind wedding photography and what it…
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Wedding Party Roles: Who Actually Does What (and What They Don’t)
In this episode of Handled, Alyson Thompson discusses the essential roles and responsibilities of wedding party members, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. She contrasts traditional wedding party roles with modern practices, highlighting the need for…
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Decision Fatigue: How to Handle Many Choices You’ll Make
In this episode of Handled, Alyson Thompson discusses the phenomenon of decision fatigue, particularly in the context of wedding planning. She explains how overwhelming choices can lead to stress and frustration, and offers practical strategies to manage this fatigue. ✨ Let’s stay connected...
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What a GOOD Wedding Planner Actually Does
In this episode of Handled, Alyson Thompson discusses the true value of hiring a wedding planner, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting the emotional and logistical benefits that come with professional support. She emphasizes that a good planner not only manages logistics but also...
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Venue Contracts Decoded: What You're Really Signing Up For
In this episode of Handled, Alyson Thompson delves into the intricacies of venue contracts, emphasizing their importance in the wedding planning process. She discusses key elements to look for in contracts, such as inclusions, timing, vendor restrictions, and cancellation policies. Alyson also...
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Let’s Talk About Timeline
Not sure what to do when—or if you’re already behind? In this episode of Handled, I’m walking you through why a planning timeline matters, what a customized one looks like for my couples, and when to book your key vendors. I’ll also break down the difference between your planning timeline and…
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When Everyone Has an Opinion
When it comes to planning your wedding, everyone suddenly has something to say. Whether it’s opinions about your guest list, your budget, or the color of your napkins—outside voices can get loud, fast. In this episode of Handled, Alyson shares how to navigate the flood of feedback while staying...
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Guest List First: The Key to Wedding Planning
Venue or guest list—which one comes first? I get this question all the time, and my answer is clear: make the guest list first. In this episode, I walk you through why starting here gives you more clarity, less stress, and way fewer regrets down the road. We’ll talk about how to actually make…
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We’re in This Together: Planning Our Wedding as a Team
In this special episode, I’m joined by my fiancé to share how we’ve navigated our own wedding planning process as a couple. From budget convos and venue visits to decision fatigue and division of labor—this is a real, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like when a planner gets engaged and…
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What Kind of Planning Support Do You Actually Need?
Not sure if you need a full-service planner, just a little coordination help, or something in between? In this episode, I walk through the different types of wedding planning support available—what they mean, what’s included, and who they’re best for. Whether you’re Type A, overwhelmed, or...
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Why I Started This Podcast
In this first episode, I’m sharing why I created Handled—and why planning a wedding is about so much more than checklists and color palettes. As a wedding planner and a bride, I’ve seen how overwhelming this process can be—not just logistically, but emotionally. So this podcast is here to support...
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Welcome to Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast
Welcome to Handled, a wedding planning podcast for modern couples who want more than checklists and timelines. Hosted by Alyson Thompson—Chicago-based wedding planner, bride-to-be, and founder of Birdcage and Blushers Weddings—this show explores both the how and the heart behind getting married....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Planning a wedding is emotional work—no one tells you that. But I will. Handled is a wedding planning podcast for modern couples who want more than vendor checklists and color palettes. Hosted by Alyson Thompson—Chicago wedding planner, bride-to-be, a—this show explores both the how and the heart behind getting married.Each episode blends real talk and reflection: navigating family pressure, decision fatigue, budget stress, and the joy (and weird grief) of growing into a new chapter. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone to say “yes, that’s normal”—you’re not alone
HOSTED BY
Alyson Thompson
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast have?
Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast about?
Planning a wedding is emotional work—no one tells you that. But I will. Handled is a wedding planning podcast for modern couples who want more than vendor checklists and color palettes. Hosted by Alyson Thompson—Chicago wedding planner, bride-to-be, a—this show explores both the how and the heart...
How often does Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast release new episodes?
Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast?
You can listen to Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast?
Handled: A Wedding Planning Podcast is created and hosted by Alyson Thompson.
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