DiscoverWedding Planning Experts / Bride, Wedding Photographer, Wedding Decorations, Bridesmaids, Wedding Venue Reception
Wedding Planning Experts / Bride, Wedding Photographer, Wedding Decorations, Bridesmaids, Wedding Venue Reception
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Wedding Planning Experts / Bride, Wedding Photographer, Wedding Decorations, Bridesmaids, Wedding Venue Reception

Author: Dan DeWard - Wedding Planner - Wedding Coordinator

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Would you love to plan your dream wedding without feeling overwhelmed? Do you wish you fully understood the cost of wedding services so you can easily create a budget (and stay on budget)? Wondering how to prioritize vendors that are most important to you and your wedding vision? Want to know where to start in creating a wedding day timeline?


We are so excited you're here! This podcast will help you enjoy the wedding planning process, guide you through the various costs for vendors and budgeting, share experiences and planning tips from a wide variety of wedding planning experts and provide valuable wedding day advice.


We are Dan & Andrea DeWard. We’ve been married for 30 years as of last St. Patrick’s Day - Yes, we chose St. Patrick’s Day for our wedding and it was amazing! We have been in the wedding industry for over 25 years. When we initially started we thought all weddings were handled the exact same way. Some things we tried worked great and some things did not. We quickly learned every wedding has a unique style and flow to match the bride’s vision. That’s when we really started having fun and our business quickly grew.


We have designed, owned and operated three large wedding venues in West Michigan coordinating and hosting hundreds of ceremonies and receptions. We also owned and operated additional lines of business including a bridal gown salon, tuxedo rentals, photography & video studio, DJ company, floral & decor studio, photo booths, limousine, party bus and invitation design. Yes, we owned and operated all of those businesses in the wedding industry! We also organized and hosted a large bridal show for a number of years. All that experience and the many amazing connections we made along the way led us to launching this podcast!


If you are a bride that wants to have fun during your wedding planning process, create and stay on budget, connect with a variety of experienced experts and learn tips for your wedding day - this podcast is for you!


So, if you have one of those large printed wedding binders… go ahead and close that for now and say “YES” to the Wedding Planning Experts podcast. Let's get started...



Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at...
 - Full Circle Weddings - West Michigan
 -  https://fullcircleweddings.com/


Find Wedding Planning Experts online at...
 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts
 - FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts
 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplanningexperts

Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings. 

