Secret Brides Club

Hey Friend, we're heading into Christmas and personally it's the BEST time of years for me.... I love family and I love getting together for laughs and sharing gifts! I am a giver, I love finding a thoughtful gift and sharing it with loved ones.  So today I thought it would be a super time to talk about ideas for your loved ones gifts on your wedding day!  You're in gift mode, right?  So why not keep thinking and sort those on the day wedding gifts. You might have some more time to really think so why not start thinking about those gifts now! This episode is all around some ideas for those closest, I am not talking about he wedding party here I am talking about your partner, parents, grandparents.   Now none of these gifts are necessary or required, it's your day, you make the rules (that's what I am all about) but like I said I wanted to give my parents and partner something for the day, as a thank you and an - I Love you.  So hit play and I hope it get's you think. Pop over @secretbridesclub for some more ideas and pop yours in the comments I'd love to know your ideas and share them with the community!  Ps I mentioned @pink_carat_jewellery in the podcast so head to their page and check out how amazing their work it! xx Happy Shopping!  Kristen xx

Hey Lovely,  I am so glad you are here because I have my top 5 ways to keep the enthusiasm, excitement and energy for planning your wedding together over the Christmas Holidays Which might actually be easy because it's tools down at work, you're switching off so you can now switch on to actually planning your day with each other.  I've add the top 5 things you can do together and this is the key. At this time of year why not plan together. Spend time enjoying each other company while you have time off together and life isn't too busy.  I mentioned the Budget in this episode and here is the FREE tool I was talking about - CLICK HERE and grab it now.  So whilst lift is busy and we are getting ready to head into Christmas and you're winding down work, enjoy ramping up the planning together as a team, do things together, have a laugh and enjoy this time! Your wedding day is coming to enjoy all these little moments.  Love Kristen ps CLICK HERE for the table planning episode I was talking about, super helpful to plan out your tables. xx

This week I am talking more about life, a quote I read and how one small change can create really big ones! Why is this something that I want to talk about?  Well, I am a believer that you're not just planning a wedding, you're a women who is living a big life. Some days things are really big and it's nice to hear ideas about how we can create change, what if we did make a change (big or small) and what does that mean! I read a quote - Nothing changes if nothing changes And it lead me to creating todays podcast where I am asking you a few questions in the hope it sparks a moment with you, helps you shine a light on something that maybe you would like to change and why you want to make that change. Enjoy and let me know what you think by leaving me a review here on apple podcast.  See you next week, Kristen xx The One thing - Book by Garry Keller  @secretbridesclub

Hey, so this weeks I am tackling a question I read in a FB group which I thought was a good question and one I have an opinion and also a few comments on in the hope to help you make a decision if you're on the fence! So I have laid out a few pros and cons and talk through what a makeup artist will offer that you might not have at your disposal. I hope it helps you if you’re on the fence wondering what could I do my self. I’m all for a DIY but I also know where my skills lie and that’s the big focus today!  Ps if you want to know what time to book the makeup artist then join me 25th Nov for my run sheet workshop! I have got some sensational secrets to share with you to ease the overwhelm and feel in control.  CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WORKSHOP FREE - Email Template  Talk to you next week Kristen 

This can be a tricky one to navigate...Work colleagues at a wedding, what should you do? This week on the podcast I am going to answer this quite simply but I hope with enough advise that it leaves you feeling like you can confidently make the right decision for you as a couple.  Our work colleagues become family. I mean far out we see them more than we do our family sometimes so what do you do? Listen to the questions I put to you this week in the podcast, I think they will really clarify if you want to invite them or if you should. I also have dropped a few idea about how you can invite them with out having them be there all day! It's a tricky one to navigate but it really does not need to be. Don't over think it. Go with your gut... Have a good week! Love Kristen xx Ps have you signed up for me Ready, Set, Run sheet workshop? Please CLICK HERE, it's a total stress game changer, trust me on this one you're going to LOVE it! xx @secretbridesclub Facebook Group 

This week on the podcast I am talking to you about some quick steps that you can take when you first get enganged. When I say quick, steps I really mean what do you need to do and in what order so you don't miss booking someone or something  you love. There are a few key things to think of and get going on asap when you have a date so people and vendors don't get booked. I have a detailed eBook (Click HERE to check it out) which I would highly recommend you grab.  It will walk you through the 5 simple steps to kickstart your planning. These steps will lead you in the right direction to booking your venue and knowing what your wedding vibe is, it's such a great tool to help you feel in control of this time in your planning. This episode is a sounding board for you to have a quick overview of what you could do and when. So to help you in this journey grab the eBook - Engaged? Here are 5 simple steps to kickstart your planning. Also grab your FREE DIY question list for your venue. Until next week, remember SOAK IT ALL IN!  Kristen xx @secretbridesclub Facebook Group Website

