DIY Wedding Dilemmas and When to Call in a Pro
Busy Bride 101
Thinking about tackling DIY wedding projects? Before you grab that glue gun, tune in to hear when it’s worth your time and when to bring in the pros. Lisa shares real examples, cost comparisons, and a true story about a bride’s DIY floral adventure that didn’t go quite as planned. Learn how to balance creativity, budget, and sanity without sacrificing your dream-day aesthetic. Plus, download Lisa’s at to make sure you have every floral detail covered. Highlights: -Welcome + Why DIY can be tricky -Real bride story: the AirBnB floral night that didn’t go as planned -Example...
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Who Ordered Salmon? Meal Identifiers Matter
Busy Bride 101
Who Ordered Salmon?” Meal Identifiers Matter for Your Wedding Reception You’ve sent the invites, the RSVPs are rolling in, and now it’s time to think about dinner service at your wedding. Whether your guests are choosing chicken, beef, or fish, there’s one detail that can make or break your reception: meal identifiers. In this episode, I’m keeping it light but practical and diving into why these small details make such a big difference. From color-coded ribbons and icons on place cards to stylish chalkboard dessert signs, we’ll cover quick, affordable, and creative ways to...
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Mom Had a Binder...You've Got a Board
Busy Bride 101
Mom Had a Binder...You've Got a Board Feeling overwhelmed by Pinterest boards, inspiration ideas, and wedding planning tasks? You’re not alone. In this episode of Busy Bride 101, Lisa G. McMillan breaks down why inspiration boards aren’t planning tools and how to turn your dreams into a stress-free wedding weekend. Learn how to: Narrow your wedding inspiration with three guiding words to keep every detail aligned. Involve your mom, future mother-in-law, and fiancé in meaningful ways without losing control. Assign tasks like cake tasting research, RSVP tracking, and guest...
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Wedding Budget and Vendor Selections
Busy Bride 101
Hi, I'm your wedding expert, Lisa G. McMillan of . Planning your wedding can be exciting, but let’s be honest, figuring out your wedding budget can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Busy Bride 101, I’m sharing practical wedding planning advice and real-world strategies to help you create a budget that works for you, while keeping the romance front and center. From identifying your top priorities to making smart choices about bar service, transportation, vendor meals, and even cake stands (yes, really), these tips will help you save money, reduce stress, and feel confident as you...
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Destination Weddings in Asheville, North Carolina
Busy Bride 101
Asheville Destination Weddings: How to Plan a Wedding Weekend That Wows Episode Summary: Planning a destination wedding in Asheville? You’re not just coordinating a ceremony, you’re hosting a whole weekend of memories for your closest people. In this episode of Busy Bride 101, we’re chatting through the must-haves for a stress-free, fun-filled wedding weekend, from laid-back welcome parties to pasta stations at the rehearsal dinner, all the way to a main event no one will forget. Whether your guests are flying in from all over or just driving up the mountain, this episode is...
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Engagement Season Kickoff 2022
Busy Bride 101
Engagement season 2022 is in full swing and you need to know just what to do to get started with planning your wedding. This short 3 minute episode is the jumping off point to your next steps. Additional episodes will follow to guide you through the details to select vendors, what questions to ask, and how much to spend. LINKS: Website Instagram YouTube CONTACT Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com
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Wedding Catering Advice Seasoned With Love and Experience
Busy Bride 101
Nestled in the heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina you will find one of the best wedding caterers around. Chef Kim Lloyd, owner and operator of knows how to serve up some of the tastiest cuisine for your wedding or special occasion. In this episode, Chef Kim lists the 5 must have appetizers to select for the cocktail hour and how she incorporates your culinary wishes in each delicious bite. If there is a family recipe that you would like to showcase during your event she wants to know more about it and will invite you into her kitchen to collaborate on the cooking process....
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Looking Through The Lens With Corey Johnson
Busy Bride 101
Corey Johnson of brings calm and encouragement during chaotic moments at your wedding as he photographs you and your loved ones. It takes a critical eye to know instinctively when and how to craft lifetime memories and he is an expert in pulling all of the aspects together flawlessly. One would never suspect that Corey is legally blind when viewing his images or seeing him in action. The camera lens sharpens his gaze while taking photographs and the end result is simply, AMAZING! Listen as Corey explains how he uses his unique ability to produce timeless images. Plus, check out...
