We speak to Tom Chelednik - The Associate Director of Vendor Engagement about the 2026 Real Wedding Study that was just released!

The Knot Worldwide (TKWW) released its 2026 Real Weddings Study, which offers one of the most comprehensive looks at how modern couples are planning for, spending on, and celebrating one of life’s most meaningful moments. Drawing on insights from more than 10,000 U.S. couples married in 2025, the Study underscores key themes such as the resiliency of the $100 billion U.S. wedding industry, how wedding planning has entered the AI era, the need for trust and personalization in selecting a dream team of wedding professionals, how Gen Z is redefining celebrations, and the takeover of lab-grown diamonds.

How much of this pertains to us in South Florida? What is the average cost of a wedding nationwide versus here? What's happening with planning and AI?

We will dive deep to root out things to keep in mind as well as being ready for those that only read the headlines.

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

If you haven't checked out the BrideChilla Podcast - you should! I was lucky enough to be asked back as a guest to talk about High Impact, Low Cost Wedding Wisdom.

Keith Willard is back, and he is bringing stories, strategy, and straight-talk wedding wisdom. Fresh off a marathon stretch of events, Keith shares what that whirlwind taught him about sanity, planning, and what truly matters on a wedding day.

In this conversation, Leah and Keith dive into how couples can create high-impact wedding moments without blowing the budget, why managing expectations is just as important as choosing the right vendors, and what couples should finally stop wasting money and energy on. Keith also shares some of his favorite creative, meaningful ways to elevate your celebration while staying grounded in what really matters.

If you want your wedding to feel intentional, elevated, and smartly spent, this episode is for you.

Listen to more of the BrideChilla podcast: https://www.thebridechilla.com/

Find Keith on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/keithwillard⁠

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci

This special Episode I am a guest on the AMAZING BrideChilla podcast. If you haven't listened to it, you should. Check out all of their podcasts at http://thebridechilla.com

Join Leah and luxury event planner ⁠Keith Willard⁠ for a deep dive into the craft of unforgettable wedding planning. From organizing childhood penny drives to collaborating with industry icons like Colin Cowie and David Tutera, Keith shares how his journey shaped his signature, high-touch approach.

Together, they explore:

• How to create an amazing wedding at any budget—whether it’s $5K or $500
• The emotional impact of thoughtful, personal touches
• Insider insights from celebrity weddings
• Smart planning tools including wedding websites, QR codes, and AI

Plus, Keith shares behind-the-scenes details from Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck’s wedding—and what everyday couples can learn from high-profile events. This is a must-listen for couples, planners, and anyone who believes the experience is the event.

Find Keith on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/keithwillard⁠

Support the show

Behind The Veil Crew:

Host: Keith Willard
www.keithwillardevents.com
www.instagram.com/keithwillard

Co- Host: Marci Guttenberg
www.anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
www.instagram.com/anaffairtorememberbymarci