Planning a wedding? Let’s talk about what favors actually work—and what ends up in the trash. In this episode of Wedding Tips and Tales, Taryn and Dani break down the do’s and don’ts of wedding knickknacks. From koozies and parasols to welcome bags and custom cups, we cover what’s cute, what’s functional, and what just makes your wedding look… tacky.

You’ll hear real stories (yes, including one about a catamaran fail) and get tips for making your guest experience more intentional and luxurious—without wasting money or creating clutter.

00:00 – Intro: It’s HOT - and so are summer wedding problems

01:00 – Drinks of the Day + Bride koozie flashback

02:00 – Are favors still a thing? Why most are ugly and unused

04:00 – The rare knickknack exceptions (and when they work)

06:00 – Logos, emblems, and branding: When it makes sense

07:00 – Why gifting stations at welcome events are on trend

08:00 – Fans vs. Parasols: Which is worse?

12:00 – The parasol tale: A lesson in photo disaster prevention

15:00 – Smart, cultural, or edible favors that can work

17:00 – The plastic problem: Stop handing out one-use party junk

19:00 – How to change the party vibe without landfill clutter

22:00 – The Catamaran Hat Fiasco: What happens without your planner

23:00 – Custom cups we actually love (and still use)

24:00 – Final thoughts: Intention - Impulse

📩 Planning a destination wedding with elegance and personality? Reach out to us at: taryn@tarynstarkwyant.com

Did you like this episode? Here is more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmUiFuqqNA&list=PL-8-JQJI879TmyP7uW_kUYVZJgCbordlQ

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Website: https://tarynstarkwyant.com/

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FaceBook: @Taryn-Stark-Wyant-Event-Planning-and-Design-100063714033058/

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Is a private villa the perfect venue for your luxury wedding?

In this episode of Wedding Tips and Tales, Taryn and Dani dive into everything you need to know about hosting your wedding at a private villa—from dreamy aesthetics to crucial logistics. Whether you're planning an intimate European celebration or a domestic destination wedding, they’ll help you decide if a villa is the right fit for your guest count, vision, and budget.

💡 You'll learn:

What makes villa weddings so special

Legal and logistical challenges (and how to solve them)

Tips for choosing the right property

How to turn a villa stay into a full guest experience

Real stories from weddings in Spain, Germany, and Hawaii

If you're craving connection, comfort, and elegance, a private villa might be the perfect place to say “I do.”

💌 Planning a villa wedding? Email us at: taryn@tarynstarkwyant.com

🔔 Subscribe for more luxury wedding insights & inspiration

👇 Drop your dream wedding destination in the comments—we’d love to hear it!

00:00 – Introduction: Villa weddings 101

01:32 – Real client story: PhD bride pivots to Europe

02:30 – Can you legally host a wedding at a villa?

04:00 – Choosing the right property for your guest count

06:00 – Planning for bathrooms, kitchen access, and flat land

08:00 – The hidden risks of booking without a planner

09:40 – Why small guest counts make villas magical

11:00 – Real examples: Spain, catamarans, and chef-prepped brunch

13:00 – Creating “adult summer camp” through curated events

14:00 – Why villas offer more value and freedom than hotels

15:00 – Creative benefits for your planner and vendors

16:00 – Final thoughts: Is a villa right for you?

Did you like this episode? Here is more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmUiFuqqNA&list=PL-8-JQJI879TmyP7uW_kUYVZJgCbordlQ

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What wedding planning questions do you have? Leave in the comments

Website: https://tarynstarkwyant.com/

Instagram: @tarynstarkwyant

YouTube: @tarynstarkwyant

FaceBook: @Taryn-Stark-Wyant-Event-Planning-and-Design-100063714033058/

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Are you unknowingly sabotaging your wedding planning process—before it even begins?

In this must-listen episode of Wedding Tips and Tales, Taryn and Dani reveal the most common mistake couples make during the inquiry phase with wedding planners—and how to fix it. From pricing fears and ghosting habits to honest conversations and mutual respect, this episode dives into how not to approach your vendors… and what to do instead.

💡 Learn:

Why transparency builds trust

How to talk to vendors about pricing concerns

When flexibility works—and when it doesn’t

The do’s and don’ts of negotiating with luxury wedding pros

If you’re planning a luxury destination wedding and want a stress-free, collaborative experience with your vendors, this episode is for you.

💌 Planning your dream wedding? Email us at: taryn@tarynstarkwyant.com

🔔 Subscribe for more luxury wedding insights & stories!

👇 Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway or question—we love hearing from you.

00:00 – Welcome to Wedding Tips and Tales

01:06 – The inquiry mistake couples are making right now

02:30 – A recent client story at a favorite venue

03:45 – Budget transparency and emotional safety

04:55 – Why planners sometimes agree to flat fees

06:20 – Ghosting vendors: why it’s harmful

07:50 – What respectful communication looks like

09:30 – Should you ask for flexibility? Yes—but respectfully

10:35 – Why vendor reviews should reflect boundaries

11:55 – Real talk: ask in good faith, commit in good faith

13:00 – The photographer story and why it worked

14:24 – Final advice: Don’t ghost, be honest, and be ready to commit

Did you like this episode? Here is more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmUiFuqqNA&list=PL-8-JQJI879TmyP7uW_kUYVZJgCbordlQ

Subscribe to our channel so you won't miss any great wedding planning tips.