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Luxurious Skincare Tips For Every Bride
Busy Bride 101
Your skincare routine may very well be one of the most carefully thought out steps to a healthy and clean glow on your wedding day. Long gone are the days of purchasing products randomly or selecting them without any forethought. So many of today's products are fragrance free, hypoallergenic, cruelty free, and paraben free and they should be considered high priority in your beauty bag. You deserve better and Brittany Gray of with headquarters in Canada shares tips for every bride to consider leading up to the wedding day and beyond. Her company has just launched a new skincare...
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Hair and Makeup Secrets To Looking Radiantly Beautiful On Your Wedding Day
Busy Bride 101
Hair and Makeup Secrets To Looking Radiantly Beautiful On Your Wedding Day When it’s time to select your makeup artist and hair stylist for your wedding, hire someone with impeccable experience and photos of their previous work. Search for your team soon during the wedding planning process as you will need to schedule a trial run with their services. The best is booked early and often, so don’t hesitate in seeking the best makeup and hair vendors in the area. Wendy Morris, owner, and lead makeup artist of has a team of professionals experienced in creating a natural and realistic look and...
info_outlineWelcome to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go and I’m your host, Lisa G. McMillan, wedding and event planner at Exquisite Events and Consulting. Today’s episode is “Backyard Wedding Wins During a Pandemic”. Planning a backyard wedding may seem as easy as 1-2-3 but I wanted to point out a few elements to remember as we’re still navigating through the pandemic and muddling through its constraints.
Tip Number 1: Depending on how much space or acreage you have in your backyard don’t fall in the trap of becoming too lackadaisical about the design, functionality, and most of all SAFETY of your guests and vendors. So, let’s start with safety! At some point you’ll need electricity during your event. Even in this hi-tech world you probably don’t have wireless connectivity for all of your speakers, microphones, tent lighting, LCD projection or coffee urns. If you happen to fall in this category, I suggest you first, identify where you’ll plug in your devices. Then, hop in the car and get ready to buy a few power strips.
Most pros supply their own power cords and know exactly how to cover them up without injury to your guests. They apply cord covers, mats, or adhesives to hide cables and so should you.
Tip Number 2: Here’s another tip about safety. Add plenty of sanitizer in convenient areas for your guests. This is an outdoor event so place them at the back door of your home. Don’t forget about the small packets or pocket-sized bottles at each guest table.
Tip Number 3: When it comes to design your backyard wedding can be as modest or elaborate as you want. Figure out where you want to exchange your vows. Is it under a sprawling oak tree you climbed often as a child? Or is it in front of the babbling brook where you first kissed your fiancé? Wherever it is, create a ceremony space overflowing with romance. Soften the look of hard wood and metal fences with delicate fabrics or light foliage.
Who said you couldn’t add clusters of flowers or ribbon on each side of the front and back rows? It’s your backyard, no rules here!
Tip Number 4: If, at the last-minute rain threatens on your wedding day, look no further than your living room to say “I-Do”. No worries here! Just place enough chairs for the immediate family to sit and everyone else can stand during the ceremony. You wouldn’t believe how many times an unexpected afternoon shower has been the backdrop for some of the most meaningful and unforgettable weddings.
Tip Number 5:During the cocktail hour provide appetizers in individual sized containers or skewers. This is not the time for using the same serving spoon to scoop out spinach and artichoke dip. Let’s place a moratorium on unattended buffet stations which promote cross contamination. Yuk!
Tip Number 6: When considering the functionality of your backyard wedding keep in mind how to handle your rental items. I know delivery of tables, chairs and linens may be a fleeting thought. But like all events you must check in the quantity delivered against the amount you ordered. By the way, they should match. When ordering napkins always order 10-20 more. It covers any dropped during service or if the caterer needs any for display purposes.
Tip Number 7: Make certain your tables and chairs are stored in a dry area away from moisture. Just make space in the garage or covered porch for this task. If you leave those items under your tent exposed without a tarp you run the risk of theft, wildlife destruction, and unanticipated weather issues.
These suggestions are just a few of many ideas for your backyard wedding. So, stay tuned for more!
Thanks for listening to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go!
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Hey, don’t forget to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, today and every day. Visit the website for the CDC for more information.
Always remember, your wedding is for the two of you!
Links and Resources Mentioned:
Podcast
YouTube Channel
Exquisite Events and Consulting
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Contact Lisa!
Phone
704-578-1974