Today I am throwing a you a curve ball, but a very important one. I am taking you off wedding planning for a moment to talk a moment that changed my life in the hope it help you or someone you love.  If you have been putting off that skin check, if you haven't had your skin checked before then please let this be your friendly reminder to BOOOK IT NOW! Why?  Because at 23 I was told I had a malignant melanoma which is now the most common cancer affecting 15 to 39-year-old Australians. At 23 I would have called BULL SH*T on that statistic....I was 23 for f**k sake, I haven't even lived a life a certainly not a life in the sun, you see as I will explain in this weeks podcast, I was NEVER a sun baby.  Blonde hair, fair skin, never tans and burns easily. Why would I bother? So the news hit me like a ten tone truck.  Today I share this not to scare you BUT to inform you that trusting your gut feeling, listening to you body and getting that check could just save your life.  Together, sharing our stories is what helps create change and inform others, so today I walk a different path to share my story. I always promised myself this club would never be just a space for  wedding planning but a space to grow, learn and inspire.  So please listen & share this story in the hope it helps one person.  Love Kristen xx @secretbrideclub Facebook Community  Blog post

Ok let's talk about your suppliers. Your wedding day is top of the tree, it's the only thing that you're thinking about, the thing that keeps you up at nights and the topic of most conversations right now....right? Well this week I am chatting about connecting with your suppliers. Helping you feel at ease when you speak to them, especially if and feel like you're repeating yourself each time you chat. I know it can feel like maybe they have forgotten or keep asking the same thing BUT I am here to share that... they have other weddings, couples and days before yours that are 'top of their tree' at that moment.  So this week we look at how you can feel in control, comfortable and happy with how your plan is coming together.  A good supplier, knows your wedding is coming up but also has a plan for when and how YOUR day will happen so if you call 4 months out and they need a refresher on who you are, where the wedding is and some details, that's cool.  In this episode I touch on 5 things you can do to feel comfortable and in control of your planning! If you want to take it ONE step further, DM me the words RUN SHEET @seretbridesclub and you will be the first person to hear about my run sheet work shop in November. It will have you run sheet ready in no time! Ok, talk to you next week,  Love Kristen  Facebook Group Website

Today I am chatting about all those messages you WILL get that say...'It's going to be hot today, what are you going to do?' I am here to cheer on your reply, which should simply be...GET MARRIED! Weather is a HOT topic, literally (sometimes)! So here are some ways to set you Plan B up with success and ensure that you feel you have covered all basis and are comfortable that what will be will be and you can't change it.  Todays podcast is looking at Plan B ideas for hot, wet & windy days. I have thrown in snow (which I don't have experience in but) to show that it's about asking your venue and using your common sense because you'll find some guest just might not use theirs I wanted to add it in!  So settle in and get ready to take some notes. Having a Plan B is key to nailing your Plan A!  As always, follow along @sectrebridesclub and DM me with any questions as I am always here to cheer you on with them.  If you're not a member of the email club, please click here and jump on the planning train!  ps love you to drop some love here in apple podcast, your support is the BEST! xx Love Kristen  

When it comes to the Dance Floor the louder the better and the fuller the funner! On this week’s podcast I am discussing how to choose between a Band, DJ or Spotify playlist. What to think about and what would suit you best. There is no right answers by the way but for me there needs to be a discussion between you as a couple, what are you after? What vibe? What kinds of atmosphere. So this week we look at what you need to know about each and what could work for you as a couple. First up grab this FREE Non Negotiables sheet that legit changes how you are going to plan you day. It helps you identify and clarify the things that are really f**ken important to you. Now on that list might be dance floor, it might not but what it will do is shine a light on the things that are important to you. Ok let’s look at the three options today, Band, DJ, or Playlist and discuss the best solution for you! Turn me up operate getting serious gorgeous soul Cheers Kristen Join me over @secretbridesclub Facebook Group  Website for all your tools and resources.

This week on the podcast we are talking about your wedding party. What is expected of you and what you can expect to pay for. I bet you have been thinking about this moment for a while, asking your best friends, having them all there on your day, getting dressed up, being pampered together and then spending the day together celebrating your wedding day. I mean we all fantasise about this time in our lives...it’s the BEST! Then as you start to shop, plan and get yourself ready all of a sudden the items start to add up! Having a wedding party is expensive. You didn’t plan for this and now you’re wondering how the hell you’re going to pay for it? Then you start to think, ok can I ask them to pay for things? Is that the right thing to do? I want to unpack what the requirements are for you as a couple when you walk into asking your wedding party. For me there are a few very clear rules that you need to follow so you don’t end up broke or losing a friendship over it. My advice might seem simple but trust me when I say simple works. So grab a cuppa and let’s have a chat Kristen xx Follow along @secretbridesclub for more tips and advice and if you need a 12 Month Checklist grab your FREE ones right HERE! 

