Welcome back to Episode 83 of The Wedding Duo Podcast. We are officially 17 episodes away from 100, which feels both exciting and mildly unhinged in the best way. In this episode, we recap our January travel chaos (Connecticut wedding, Miami wedding, Disney marching band trip, and getting stranded thanks to the storm) and then we jump into a topic we see all the time in real life: wedding myths couples still believe.

We talk through the pressure to follow traditions, the guilt around guest lists, the fear of an empty dance floor, and the idea that timelines have strict rules that cannot be touched. Spoiler: a lot of this is optional, flexible, and way more personal than people make it seem. The goal is not a perfect wedding, it is a wedding that feels like you.

What We Cover

Myth: You must follow traditions
We talk about the pressure of “we have always done it this way” and how to pick your battles when family opinions get loud.

Myth: Everyone has to be invited
The guest list guilt is real. We chat about plus ones, cousins you have not seen in 10 years, and how guest count affects your budget fast.

Myth: A good wedding means everyone is dancing
Dominic breaks down why dance floors have natural ebbs and flows, and why people can have a great time even if they never step foot on the dance floor.

Myth: There are strict timeline rules
Serena explains the difference between an order of events and a minute by minute schedule, plus why flexibility is not a failure, it is just real life.

If you want more personalized help (and a lot more laughs), come hang with us inside our membership. We go live once a week to answer questions one on one, and you also get access to resources like planning tools, downloadable forms, and playlists.

💻 Visit us here: https://theweddingduo.co

📲 Follow along for more wedding tips, real talk, and shenanigans:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weddingduo

Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.weddingduo

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thewedduo

And if this episode helped you, screenshot it, share it, and tag us. We always share the love back.

As always, it’s your day. If you want kids there, bring the kids. If you do not want the money dance, skip it. If you have your heart set on something, do it. Happy wedding planning!

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Hey friends. It’s Dominic (wedding DJ) and Serena (wedding planner), and today we’re getting real about something no one wants to think about, but everyone should understand.

Sometimes weddings get a little chaotic. And the difference between panic and problem solved is usually experience, professionalism, and staying calm under pressure.

In Episode 82, we kick off with a wild Reddit story (yes, a physical fight at a wedding 😳), and then we share real moments from our own weddings and events where things started going sideways and we helped bring it back to smooth.

What we cover in this episode

• The “chaos spectrum”: from rare, crazy moments (like fights) to common hiccups (like timeline delays)
• Cake disasters (tilting, melting, falling, transport fails) and what to do before it’s a disaster
• Catering issues (missing meals) and how to pivot the timeline without guests even realizing
• Key people disappearing right when it’s time for dances and toasts (beer run, diaper changes, bathroom breaks, yep)
• Last-minute first dance song changes (and why a pro won’t get rattled)
• Wardrobe malfunctions and the “vendor shield” move you didn’t know you needed
• Bouquet toss vs. chandelier and ceiling fan (how to throw it out, not up)
• Why we say: your timeline is really an order of events, not a rigid minute-by-minute schedule
• The big takeaway: at some point, you have to let go and trust your team

The Wedding Duo Reminder

Most weddings go beautifully. But even the best days can have curveballs, and your vendors’ job is to handle them so you can stay present.


Links & Resources

Website + show notes: theweddingduo.co

Membership (weekly live Q&A, downloads, playlists): theweddingduo.co/membership

Follow us here:
Instagram: instagram.com/the.weddingduo
TikTok: tiktok.com/@weddingduo
YouTube: youtube.com/@the.weddingduo

If this episode helps you, screenshot it and tag @theweddingduo. We’ll share the love back.

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What if your guests could literally help choose the next song, find their seat with a scan, and upload all their candid photos into one place... all without downloading an app?

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Laurent, founder of Funktion, the new all-in-one digital experience platform that’s changing how couples engage guests at weddings and events.