What wedding planning questions do you have? Leave in the comments

Website: https://tarynstarkwyant.com/

Instagram: @tarynstarkwyant

YouTube: @tarynstarkwyant

FaceBook: @Taryn-Stark-Wyant-Event-Planning-and-Design-100063714033058/

Managed by: https://jftwebmarketing.com/

Overwhelmed by wedding costs? You're not alone—and we’re here to help.

In this candid episode of Wedding Tips and Tales, Taryn and Dani break down the essentials of luxury wedding budgeting. From determining your true budget “pain point” to navigating priorities like guest count, location, and vendor choices, you’ll gain clarity on how to spend with intention (and without surprises).

We share real examples—from $50K lovely weddings to million-dollar ultra-luxury events—and offer tips on where to splurge, where to save, and how to stay calm when costs start adding up. Plus: what we wish every couple knew before they book their venue.

✨ Planning a destination wedding? Let us help bring your vision to life: taryn@tarynstarkwyant.com

00:00 – Let’s talk wedding budgeting

01:45 – Why inquiries are coming in later this year

03:00 – Location and guest count: the two biggest budget drivers

04:45 – How budget affects venue choice (with real examples)

06:00 – When your dream venue exceeds your budget

07:15 – What to prioritize: budget, location, or guest list

09:00 – How to identify your true budget comfort zone

10:50 – Photography pricing: from lovely to ultra-luxury

12:00 – Videography ranges and what drives the price

13:00 – Floral costs: Pinterest dreams vs. reality

14:50 – Catering: hidden fees, bar costs, and per-person math

16:30 – Why giving a budget range is better than no number at all

18:00 – The story of a couple who doubled their wedding budget

20:10 – Guest count and flexibility: how to open up your options

22:00 – Line items vs. overall budget: what matters more?

24:00 – Final budgeting advice for engaged couples

Did you like this episode? Here is more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmUiFuqqNA&list=PL-8-JQJI879TmyP7uW_kUYVZJgCbordlQ

Subscribe to our channel so you won't miss any great wedding planning tips.

What wedding planning questions do you have? Leave in the comments

Website: https://tarynstarkwyant.com/

Instagram: @tarynstarkwyant

YouTube: @tarynstarkwyant

FaceBook: @Taryn-Stark-Wyant-Event-Planning-and-Design-100063714033058/

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You’ve booked your dream wedding venue—but now you're facing unexpected challenges like power access, long guest walks, and limited staff. Don’t panic. In this episode of Wedding Tips and Tales, Taryn and Dani dive into the real-life logistics you might not think about—until it’s too late.

From remote locations and tricky access points to staffing gaps and lighting issues, learn how a skilled planner helps you problem-solve with elegance. Discover practical solutions for golf cart rentals, generator placement, hidden lighting tricks, and budget-smart staffing decisions that can make or break your guest experience.

✨ Planning your luxury destination wedding? Email us at taryn@tarynstarkwyant.com

00:00 – What to do when your venue has logistical challenges

01:05 – Recording in Bend, Oregon + Oregon wine moment

02:00 – What counts as a venue “logistical challenge”?

03:00 – Real client example: remote venue & limited vendor access

05:00 – Common solution: golf carts, access routes, and early planning

07:00 – Top 3 priorities: power, lighting, staffing

10:00 – The real cost of generator setup and disguising it

11:00 – Venue design limitations: rigging, lighting, aesthetics

13:00 – Staffing issues and how to fix them (without ruining your budget)

15:00 – Doubling bar staff, adding drink stations, and elevating service

16:30 – How to optimize “budget” venues by reinvesting in experience

17:00 – Final thoughts on creating seamless luxury—no matter the venue

Did you like this episode? Here is more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmUiFuqqNA&list=PL-8-JQJI879TmyP7uW_kUYVZJgCbordlQ

Subscribe to our channel so you won't miss any great wedding planning tips.

What wedding planning questions do you have? Leave in the comments

Website: https://tarynstarkwyant.com/

Instagram: @tarynstarkwyant

YouTube: @tarynstarkwyant

FaceBook: @Taryn-Stark-Wyant-Event-Planning-and-Design-100063714033058/

Managed by: https://jftwebmarketing.com/

What really makes a vendor “luxury” in the wedding industry?

In this episode of Wedding Tips and Tales, Taryn and Dani dive into the three key traits that define a true luxury wedding planner or vendor: quality, content, and confidence. They share personal stories from real weddings—including a sister who wanted a copy-paste event—and explain why innovation, publication, and calm under pressure separate luxury professionals from the rest.

💍 Whether you're planning a high-end celebration or wondering if your vendor is the real deal, this episode gives you the clarity you need.

📩 Planning your own luxury wedding? Let us help bring your vision to life. Email us at taryn@tarynstarkwyant.com

00:00 – What defines a luxury wedding vendor?

