Best Novias Podcasts (2025)

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8 Wedding Dress Shopping Myths Every Bride Should Know 27:34

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8d ago27:34

27:34

Happy Wednesday, brides-to-be! In this re-released episode of White Dress Optional, Mel & Malea break down 8 of the most common wedding dress shopping myths that confuse or overwhelm so many brides. Whether you're newly engaged or gearing up for your first appointment, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and insider tips you wish yo…

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TikTok Wedding Advice: Bridal Shop Experts React #2 28:25

15d ago28:25

28:25

Engaged couples today have access to endless wedding opinions online — but is all that TikTok advice actually good? In this episode, bridal experts Mel and Malea (with 30+ years combined in the industry) react to viral wedding planning videos and break down what’s genuinely helpful vs. what might lead you astray. If you’re overwhelmed by conflictin…

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Emotional Wellness Tips for Brides & Couples During Wedding Planning 32:44

22d ago32:44

32:44

This week we’re joined by Karie from SSY (She Said Yes) in Oklahoma—an incredible wedding planner who believes supporting couples emotionally is just as important as planning the details. 💛 Karie shares the real emotional challenges brides and couples face, how to stay grounded when planning gets overwhelming, and simple wellness practices to prote…

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Wedding Planning Made Easy: Your Month-by-Month Timeline Guide 30:18

1M ago30:18

30:18

Feeling overwhelmed by where to even start with wedding planning? We’ve got you. In this episode, Mel and Malea walk you through a practical, stress-reducing wedding planning timeline — from 12+ months out all the way to the morning of your big day. We’re breaking down what actually matters at each stage, the tasks you don’t want to skip, and the c…

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New Show: The "Spanish Listening Practice Podcast"! 0:57

1M ago0:57

0:57

Spanish listening practice that actually works! The Spanish Listening Practice Podcast will help you understand real-life, native Spanish. Each episode features authentic Spanish stories and articles, written and performed by native Spanish-speaking humans. This show focuses on core, everyday Spanish — the top 1000 Spanish words that are spoken in …

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How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer for You with Guest Raquel King 34:43

1M ago34:43

34:43

Choosing a wedding photographer is about so much more than finding someone who takes pretty pictures — it’s about finding the right fit for you. In this episode, Mel and Malea sit down with wedding photographer Raquel King to talk about how your photographer’s personality, communication style, and creative approach can make or break your wedding da…

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Wedding Cake Trends & Creative Tips with Luxury Cake Artist Armana (A. Cakes Bakery) 44:12

2M ago44:12

44:12

Step into the sweetest part of wedding planning — your cake! 🎂✨ In this episode, Mel & Malea sit down with Armana of A. Cakes Bakery, a luxury cake artist known for her sculptural, grand, emotion-driven designs. From a pro-golfer turned pastry artist to creating deeply personal wedding cakes, Armana shares the unexpected journey behind her craft — …

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Stories from the Bridal Floor: What Your Stylist Wants You to Know Featuring Alli Quirin 32:27

2M ago32:27

32:27

This week, Mel and Malea are joined by Alli — one of Brilliant Bridal’s own stylists — for a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens on the bridal floor. From heartwarming “yes to the dress” moments to expert advice on trusting your stylist, Alli shares stories that will make you laugh and feel more confident walking into your own appointment…

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Wedding Planning: Is your wedding really all about you? 27:30

2M ago27:30

27:30

Every couple has heard it — “It’s your day!” But when planning a wedding, your guests’ experience plays a big role in how the celebration actually feels. In this episode, Mel and Malea dive into how to balance your dream day with thoughtful touches that make your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and included. From ceremony seating to reception flo…

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Champagne Taste, Real-Life Budget: Celebrity Weddings Decoded 33:54

2M ago33:54

33:54

Ever wondered how celebrity weddings look that good—and how much of it you can actually recreate without a million-dollar budget? In this episode, Mel and Malea break down four celebrity weddings, sharing what worked, what didn’t, and how everyday brides can pull inspiration from A-list “I dos.” With over 30 years of combined wedding industry exper…