So we’re back to the journal years where I am sharing the moments after I became Mrs….The shift from Miss to Mrs is often not spoken about in the wedding planning world, why? Well it’s focused on the planning, the presentation of the day and the excitement of that moment. Which i s cool but what I like to do is talk about what happens as you transition from Miss to Mrs. Why? Because my background and my passion is to empower women with their own self confidence and to help them (you) realise their unique skills in this world. I personally found myself totally lost after I became a Mrs. It wasn't that signing a price of paper changed me instantly but I stepped up in my mind to being someone's wife, a married woman who had put a lot of weight on her maiden name as her brand her identification. I felt totally lost as a this ‘new women,’ this new identity. So I took a path to find her. And what am discovering is I f**ken love. But that wasn’t an overnight thing. That took work and courage. So walk with me through the Journal year as I ask you the same questions I asked myself and help you find, unlock and build the women you are about to discover. Love Kristen xx Jump over and join us in the Private Facebook Group, please leave a review on apple podcast for me, it makes me happy dance when you do. I read them all and it keeps me making these for you! xx Oh and grab your FREE 12 Month planning Checklist while you're here (I mean not!).

We all know our time is precious. We all know that life flies past us. And seriously, how many times have you been told in the lead up to your wedding day… IT GOES SO FAST! Well those people are not bull sh*tting you! It flies past. So today I want to say S T O P. Stop and be totally present, let people come to you. Let the day unfold around you and soak it all in. I was given some magic pieces of advice when I got married. Ones that I share with all my couples because they are the moments that live in my memory like they were yesterday. The advise is the basis of today podcast and I urge you to find a quiet place, go for a walk or just pour a cup of coffee and soak todays podcast in because it’s one with a few nuggets of gold that I share because I would love you to wake up after you're married turn to your person and say…. WOW, I remember the feeling, the happiness and the love that went on yesterday and I wouldn't change a thing! Ok gorgeous girl. Enjoy Hope over to the Facebook group and join us and if you're starting to plan your day grab my eBook 5 Ways to Kickstart your wedding planning See you next week Kristen xx

Ok, it’s time to answer the question every couple says at some point! How much is our wedding going to cost? Well i'm sorry to say I can’t actually tell you that, no one can! However...I can help guide you towards getting the budget to a place where you are comfortable and confident.  This week on the podcast I cover some key elements to help you with the right conversations around what your wedding looks like, how much you need to allocate for each part of your day and what you need to know to really nut out your budget. I have some great FREE resources this week that I will talk through on the podcast. These thing will take time so download the sheet now so you can see what you need to consider as we go. So first things first. Here is the FREE Budget planner Download for you to grab. The hardest thing with planning your wedding is getting realistic on the costs. So also grab this FREE resource which is my Email Template that you can send to suppliers. This will help you receive the answers that will really need to get the right costs back so you can create a budget that is realistic. Ok. Get downloading and let’s get going!

Dry hire! Let’s start there. What is a dry hire venue? Well quickly, because it’s all in this week's podcast BUT it means you can bring your own drinks...and who doesn’t love that...for everything! It means that you don’t need to consider a high ticket drinks package that can quite often be the breaking point for the budget. If you’re paying $65 plus per head for someone that doesn't drink it can be hard to swallow. So this week let me talk you through the things to consider when choosing a dry hire venue. What you need to order and consider ordering and a few words of wisdom from our dry hire venue Werner Vineyards to your wedding day wherever that be. So settle in and let’s do this. As always please SUBSCRIBE and leave a review. It would be the freaking world to me! And come hang in the facebook group If you’re looking for a list to use at a Dry hire or DIY venue then grab this FREE list. It’s golden!

