Podcast
Busy Bride 101
Hosted by Lisa McMillan · EN
The Busy Bride 101 Podcast: Wedding Planning Tips for the Bride on the Go, offers quick and easy wedding planning tips and advice to streamline your next steps to create the wedding of your dreams.
Your host, Lisa G McMillan, owner and founder of Exquisite Events and Consulting, offers inspired techniques to bring you closer to sorting through the list of details and guides you in determining what questions to ask wedding vendors.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Who Ordered Salmon? Meal Identifiers Matter
Oct 500:11:08Tap to summarizeWho 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 keep your dinner service smooth and stress-free. Plus, I’ll walk you through: ✅ Why identifiers save time, prevent awkward interruptions, and keep meals hot ✅ Pain points you’ll avoid by using identifiers for plated meals and desserts ✅ Tips for displaying cake flavors and allergy-friendly dessert signage ✅ How a simple spreadsheet (that I’ll gladly share with you!) keeps every meal accounted for Whether you’re planning for 50 guests or 150, this episode will help you serve dinner seamlessly, so your guests stay focused on celebrating with you, not asking, “Who ordered what?” Resources & Links: Contact me for a copy of my Guest Meal Tracking Spreadsheet, an easy, ready-to-use tool to keep you on top of entree selections. Explore trusted wedding resources: The Knot, WeddingWire, Brides Let’s Connect: Website: Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram: @BusyBride101 Instagram: @Exquisite_Events_Consulting Email: lisa@exquisiteevents.info Text: (704) 578-1974
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Mom Had a Binder...You've Got a Board
Sep 300:08:25Tap to summarizeMom 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 communications so your helpers feel valued and your wedding vision stays on track. Choose the perfect welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and food style, from interactive stations to plated meals. Work with a wedding planner as a supportive partner, helping you bring your vision to life while giving you time to enjoy each step. If you’ve been struggling with “Pinterest overload” or feeling pulled in too many directions, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Busy Bride 101 to never miss tips that make your wedding planning smoother, more organized, and actually fun. New episodes drop twice a month! Resources + Mentions: Welcome Dinner checklist on our website Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram @BusyBride101 Instagram @Exquisite_Events_Consulting YouTube
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Wedding Budget and Vendor Selections
Aug 2900:06:30Tap to summarizeHi, I'm your wedding expert, Lisa G. McMillan of Exquisite Events and Consulting. 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 plan your dream wedding in Western North Carolina or anywhere else for your destination wedding. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: How to tackle your budget without guessing by prioritizing your top three wedding must-haves (venue, food, photography) Why building in a 5-10% cushion is essential for unexpected costs like extra chairs, tents, or last-minute décor How to handle contributions from family or loved ones early to avoid misunderstandings Smart ways to save on the bar, including offering champagne just for toasts or serving a signature cocktail during cocktail hour only Transportation tips that reduce costs while keeping your wedding party stress-free Pro Tip: Don’t forget vendor meals! Your photographer, DJ, planner, and other key vendors will be with you all day, and hungry vendors can impact the flow of your wedding. Budgeting for meals ensures everyone stays energized and your day runs smoothly. Pro Tip: Ask vendors for referrals to build a trusted team that works well together Repeat after me: Always. Get. It. In. Writing. Including details like cake stands, platters, and other essentials A-ha Moment: A wedding budget isn’t about restriction, it’s about freedom. When you know what really matters, you can spend confidently and focus on celebrating love and your special day. Ready to feel more confident about your wedding budget? Hit play now and take the first step toward planning a wedding that’s beautiful, stress-free, and tailored to your dreams. Resources + Mentions: Build in 5-10% cushion within your wedding budget Wriet down your top three priorities Get it in writing Wedding Venue Comparison worksheet available on our website Let's Stay Connected: Did this episode help calm your wedding nerves? We'd love to hear about it! DM us on Instagram @BusyBride101 or contact Lisa via email at Lisa@exquisiteevents.info Subscribe and Tune In: New episodes drop twice a month. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss a beat!
