The DIY Wedding Podcast

Annabel is joined by styling expert Emma Jane from the fantastic https://www.emmajaneevents.co.uk/. They take you through each area or task step by step with some stories and whinging along the way!They talk about all things beautiful including:- Ceremony Space- Tablescapes- What not to do- Savings to be made- Priorities in stylingPlus much more!To find out more get in touch with Emma or Annabel's team as this is the big deal in creating that memorable and atmospheric celebration. Follow both ladies on socials to see what they create for couple just like you:@weddingsbyannabel - https://www.instagram.com/weddingsbyannabel/@emmajaneevents - https://www.instagram.com/emmajaneevents/

In the first part of the Traditions Set Annabel explores the following concepts including where they came from and whether they are useful or used now:- Cake Cutting- Rings- White Dress- Bouquets- Wedding Breakfast- Favours- First Dance- Ceremony positions... A proper mixture of elements that happen at most weddings but do you know why?! Look out for the next part where we discuss some more and how they can be used nicely or ignored, whichever you prefer!More advice can be found at: www.weddingsbyannabel.co.ukhttps://www.youtube.com/@WeddingsbyAnnabelThanks for following! 

Dreaded by some, relished by most! Speeches at weddings come with quite a 'Marmite' reputation. Whether you look forward to them or not, Annabel goes through some key thoughts with the wonderful Theresa, Celebrant from @ribeiroceremonies in Cumbria. The two giggle about some stories and hand out some key advice for those confronted with this task. If you have found yourself in this situ and are struggling for any reason, reach out for help. Not everyone is up for such a personal challenge but you have been asked for a reason so make the most of it!Thanks to Theresa for such a lovely chat!https://www.ribeiroceremonies.com/

Series 2 lands with a bang! (Or perhaps a clash of a symbol would be better for the topic!?)Annabel is joined by music pro Nick Merchant, from Merchant Music, to talk about what a Music Agency does. Discussions include what an agency actually does, what are the benefits and how it works for a wedding. The dreaded risk factors of venues and their limitations are covered too... Do you know what questions you need to ask your venue on behalf of the musicians?! Do you know what can happen if you breach their rules?! Nick represents a host of handpicked artists from many difference genres. He can tailor the acts to suit taste, atmosphere and budget and even include someone to ensure smooth set up, handovers and de-rigg. This friendly chat between friends gives you an insight into what can be a misunderstood or unknown service for a wonderful celebration. Find out more:www.merchantmusic.co.uk / https://www.instagram.com/merchantmusicofficial/

Annabel is joined in this episode by Cumbrian Celebrant Juliet Golding to talk through the options for wedding ceremonies. This includes touching on religious, Registrar and Celebrant services and a few options surrounding those. Juliet goes into more detail on the types of ceremony a Celebrant can offer to help those pondering what could be best for them.Based in the Eden Valley in Cumbria, Juliet creates unique, and personalised wedding ceremonies. She strives to help couples feel fulfilled and authentically represented in their ceremony. Getting to know her clients as individuals and as a couple allows her to present a wedding ceremony full of love and joy. She aims to let her couples feel as relaxed as they can be on their most special day. @julietgoldingcelebrant on Instagram and Facebook Mention: https://donnaashworth.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=501376478017753&id=100044362152366&m_entstream_source=timeline

When it comes to deciding on the times for each element of your wedding plan, do you know what's important to think about and why? Annabel shares some advice and a rough strategy for setting down your time plan before you start booking in suppliers. This is a how to guide on what should happen and when but most importantly WHY! Here at the WBA Podcast we aim to give you some key pointers to help you plan a day to suit you and your ideas. There is no wrong way to 'wedding' so you do you but maybe learn some tricks from others who have been there and done that?! If you would like more advice on this and other topics, reach out: [email protected] you fancy a super spreadsheet to get you going (only £2.50): https://www.weddingsbyannabel.co.uk/shopHappy planning!!Cover image credit: Pixies in the Cellar - https://www.pixiesinthecellar.co.uk/