This week on the podcast I want to talk to you about the dress. Not about what dress to buy or where to go but how you need to feel in preparation to dress shopping. I look at  who to take with you and lastly what to trust when it comes to buying the dress. And let me tell you this. The only person you  need to trust is you, because you know best! Take a trusted team because they are part of the experience but know that you have all you need in you to decide on your dress for your day! This week I take a walk down the path of dressing how you need to feel. As a personal brand & confidence coach I have worked with youth and women on the power that they hold in owning how they feel and dressing with a coat of armour that helps to tell their story and boost their confidence to make them feel something amazing. So this week I chat to you about getting yourself ready for dress shopping. Now, for some people it’s the most amazing experience that they have dreamt of forever (insert me!!!), but for others I know it brings a swag of emotions and anxieties. So this week I start the conversation around going into your fitting, trusting your gut and not taking on everyone's opinions, because that is where the doubt seeps in. I would love you to take the time and SUBSCRIBE to the podcast, leave a cheeky review and follow along in my private facebook group where I bring lives and good vibes for you. Grab your FREE 12 Month Checklist right now to keep you on the right path to planning your perfect day Cheers Kristen xx

Ok this week I am talking all about giving and you shall receive!  Communicating with venues, vendors and suppliers isn’t hard but it’s something I am assuming you haven’t done a lot of before so WTF do you ask?  What questions are important and why do you need to know certain things before you reach out? Well basically the more you can give about what you want the more help suppliers can be. Now you may have been reaching out and you’re getting crickets… That sucks and I am sorry to hear, so I have put together a sensational FREE Email Template list that you GOTTA GET NOW! The key to this podcast and these template is to give you some examples of questions to ask, information to provide so that you get the answers you need. In this process both people (you & your suppliers) are taking time outta their day to communicate so why not doing it clearly so you can ask the questions that are key to getting the answers that will help keep you planning in this process. So listen to this podcast, get your FREE Email Template and get planning I have a secret that I want to share with you before I go, click this and let me share it with you......SECRET GAME CHANGER to planning your wedding in one spot! Join the private facebook group and let's keep chatting Cheers Kristen xx

This week I am answering your question, I am being fast and loose and I would love to share my opinion in the hope it helps answer your wedding planning questions. This week it was a DM from a member of my tribe… ‘Do I count my vendors like the photographer, DJ, coordinator as part of my catering costs and make sure they have a meal?’ The answer isn’t always clear so my advice on this one is simple but not always obvious. It’s a long day, some of these vendors are working their butts off to make your day come to life and although you are employing them to do so and it’s their job they are also part of your wedding possy! Your dream team! So I in this podcast I make a few clear suggestions how you can make this decision and what the right decision is because you don’t need to feed everyone and look you don’t really need to feed anyone of your vendors but this podcast will be helpful in ensuring that  you feel comfortable with whatever you decide.  If you need somewhere to store, sort and hold all this information then please head to my List to Wed link, if you let me know you’re keen beans on this game changing planning tool by clicking the link and registering then I will personally make sure your Trello board is loaded up with some added extras like run sheets, budget planners and a few more great tools. CLICK HERE NOW! Then come join the Facebook community and let us answer more questions for you xx Cheers, Kristen xx 

So I Found my journal from 2013/2014...And wow did I say some profound sh*t (haha) which I now want to share with you! Why? Because I know we learn through stories, we learn through life lessons and if I can do nothing else here on the podcast it's to share wisdom, open a door you may not have looked in before and although I am here to help you plan and share a thing or two about what I have learned in my role as planner it's also what I have leaned as a personal brand coach, woman and mentor. Confidence in being who you are is something that I love to explore. Where does that come from? Back in 2013 I wrote some profound and interesting shit in a journal. I had just been married for a few month and I was scared, confused and lost with who I was now. It was just a name change but there was more to it and that's what the Journalling years are here to share with you. I don't EVER turn to journaling now (which I am changing due to finding this journal entry) HOWEVER, in this episode I am asking you a question. I am sharing my thoughts and hopefully opening an internal dialogue that you may not have thought of till now. What does it mean to change your name? Or to take that leap from Miss to Mrs? This is a new chapter for you. One you can turn over like a total boss or one you might be sh*t scared and anxious to do. As a personal Brand coach, leaning into that feeling of change and growth is so important as a wedding coach and planner opening yourself up to change and growth is so important! There is a lesson here, so get your ear around this...I think you'll find it quit interesting! Love Kristen xx Jump over and join us in the Private Facebook Group, please leave a review on apple podcast for me, it makes me happy dance when you do. I read them all and it keeps me making these for you! xx Oh and grab your FREE run sheet spreadsheet while you're here (I mean not!). 

