Before I Do Podcast

Today, we're flipping the script! Instead of focusing on wedding planning or relationships, we’re diving into what it takes to be an amazing wedding guest. For all the future attendees, we’re here to help you brush up on guest etiquette, so you can show up ready to celebrate in style. And for couples, we’ll also talk about ways you can set your guests up for success, ensuring everyone enjoys the big day as much as you do!

Episode Highlights: In this first part series, we cover what great wedding guests do to make the day smoother, more fun, and more memorable for everyone. Here are some key points we discuss:

• Timely and Accurate RSVPs: Great guests RSVP by the deadline—and only for those invited.
• Gift-Giving Made Easy: A considerate guest mails a gift from the registry to the couple’s home before the wedding day.
• Informed Attendance: They read the wedding website or invitations for details instead of bombarding the couple with questions.
• Logistical Independence: Good guests research parking, plan their route, and handle their own logistics, from shuttle timing to parking and transportation home.
• Respect for Ceremony and Reception Timing: Great guests honor the timeline by showing up on time for the ceremony and knowing when to be seated for dinner.
• Being Social: They’re enthusiastic during cocktail hour, are mindful of how much they drink, and know when to call it a night.
• Following Instructions and Respecting Staff: Perfect guests listen to directions, respect the venue, and ensure a smooth sendoff.

Our Advice to Couples: We also share tips for couples on how to make it easier for guests to be their best selves on your big day. By setting expectations clearly and providing useful info, you can help everyone enjoy the celebration.

Tune in to Part 1 to find out what makes an exceptional guest and how you, as a couple, can inspire your guests to be a part of an unforgettable day!

Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Reach out to us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

[email protected]

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

And check out our website for all your wedding planning needs: www.jacksonandjuneevents.com

In this episode, we're reminiscing about our wedding day as we share some lessons we learned along the way! Join us as we travel back in time to relive some of the most special moments of our big day and share a few things we might tweak if we had the chance to do it all over again. Don’t get us wrong—we loved every moment! But with the benefit of hindsight, here’s what we might approach just a little bit differently.

In This Episode, We Chat About:

• Wishing we had a video of the groomsmen’s grand entrance at the venue
• Making our first touch moment truly private
• Taking a quiet moment to eat dinner together before the reception
• Getting more face time with our guests by visiting each table
• Stopping to notice the beautiful details around us
• Actually tasting the cake and dessert!
• Pausing to soak in the experience
• Skipping the garter and bouquet toss?
• Waiting a day before heading off on our honeymoon

This episode is a fun reflection and a gentle reminder for anyone planning their big day to savor each moment and make it their own. If you’re in the midst of wedding planning, we hope this helps spark a few ideas for keeping the day special and stress-free!

Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Reach out to us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

[email protected]

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

And check out our website for all your wedding planning needs: www.jacksonandjuneevents.com

Did you enjoy the first half of our deep dive into seamless wedding planning? We’re back with Part 2 of this special episode of Before I Do, where we continue uncovering the often-overlooked logistics that can make or break your big day. If you or your fiancé are the type who wants every detail meticulously planned to ensure a stress-free celebration, this episode is for you!

At Jackson and June Events, we’ve been perfecting our wedding to-do checklists and noticed so many essential details couples tend to forget until it’s too late. In this final part, we’ll share even more tips to help you feel fully prepared, whether you’re just starting or tying up loose ends. Tune in to make sure every moment of your day is flawless!

What We Cover:

• You need to have all of the details you want photographed in flatlays together and ready to go for your photographer. Searching for things on wedding day can set the timeline off!
• Schedule in time for personal prepping on wedding day. Aka: showering, using the bathroom, eating, stretching, etc. 
• Remember that every extra thing you want to incorporate on wedding day must be scheduled in.
• Family photos: let people know they are included so they don’t go to cocktail hour. 
• If your cocktail hour location is different from your ceremony/reception area, you’ll need another speaker set up.
• You need to schedule in time to bustle your dress. 
• If your bar service isn’t coming through catering or a venue that has a full bar service - you’ll need to source mixers and garnishes. 
• Dismissing tables for buffet
• Consider your table settings when deciding how many people will sit at each table. 
• Go to the bathroom during breaks. 
• Keep a “personal” bag somewhere close to the reception area.