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Who (and What) to Bring to Your Wedding Dress Appointment | Bridal Shopping Tips 25:19

3M ago25:19

25:19

By Brilliant Bridal

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Wedding Dress Shopping on TikTok: Bridal Shop Experts React 47:43

3M ago47:43

47:43

TikTok seems to be the place for honest opinions, wedding dress shopping experiences is no exception! — but how much of it is actually helpful? In this episode of White Dress Optional, your hosts from Brilliant Bridal react to 4 TikTok videos from real brides sharing their experiences. From veil pricing and alterations to whether you should get a s…

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Our Brilliant Bridal Story: 16 Years in Weddings 30:07

3M ago30:07

30:07

From opening our first bridal shop to helping thousands of brides, here’s our story, what inspired Brilliant Bridal, and the wedding planning wisdom we’ve picked up along the way. Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optional’, a wedding podcast by Brilliant Bridal! Join us every Wednesday for candid conversations, expert insights, and heartwarmi…

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Wedding Dress Shopping Guide: Fabrics, Fits, + Where to Start 32:12

3M ago32:12

32:12

Feeling overwhelmed by wedding dress shopping? You’re not alone! In this episode of White Dress Optional, your hosts from Brilliant Bridal break down everything you need to know before stepping into a bridal shop. From understanding fabrics to figuring out whether a fitted or flowy style feels right for you, we’ll give you the language, tools, and …

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Swiftie Wedding Theories: What Taylor & Travis Could Mean for Brides Everywhere 31:39

4M ago31:39

31:39

✨ Swiftie brides, this one’s for you! In this episode, your hosts, Melanie + Malea (and bridal shop CEOs) dive into the exciting news of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement. We share our wedding predictions — from dress styles to venue vibes — and have some fun dreaming up what their big day could look like. But beyond the theories, we’re br…

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Best of Season 2 35:51

8M ago35:51

35:51

Welcome to our Season 2 send-off! Before we head off on summer break, we wanted to highlight some of our top moments from this season. Enjoy clips from our most-listened-to episodes, vendor advice from the “Where to Begin Series,” real couples’ wedding stories, and standout moments with other incredible guests. Thank you for tuning in, we hope this…

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Real Brides Ask Us Anything Pt. 3 41:36

8M ago41:36

41:36

You asked, so we answered! In this episode, Mel & Malea are tackling all the wedding questions submitted by YOU, and no topic is off-limits. They’re diving into the pros and cons of buffet vs. plated dinners, where to draw the line on plus-ones, navigating a dry wedding dilemma, do coworkers make the guest list, and MORE. If you’re looking for real…

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Part 4: Real Bride’s Journey to ‘I Do’ with Anna Graham 37:28

8M ago37:28

37:28

Happy Wednesday! This week, we’re catching up with Mrs. Anna Graham, post-wedding bliss for the final chapter of our “Real Bride’s Journey to ‘I Do’” series. Anna shares the highs, surprises, and lessons from her wedding day—from memorable personal touches to handling unexpected mishaps. We dive into how the Graham’s unique ceremony choices made th…

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How New Tariffs Could Impact Couples Planning a Wedding 22:41

9M ago22:41

22:41

Welcome back, listeners! With new tariff policies on imported goods set to take effect in 2025, we know many couples in the midst of planning might be wondering, 'How will this affect my wedding plans?' In this episode, Mel breaks down what these changes could mean for couples and the wedding industry alike, how wedding pros are responding, and sha…

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Our Favorite Wedding Registry Must-Haves of 2025 31:00

9M ago31:00

31:00

Happy Wednesday! We’re back with another round of wedding registry must-haves! This week, Mel & Malea share their favorite registry picks of 2025, from big-ticket investment pieces that are great for group gifts to fun and practical finds you’ll use for years to come. Tune in for tips on building a well-balanced registry and snagging gifts that wil…