Pandemics have totally messed with and changed  the way we work, live and plan a wedding. It has basically f**ked up the whole shooting match. From the amount of people you can have to your wedding, whether or not they are dancing, can you even afford it anymore and basically can it even go ahead!? So  when I sat down this week with Courtney Hage from Loved up with Courtney we had one message that we wanted to spread at this time to couples. Trust your gut feeling and know that it’s ok to feel the feelings but know that at the end of the day it’s you and your person against the world and if you have each other's back, life and love conquer all! Ok, so that sounds profound and like Courtney so eloquently puts in in the podcast, kinda wanky (haha) but as passionate women we both wanted to bring you a real and raw perspective on a women who marries people for a living then had to completely flip her own wedding day to suit a f**cken pandemic. Wanna know how it all turned out? Then grab a glass of wine (yep you’ll need it!) and listen to her story, it’s a good one! Lets go…. Remember come join some kickass bride bosses in the private facebook group, follow along on insta and please subscribe to the podcast that would make me do a  happy dance!!!!

Well here we are Episode 15 and I thought it was high time that I told you why the f**k I started a podcast about weddings. It’s a saturated market place and quite frankly a confusing, overwhelming and often unrealistic one. Tell me you don’t scroll Pinterest and think ‘well this is great but my budget isn’t 60k and I don't have the budget for a planner so how the f**k am I going to make this wedding day happen.’ Well, I have dropped my guard to share my story and introduce you to something I have been creating, just for you! In my journey I was made redundant 2 months before my wedding, I was employed to do a new role that took so much more time and energy from me and I was a few months from my wedding day; and I was the bride that wanted to be the planner. Call me a control freak or call me a dreamer, but I wanted the job that my venue coordinator had, not the job I did everyday….so my life was always weirdly and wildly leading me here. So gorgeous girl I know what it’s like to want to be the planner but also know what it would have meant to have the f**ken plan! I wanted more than anything to plan my wedding (and I did) but I was pulling all the pieces together, getting all the freebies, being scrappy and chaotic to make the plan, to create the foundation, the spreadsheets, the ideas, the lists, the vision boards and the designs. I wasn’t into the crisp white planner book. That wasn't me. I wished it was but I needed spreadsheets, lists in tables, colour coordination and a vision board to work towards. So cut this story short (it’s all in the podcast) after creating working documents that plan the weddings for my couples at our venue Werner Vineyard I thought why the heck don’t I use what I do best and create a PLAN TO WED...a plan that has tools, a community, a self paced program to help you lay the foundation of your wedding. This week I am taking you down the path of how I got here, what it’s all about and why I want to help you on this crazy and awesome journey. I hope you enjoy and i’ll see you on the socials or in the private FB group xx Join the Plan To Wed WAIT LIST Love Kristen 

This week on the Podcast I am answering one of your questions - What do I write on the invitation about a gift registry or with well?  Tune in for a few ideas about what you can write, what you could ask for and how to NOT feel uncomfortable about the whole dang thing. Here's the thing, people will bring something, so guide them to what you would like, what your dreaming of buying or what you might do with the wishing well.  I have created a FREE google doc you can Download right here that will be a quick win full of ideas and suggestion that you can use on your invitation. My advice, go with you gut feeling and say it with love.  Ok, let's go Also join us in the Private Facebook Group for more secret tips and advice. Love Kristen xx 

Hello gorgeous souls, this week on the wedding podcast I am talking to you about taking the pressure off how you think you should feel. Brene Brown puts it so well when she says ‘we need to feel what we are feeling, but we’ve also got to move forward and through it.’ So in this Episode we are going to feel the feels. We’re going to allow ourselves to have a moment of whatever we need to feel so we can clear some space for taking positive steps forward, resetting ourselves and working towards falling back in love with planning a wedding. I am not here to sugar coat how you can 'just' reschedule your wedding after a COVID postponement or maybe you're feeling crazy as you re plan the seating chart after people didn’t rsvp on time & now they have.  In this episode I talk to you about how you can take a look at your day in a new light and fall back in love with a day that will forever be a beautiful and memorable chapter in your life. So here's an idea, go for a walk, get outside and listen to this one. Let the good vibes flow and know that girl YOU GOT THIS!!!! Love Kristen xx As always come join us in the private Facebook group and I would LOVE you to leave a review of the podcast, it would mean the world to me! If you're looking for some help planning and are after a guide this FREE planner is super helpful so grab it now. xx

This week on the podcast I want to clear up all the confusion around wtf and MC does, who should they be, what they will do and is their role that important to your day? It's time to sort that ALL out right now! #letsgo Your MC will help to unfold your day's run sheet. They are there to be a warm and friendly guide for you guests whilst overlooking and running the main moments of your reception. Your guests will like knowing what is happening and when, so your MC will play a role in outlining that and should be a confident communicator and enjoy the mic a little! You have options and should choose someone you love and trust. It’s an important role on your day so grab the Free MC plan here and see what you and the MC can expect to do on the day. Are you in need of a Run Sheet? Here you go, use this as a guide.  Come join me in the Private Facebook Group where we talk more on all these topics and cheer you on whilst you planning your day.  Ok talk soon, Kristen xx