We chat about:

✨ The inspiration behind Funktion and how Mark built it for his own wedding
✨ Fun interactive features like song requests, live polls, photo sharing, and crowdfunding
✨ How Funktion lets guests find their seat and see announcements in real time
✨ DJ Dominic’s take on how crowd voting can level up your dance party
✨ Ways to simplify planning and cut down on paper programs with digital tools

If you’ve ever wished your guests could be more connected and have more fun, this is the episode to listen to. We also share stories from a recent 20-year vow renewal, complete with CrossFit vows, “Up” music, and a Central Perk lounge moment straight from Friends.

💡 Funktion Exclusive Offer

Try Funktion for your wedding or event at usefunktion.com

Use code DUOFUNK_2025 for exclusive savings on your first event setup!

Links & Resources

👉 Explore more resources + show notes: theweddingduo.co

👉 Join our membership for playlists, planning tools & weekly live Q + A: Sign up here

👉 Follow us on Instagram: @the.weddingduo

👉 Follow us on TikTok: @weddingduo

👉 Subscribe on YouTube

💌 If you found this episode helpful, screenshot it and tag us @the.weddingduo — we’ll share the love back!

🎶 Remember: it’s your day. Don’t let someone talk you into something you don’t want (or out of something you love). Just do you — and make it funk(tion) while you’re at it. 🪩

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It’s episode 80, friends! We’re celebrating with a brand-new segment called “Dread It,” where we dive into wild Reddit wedding posts and give our unfiltered planner-and-DJ take. First up: a spicy thread claiming “you’re getting scammed by wedding DJs.” (Spoiler alert: we have thoughts.) Then we switch gears and chat about something real—how to plan a wedding while also graduating, buying a home, or having a baby. Big life moments are exciting, but doing them all at once? Let’s just say… it’s a lot.

We’ll share some laughs, personal stories, and practical tips to help you keep your sanity, your budget, and your joy intact while juggling it all.

What You’ll Hear

✨ The truth about that “DJ scam” post — and what actually makes a DJ worth it
💡 Real-time chaos: why a good MC is your secret weapon on wedding day
🏡 How to plan your wedding and buy a house without losing sleep
💰 Budget tips to keep wedding funds and home funds from blending into one big “uh oh”
🎓 Couples who planned weddings while graduating (yes, it happens!)
👶 When life events collide—how to breathe, delegate, and enjoy the ride

Quick Tips

💍 Know your deadlines — don’t let vendor deposits collide with mortgage closings
💸 Separate your budgets — wedding fund here, house fund there
👯‍♀️ Delegate — planners, friends, and family are your secret sauce
🫶 Remember: it doesn’t all have to happen at once (seriously!)

Resources

🏡 Grab our First-Time Homebuyer Guide: refluenceco.com/the-wedding-duo

💻 Visit our site: theweddingduo.co

Let’s Connect

📸 Instagram – instagram.com/the.weddingduo

🎵 TikTok – tiktok.com/@weddingduo

📘 Facebook – facebook.com/thewedduo

▶️ YouTube – youtube.com/@the.weddingduo

Loved the episode? Screenshot it, tag @weddingduo, and tell us if we should keep the “Dread It” segment going! Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen and watch on YouTube—because, as always, it’s your day, your way.

Support the show

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of moving parts — and sometimes, a mashup (literally!) can make it all more fun. In this episode, Dominic (wedding DJ) and Serena (wedding planner) dive into:

✨ How to use music mashups to create unforgettable ceremony and reception moments
✨ The pros and cons of one-track mashups vs. DJ-timed transitions
✨ Creative ways couples are adding voiceovers (from the bride, kids, or even grandparents!) to ceremony songs
✨ Tips for making parent dances, first dances, and even intros stand out — without taking away from the moment
✨ Funny and heartwarming real-life stories from weddings we’ve worked

From gym floors transformed into elegant spaces, to grooms dipping their brides for “judged” kisses, this episode is packed with ideas and laughs. Whether you love the idea of mashups or prefer to keep it simple, we’ll help you make it fit your personality as a couple.

Links & Resources

👉 Explore more resources + show notes: theweddingduo.co

👉 Join our membership for playlists, planning tools & mashup services: Sign up here

👉 Follow us on Instagram: @the.weddingduo

👉 Follow us on TikTok: @weddingduo

👉 Subscribe on YouTube: The Wedding Duo Channel

💌 If you found this episode helpful, screenshot it, share it on Instagram, and tag us @the.weddingduo — we’ll share the love back!