We had so much fun creating these episodes, so we may do another series in the future! Let us know if you have any overlooked wedding logistics that we should include. 

Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Reach out to us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

[email protected]

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

And check out our website for all your wedding planning needs: www.jacksonandjuneevents.com

Are you or your fiance the type who wants every detail flawlessly planned and thought out so your wedding day feels seamless and stress-free? If so, this episode of Before I Do is for you, as we dive into the lesser-known wedding logistics that can make or break your special day. This is Part 1 of 2, so stay tuned for more.

We’ve been revising our wedding to-do checklists at Jackson and June Events and realized there are so many details couples don’t consider until it’s too late - and we want to help ensure those details are covered. Whether you’re just starting to plan or putting the finishing touches on your wedding, these tips will help ensure everything runs smoothly.

What We Cover:

• Start gathering guests’ contact information early in the process.
• Don’t forget, postage can add up! You’ll need one stamp for Save the Dates and at least two for invitations. Unsure about postage? Bring a sample to the post office to get it weighed.
• When booking your photographer, make sure to budget for at least 8 hours of coverage and include a second shooter—it’s essential.
• If you’re hiring a videographer, you’ll need to schedule extra time for photos.
• For venues more than 30 minutes from guest hotels, book two shuttles instead of relying on one to run loops.
• Hosting a tent wedding with a band? Make sure to have a wall behind the band to protect them from rain.
• If a family member or friend is officiating, they must attend the rehearsal with their script in hand.
• DIYing décor? Have a clear plan for pickup at the end of the night and make sure people know their roles.
• Providing your own alcohol? Be prepared for leftovers!
• Ensure your florist offers breakdown service at the end of the night.
• Have a plan for your personal/toiletry items. How will it be packed/organized, and how is it getting back to you at the end of the night?

These small yet crucial details can help make your wedding day stress-free and enjoyable. Tune in and get ahead of the planning game with Part 1 today!

Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Reach out to us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

[email protected]

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

And check out our website for all your wedding planning needs: www.jacksonandjuneevents.com

Are you looking to build a strong relationship with your soon-to-be or future in-laws or strengthen the dynamic you’ve already built? If so, today’s episode is just for you, as we’re focusing on how you can proactively foster a strong relationship with your partner’s parents and family. It takes effort, but the rewards are worth it!

We'll cover intentional strategies, practical tips, and share personal experiences to help you create meaningful connections as you merge families.

Key Points:

1. Starting Strong:
Don't be shy! Early on, make an intentional effort to get to know your in-laws. Ask about their jobs, hobbies, and favorite pastimes—treat it like you’re getting to know a new friend. 

2. Include Them in Your Life:
It’s crucial to make them feel included. Whether it’s inviting them over for dinner, including them in big life moments, or asking for their input when appropriate, small gestures go a long way. 

3. Be Authentic:
Let them get to know the real you. Be genuine, but share at a pace that feels comfortable. Building trust naturally takes time, but authenticity is key to forming a lasting connection.

4. Learn About Your Partner’s Childhood:
This is a fun way to bond! Ask about your partner’s childhood or listen to family stories. Whether it’s funny anecdotes or home videos, learning about your partner’s early years from their family can bring you closer.

5. Communicate Independently:
Don’t be afraid to reach out on your own. Whether it’s a quick text or a phone call, building your own relationship with your in-laws—separate from your partner—can help solidify your connection.

6. Help Out at Family Gatherings:
Always lend a helping hand. Whether it’s cooking, setting the table, or just offering support, showing that you care through small actions can go a long way.

7. Treat Them Like Family:
From traveling together to calling them by endearing names (if you’re comfortable), these small actions can help create a sense of closeness. We’ve had some great times on family trips, and it’s a great way to see your in-laws in a new light.

8. Address Issues Early:
If any challenges arise, don’t shy away from addressing them directly. Open communication is essential in any relationship, and that includes with your in-laws. Tackle issues early to prevent resentment from building up.

This episode is all about building bridges and creating lasting, meaningful relationships with your soon-to-be in-laws and extended family. We hope these tips inspire you to approach these relationships with intention and positivity! Tune in, and let’s navigate this journey together.

Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Reach out to us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

[email protected]

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

And check out our website for all your wedding planning needs: www.jacksonandjuneevents.com

With football season officially kicking off, Alex has been getting into the spirit by doing some fantasy drafts. That got us thinking... what if we did the same for weddings? Welcome to the Fantasy Wedding Draft! In this episode, we’re bringing the excitement of football season to wedding planning.

Here’s how it works: There are 11 key categories to make up your “wedding” or “team.” You’ll have to fill all 11 slots, but there’s no budget! Each category has three options — some great, some not so much. 

Let’s see how you’d build your ultimate wedding. Grab your fiancé and a notebook, and sit down for a fun date night to see how you each would draft your fantasy wedding! 

Fantasy Wedding Draft Categories:

1. Venue
   • Historic Estate: Elegant and timeless
   • Luxury Hotel: Scenic and tropical
   • Backyard Wedding: Cozy and intimate
2. Catering
   • Full-Service Catering: A customizable menu with endless options
   • Food Trucks: A casual option with a variety of cuisines
   • Farm-to-Table: Fresh, local ingredients for a wholesome experience
3. Entertainment
   • Live Band: Dynamic music for every part of your wedding
   • DJ Service: Personalized playlists and high-energy
   • Photo Booth: An interactive way for guests to capture memories
4. Decor/Floral Arrangements
   • Luxury Floral Designer: Gorgeous and breathtaking
   • Themed Decor: Unique, cohesive decor based on your theme
   • DIY Decor: Handcrafted, personalized decorations 
5. Photography/Videography
   • Professional Photographer: High-quality photos 
   • Cinematic Wedding Video: A storytelling video to relive the big day
   • Both: Why choose? Get both photography and videography
6. Attire
   • Mismatched Bridal Party: Everyone wears something different—bold and fun
   • Black Tie: Elegant tuxedos and gowns for a formal look
   • Matching Suits & Dresses: A color-coordinated wedding party
7. Cake/Desserts
   • Show-Stopping Wedding Cake: A multi-tier masterpiece
   • Dessert Bar: A selection of more sweet treats
   • Gourmet Ice Cream Truck: Custom flavors and toppings for a cool dessert option
8. Transportation
   • Vintage Rolls-Royce: A classic car to add a touch of luxury
   • Luxury Limousine: Elegant transport for the wedding party
   • Shuttle Service: Practical transport for guests
9. Guest Experience
   • Welcome Gifts: Personalized gifts like monogrammed robes
   • On-Site Spa Treatments: Relaxing treatments to pamper your guests
   • Interactive Entertainment: Fun activities like a DIY cocktail bar
10. Cliché Traditions
    • Wedding Cake Face Smash: Dramatic, messy, and unforgettable
    • Bouquet and Garter Toss: The traditional toss to all the single guests
    • Sparkler Send-Off: A magical, glowing exit for the newlyweds
11. Bad Guests
    • The Uninvited Guest: They bring an extra person who wasn’t invited
    • The Drama Maker: Causes a scene and tension
    • The Overindulger: Drinks too much and becomes that guest

Tune in to the episode to hear how we’d draft our fantasy wedding, and let us know how you’d build yours! Would you play it safe, or take some risks? Be sure to tag us on socials so we can all play along!

Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Reach out to us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

[email protected]

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

And check out our website for all your wedding planning needs: www.jacksonandjuneevents.com

In this episode, we're diving into the stress of wedding planning and offering strategies to help you actually enjoy the process. Sure, you’ve seen the Pinterest tips about planning a date night where you don’t talk about the wedding—but we’re going deeper. How can you minimize the overall stress of planning instead of just pausing it for a few hours? From breaking things down into phases to focusing on what really matters, we’ve got you covered.

Episode Highlights:

• Wedding Planning Stress: Why “ignoring the stress” for a night isn’t the answer, and what you can do instead.
• What Stresses Couples Out the Most: Common stressors and sneaky things that add pressure.
• Project Management Approach: Planning a wedding is a lot like managing a big project—learn how to use that to your advantage.
• Pro Tip: Hire a planner or coordinator to reduce decision fatigue and avoid analysis paralysis.
• Budgeting Advice: Set your budget before you book your venue and focus on what’s most important to you.
• Phased Planning Approach: Break down the planning process into four key phases—Foundation, Pretties, Details, and Finale—to stay organized and on track.
• Decision-Making Tips: Trust your gut, stay confident, and make decisions based on facts and numbers.
• Stress Management: Learn how to identify what’s stressing you out, whether you can control it, and how to refocus on what matters most—marrying your best friend!

