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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.


How to Use Color Confidently in a Spring Wedding Design
Design-focused couples often come to us with beautiful ideas—saved pins, color inspiration, and a clear feeling they want their wedding day to evoke—but also with one big hesitation: Is this too much color? If you love romantic design and are drawn to feminine, cheerful palettes, but you’re unsure how to use color without it feeling overwhelming, dated, or “too theme-y,” you’re not alone. And the truth is, some of the most unforgettable weddings we’ve ever planned are the one

Brandi Swanson
2 days ago4 min read


How to Listen Well as a New Business Owner
Listening is one of the most powerful tools you have as a new business owner. This blog shares practical, heart-centered ways to improve your listening skills, build stronger client relationships, and grow your business with more empathy and confidence.

Brandi Swanson
Jan 162 min read


6 Signs You and Your Wedding Planner Are a Perfect Match
Wondering how to know if you’ve found the planner? These six signs will help you spot when it’s more than just a good fit — it’s the perfect match. From real trust to shared values and easy communication, this guide breaks down what makes a planner feel like a teammate, not just a vendor. Planning your wedding should feel exciting (not overwhelming), and the right planner makes all the difference.

Brandi Swanson
Jan 93 min read


Choosing My Dreams: How I Found Purpose, Passion, and Strength Through Wedding Planning
Brandi Swanson, founder of Next Chapter Weddings, shares the personal story behind her leap from dance studio owner to wedding planner. From heartbreak to healing, she built a business rooted in love, purpose, and courage—while raising a family as a single mom. This blog is an open letter to every woman chasing big dreams, reminding you that your purpose is valid, your vision is powerful, and your next chapter starts with one bold step.

Brandi Swanson
Jan 23 min read


5 Wedding Tips for Grooms for the Perfect Wedding Day
Your wedding day is just as much about you, too! If you're a groom wondering how to show up strong, steady, and supportive, these wedding tips for grooms will help. From staying calm to being present, here’s how to enjoy the day, support your partner, and leave the stress behind. Next Chapter Weddings offers planning support for couples in Houston, TX and beyond.
Klen Ibale
Dec 26, 20254 min read


Why I Gave Up Coffee (And What I Found Instead)
At first, coffee helped me power through wedding days and endless to-do lists. But soon it became a crutch — one that left me anxious, burnt out, and disconnected from what mattered most. This is the story of how I gave up caffeine and found clarity, calm, and freedom on the other side.

Brandi Swanson
Nov 21, 20253 min read


5 Things I’m Most Proud of in My Wedding Planning Journey
Being a wedding planner is more than timelines and checklists... It’s a journey full of lessons, wins, and heart. In this post, I’m opening up about the 5 things I’m most proud of, from creating intentional weddings to building a supportive community. Whether you’re a fellow planner, a vendor, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, these reflections offer a real look at the purpose and pride that fuel this work.

Brandi Swanson
Oct 24, 20253 min read


My Week as a Wedding Planner
Have you ever wondered what a week in the life of a Wedding Planner looks like?
Spoiler alert: It’s never the same, and not as glamorous

Brandi Swanson
Dec 28, 20244 min read
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