The word luxury is used constantly in the wedding industry, but rarely with clarity.

In this episode, Jessie Khaira unpacks what luxury actually means in the context of South Asian weddings and why a higher budget or beautiful aesthetics alone do not guarantee a better experience. Drawing from decades in the industry and real-world examples across weddings, hospitality, and travel, Jessie reframes luxury as something that is felt long before it is seen.

This conversation explores the difference between branding and experience, why systems matter more than price tags, and how true luxury is created behind the scenes through anticipation, consistency, and care. Jessie speaks candidly to planners, vendors, and couples alike about where the industry gets this wrong and what needs to shift.

If you’ve ever felt like something looked impressive on paper but didn’t feel supported in real life, this episode will give you a clearer lens for evaluating services, setting expectations, and defining what an elevated experience actually looks like.

Chapters
00:00 – Why the word “luxury” has lost clarity
02:15 – Why budget and aesthetics do not define luxury
04:45 – Luxury as an emotional experience, not a label
06:30 – A real-world example of luxury versus sales pressure
08:15 – Why systems and anticipation create ease
10:30 – Hospitality as the foundation of luxury
13:15 – What planners often miss behind the scenes
15:30 – Redefining luxury within your own business
18:45 – What couples should understand when they say “luxury wedding”
22:30 – Quiet confidence versus performative luxury
25:00 – Final reflections on what truly makes a wedding feel elevated

Connect with Jessie

Website: www.jessiekhaira.com

Instagram: @jessiekhaira

If you are planning a South Asian wedding, supporting someone who is, or working in this space as a planner, this podcast was created for you. Hit subscribe and join the conversation as we plan with clarity, confidence, and perspective.

Wedding budgets don’t fall apart because of numbers. They fall apart because of pressure, unclear priorities, and decisions made without structure.

In this episode, Jessie Khaira walks couples and planners through a more grounded way to think about wedding budgets, especially for South Asian and Indian weddings with multiple events, family involvement, and cultural expectations layered into every decision.

Rather than focusing on cutting costs or following formulas, Jessie explains how to build a budget with intention by starting with structure, values, and clarity. From common budgeting mistakes to the emotional weight tied to spending, this conversation reframes the budget as a tool for confidence instead of a source of stress.

If you’re planning a multi-day wedding week, feeling overwhelmed by where the money is going, or worried you’ll look back with regret, this episode will help you slow down, refocus, and make decisions that actually feel right.

Chapters

00:00 – Why budgets create stress regardless of how much you spend

01:30 – Common budgeting beliefs that lead to regret

03:45 – Why structure matters more than numbers

05:15 – Defining priorities before allocating money

07:00 – Spending based on values, not expectations

09:00 – Trade-offs that create confidence instead of guilt

11:30 – Budget clarity as a foundation for future conversations

Connect with Jessie

Website: www.jessiekhaira.com

Instagram: @jessiekhaira

If you are planning a South Asian wedding, supporting someone who is, or working in this space as a planner, this podcast was created for you. Hit subscribe and join the conversation as we plan with clarity, confidence, and perspective.

Taking on your first South Asian wedding can feel exciting, intimidating, and full of opportunity. But too often, planners say yes without fully understanding the scope, expectations, and cultural responsibility that come with the work.

In this episode, Jessie Khaira speaks directly to wedding planners who are considering their first South Asian wedding, or who have already booked one and are feeling unsure. Drawing from her own experience, Jessie breaks down the three biggest mistakes planners tend to make and why those mistakes can lead to burnout, resentment, and damaged trust.

This is not an episode meant to scare planners away. It is meant to prepare them. South Asian weddings can be deeply rewarding to plan, but only when planners respect the complexity, the culture, and their own capacity.

If you are a planner who wants to show up confidently, price appropriately, and protect your reputation while doing meaningful work, this episode is essential listening.

Chapters
00:00 – Why this episode is for planners considering their first South Asian wedding
00:45 – Mistake #1: Underestimating the scope of the work
01:45 – Why South Asian weddings require emotional stamina, not just logistics
02:45 – Hospitality expectations and why service matters more than you think
03:45 – Mistake #2: Relying on the couple to teach you the culture
04:45 – Why cultural awareness builds trust and protects your role
05:45 – Regional differences and why assumptions cause problems
06:30 – Mistake #3: Undercharging and learning at your own expense
07:45 – How underpricing leads to resentment and burnout
08:45 – Knowing when you’re not ready yet and why that’s okay
09:45 – Respecting the work, the culture, and yourself

Connect with Jessie

Website: www.jessiekhaira.com

Instagram: @jessiekhaira

If you are planning a South Asian wedding, supporting someone who is, or working in this space as a planner, this podcast was created for you. Hit subscribe and join the conversation as we plan with clarity, confidence, and perspective.