Navigating the Realities of Wedding Catering with Big Daddy’s Barbecue

What does it actually take to feed 200 people in the middle of an Idaho field? In this episode, we sit down with the owner of Big Daddy’s Barbecue to go behind the scenes of their journey from a local food truck to a staple in the Idaho wedding catering scene.

We dive deep into the shift toward luxury catering (hint: it’s about the guest experience, not just the price tag) and address the common catering misconceptions that can make or break a couple's big day. Whether you’re a couple planning your dream wedding or a fellow vendor looking for business strategies on vendor pricing and work-life balance, this conversation is packed with "real talk" and unforgettable wedding stories.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Evolution of Big Daddy’s Barbecue: How family tradition fueled a growing catering empire.

• Wedding Catering Trends: What’s hot in food right now and why "adding a salad" last minute is harder than it looks.

• The Luxury vs. Expensive Debate: Redefining what high-end service looks like in the industry.

• Setting Boundaries: Why learning to say "no" is the secret to avoiding burnout and maintaining client expectations.

• Business Growth in Idaho: Navigating the rise of destination weddings and the importance of booking vendors early.

• The Admin Struggle: Practical tips for email management, communication, and keeping the "human" element in your business.

From "lightning round" questions to the "confessions" of a catering professional, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in wedding planning.

• [06:04] Current trends in catering and the Idaho wedding market.

• [15:51] Defining luxury: Is it the food or the experience?

• [30:57] Crazy wedding stories you won't believe.

• [39:04] The "Money Talk": Strategies for raising prices and understanding your worth.

• [54:10] Why professional photography and catering go hand-in-hand for a seamless day.

• [01:03:12] Essential advice for couples currently planning their weddings.

Connect with Big Daddy’s Barbecue:www.instagram.com/bigdaddysbbqid

Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! If you're a vendor or a couple with a story to tell, visit www.idahobride.co/the-vendor-confessional/

Keywords: Big Daddy's Barbecue, wedding catering, food trends, vendor expectations, luxury catering, guest experience, wedding planning, catering misconceptions, Idaho weddings, vendor pricing, business strategies.

Confessing this week: Hanomaly Photo

Summary

Our conversation explores the journey of becoming a photographer, the challenges of navigating business conversations, and the importance of understanding pricing and client education in the photography industry. We discuss personal experiences, industry trends, and the emotional aspects of photography, emphasizing the need for legitimacy in business practices and the balance between creativity and business constraints. We also explore the challenges and triumphs of photography, particularly in the context of weddings. We highlight the importance of authenticity, the need to unlearn structured approaches, and the journey to profitability in the creative industry. Our conversation also touches on the significance of making weddings personal and the value of finding one's unique voice in photography. Additionally, we share insights on what couples should prioritize in their wedding planning and the upcoming workshops designed to foster creativity and education in photography.

Takeaways

Navigating awkwardness is part of the business journey.

The journey to becoming a photographer involves overcoming self-doubt.

Industry trends can influence personal preferences in photography.

Understanding pricing is crucial for photographers.

Legitimacy in business enhances creativity and reduces anxiety.

Creative freedom can be stunted by business constraints.

Misconceptions about photography can lead to poor client experiences.

Handling difficult situations at weddings requires professionalism.

Client education is essential for setting realistic expectations.

Defining personal style is key to standing out in photography. It's hard to untrain people from a structured mentality.

Finding authenticity in photography is essential.

Profitability requires unlearning overthinking and scarcity.

Curated moments can sometimes feel inauthentic.

Lowering expectations can lead to exceeding them.

Weddings should be about the couple, not just aesthetics.

Creating a comfortable environment for clients is crucial.

Workshops should focus on personalized education.

Splurging on photography can enhance the overall experience.

Emotional deja vu is key to capturing genuine moments.

Keywords

photography, wedding photography, business, pricing, client education, emotional photography, industry trends, creative freedom, business legitimacy, misconceptions, photography, wedding, authenticity, profitability, workshops, creative process, unlearning, couples advice, curated moments, personal growth, Idaho Bride Magazine, Idaho Wedding Vendors, The Vendor Confessional, wedding vendor podcast

Here's where you can find us!- Saturday January 3rd - Spokane Bridal Expo at the @doubletree_spokane hosted by @swae_weddings - Booth 8 - DM Me for free tickets!
- Saturday January 10th and Sunday January 11th - Spokane @bridalfest at the @spokaneccenter - We'll be at the @wed.ni and @Swae_weddings booths
- Saturday January 17th - Post Falls Bridal Tour hosted by @pfparksandrec - We'll be at the Trailhead Event Center
- Sunday January 25th - @nspirewedding Show at the @cdaresortweddings - TBD.
Links to Bridal Shows — https://linktr.ee/lilygarland?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioLily Garland Coleman
lily@lilygarland.com
www.lilygarland.com
@flowersbylilygarland
208.495.6680

This week on The Vendor Confessional Podcast we go behind the lens with BTS x Bridal - a boutique wedding content-creator who is redefining how couples capture their special day.