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Destination Weddings in Asheville, North Carolina
Aug 2500:07:06Tap to summarizeAsheville 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 packed with "real talk" tips for creating a warm, thoughtful, and wow worthy experience that feels like you. And don’t worry, we’ll help you dodge the burnout and actually enjoy the planning part, too. What You’ll Learn: How to kick off the weekend with a welcome party that sets the tone Why simple food (think pizza + nachos) can be the secret to great vibes Ideas for an interactive, no-stress rehearsal dinner Ways to make guests feel comfortable, cared for, and excited all weekend long Who This Episode Is For: Destination brides planning in Asheville or the surrounding Blue Ridge area Couples juggling full-time jobs while planning their first big event Anyone looking to prioritize guest experience without losing their minds Resources + Mentions: Places to Eat and Drink in Asheville check out Explore Asheville Wedding Venues Comparison sheet available on our website Welcome Dinner Checklist available on our website Let’s Stay Connected: Did this episode help calm your planning nerves? We’d love to hear about it! DM us on Instagram @BusyBride101 or drop your favorite moment in a review. 🔔 Subscribe & Tune In: New episodes drop twice a month! Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss a beat.
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Engagement Season Kickoff 2022
Jan 19, 202200:03:07Tap to summarizeEngagement 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 Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram Busy Bride 101:Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On The Go! YouTube Busy Bride 101 YouTube Channel CONTACT Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com
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Wedding Catering Advice Seasoned With Love and Experience
Aug 23, 202100:17:34Tap to summarizeNestled 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 Celine and Company 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. There's nothing like being "hands-on" to ensure the flavors and presentation are how you envisioned for your guests. From cooking offsite on a breathtaking mountain top to on premises at her 6,000 square feet historic building, Chef Kim with over 25 years of experience and her talented staff leads the helm in combining the right ingredients for a perfect match. LINKS and RESOURCES: Website Celine and Company Instagram Celine and Company Catering Address: 49 Broadway Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Email: kim@celineandcompany.com Website: Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram: Exquisite Events and Consulting Podcast: Busy Bride 101:Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On the Go Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974
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Looking Through The Lens With Corey Johnson
Jul 16, 202100:21:56Tap to summarizeCorey Johnson of Corey Johnson Studios 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 his tips for your wedding or special event. LINKS: COREY JOHNSON CONTACT INFO: Website: https://coreyjohnsonstudios.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreyjohnsonstudios/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coreyjohnsonstudios LISA G. MCMILLAN CONTACT INFO: Website: Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram: Busy Bride 101: Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On the Go Phone: 704-578-1974 Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com
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Luxurious Skincare Tips For Every Bride
Jun 3, 202100:21:51Tap to summarizeYour 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 Fancy Face Inc 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 line which includes "Poetry in Potion Serum " and "Daydream Rosewater Cream" to include in your daily regimen. Every artist starts with a clean canvas, why not allow your skin to be the canvas of glowing beauty on your wedding day and everyday. Links: Website Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram Busy Bride 101 Brittany Gray Website Fancy Face Inc Instagram Fancy Face Inc Facebook Fancy Face Inc
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Hair and Makeup Secrets To Looking Radiantly Beautiful On Your Wedding Day
May 6, 202100:23:25Tap to summarizeHair 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 Blush Asheville has a team of professionals experienced in creating a natural and realistic look and not like someone else. Listen to some of the tips she provides to making you look amazing. “Always Remember, Your Wedding Is For The Two Of You!” Links: Guest Speaker: Wendy Morris Website: Blush Asheville Instagram: blushasheville Host: Lisa G. McMillan Website: Exquisite Events and Consulting Follow Busy Bride 101: Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On The Go Instagram: busybride101 YouTube Channel: Busy Bride 101 Podcast: Busy Bride 101 Contact Lisa! lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974
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The Sweet Tooth Dilemma
Apr 6, 202100:19:25Tap to summarizeWelcome to Busy Bride 101: Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On The Go! If you’re vacillating about the type of dessert to serve your guests at your wedding, Mandy at 50/Fifty: The Art of the Dessert has a multitude of options to choose for your special occasion. From specialty cakes and pies to elaborate dessert displays filled with cookies, truffles, or even an armadillo red velvet cake. You’re sure to find a delicious bite to satisfy your sweet craving. To keep up with us and learn more tips, follow us on Instagram and on our YouTube Channel at Busy Bride 101 Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and to share with your friends. Always remember, Your wedding is for the two of you! Links: 50/Fifty: The Art of Dessert Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 Contact Lisa! lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974
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