Welcome to part two of my 5 Steps to Kick Starting your Wedding planning. If you have just joined me WELCOME, i’m excited you’re here let me catch you up. Last weeks episode was the first 3 steps in my path to getting wedding planning ready! I highly recommend you jumping back to Ep 10 for a  listen. However, you're here now so grab this FREE downloadable and let me catch you up! This week we are going to unpack the Big Bad B word...BUDGET! This week is your week to put time aside and get clear on how much you want to spend. Certainly get an idea of how much a wedding is going to cost BUT the most important thing is deciding how much you can afford and are willing to spend. Here’s the thing...there is no right and wrong on budget, no clear figure that a wedding will cost. So you do need to decide what you want to spend! This week I take you through the areas to consider, you need to research and get clear on certain areas. This will help you find some rough figures so you can get a wedding budget that is between X & Y. This then allows you to get clear on the venue and location that you are comfortable with, within your chosen budget. I've done you a cheeky budget infographic that I know will help get you get clear on were you need to focus your ideas and energy on. Then we round it all up with the questions you can ask your venue. There are some great questions to ask so you leave feeling informed and ready to make a pros and cons list so you CAN BOOK IT IN!  Then make sure you SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and join me in the Private Facebook page so you don’t miss next week where I continue to help you plan your wedding cutting confession and creating action! Ok, let’s do this! Kristen xx

Today I have a super exciting episode for you! If you are just starting off in your wedding planning, wondering where the heck to start or if you're part way through and you're feeling lost on the style, budget or venue. This is a two part episode where over the next two weeks I will walk you through my 5 Steps to Kickstarting your wedding planning. What does that even mean? So glad you asked… It means that this week I will be unpacking and untangling the question of 'where do I start...' by provided a clear and simple plan to get you wedding ready. So after these two weeks I promise you will be ready to look, book and sign up for the perfect venue that ticks all the boxes for you! This week we walk through your Non-Negotables, your set up and guest numbers, the style and location. Getting these right is your starting block. There is no point deciding on your budget when you don’t know how many guests or what type of wedding you will have. So grab the FREE downloadable right here and start working through your 5 Steps to Kick Starting your Planning.  Then make sure you SUBSCRIBE to the podcast so you don’t miss next week where we tick the budget box and talk about questions you can ask your venue! Also, come join me in the Private Facebook page for more great tips and good company! Ok, let’s do this! Kristen xx

Today’s podcast is all about owning you and your ideas for your wedding day! I talk to lots of brides who ask me, can I do this or that and would this be ok? My answer is usually always does it mean something to you guys? And when the answer is yes then I always say find a way to include it. Doing your wedding your way is a perfect plan to share your story. This is a chapter in your book. That little thing called the life book, that you’re the star in! Write the pages so they celebrate you. Choose moments that shine a light and share your story with your guests. In this episode I hope to empower you with the confidence to do the things that maybe you were questioning and thinking, ‘it’s my wedding day can I really include that?’ If it feels right to you then yes, please include it. From who walks you down the aisle to what your tables are named the ideas are endless, this is the podcast to cheer you on in celebrating your unique love story. Enjoy gorgeous. Ps Are you newly engaged? Please grab my FREE 5 steps to starting workbook. It will legit take you from where the hell do I start to having your top venues ready to view all whilst feeling comfortable in your budget and clear on your vision. Catch you next week or jump into the Facebook group and let's keep chatting.  Cheers Kristen xx