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A Wedding Vendor Disappointed You, Now What? 31:01

9M ago31:01

31:01

Wedding planning is full of excitement, but what happens when a vendor doesn’t meet your expectations? This week, we’re joined by Cora Mercer, founder of Tailored in White, to tackle the tough questions couples face when things don’t go as planned. Mel, Malea and Cora have an honest conversation about how to handle vendor disappointments with confi…

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Busting the Myths About Shopping for Men’s Weddingwear with Eric Acuña 32:44

9M ago32:44

32:44

Happy Wednesday, listeners! This week’s episode is all about making wedding day style stress-free for grooms, groomsmen, and fiancés. Eric Acuña from Friar Tux joins Mel & Malea to share expert styling advice, highlight the latest trends, explain how their online rental service makes looking sharp easier and more affordable than ever, and so much m…

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RSVPs & Seating Charts Made Simple 55:36

10M ago55:36

55:36

Wedding RSVPs and seating charts don’t have to be overwhelming! This week, Mel & Malea share how to set RSVP deadlines, follow up with guests who don’t respond, and manage last-minute additions. They’ll also break down the pros and cons of open seating vs. assigned seating, plus share creative advice on matching guests based on shared commonalities…

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How to Plan Your Honeymoon Using Points and Miles 30:14

10M ago30:14

30:14

What if your wedding expenses could fund the honeymoon of your dreams? Believe it or not—they can! This week, Mel & Malea sit down with Aimee Crosby, a travel enthusiast who has mastered the art of optimizing credit card welcome offers and rewards making travel more accessible. Aimee breaks down everything from how to time your wedding spending str…

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From Couple to Family: Navigating the Transition to Parenthood 41:57

10M ago41:57

41:57

Welcome, everyone! If starting a family post-wedding has been on your mind, you’ll love this episode. This week, Mel & Malea get real about the transition from newlyweds to parents, sharing their personal experiences of adjusting to new roles and emotions. They offer tips for managing responsibilities, staying emotionally grounded, and keeping your…

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Part 3: Real Bride’s Journey to ‘I Do’ with Anna Davidson 37:48

10M ago37:48

37:48

Happy Wednesday, listeners! With just over 30 days until she says “I do”, Anna Davidson is back with Mel & Malea to talk all about tying up loose ends in the final stretch of wedding planning. Anna shares her experiences working with a wedding planner, tracking down RSVPs, navigating last-minute dress stress & tricky guest dynamics. They also cover…

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Lessons in Love: Valentine's Day Fails 17:57

11M ago17:57

17:57

Hello & Happy Valentine’s Week, everyone! Mel & Malea are swapping wedding planning tips for Valentine’s Day fails this week—seriously, these stories don’t disappoint. From one-too-many heavy handed cocktails to a fountain-side proposal gone wrong, these stories remind us that even the best-laid plans can go awry. If you're in the thick of wedding …

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Where to Begin: Wedding Dress Shopping 26:15

11M ago26:15

26:15

If saying “yes to the dress” is still on your wedding to-do list, you won’t want to miss this week’s episode! Mel & Malea bring over 14 years of bridal industry expertise to simplify the process of wedding dress shopping. In this episode, they’ll guide you through finding inspiration, researching boutiques, and deciding how many to visit, plus shar…

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Where to Begin: Designing Your Wedding Cake 31:06

11M ago31:06

31:06

Happy Wednesday! Warning: This episode may cause extreme cake cravings — but we’re totally here for it! This week, Mel & Malea are serving up a slice of wedding planning sweetness with owner & cake artist, Jo Kohnhorst of 1320 Bakery. From ways to maximize your cake budget to flavor combos your guests will rave about, we've got you covered. Plus, s…

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Where to Begin: Preparing Your First Dance 34:20

11M ago34:20

34:20

Hi, everyone! This week, Mel & Malea talk with Elizabeth Marberry, founder of Wedding Dance Coach in Denver, Colorado, to help couples create a first dance that’s fun, unique, and totally true to you - no matter your experience level. Say goodbye to the awkward middle school sway as Elizabeth shares how to add choreography that matches your style a…

