You're engaged and smack-dab in the middle of that love-filled blissful haze with not a problem in the world. Well soak it up because it's time to start planning your big day and that can mean big bucks!

But before you get started, we thought we'd share some helpful tips to get you started. Now of course, the very first thing we are going to tell you to do is hire a planner BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING…but we realize that many, actually most, will say, “I can do this….I don’t need a planner”. And while we believe, you truly believe that, we’re going to tell you that it’s a heck of a lot easier if you hire someone that knows what they are doing, will be your advocate along the way, work to save you money, and help you get the biggest bang for your buck.

In today's episode we'll talk all things budget to help get you off on the right foot. Join us as we explore tips to creating your custom event budget. And if you are looking for a guide to follow along, check out our planner extraordinaire's blog post "How to Create a Wedding or Event Budget...Our Top 10 Steps to Get You Started!"

Did you know that by not diversifying your client base, you’re not just making a decision—you’re making a statement. And in doing so, you might be closing the door on incredible opportunities to connect with people who are celebrating love in all its vibrant forms, just as passionately as any “traditional” couple.

Join us as we lift the veil on inclusivity and dive into Adam Golden’s heartwarming journey. From the moment he met his husband, to the instant he knew he’d found his forever person, Adam’s story is a testament to love in its purest form. Discover how they navigated the intricate world of the event industry, facing challenges and triumphs, as they planned their perfect day—a celebration of their love that echoes joy from every corner. This is more than just a wedding story; it’s a powerful reminder that love knows no boundaries.

This hot topic episode doesn't need much introduction, other than to say...if you are easily offended, or if you think you might know vendors with unethical practices, that you protect, you might want to steer clear of what we have to say.

In this episode we expose the ugly truth behind unethical vendors, how their true behavior ultimately gets exposed, and what we are doing to prevent it from happening to others. AND, if you want to learn the warning signs for yourself, tune in!!

We truly hope this info helps you regulate your business practices (if needed) or if you are a client listening, we hope this helps provide tips to protect yourself. Lastly, know that if we are involved, and find out something shady is happening, we are running to your rescue!

In today's episode, we dive deep into the crucial topic of work-life balance, featuring Kayley Bacon, with Kayley Bacon Creative Solutions. With years of industry experience, Kayley offers practical advice on setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, embracing flexibility, and knowing when to ask for help.

Listen along as Kayley shares her insights as a Virtual Assistant managing various types of clients across a myriad of industries, and demanding office schedules, all while maintaining her own personal well-being. Whether you’re a busy professional or a creative entrepreneur, this episode offers insight you didn't even know you needed!

Everywhere you turn there's bad news about how trash and pollution are building up around us, leaching into everything we do and ultimately making us sick. There's so much information, it's SO overwhelming, so much so that most people just think, "this is be beyond my control, so why bother". But what if it wasn't? Believe it or not, making small changes in your daily life, and being thoughtful about your event planning can help make a BIG difference.

So how about we give you some nuggets that are quick take-a-ways, for a quick win. It's really not hard, it's just that the info around us is saturated and it feels overwhelming...but we got you.

Check out today's episode where we'll give you some quick tips and tricks on being eco-friendly in your planning process, and a few tips for every day ideas too.

Shout out to @cityoffriscotx for being an amazing source of information on how to properly recycle, and bins that make it easy...and no you don't have to be a Frisco resident to use the majority of the facility (side-note) you do for chemical or electronic recycling). Visit https://www.friscotexas.gov/1144/Environmental-Collection-Center to learn more!

Today we are THRILLED to have our dear friend, Rick Bennett with Mobile DJ Services join us! Tune in as we laugh, happy cry and Lift The Veil on music, teamwork, and all things wedding DJ! This is one you won't want to miss!

Rick Bennett, a.k.a. DJ Silver Spinner, began as a professional Disc Jockey in the early 1980s, first spinning as a local DJ in Brooklyn, New York, offering custom mix tapes. With a fast growing reputation, he was soon spinning for crowds at public and private events throughout the New York City area. Within a short amount of time, he became the stage manager for recording artist, UTFO. While on tour, he mastered the technical aspects of concert lighting and sound, which he applies to all events provided by Mobile DJ Services.

Rick’s success afforded him the opportunity to co-found his own recording group, Whistle. With the success of his recording career, it taught him how to master the art of entertaining large crowds. He has toured the U.S. and Europe with notable artists like: Run DMC, LL Cool J, Salt & Pepa, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, The Beastie Boys, Big Audio Dynamite, Mariah Carey, MC Hammer, Public Enemy, Tupac, New Edition, and many more.

When was the last time you went to an open house where you actually had a good time and got to enjoy a new experience? That's exactly what was delivered during the Ohhh the Options When You Plan It With Me, The Mason Dallas Open House on July 22nd.

More than 30 interactive sponsor vendors came to share their passion, art, food, drinks, products, to network and meet new potential clients. If you were not able to attend, we hope you have enjoyed some of the photos because it was an explosion of color and texture, produced by Plan It With Me, and The MacMeekens captured the beautifully.

So, have you ever wondered why vendors go through the effort and expense of an open house or styled shoot? Is it worth it? Does it yield the ROI that each vendor wanted? Well tune in because in this episode we'll dive into what it took to make it happen, how it truly takes team work, and just who that team was...in case you need to hire them later.

Sponsor Vendor Listing:
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To view the photos, be sure to follow: @planitwithme & @themacmeekens we got pics, pics, and more pics! Special thanks to our models @kenzieennis12 & @soo_rayy_j ❤️

Let's be honest...getting married is the easy part. Being married and bridging families can, at times, be a whole other level of difficult BUT when you have people that truly care about each other and the people in their life that they love, it can be handled like a pro. That's what this family did beautifully and we felt like that was worth celebrating and sharing with our audience.

In this episode we'll meet Lou Ann, a Plan It With Me Mother of the Bride, who worked to bridge the gap with her soon-to-be in-laws in England, welcoming them to the family and helping make them feel right at home in our little state. We'll also share how we incorporated someone very close to the bride, and gave special attention to an overall topic that was important to the entire family.

Wedding planning can be hard but if you listen, pay attention and are thoughtful with intentional planning, you can truly make someone's wedding a day they'll never forget. So sit back and listen to how this family tackled their family dynamics with unmatched class and grace.