This week I am going to take you on a journey, back to the day where hanging out the washing totally changed the way I wanted to do things around here. It kicked me in the butt and it shone a light on what I really wanted to create for you! I need to be a little self indulgent for a second, because this week I stumbled across where this all started. Now for you being 8 episodes in might be like...this has only just started. Why are you going back already Kristen? Well I don’t feel like I have introduced myself properly and that’s not how I roll. I jumped into podcasting with two feet and eyes shut. Am I still learning? HELL YES, why do you think I haven’t had a guest on for you yet? (I need to figure that out!) but just like Marie Forleo’s book states ‘Everything is Figureoutable,’  and for me that is a statement I live by.  Anyway...as I was hanging the washing out that day, totally overwhelmed with #mumlife, house renos, entrepreneurship and life. It felt like I was on a wheel that was going nowhere and I wanted to jump off and make a clear mark somewhere. As usual I has a podcast in one ear, a full load of washing to hang and toddlers at my feet, then all of a sudden Jasmine Star a truly inspirational and wonderfully to the point women said ‘just start that thing, start the podcast, write the blog don’t wait for that time you think is right, it never will be, the time is right, right now….’  She went on to say, ‘creating content is not a burden but a gift,’ those words as an entrepreneur rang in my ears because creating content can feel heavy, it’s exhausting and somedays it feels like no one gives a shit so why should I bother! But it’s a gift I was born with and a desire that drives me.  So with that I legit dropped the washing basket, ran inside, popped the kids with the TV and with headphones and my phone hit record.This is the exact recording that I made. No editing, no change, just me, my truth and my passion for helping women own who they are and create moments that will last as memories forever.  I am not your ‘normal’ wedding planner, I never will be and that’s ok with me. I am someone who has learned, evolved and constantly needs to inspire people to look at the bright side, be who they are and achieve great things.  My word this year is FOCUS and it’s the first time I have indulged in a ‘word’ of the year. Because it’s the first time I feel like I am where I am meant to be. The Secret Brides Club is more than a space to learn about wedding planning, get and clear on your ideas, it's a place to get to know you, what you are capable of and how you can be the best version of you. I have so much to come just for you, so I want you to know I appreciate you being here and I can’t wait to keep inspiring you. Thank you for letting me take a moment to share myself with you. This is the start of something really cool and I am thrilled you are here for the ride! Newly Engaged? Grab this now! Love Kristen 

Ready, Set, Run Sheet! Don’t imagine your run sheet as something that is set in concrete and can not change! You want to imagine it as a comfort blanket, you know a soft blanket, your safe space. It is the sheet that tells you what’s happening, when and with who. This way you can use it to guide your day, not control it. Because stuff happens, things go wrong so the run sheet is a guide to get you back on track or keep you moving.  Think about roughly what time you want to start - consider what time the sun is going to set (so you can get maximum photos and good sunset ones) then work back from the ‘last formality’ if you want to call it that!  Why? Because it gives you the ability to move your start time if needed and know that you have time at the end of the night for dancing and getting your party on! It’s a BIG day you want to maximise all the magic where you can. So work backwards from the last formal thing on your lists, know what time to sun goes down to make sure you get the ‘money’ shot the perfect sunset photo of you both. Then move and shift the times around as you need.  Grab your FREE google doc spreadsheet here and join me for a WORKSHOP to help plan this run sheet and so much more where I have done all the hard work for you and created a wedding day run sheet you can start using right now.  Please SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and leave me a cheeky review, I’d love to hear from you and I’ll chat to you next week!  Cheers Kristen 

This week I am clapping you up for being the fierce go-getter that you are my gorgeous soul. I am chatting to you about how you can do a little do it yourself  on your wedding lead up, to get in, get creative and enjoy the process but in doing so I hope this chat reminds you that you also need to protect your can do attitude. I want to celebrate that side of you but I also wanna be the Mumma bear who gently reminds you that you need to look after yourself as well. Tell me this...have you ever said to yourself,  oh i'll do that, it will be cheaper and easier if I do? Well if you have then this is the episode for YOU!  I can’t tell you the amount of times I have said...oh I can do that. It’s easy I’ll have heaps of time (insert me at 2am still painting the thing to the next day!) I am talking about finding the energy to make it happen and looking into the reality. I know it’s possible to do it all but it often comes at a cost. And for your wedding day that cost can be significant, it can be health, stress, financial overload and burn out. So walk with me on the Bride side this week as I chat to you about what you can do, what you’re capable of doing and want it’s ok to ask for help or outsource. There is no right and wrong it’s all about protecting your energy and health here! Choose the thing(s) you love and do that bloody well. Do it early and make sure you have it under control in your timeline. But my message for you this week is if someone offers to help and you feel comfortable with that, then say yes. People don’t offer if they don’t want to help. Asking for help or saying yes to help is not a weakness, it's a huge positive to your personality.  So settle in and listen to how you can achieve what you want, how to dabble and cheer on your creative self and also be in control of your health and wellness by not overloading your plate! I also promised I would leave with a Mood + Vision board to help you plan out your vision, this gives you something to work from or and over to a on the day stylist or someone helping to make your day come to life!  Ok gorgeous, enjoy this weeks chat and I’ll talk to you next week.  Please hit SUBSCRIBE to my podcast so I can help cheer you on each and every week.   Love Kristen 