You’ll hear:

• What “behind-the-scenes” content creation actually means (think candid moments, raw emotion, and the real memories that photos sometimes miss)

• Why BTS x Bridal offers next-day delivery of photos & video (iPhone + Super 8 film options) - perfect for couples who want instant keepsakes or social-ready content.

• The client experience: preserving raw, intimate moments while allowing couples (and their guests) to stay present - no phone-handoffs or awkward Snap-sessions.

• How this kind of “real wedding documentation” is changing the vendor + bride dynamic - and why more couples and vendors are leaning into authenticity over perfection.

Whether you’re a vendor, a planner, or a couple dreaming up your perfect day - this episode will give you a fresh perspective on documenting love as it happens.

Check them out at btsxbridal.com and listen now you might hear things you didn’t even know you needed.

The Vendor Confessional Podcast, the behind-the-scenes podcast for wedding vendors, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want the real story of the wedding industry - no filters, no fluff.

Hosted by the founder of Idaho Bride Magazine, this podcast features raw confessions, unfiltered industry truths, and proven business strategies from photographers, planners, venue owners, florists, designers, and top wedding professionals across the country.

Each season dives into:

• What it really takes to build a profitable wedding business

• Pricing, burnout, boundaries, and scaling

• Marketing, SEO, social media, and client experience

• Vendor drama, lessons learned, and growth stories

• How to stand out in a crowded wedding market

Whether you’re a new wedding vendor, a seasoned creative entrepreneur, or building your personal brand inside luxury weddings, The Vendor Confessional gives you the honesty, strategy, and confidence you won’t find in polished highlight reels.

The Vendor Confessional: Entrepreneurship, Family Dynamics, and the Realities of Wedding Business Life

Meta Description:

This week Ivy sits down with Kate from Rags Photography and Jason from Pro Photo Box & Hill Photography to discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, and work-life balance.

Takeaways:

- Entrepreneurs often work longer hours than traditional employees.

- The biggest misconception is that entrepreneurship is a smooth, predictable journey.

- Entrepreneurship involves massive emotional ups and downs.

- Working with family can be one of the hardest professional experiences.

- Balancing work and personal life is a constant challenge.

- An influx of clients can lead to feelings of isolation.

- Questioning one’s purpose during tough times is common.

- Using a planner can alleviate some stress in event planning.

- Family dynamics can complicate business relationships.

- Support from coordinators can make the entrepreneurial journey easier.

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Vendor Confessional, Ivy sits down with Kate of Rags Photography and Jason of Pro Photo Box & Hill Photography to unpack the realities of running a wedding business. They discuss common misconceptions about entrepreneurship, the emotional highs and lows that come with it, and the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance.

A portion of the conversation explores the complexities of working with family members in business, highlighting how personal relationships can add layers of difficulty. Guests also share actionable advice for managing client overload, staying grounded during emotional roller coasters, and leaning on support systems like planners and coordinators. This candid conversation is a must-listen for any wedding entrepreneur navigating both personal and professional challenges.

Keywords:

entrepreneurship, misconceptions, emotional challenges, family dynamics, work-life balance, The Vendor Confessional, Idaho Bride Magazine, Idaho Wedding, wedding vendors, Idaho vendors, Idaho Bride

If you enjoyed this episode of The Vendor Confessional, don’t miss a single conversation with Idaho’s top wedding vendors. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform to stay inspired and get insider tips for planning your dream wedding. We’d also love your feedback, leave us a review and share your favorite takeaways. Your support helps more couples discover our show and connect with the vendors who make weddings unforgettable.

Confessing this week.

Confessing this week: Gage Horne Studios

In this episode of The Vendor Confessional, host Ivy sits down with Connor, the talented nail artist and owner behind Claws by Connor, to talk about creativity, confidence, and connection in the beauty industry. Connor shares her inspiring story of building a successful nail business, the rise of custom nail art for weddings, and the balance between artistry and nail health. Together, Ivy and Connor explore how education, technique, and intuition shape both business and bridal beauty.

Perfect for brides-to-be, wedding vendors, and beauty professionals, this episode offers insight into the evolving trends in bridal nails, the realities of small business ownership, and how to build genuine client relationships in the wedding world.

Keywords for SEO:bridal nails, Idaho wedding vendors, nail art trends, small business podcast, beauty entrepreneur, wedding beauty, wedding nails, The Vendor Confessional, Idaho Bride