Wedding Planner Reveals The Truth Bombs Every Couple Needs to Hear

Описание: Host Dawn Takacs welcomes veteran wedding planner Cara Svetkovich, owner of Caristia Events, to the couch for an honest, no-filter look at the wedding industry. With over 20 years of experience, Cara drops the "truth bombs" every couple needs to hear before signing their first contract.

In this episode, we explore the serendipitous meaning of "Caristia"—an ancient Roman festival celebrating family—and how that philosophy transforms every wedding into a unique artistic canvas. From specialized insights into South Asian and multicultural weddings to the critical difference between a venue coordinator and a dedicated wedding advocate, Cara explains why a professional planner is your ultimate insurance policy.

In this episode, Dawn and Cara discuss:

The "Money Saving" Secret: How a fresh set of eyes on your contracts can save you thousands by catching hidden costs like the 27% Fees & Allegheny County Tax.

Venue vs. Planner: Why booking your planner before your venue is the ultimate insurance policy for your budget.

The "Immersive" Era: Why the future of weddings is all about the guest experience, featuring live painters, magicians, and casino games.

Gratuity Etiquette: The truth about vendor meals and how to properly thank your frontline team without breaking the bank.

Connect with Cara Svetkovich:

Website: https://www.caristiaevents.com

Instagram: @caristiaevents

Pittsburgh Brides Profile: https://pittsburghbrides.com/listing/...

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction to Cara Svetkovich & Caristia Events
00:43 – The Meaning of "Caristia": A Roman Celebration of Family
01:51 – Every Wedding is a Canvas: The Artist’s Approach
02:16 – South Asian & Multicultural Wedding Expertise
03:58 – From Hotel Blocks to Full Planning: 20 Years of Experience
04:53 – Merging Creativity with Logistics: The Successful Planner
06:26 – Why Even "Type A" Personalities Need a Planner
08:17 – How a Planner Saves You Money on Contracts
11:30 – Navigating the 27% Allegheny County Fees & Taxes
13:17 – Day of Coordination vs. Structured Planning
15:40 – The Importance of the "Vibe Check" Video Call
18:31 – Misconceptions: We Aren't Just "Bossy"
19:51 – Venue Coordinator vs. Wedding Planner: Who is Your Advocate?
26:41 – Top Venue Picks: Modern, Elegant, and Rustic
29:07 – Hidden Gems: The Pittsburgh Opera House & The Priory
35:42 – Community Over Competition in Pittsburgh
37:36 – Giving Back: The Impact of Angel Weddings
42:24 – Putting Out Fires: The Rainy Ceremony Plan B
47:22 – RSVP Timelines & Incentivizing Your Guests
51:04 – Toasts & Speeches: The 3-Minute Sweet Spot
53:06 – Why Vendor Meals are a Budget Necessity
55:44 – Tipping Truths: Gratuity Etiquette for Frontline Staff
01:00:50 – Do QR Codes & Table Signs Actually Work?
01:03:38 – Immersive Entertainment: The Future of Weddings
01:10:03 – Final Advice & How to Book Cara

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