Wedding Planning Experts / Bride, Engaged, Wedding Planner, Bridesmaids, Wedding Decorations, and more.

Venue Manager vs Day-Of Coordinator vs Wedding Planner: What Every Bride Needs to Know

Confused about the difference between a Venue Manager, Day-Of Coordinator, and Wedding Planner? You’re not alone—and misunderstanding these roles is one of the biggest planning mistakes engaged couples make.
In this episode of the Wedding Planning Experts Podcast, 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 feeling overwhelmed, couples planning their first wedding, or anyone trying to decide where 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 weekend celebration, or a more hands-on DIY event, this conversation will help you make confident, informed decisions.
🎙️ Hosted by Dan & Andrea DeWardWedding Planning ExpertsOver 25 years of experienceOwners of Full Circle Weddings
🌐 www.FullCircleWeddings.com
🌐 www.WeddingPlanningExperts.com📍 Serving couples throughout West Michigan and beyond

JW Marriott Grand Rapids Weddings: Are Hotel Weddings Really Easier for Brides?

Planning a luxury wedding in Michigan or searching for the perfect downtown Grand Rapids wedding venue? In this episode of the Wedding Planning Experts Podcast, hosts Dan and Andrea DeWard of Full Circle Weddings sit down with Olivia LaVergne, Event Manager at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids, one of West Michigan’s most sought-after luxury hotel wedding venues.
Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, the JW Marriott delivers an elevated destination-style wedding weekend experience with stunning event spaces, upscale guest rooms, on-site catering, and luxury amenities—making it a top choice for engaged couples dreaming of a stress-free, all-in-one wedding celebration.
Olivia shares expert insight on what couples can expect when hosting their wedding at a luxury hotel venue, from venue tours and design planning to catering, bar service, guest accommodations, and timeline logistics. Dan and Andrea also break down the difference between hiring a wedding planner versus a day-of coordinator, helping couples understand what level of support they truly need.
Whether you’re an engaged couple, a bride feeling overwhelmed, or planning a sophisticated hotel wedding weekend, this episode offers practical advice, insider tips, and real-world expectations to help you plan with confidence.
Topics Covered in This Episode
Luxury wedding venues in Grand Rapids, Michigan
JW Marriott Grand Rapids wedding experience
Venue tour options and what to expect
Floral and wedding décor planning process
Catering, bar service, and menu creation
Taste testing and wedding menu planning
Wedding cakes and dessert options
Bridal suite for hair and makeup
Wedding rehearsal logistics
Start and stop times for wedding events
Guest rooms and hotel accommodations
Guest parking options, including valet
On-site amenities like the spa and pool
Destination wedding weekend planning
Wedding planner versus 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 Every Engaged Bride Needs to Hear: What’s In, What’s Out & What’s Next

Planning a 2026 wedding and feeling overwhelmed or stressed? You’re not alone—today’s engaged couples are facing more choices than ever. In this episode of the Wedding Planning Experts Podcast, hosts Dan & Andrea DeWard (Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan) break down the most important 2026 wedding trends every bride, groom, and engaged couple needs to know before choosing their wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses, tuxedo, wedding venue, or even their save the date and invitations.
With 25+ years in the wedding industry, Dan and Andrea guide you through what’s trending for 2026, including:• Engagement ring & wedding rings styles• Destination weddings vs. local wedding venues and banquet halls• Micro weddings vs. large weddings• Trending wedding colors for 2026• Bridal fashion: gowns, bridesmaids dresses & accessories• Groom’s fashion and tuxedo updates• Wedding bouquet, floral design, boutonniere & corsage trends• Wedding photography styles couples love• 2026 wedding cakes and dessert bar ideas• Food, drinks & guest experience trends• Bridesmaids gifts, wedding gifting & unique favors• Save-the-date tips, invitation designs & planning timeline essentials• What Gen Z couples expect from modern weddings
Whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or simply trying to stay ahead of the trends, this episode gives you the clarity and inspiration you need to make confident decisions for your perfect 2026 wedding day.
🎙 Listen now and start planning with confidence.Wedding Planning Experts PodcastHosted by Dan & Andrea DeWardwww.WeddingPlanningExperts.com
🌸 Full Circle Weddings – West Michigan Wedding Serviceswww.FullCircleWedding.com

Grand Rapids Bridal Show: Should Engaged Brides Still Attend?

In this podcast episode we will discuss details every bride, groom and wedding vendor should know before attending a Grand Rapids Bridal Show in January at the DeVos Place.
Learn the dates and times of the bridal show, how many wedding vendors participate, wedding dress and tuxedo fashion show times, how to get a free ticket, cost for additional guests tickets, how to register for prizes, how wedding vendors can join and more.DON'T MISS a few tips every bride and groom should do prior to attending any wedding expo. We share that information.
To get the most out of attending be sure the bridal show offers a wide range of vendors covering all categories including wedding planner, wedding venues, wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses, tuxedo, wedding rings, bouquets, boutonniere, wedding decorations, wedding invitations, photo, video, DJ, photo booth, limousine, party bus, wedding officiator, catering, cake, tent rental, honeymoon, wedding gift ideas, wedding hairstyles, and a fashion show displaying the latest styles.
It can just be the bride and groom attending the bridal expo but often couples will invite some of their bridesmaids, groomsmen, mother of the bride, father of the bride, mother of the groom, father of the groom to also attend.  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 Grand Rapids Bridal Show - https://grbridalshow.com/Wedding Planning Experts  is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings. 

Are you a bride feeling overwhelmed and stressed with wedding planning? Let us help you plan your wedding stress free and on budget.

Let's do this... In our first episode we want to welcome every engaged bride as we share a little bit our our story in the wedding industry. We have been fortunate to have helped hundreds of brides with planning and also hosting their wedding day.
Over the past 25+ years we have owned and operated multiple wedding lines of business including 3 large wedding venues, photo, video, flowers, wedding decorations, centerpieces, DJ, photo booth, limousine, party bus, bridal dress salon, bridesmaids dresses, tuxedo rentals, wedding invitations, timeline assistance, floor plans, and more. Yes, we owned and operated all of those wedding lines with our team.
We have also hosted a large bridal expo and worked with a variety of other wedding services such as caterer, bar service, wedding officiator, tent rental, cake, honeymoon, travel, and more.
We are excited to launch our Wedding Planning Experts podcast and share wedding tips, interview other expert vendors and help brides and grooms plan their wedding stress-free on and on budget. So 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/theweddingplanningexpertsWedding Planning Experts  is produced by Dan and Andrea DeWard with Full Circle Weddings.