10 Episodes
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Is your groom ready for the wedding day? While so much attention goes to the bride’s hair, makeup, and getting-ready photos, groom and groomsmen prep is often overlooked. In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, Dan & Andrea DeWard break down everything brides and engaged couples need to know about wedding day groom prep, mobile barber services, and getting ready spaces. If your wedding venue doesn’t offer a groom’s room — or if the groomsmen are getting ready off-site — this episode explains how a mobile barber for weddings can transform the entire wedding morning experience. From professional fades and beard trims to stress-free scheduling and photo-ready results, we cover why groom grooming matters for wedding photography, timelines, and overall wedding day confidence. The Bride and the Bridesmaids always have a bridal suite at the ceremony location. Let's make sure the Groom and Groomsmen also have what they need and look sharp for the wedding day. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why wedding day groom prep affects wedding photos • What brides should know about booking a mobile barber for a wedding • How to handle wedding venues without a groom’s getting-ready space • Groom and groomsmen timeline planning tips • How to keep the wedding morning relaxed and organized • The difference between DIY grooming and professional wedding barber services Whether you’re planning a luxury hotel wedding, barn wedding, outdoor ceremony, or traditional church wedding, having a clear plan for groom and groomsmen prep helps your entire wedding day run smoothly. This episode is perfect for engaged brides, grooms, and couples planning their wedding who want polished photos, confident groomsmen, and a stress-free start to the celebration.     💍 Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at… Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan 🌐 Website: https://FullCircleWeddings.com 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCircleWeddingsTeam 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FullCircleWeddings.Team 🎙️ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at… 🌐 Website: https://WeddingPlanningExperts.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWeddingPlanningExperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.
Barn weddings are one of the most popular wedding venue styles today — but are they the right choice for a bride and groom on their wedding day? In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, hosts Dan & Andrea DeWard sit down with barn wedding venue owners Bob and Dana Adams of The Barn at Adams Acres to give brides an honest, behind-the-scenes look at wedding planning in a West Michigan barn style venue. From rustic charm and scenic countryside views to hidden costs, ceremony location, DJ and audio equipment, catering, bar service, hair and makeup, weather concerns, floral and decor, power requirements, restrooms, cocktail hour and dancing, we break down what brides need to know before booking a barn wedding venue. This episode is designed to help engaged brides avoid surprises, manage their wedding budget wisely, and create a stress-free wedding day that looks beautiful and runs smoothly. In this episode, you’ll learn: Are barn wedding venues worth the investment? What brides love most about barn wedding venues What couples often overlook before booking How barn venues impact flowers, timelines, and rentals Is there a bridal suite for bride and bridesmaids Is there a groom's room for the groom and groomsmen How is wedding catering handled Where is the wedding ceremony held Tips for planning a smooth, guest-friendly barn wedding day Hosted by Dan & Andrea DeWard, owners of Full Circle Weddings, this episode combines real venue-owner insight with 25+ years of professional wedding planning experience. If you’re an engaged bride considering a barn wedding or rustic wedding venue, this conversation will help you make a confident, informed decision.     💍 Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at… Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan 🌐 Website: https://FullCircleWeddings.com 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCircleWeddingsTeam 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FullCircleWeddings.Team 🎙️ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at… 🌐 Website: https://WeddingPlanningExperts.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWeddingPlanningExperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.
Wedding tuxedo rentals and suits can make or break how a wedding looks in photos — so are they really worth it? In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, Dan & Andrea DeWard break down what brides and grooms need to know before choosing tuxedo rentals or wedding suits for the big day. From fit and style to color coordination and overall presentation, we explain how wedding tuxedo rentals impact wedding photos, guest perception, and the overall feel of the celebration. We also cover the most common tuxedo rental mistakes grooms make — and what couples should ask before committing to a rental company. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Are wedding tuxedo rentals worth the investment? Tuxedo vs suit for a wedding: what’s the real difference? What brides notice first about the groom’s attire How poor fit affects wedding photos What to do if a tuxedo doesn’t fit before the wedding Smart ways to keep wedding attire stress-free and on budget Hosted by Dan & Andrea DeWard, owners of Full Circle Weddings with over 25 years of real wedding experience, this episode gives engaged couples practical, honest advice about wedding tuxedo rentals, suits, and wedding party attire. Perfect for engaged brides and grooms who want their wedding party to look polished, timeless, and photo-ready. 💍 Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at… Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan 🌐 Website: https://fullcircleweddings.com/ 🎙️ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at… 🌐 Website: https://weddingplanningexperts.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplanningexperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.