01:45 – The Raleigh wedding market opportunity

03:35 – The rise of Gen Z luxury couples

04:55 – The myth of “everyone is luxury”

05:45 – The 3 C's of luxury: Quality, Content, Confidence

06:55 – How to assess vendor quality through reviews and service

08:30 – Why publication and press matter for content

10:30 – The story of a sister requesting a copy-paste wedding

12:20 – Innovation vs. replication in luxury content

14:45 – Confidence through experience and execution

17:00 – The illusion of perfection: luxury means smooth, not perfect

18:45 – Real wedding drama that guests never knew

19:45 – How to evaluate a vendor’s luxury experience

20:30 – Final thoughts and how vendors can self-assess

Did you like this episode? Here is more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmUiFuqqNA&list=PL-8-JQJI879TmyP7uW_kUYVZJgCbordlQ

Subscribe to our channel so you won't miss any great wedding planning tips.

What wedding planning questions do you have? Leave in the comments

Website: https://tarynstarkwyant.com/

Instagram: @tarynstarkwyant

YouTube: @tarynstarkwyant

FaceBook: @Taryn-Stark-Wyant-Event-Planning-and-Design-100063714033058/

Managed by: https://jftwebmarketing.com/

Wondering why a vendor’s experience outside of weddings should matter to your big day?

In this episode of Wedding Tips and Tales, Taryn and Dani unpack the world of wedding vendor retreats—from luxury workshops like Engage! to the intimate, purpose-driven retreats they’ve hosted in Ireland and Maui. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes tale of how it all started with a Barcelona wedding, why these retreats are an investment in vendor excellence, and how they can directly impact your destination wedding.

💡 Whether you're a vendor looking to grow or a couple seeking high-quality professionals, this conversation sheds light on the importance of experience, networking, and continuing education in the luxury wedding world.

📩 Planning your destination wedding? Let us help: taryn@tarynstarkwyant.com

00:00 Welcome + What are vendor retreats?

01:10 Types of retreats (photographers, planners, networking)

02:59 Our first retreat in Ireland

03:53 How a Barcelona wedding sparked the idea

05:45 Behind the scenes of our Maui retreat

07:20 Emotional feedback from attendees

09:01 Why these retreats matter for newly engaged couples

11:00 Green flags: Vendors who invest in themselves

12:56 Real travel experience = Real wedding prep

14:47 Lessons learned (never check essential gear!)

17:10 Climate challenges for florists

18:55 Editorials = Safe space to grow

20:15 Vendor style and aspirational alignment

21:20 Final takeaway: Workshops matter

Did you like this episode? Here is more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmUiFuqqNA&list=PL-8-JQJI879TmyP7uW_kUYVZJgCbordlQ

Subscribe to our channel so you won't miss any great wedding planning tips.

What wedding planning questions do you have? Leave in the comments

Website: https://tarynstarkwyant.com/

Instagram: @tarynstarkwyant

YouTube: @tarynstarkwyant

FaceBook: @Taryn-Stark-Wyant-Event-Planning-and-Design-100063714033058/

Managed by: https://jftwebmarketing.com/

In this heartfelt episode of Wedding Tips and Tales, Taryn and Dani share the origin story of how they became luxury destination wedding planners. From college dreams and accidental career turns to pandemic pivots and unforgettable firsts, this episode dives deep into the personal stories that shaped their business and passion.

Discover how travel, cultural storytelling, and a love of connection inspired them to create extraordinary wedding experiences across the globe—from Maui to Vail, Ireland to Spain, and beyond. If you’re curious about what fuels a destination wedding planner’s heart (or just want a good laugh about their Vampire Diaries binge), this one’s for you.

💌 Planning your own luxury wedding? Let us help bring your vision to life. Email us at taryn@tarynstarkwyant.com

00:00 Intro & Drinks of the Day

01:51 Dani's Why: Love for Parties, Connection, and Travel

03:35 First Destination Wedding Experience on Mackinac Island

06:01 Taryn’s Story: From Maui Intern to Accidental Planner

09:49 The Pandemic Pivot: From Maui to Vail

12:28 First Mainland Wedding: Mistakes, Magic & Learning

16:00 The Moment We Knew: This Is What We Love

18:10 Hosting as a Form of Art

20:01 Creating Lifelong Memories in Beautiful Places

21:10 Cultural Integration and Guest Experiences

22:30 Upcoming Weddings: Jamaica & Prague

23:16 Closing Cheers & Community Invitation

Did you like this episode? Here is more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmUiFuqqNA&list=PL-8-JQJI879TmyP7uW_kUYVZJgCbordlQ

Subscribe to our channel so you won't miss any great wedding planning tips.

What wedding planning questions do you have? Leave in the comments

Website: https://tarynstarkwyant.com/

Instagram: @tarynstarkwyant

YouTube: @tarynstarkwyant

FaceBook: @Taryn-Stark-Wyant-Event-Planning-and-Design-100063714033058/

Managed by: https://jftwebmarketing.com/