Why do you need to consider activities at your big celebration? Why bother with the spend, the time and effort? Well, let us tell you! Annabel is joined by Jenette from Hardy's Soft Play Hire to chat about all things fun basically! This episode focuses on the reason behind such factors and some ideas for what you could include. They also cover what is important to consider when choosing these things such as guest types and venue constraints. Who is Hardy's we hear you say...Dreaming of a wedding filled with laughter, unforgettable moments and cherished memories? Hardy Soft Play Hire can help!They understand your vision is unique, and will help you select the entertainment and sweet treats that perfectly suit your preferences and budget. Capture joyous moments as guests indulge in the interactive fun and delectable treats. Imagine adorable soft play areas, bouncy castles for the young ones (and the grown-ups), and delicious treats that tantalise everyone's taste buds. Our all-inclusive approach caters to every guest, creating a vibrant atmosphere for your special day, whether it's held in an elegant hotel or a country barn.Website: https://www.hardysoftplayhire.co.uk/Wedding page on website: https://www.hardysoftplayhire.co.uk/category/wonderful-weddingsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardysoftplayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardysoftplayhirePhone: 015396 25829/ 077258 34699For more ideas and info or to raise a query or concern, just drop a line to Weddings by Annabel: [email protected] 

This episode features Annabel and two lovely chaps from the world of event music. Matt and Joey are the founders of Dirtbag Entertainment and The Hustle, one of the most lively and fun party bands in the country! They have a fun chat about what's involved from the bands point of view and some key things that couples could do with knowing. The Hustle are all about good vibes, high energy and fun times. Not wanting to be like every other rock-pop wedding band. From a busy couple of years playing over 100 weddings a year, The Hustle quickly became one of the most sought after bands in the North West for couples who wanted a real band to rock their wedding. This led to the guys giving lots of advice to fellow bands and wedding suppliers after constantly being asked how it was done, it was soon apparent that The Hustle was more than just a band, call it a movement, call it an attitude, whatever you want to call it, it lead to become Dirtbag Entertainment.Dirtbag Entertainment is all about great bands and something different to the norm. The agency provides live wedding bands for those who dare to be different. Those who want their wedding to feel like a proper gig! Having assembled a tight-knit family of the best bands around, Matt and Joey’s background in performing, gigging, and helping clients find the right band, means that they will always ensure that the best service is offered from start to finish and the best bands are performing on the night.https://thehustleband.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/thehustlebanduk/https://www.dirtbag-entertainment.com/https://www.instagram.com/dirtbagentertainmentagency/If you would like to know more about how to find a band, what to consider before / after booking, possible costs etc, then reach out: [email protected]: Katie & Daniel & The Hustle Band, Dec 21, by Ste Walker Photography

You can't ignore the fact that weddings come with plenty of admin aka 'wed-min'! Annabel shares her lessons learnt when it comes to not just getting tasks done but keeping a clear mind and stress levels down through the process. These are simple tactics but could transform your planning journey. Links associated: https://www.weddingsbyannabel.co.uk/shop

What do you need to think about when choosing a venue? This huge topic will take more than one episode to cover so Annabel and Lindsey start with some of the most frequently asked questions. If you are in the early stages and would like some guidance on what you need to consider then listen in! For more info or help, just reach out. 

Wedding Team... not Party! This episode Annabel chats with Make Up Artist Felicity Ashby (@ashbyartistry) about how important it is to pick the people around you carefully. This isn't just a laugh on the morning of the wedding but support throughout the planning and event. This group should have some key features to their personalities and experiences. Join for more info and stories in this informal and informative banter between chums!If you are having issues with your team, reach out for some advice and support. We have your back!

Why is atmosphere important at any event ? What does this consist of?Annabel delves into this important factor and details what can influence it. This includes the use of colour, light, smell, temperature, textures and sound. She also answers some questions from couples about this topic. For more info, reach out to WBA on [email protected] or tap into the blog.Happy planning!Cover image credits - Rydal Mount Wedding Venue https://www.weddingsbyannabel.co.uk/rydal-mountJenny Jones Photography

Your engaged, wonderful! But now what? Annabel and Lindsey talk about what to think about after saying yes. This episode focuses on important elements to remember before heading into the world of wedding planning. This is setting the right mindset, priorities and expectations. Get a notepad ready and settle in to advice on getting prepared!

Why are weddings perceived as stressful? Why does stress build? This episode delves into how to think through those moments of stress in your planning journey. Annabel and Lindsey discuss why weddings get the tag of 'stressful' and what is likely to cause the dreaded feeling. This could be a step forward for those in the midst of stressful planning... we hope so!

With Lindsey Robinson, we discuss the importance of asking 'why' through the sea of 'should have's' and 'could have's'.  While planning a wedding its easy to fall into despair when faced with so many options and opinions so how can you navigate through? 

Who is WBA? Lets check if we are going to be right for your podcast list! This brief episode is a little introduction to what this is all about and what the ethos and topics will be. Annabel takes a few minutes to fill you in about herself and why this has all started.