Wedding catering is one of the biggest wedding expenses — and one of the most misunderstood parts of wedding planning. In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, hosts Dan & Andrea DeWard sit down with Ashley Commons from Kangaroo Kitchen to break down what brides need to know about wedding catering costs, menus, staffing, and guest experience. This conversation dives deep into wedding catering pricing, menu planning, service styles, staffing, rentals, timelines, and logistics. Ashley shares expert insight into why catering costs what it does, common misconceptions brides have, and what couples should ask before choosing a wedding caterer. Perfect for engaged brides and couples planning a wedding, this episode helps listeners understand catering value, avoid unexpected costs, and budget smarter — without sacrificing food quality or guest experience. Hosted by Dan & Andrea DeWard, owners of Full Circle Weddings, a West Michigan wedding company with over 25 years of experience, this episode offers real-world advice from professionals who see wedding catering decisions play out every weekend. 💍 Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at… Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan 🌐 Website: https://fullcircleweddings.com/ 🎙️ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at… 🌐 Website: https://weddingplanningexperts.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplanningexperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.
Wedding photo booths are one of the most popular wedding entertainment options — but are they still worth it for today’s weddings? In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, hosts Dan & Andrea DeWard sit down with the owners of The Shooting Comet Photo Booth Camper, a vintage camper transformed into an interactive wedding photo booth experience. We break down how modern wedding photo booths impact guest experience, reception flow, and overall energy — and what engaged couples should consider before booking a photo booth for their wedding. From personalization and return on investment to why some photo booths draw lines all night while others get ignored, this episode offers honest, real-world insight. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Are wedding photo booths worth the cost? How photo booths affect guest experience and reception flow What makes a wedding photo booth fun — or forgettable Creative photo booth ideas for modern weddings Why statement rentals like a vintage camper photo booth stand out Perfect for engaged brides and couples planning a wedding, this episode explores modern wedding trends, creative wedding entertainment ideas, and how the right photo booth can elevate the entire celebration. Hosted by Dan & Andrea DeWard, owners of Full Circle Weddings, a West Michigan wedding company with over 25 years of experience, this episode delivers practical advice couples can trust. 💍 Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at… Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan 🌐 Website: https://fullcircleweddings.com/ 🎙️ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at… 🌐 Website: https://weddingplanningexperts.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplanningexperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.
Wedding Planner vs Day-Of Coordinator vs Venue Manager Confused about the difference between a wedding planner, day-of coordinator, and venue manager? You’re not alone — and misunderstanding these roles is one of the most common wedding planning mistakes engaged couples make. In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, hosts Dan & Andrea DeWard break down exactly who does what, when each role is needed, and how choosing the right level of support can make or break your wedding day. From timelines and logistics to vendor communication and problem-solving, we explain the real responsibilities behind each title — without the fluff. This episode is especially helpful for engaged brides and couples planning a wedding who are trying to decide how to invest their wedding budget wisely. You’ll learn how to avoid gaps in coverage, overlapping responsibilities, and last-minute stress so your wedding day runs smoothly from start to finish. Whether you’re planning a venue-based wedding, a full-service celebration, or a more hands-on DIY wedding, this conversation will help you make confident, informed decisions about wedding planning support. 💍 Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at… Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan 🌐 Website: https://fullcircleweddings.com/ 🎙️ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at… 🌐 Website: https://weddingplanningexperts.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplanningexperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.
Luxury Hotel Weddings | JW Marriott Grand Rapids Planning a luxury hotel wedding in Michigan or searching for a downtown Grand Rapids wedding venue? In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, hosts Dan and Andrea DeWard sit down with Olivia LaVergne, Event Manager at JW Marriott Grand Rapids, one of West Michigan’s most sought-after luxury wedding venues. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the JW Marriott offers an elevated, destination-style wedding weekend experience with stunning event spaces, upscale guest rooms, on-site catering, and luxury amenities. This episode gives engaged couples an inside look at what it’s really like to host a wedding at a luxury hotel venue. Olivia shares expert insight into the luxury hotel wedding planning process, including venue tours, design planning, catering and bar service, guest accommodations, rehearsal logistics, and timeline coordination. Dan and Andrea also break down the difference between hiring a wedding planner versus a day-of coordinator so couples understand what level of support they truly need for a seamless hotel wedding experience. Perfect for engaged couples, brides planning a luxury wedding, or anyone considering a hotel wedding weekend, this episode delivers real-world expectations, insider tips, and confidence-building advice. Topics covered in this episode: Luxury wedding venues in Grand Rapids, Michigan JW Marriott Grand Rapids wedding experience Venue tours and planning expectations Floral and wedding décor planning Catering, bar service, and menu creation Tastings and wedding menu planning Wedding cakes and dessert options Bridal suite for hair and makeup Wedding rehearsal logistics Event start and end times Guest rooms and hotel accommodations Guest parking and valet options On-site amenities such as spa and pool access Destination-style wedding weekend planning Wedding planner vs wedding coordinator 💍 Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at… Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan 🌐 Website: https://fullcircleweddings.com/ 🎙️ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at… 🌐 Website: https://weddingplanningexperts.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplanningexperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.
