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Stress-Free Wedding Planning & Design | Houston, Austin, San Antonio + Beyond!
Real Weddings, Expert Tips & the Heart Behind Next Chapter Weddings.
A blend of design inspiration, expert guidance, and the real-life moments that shaped Next Chapter Weddings.


5 Wedding Planning Myths Debunked (and What You Should Know Instead)
Wedding planning can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but let’s be honest, it can also get overwhelming. Between well-meaning advice from family, endless Pinterest inspiration, and the rabbit hole of TikTok planning hacks, it’s easy to lose sight of what actually matters. At Next Chapter Weddings , a Houston-based wedding planner ready to travel wherever your love takes you, we’ve seen it all. So today, we’re here to bust some of the most common wedding plannin
Klen Ibale
17 hours ago3 min read
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9 Mistakes I’ve Made as a Wedding Planner (And What They Taught Me)
Being a wedding planner means learning on the job... and yes, that includes making mistakes. From undercharging to overworking, I’ve made my fair share. But each one taught me something invaluable. In this post, I’m sharing the 9 biggest lessons I’ve learned so you can plan smarter, grow stronger, and sidestep the stress.

Brandi Swanson
Dec 54 min read
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Wedding Planning Checklist: What to Do and When to Do It (Month-by-Month Guide)
Feeling overwhelmed with wedding planning? This month-by-month wedding planning checklist breaks it all down, what to do and when to do it, so you can stress less and celebrate more.
Klen Ibale
Nov 284 min read
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10 Wedding Planning Mistakes And How to Avoid Them
Think wedding planning has to be stressful? Not on our watch. We’re breaking down the top 10 wedding planning mistakes couples regret—plus how to avoid them like a pro. From timeline chaos to guest experience misses, here’s what actually matters (and what doesn’t) when planning your day.
Klen Ibale
Nov 144 min read
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How I Faked It (Honestly) and Found My Purpose: My Wedding Planning Journey
I didn’t wait to feel ready to start my wedding planning journey. With passion, organization, and a willingness to learn, I grew from my first wedding into a thriving business — proving you don’t need perfection to begin, just the courage to take the first step.

Brandi Swanson
Nov 73 min read
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From Dance Recitals to I Do’s: How My Past Led Me to Becoming a Wedding Planner
From ballet slippers to bridal bouquets, my journey to becoming a wedding planner started in a dance studio. The lessons I learned backstage — in leadership, organisation, and creating once-in-a-lifetime moments — now shape every wedding I plan.

Brandi Swanson
Oct 173 min read
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8 Tips for the Night Before Your Wedding
Tomorrow’s the day—here’s how to keep tonight peaceful and stress-free. What to do to feel calm, present, and ready for your big day Okay, deep breath, you’re getting married tomorrow . Whether that feels totally surreal or just wildly exciting (or both), the night before your wedding is a special kind of energy. It’s like Christmas Eve, but with more waterproof mascara. And while it might be tempting to triple-check your seating chart or reply to every “Can’t wait for tomorr
Klen Ibale
Oct 104 min read
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Balancing Family, Passion, and Business Without Losing Yourself
Being a business owner, a mom, and a human all at once? It’s a lot. In this post, Brandi shares real talk and practical tips for finding balance, setting boundaries, and building a life that actually works—for your family and your dreams.

Brandi Swanson
Oct 33 min read
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Planning the Perfect Wedding Send-Off
A wedding send-off is more than just a pretty photo. It’s the emotional finale that turns your celebration into a full-circle experience. From petal tosses to glow stick exits, this guide shares creative wedding send-off ideas, tips for planning a smooth and stylish wedding exit, and ways to make your final moment feel just as meaningful as your first kiss.
Klen Ibale
Sep 263 min read
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How to Trust Your Own Expertise When Starting Your Wedding Planning Business
In this post, Brandi of Next Chapter Weddings shares how she learned to trust her own expertise when starting her wedding planning business. From reflecting on past experience to celebrating small wins, she offers practical ways new planners can build confidence, embrace authenticity, and create a business they truly believe in.

Brandi Swanson
Sep 193 min read
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Year-Round Romance: A Comprehensive Guide to Wedding Planning for Every Season
Choosing your wedding season isn’t just about a date — it sets the tone for your entire celebration. From spring blossoms to cozy winter nights, every season brings its own style and magic. In this guide, we’ll share tips to help you plan with confidence, embrace the best parts of your chosen season, and create a wedding that feels like a true reflection of your love story.
Klen Ibale
Sep 125 min read
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Finding Support: The Role of Encouragement in Pursuing Your Passion
Pursuing your passion isn’t a solo journey. This blog explores how encouragement, community, and genuine support can help you stay inspired, push through doubt, and turn your dreams into reality.

Brandi Swanson
Sep 52 min read
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What Should You Do With Your Engagement Ring During the Ceremony?
Wondering what to do with your engagement ring during the ceremony? Explore three thoughtful options to keep it safe, stylish, and stress-free.
Klen Ibale
Aug 293 min read
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5 Lessons I’ve Learned About Leadership Through Healing
Leadership isn’t just about strategy or structure, it’s about heart. In this honest reflection, Brandi shares how healing shaped her into the kind of leader who leads with empathy, presence, and trust. From burnout to breakthroughs, these lessons will resonate with anyone growing through what they’re going through.

Brandi Swanson
Aug 223 min read
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Crafting Your Perfect Day: Why Your Vision Matters with Next Chapter Weddings
Your vision isn’t just a starting point, it’s the heart of the plan. See how Next Chapter Weddings turns your dream day into a stress-free reality.
Klen Ibale
Aug 153 min read
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Building a Wedding Planning Business From Scratch as a Single Mom
Starting a wedding planning business as a newly single mom wasn’t easy but it was Brandi’s way of rebuilding. From working late nights in a tiny apartment to booking her first wedding, this is the honest story of how grit, motherhood, and purpose built something beautiful from scratch.

Brandi Swanson
Aug 83 min read
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Why You Should Consider a First Look on Your Wedding Day?
Discover the magic of a first look. Why it might be the emotional, stress-free start your wedding day needs.
Klen Ibale
Aug 14 min read
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Planning Your Personalized Wedding: 5 Ways to Make It Truly Yours
Your wedding should feel like you. From personalized vows to music that tells your story, here are five meaningful ways to create a day that’s true to your love and unlike anyone else’s.
Klen Ibale
Jul 184 min read
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A Bride's Guide to a Stress-Free Wedding Day
Your wedding day should be filled with joy, not stress. These 5 practical, heart-centered tips will help you stay calm, present, and fully in the moment—from your morning coffee to your last dance. Let go of the pressure to control every detail and discover what really makes a stress-free bride glow.
Klen Ibale
Jul 43 min read
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How to Plan the Best Engagement Party: A Step-by-Step Guide for Brides
Planning your first big celebration as a bride-to-be? This fun and practical step-by-step guide breaks down everything you need to throw the perfect engagement party—from choosing the right theme and setting the vibe, to hosting stress-free and making it personal to you and your fiancé.
Klen Ibale
Jun 206 min read
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