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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 Create a Wedding Experience Your Guests Will Never Forget
Want your wedding to feel as good as it looks? Discover how thoughtful design and guest-focused details can create a truly unforgettable celebration.
Klen Ibale
6 days ago4 min read


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 5, 20254 min read


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 28, 20254 min read


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 14, 20254 min read


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 7, 20253 min read


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 17, 20253 min read


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 26, 20253 min read


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 19, 20253 min read


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 12, 20255 min read


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 29, 20253 min read


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 15, 20253 min read


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 8, 20253 min read


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 1, 20254 min read


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 18, 20254 min read


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 4, 20253 min read


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 20, 20256 min read


A Downtown Houston Wedding Story: Serena & Hector's "Speakeasy Love"
Serena and Hector’s downtown Houston wedding brought speakeasy romance to life with moody lighting, Art Deco vibes, and a rooftop ceremony surrounded by skyscrapers. Their day was full of bold style, heartfelt details, and bilingual touches that honored both families. From the custom cocktails to the flawless florals and mariachi serenade, every moment felt like a scene from a modern love story. This celebration proved that when classic elegance meets city edge, the result is
Klen Ibale
Jun 6, 20256 min read


Writing Your Own Wedding Vows: A Personalized Guide to Expressing Your Love
Writing your own wedding vows doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tips, you can craft heartfelt, meaningful promises that reflect your relationship. This guide walks you through how to write wedding vows that feel real, personal, and true to you. No pressure, just love.
Klen Ibale
May 23, 20256 min read


How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue
Finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. From guest count to budget, this guide will help you choose a space that fits your vision and sets the tone for an unforgettable day.
Klen Ibale
May 9, 20254 min read
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