2026 Wedding Trends: What Brides Need to Know Planning a 2026 wedding and wondering what’s actually trending — and what really matters? In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, hosts Dan & Andrea DeWard break down the most important 2026 wedding trends every bride, groom, and engaged couple should know before making major wedding decisions. With over 25 years of wedding industry experience, Dan and Andrea walk couples through what’s shaping weddings in 2026 — from wedding fashion and venues to guest experience and Gen Z expectations. This episode helps engaged couples avoid trend overwhelm and focus on choices that will still feel meaningful and timeless on the wedding day. In this episode, you’ll learn about 2026 wedding trends including: Engagement rings and wedding ring styles Destination weddings vs local wedding venues and banquet halls Micro weddings vs larger celebrations Trending wedding colors for 2026 Bridal fashion, gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and accessories Groom’s fashion, suits, and tuxedo updates Wedding bouquets, floral design, boutonnieres, and corsages Wedding photography styles couples love 2026 wedding cake and dessert bar trends Food, drinks, and guest experience ideas Bridesmaid gifts, wedding favors, and creative gifting Save-the-date tips, invitation design, and planning timelines What Gen Z couples expect from modern weddings Whether you’re excited, overwhelmed, or trying to stay ahead of the trends, this episode gives engaged couples clarity, inspiration, and practical guidance to plan a confident, stress-free 2026 wedding. 💍 Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at… Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan 🌐 Website: https://fullcircleweddings.com/ 🎙️ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at… 🌐 Website: https://weddingplanningexperts.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplanningexperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.
Grand Rapids Bridal Show | DeVos Place Attending the Grand Rapids Bridal Show and want to know exactly what to expect before you go? In this episode of Wedding Planning Experts, hosts Dan & Andrea DeWard break down everything brides, grooms, and wedding vendors need to know before attending the Grand Rapids Bridal Show at DeVos Place. We cover key details including bridal show dates and times, how many wedding vendors attend, wedding dress and tuxedo fashion show schedules, how to get free tickets, ticket costs for additional guests, how to register for prizes, and how wedding vendors can participate. This episode also shares must-know tips to help couples get the most value out of attending any wedding expo or bridal show. This episode explains why it’s important to attend a bridal show with a plan and what couples should look for when evaluating vendors. We discuss the value of bridal shows that feature a wide range of wedding professionals, including wedding planners, wedding venues, bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, wedding rings, florals, décor, invitations, photography, videography, DJs, photo booths, transportation, catering, cakes, rentals, honeymoon ideas, and fashion shows highlighting the latest wedding trends. Whether you attend as just the bride and groom or bring bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, or family members, this episode helps engaged couples feel prepared, confident, and organized before walking into a bridal expo.   💍 Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at… Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan 🌐 Website: https://fullcircleweddings.com/ 🎙️ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at… 🌐 Website: https://weddingplanningexperts.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplanningexperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.
Wedding Planning Experts Podcast | Introduction Episode Welcome to Wedding Planning Experts — a wedding planning podcast designed to help engaged brides and grooms plan a stress-free wedding with confidence. In this introduction episode, hosts Dan & Andrea DeWard share their story and explain how their 25+ years in the wedding industry can help couples avoid common mistakes and plan smarter. Over the past two decades, Dan & Andrea have owned and operated multiple wedding-related businesses, including wedding venues, photography, videography, floral design, décor, DJs, photo booths, transportation, bridal salons, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedo rentals, wedding invitations, timelines, and floor plan design. They’ve helped plan and host hundreds of weddings from start to finish, giving them a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on what truly works on a wedding day. They’ve also produced large bridal expos and worked closely with trusted wedding professionals such as caterers, bar services, officiants, rental companies, cake designers, and honeymoon and travel specialists — giving them insight into every role involved in a successful wedding. In this podcast, Dan & Andrea share practical wedding planning tips, interview experienced wedding vendors, and break down what brides and grooms actually need to know when planning a wedding. From budgets and timelines to vendors and logistics, Wedding Planning Experts is here to help couples plan a beautiful wedding that stays on budget and runs smoothly. 💍 Find Dan & Andrea DeWard online at… Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan 🌐 Website: https://fullcircleweddings.com/ 🎙️ Find Wedding Planning Experts online at… 🌐 Website: https://weddingplanningexperts.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingPlanningExperts 📘 FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingPlanningExperts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplanningexperts Wedding Planning Experts is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.
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