This week I am talking about colour themes and how to weave the magic of colour through your wedding day, how to choose the right colour and how to use Pinterest to help you find a theme and build from there. If you want to know why colour palettes are important and where they come into your wedding day then this is the episode for you? Your colour palette is your foundation, it is what brings it all together. When you're building a house and if you build it on a really crappy foundation it's gonna fall over, but giving it a rock solid base then it’s going to strong, you can build up and out and shape it how you want. When it comes to your colour theme, you need to look at colours that will be a strong foundation for your wedding and the decisions that you make throughout, from invitations, flowers, dresses, suits down to napkins and rugs. It’s about the look and feel you’re wanting because that’s the thing...colour makes us feel something. When you create a vision for your wedding colour starts to weave its way through and as you pin you will start to see a theme and a pattern, that pattern is usually your colour theme. The colours and the style that you are pinning are ultimately making you feel something. Get your free Pin with Purpose worksheet and discover how to set up the perfect pinterest board to ultimately transform and set up a mood board for your wedding day even a stylist would be jealous of! Enjoy todays episode, it’s a passionate one and please come follow along on instagram and Facebook  Love Kristen xx

This week we are going deep on a topic I love. What is a DIY venue and is it right for you? Todays episode is going to share things you may not have thought about yet when it comes to DIY wedding venues and ideas on how to best plan them.  It can be a lot of planning and doing but for the right couple its a great choice. Basically a DIY venue can be a paddock, farm, barn, family property it's a space where  you hire and (or own) then build your wedding from the ground up or arrange more than you would a 'normal' venue.  Yes it involves all 'the things' to be listed and hires but with a clear list, a good vision and can can do attitude it totally do able.  This week I have created a worksheet for you. What do I need for a DIY Wedding Venue download it now and start to work through it. Even in you're thinking DIY but not sure this will get the wheels turning.  Also grab my question sheet for taking to a potential DIY venue so you can ask the right questions while you are there.  Ok, let's jump in!  Kristen xx  @secret_brides_club Facebook Wedding Club  Group -----

Long tables? Round tables? Who's going to sit on what tables? I have the answers for you in this episode. Today I am talking all things tables.  I know how hard table seating plans can be; from deciding what type of layout would suit your wedding to figuring who the heck is going to sit next to Auntie Flo and your bests mates weird and wonderful partner.  Staring at a spread sheet can be a really hard way to imagine your wedding day layout. It makes it hard to move people, visualise how it will all look and feel...and let face it...it's kinda boring.  That's why I know this episode is going to make it way more fun, easier and quicker to seat your guests perfectly!  Apps I mention in this episode which you may want to look into are: > Wedding Wire > All Seated > Table Planner Happy wedding planning gorgeous Bride to Be, come join me in the private Facebook group for more great tips and tricks!

Show Notes Episode 2 In this episode I talk you through what I believe is the  FIRST place you should start wedding planning. If you're half way through or weeks away, don't worry this is till relevant and super useful to keep you on track and on budget!  It's all about carving out time with your partner to decide on your three non-negotiables for your day.  Be honest, do you feel like some decisions you make or you have to make feel heavy and come with concern or confusion? If your nodding then this episode is for you.  This will help you clear the fog on a few questions or arguments that you are having and help to make it clear what you need to do.  The three non negotiable are this club's code. These need to be your decision makers (feel free to have more but not too many), so your wedding planning and budget don’t run away with you, you’re going to need a few things that matter, that are set in stone and are not negotiable. Now remember this is a wedding, so although this is your Bride club, you’re going to have to include your partner. These non-negotiable are what you both see as the important things on your day. It makes sure that when you’re in a heated argument over spending money on rose gold, embroidered, dove shaped, individually named, cookies for the guests you can take a step back and think, is this an important part of our wedding? Does it align with our non-negotiable? If the answer is no, push it to the side and spend the money and time there later if you have it but for now, spend the time and money on the things that will make your heart sing. Ok, so what the heck are your non-negotiables?  Get my free pdf here and carve out time today or tonight to sit down and do these! You'll thank me in the head of an argument or tough decision! See you next week!  Kristen xx 

SBC 01: Hello and Welcome. Holly crap-olie it's here, it's live, this podcast is now a thing. I am Kristen Werner and I would like to welcome you to this fun new space, your weekly podcast for all things Wedding Wisdom. I am here to help you cut out the BS on the things you don't need to worry about when planning a wedding so you can focus on the things that matter! I am thrilled that you have found this space, this week I want to introduce you to the club, explain what it's all about and get your ready for your weekly Wednesday dose of wisdom. To stay across all things wedding planning and grab your free quick tips planning sheet head here this will start the ball rolling for you. In the mean time please pop across to @secret_brides_club on Instagram and also here on Facebook to follow along and get more great tips and tricks.