The Planner's Perspective cover art

The Planner's Perspective

The Planner's Perspective

Written by: Jessie Khaira | South Asian Weddings
Listen for free

About this listen

The Planner’s Perspective with Jessie Khaira is a podcast about South Asian and Indian weddings told from the inside.

Wedding planner and educator Jessie Khaira breaks down the cultural dynamics, design decisions, family expectations, and money conversations that planners and couples are rarely prepared for.

This show goes beyond timelines and aesthetics to explore what really happens behind the scenes of multi-day South Asian weddings.

Created for planners navigating Indian weddings and couples planning one, this podcast delivers clarity, honesty, and real-world perspective.

© 2026 The Planner's Perspective
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • What “Luxury” Actually Means in South Asian Weddings
    Feb 18 2026

    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.


    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Planning Your Wedding Budget With Intention (So You Don’t Regret It Later)
    Feb 11 2026

    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.


    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • The 3 Biggest Mistakes Planners Make on Their First South Asian Wedding
    Feb 4 2026

    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.


    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
No reviews yet