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Where to Begin: Hiring a Florist 31:38

11M ago31:38

31:38

If “find our wedding florist” is still unchecked on your to-do list, this is the episode for you! Mel & Malea sit down with Jordan Meek, founder of Fleur PHX, to help couples simplify the process of hiring their florist. They break down when to book a florist, how to communicate your style, and tips on how to maximize your budget and get the most o…

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Where to Begin: Hiring A Wedding Planner 34:06

12M ago34:06

34:06

Happy 2025, listeners! We hope you had a joyful holiday season surrounded by loved ones. We’re thrilled to kick off our "Where to Begin" series with an episode dedicated to wedding planners, featuring our special guest, Ashley Sirjord, Owner and Lead Planner of Calico Weddings! Join Mel, Malea, and Ashley as they dive into the benefits of hiring a …

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Announcement from Timothy: New Course! 1:25

1y ago1:25

1:25

Join the Spanish In One Month challenge!

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What to Do if You Suspect Your Partner is Going to Propose 32:22

1y ago32:22

32:22

It’s engagement season! If you’re starting to suspect a proposal might be around the corner, this episode is for you. This week, Mel is joined by newly engaged Emily Hays from the Brilliant Bridal marketing team to share proposal prep tips you won’t want to miss—think nail care, staying spontaneous, and managing expectations while letting your part…

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Weddings with a Twist: Fun Ideas Your Guests Will Love 24:59

1y ago24:59

24:59

Happy Wednesday, listeners! This episode was inspired by a popular question from our Instagram community: What else can guests do at a wedding besides eating, drinking, and dancing? If you’re looking to add a fun twist, Mel & Malea are sharing creative ideas like trivia games, live music, carnival-style entertainment, casino nights with prizes, and…

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All You Need to Know About Wedding Content Creators with Socially Weddings 32:16

1y ago32:16

32:16

Welcome, everyone! This week, we’re diving into the exciting, fast-growing world of wedding content creation. Mel & Malea sit down with founder of Socially Weddings, Carmen DeLoux, to discuss everything you need to know about capturing modern-day wedding memories. Learn how content creators work alongside photographers and videographers, the types …

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Navigating the Holidays as Newlyweds 29:42

1y ago29:42

29:42

Welcome back, everyone! The holidays take on a whole new vibe once you’re married, and Mel & Malea are here to help you navigate this exciting (and sometimes tricky) shift. In this episode, they explore how being married transforms the way you approach family gatherings, balance traditions, and tackle holiday travel plans. Through personal stories,…

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Wedding Expo Interviews: Advice from Real Couples 26:43

1y ago26:43

26:43

Welcome to an exciting episode of White Dress Optional! Our team hit the floor at a wedding expo to chat with real engaged couples about their wedding planning experiences. Hear about the biggest surprises they’ve faced, their top tips for newly engaged couples, what they’re hoping to accomplish at the expo, and whether they’d recommend it to other…

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Part 2: Real Bride’s Journey to ‘I Do’ with Anna Davidson & John Will Graham 37:17

1y ago37:17

37:17

Get excited! Real bride Anna Davidson returns for Part 2 of our wedding journey series, joined by her fiancé John Will Graham! Together with hosts Mel & Malea, they dive into the details they chose to prioritize, choosing an officiant they trust to capture the heart of their day, why John Will believes grooms should play an active role in planning,…

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Real Brides Ask Us Anything Pt. 2 46:17

1y ago46:17

46:17

The episode you all have been waiting for is HERE! This week, Mel & Malea are answering all the burning wedding questions brides & couples have submitted to us. Is $1200 a realistic budget when dress shopping? What’s the deal with bridal sizing and etiquette regarding tipping your stylist? They go through the pros & cons of first looks, share advic…

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Behind the Seams of Wedding Dressmaking: Our Trip to China 29:50