🎶 Happy wedding planning, friends. And remember: it’s YOUR day. Do what feels right for you.

Support the show

The Wedding Duo, Serena and Dom, return from their 10-year anniversary trip to the Dominican Republic and dive headfirst into one of the most common wedding planning stressors: guest count. Blending real talk with personal stories and seasoned advice, they explore why less can truly mean more...especially when it comes to your budget, your stress level, and your dance floor time. From spa day mishaps to money-saving guest list tips, this episode is both heartfelt and hilariously helpful.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Serena and Dom are big fans of small guest lists (with real math to back it up)
• How your guest count directly impacts your wedding budget
• What to say when family pushes for more invites (plus script tips!)
• Pros and cons of adult-only weddings
• How a “B list” can help you manage RSVPs with less stress
• Which vendors are most affected by headcount increases
• How to set boundaries with plus-ones—and still be kind
• The emotional payoff of smaller weddings, from better conversation to more dancing
• Creative options for planning two celebrations (without double the stress)

CLICK HERE to sign up for The Wedding Duo Membership

For extended show notes visit us at theweddingduo.co/podcast

Watch our show on YouTube at The Wedding Duo

For all your wedding planning resources, check out our website: theweddingduo.co

Connect with us on social!
TikTok: @weddingduo
Instagram: @the.weddingduo
Facebook: @thewedduo

Podcast Editor & Strategist: Pamela Krista

Support the show

After a six-month break, Serena and Dom return recharged and full of stories in this behind-the-scenes episode of The Wedding Duo Podcast. They catch up on a whirlwind May filled with five weddings across multiple states, share real-life moments from the road (including the viral “fisherman photo-bomb”), and offer expert tips on destination logistics, DIY wedding planning, weather worries, and managing unexpected moments with grace.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why May was one of the BUSIEST month ever for The Wedding Duo
• What to consider when planning a DIY-heavy wedding
• How to prepare for unpredictable weather...especially at outdoor ceremonies
• A behind-the-scenes look at traveling as a planner-DJ team
• The logistics of pulling off a voiceover bridal processional
• Why having extra staffing can make or break a setup/teardown
• Tips for making destination weddings feel seamless
• How The Wedding Duo membership community keeps couples connected
• The emotional payoff of personalized ceremony elements

CLICK HERE to sign up for The Wedding Duo Membership

For extended show notes visit us at theweddingduo.co/podcast

Watch our show on YouTube at The Wedding Duo

For all your wedding planning resources, check out our website: theweddingduo.co

Connect with us on social!
TikTok: @weddingduo
Instagram: @the.weddingduo
Facebook: @thewedduo

Podcast Editor & Strategist: Pamela Krista

Support the show

In today’s episode, we’re tackling the topic of getting financially fit for your wedding with money expert Becca Andrews. Whether you’re a couple just starting your wedding planning journey or looking for ways to better manage your wedding budget, Becca shares valuable advice on how to keep your wedding finances in check.

From setting a realistic wedding budget to managing unexpected expenses and exploring ways to save, Becca provides actionable tips to help you make smart financial decisions and avoid those oh so common pitfalls.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to create a realistic wedding budget that aligns with your financial goals
• Tips for tracking your wedding expenses and avoiding overspending
• How to prioritize wedding costs and decide where to splurge versus save
• The best tools and resources for managing wedding finances efficiently
• How to navigate unexpected wedding expenses and still stay on track

Connect with Becca: https://www.moneybeyondmath.com/ Use code:
THEWEDDINGDUO for 15% off any coaching program

Get a good night's sleep and $15 off of Truvaga using this link: https://truvaga.com/weddingduo

CLICK HERE to sign up for The Wedding Duo Membership

For extended show notes visit us at theweddingduo.co/podcast

Watch our show on YouTube at The Wedding Duo

For all your wedding planning resources, check out our website: theweddingduo.co

Connect with us on social!
TikTok: @weddingduo
Instagram: @the.weddingduo
Facebook: @thewedduo

Podcast Editor & Strategist: Pamela Krista

Support the show