1y ago29:50

29:50

Happy Wednesday, everyone! This week, Mel & Malea are taking you behind the scenes of wedding dressmaking with a special episode about their recent trip to China. We’re uncovering it all — from how a simple sketch transforms into ‘the’ dress you fall in love with at the boutique, to the ethical, humane practices that set these manufacturers apart f…

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5 Post-Wedding Tasks to Remember 33:11

1y ago33:11

33:11

Welcome back, everyone! Even after the big day, there are still a few loose ends to tie up! Mel & Malea share 5 important post-wedding tasks to remember, from writing ‘thank you’ notes (free customizable templates here!) to cleaning your dress, starting the name change process, and more. If you're a couple looking to stay on top of things after the…

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Wedding Dress Codes Decoded 29:10

1y ago29:10

29:10

This week, Mel & Malea decode the most common wedding dress codes — white tie, black tie, formal, cocktail, and casual. Whether you're setting the dress code for your big day or navigating one as a guest, we've got you covered! Plus, we’ll break down which colors and styles to avoid so the bride stays the star of the show. Tune in for all the weddi…

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Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress with Nadine Bozeman 37:13

1y ago37:13

37:13

Welcome back, everyone! This week, Mel & Malea are diving into all the wedding dress alteration secrets you didn’t know you needed with bridal seamstress, Nadine Bozeman of Sweet Francis Sewing Co.! They break down why every wedding gown, whether off-the-rack or custom-ordered, needs alterations. You’ll also get expert tips on choosing the best bri…

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The "Yeah...No's" of Wedding Speeches 23:46

1+ y ago23:46

23:46

Happy Wednesday! Get ready to laugh, learn, and cringe as Mel & Malea dive into the "Yeah…No’s" of wedding speeches! From awkward open mic moments to cringeworthy ex shoutouts, they share real-life stories and practical advice to ensure your wedding toasts are a hit. Whether you're a bride, groom, or speech-giver, this episode will help you prevent…

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Part 1: Real Bride’s Journey to ‘I Do’ with Anna Davidson 43:27

1+ y ago43:27

43:27

Anna Davidson of Homzie Designs is back, but this time as a bride-to-be! Mel & Malea kick off a new series following Anna's journey from fiancée to wife, starting with her sweet proposal story and her experiences with wedding dress shopping. Anna also opens up about the pressures and surprises she’s faced early in the planning process, from balanci…

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Combining Cultures in a Wedding Ceremony with Tanya Pushkine 33:15

1+ y ago33:15

33:15

Happy Wednesday! Join us as we welcome back Tanya Pushkine, “The Vow Whisperer,” to explore how couples can creatively and meaningfully incorporate their heritages into their big day in a way that honors both cultures and resonates with guests. We discuss practical tips for putting together a memorable ceremony and navigating any challenges that ma…

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How to Manage a Wedding Budget with Inflation 28:55

1+ y ago28:55

28:55

WE’RE BACK! Welcome to Season 2 — we’re so glad you’re here. This week, Mel & Malea discuss the impact of inflation on the wedding world. They’ll answer why weddings are costing more, whether social media is tricking you into overspending, and how to decide where to splurge and where to save when planning your wedding budget. Oh, and they reveal th…

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AS090b: Advanced Audio Quiz 36:21

1+ y ago36:21

36:21

Speak along and review! Let's practice using all our new Spanish vocabulary in real-life sentences. Want FREE access to all of our learning materials, including videos, dialogues, and quizzes? Head over to www.spanishinonemonth.com. For additional resources beyond the 12 free Spanish lessons mentioned above, visit us on YouTube at https://www.youtu…

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AS090: Brazo, Posición, Nivel, and More Nouns 9:42

1+ y ago9:42

9:42

This episode will teach you the nouns for many parts of things, including the body parts "back" and "arm". Want FREE access to all of our learning materials, including videos, dialogues, and quizzes? Head over to www.spanishinonemonth.com. For additional resources beyond the 12 free Spanish lessons mentioned above, visit us on YouTube at https://ww…