Final Thought: Wedding planning should be fun! Remember, some of the things you're stressing about now won’t even cross your mind on the big day.

Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Reach out to us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

[email protected]

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

And check out our website for all your wedding planning needs: www.jacksonandjuneevents.com

Sending out Save the Dates is a significant milestone in your wedding planning journey—it's the moment your plans become public! In this episode, Sammy and Alex guide you through the essential planning steps you should aim to complete before your Save the Dates hit your guests' mailboxes. We’ll explore common questions, share expert tips, and discuss how couples typically navigate this part of the process.

Episode Highlights:

1. Understanding Timelines:

• Save the Dates should ideally be sent out 6-8 months before your wedding day.
• Consider sending them out 8 months in advance for destination weddings or when most guests will need to travel or take time off work.
• For more local weddings, 6 months is a good timeframe.
• What if your wedding is more than a year away? We’ll discuss the best approach.

2. Pre-Save the Date Planning Checklist:

• Wedding Dream Session: Get inspired and envision your big day.
• Planner: Consider hiring a wedding planner early in the process.
• Budget: Establish a budget to guide your decisions.
• Venue & Date: Secure your venue and set your wedding date.

3. Next-Level Pre-Save the Date Steps:

• Photographer: Book your photographer early so you can schedule engagement photos, especially if you want to include one on your Save the Dates. 
• Wedding Website: Create a wedding website to share essential details with your guests.
• Guest List & Addresses: Finalize your guest list and start collecting addresses. Tools like Postable can help streamline this process.
• Hotel Blocks: If you’re arranging hotel blocks or discount codes for your guests, secure these before sending out your Save the Dates, particularly for out-of-town guests. 
• Ceremony & Reception Times: Consult with your planner or photographer to decide on your ceremony and reception start times. While these times won’t be on your Save the Dates, it’s helpful to include them on your website for planning purposes.
• Weekend Festivities: Consider any additional events (like a welcome party or farewell brunch) that may require guests to adjust their travel plans. 

4. Wedding Registry:

• Your registry doesn’t need to be complete before sending out Save the Dates, but it’s a good idea to have it started. For a deeper dive into registry planning, check out Episode 20.

Tune in to ensure your Save the Dates go out smoothly, with all the essential details in place. We'll help you avoid common pitfalls and set the stage for a well-organized and memorable wedding celebration.

Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Reach out to us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

[email protected]

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

And check out our website for all your wedding planning needs: www.jacksonandjuneevents.com

Welcome to episode #20! In this episode, we dive into the art of building a wedding registry that will help you build your life together—without ending up with stuff you don't need. We'll cover everything from the best places to register to how to decide what to put on your list based on your lifestyle and future plans.

Alex and Sammy discuss the following highlights:

• Logistics of Building a Registry
• Deciding What to Register For
• Considering Your Phase of Life
• Registry Essentials 

A registry should reflect your life and what’s meaningful to you as a couple. Don't feel obligated to follow tradition if it doesn’t suit your needs. Happy registering!

Have questions or want to share your registry wins and woes? Reach out to us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Reach out to us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

[email protected]

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

And check out our website for all your wedding planning needs: www.jacksonandjuneevents.com

Welcome to Episode #19 of Before I Do! In today’s episode, we're diving into the ins and outs (as well as tips and hot takes) of planning a bachelor or bachelorette party. We’ll discuss figuring out what you want, setting expectations with your pals, and planning an unforgettable experience. It’s funny how our opinions on these parties have evolved over the years—what we thought was a blast in our 20s is definitely different now that we’re in our 30s!

Below are steps to plan your ideal bachelor/bachelorette party:

1. Figuring Out the Plan 

What do you want the vibes to be: Decide whether you’re aiming for a low-key vibe or an all-out rager. We recommend a mixed plan for both upbeat activities and some downtime to relax.

What activities should you consider: Think about the kind of activities you want: lounging by the pool, hitting the beach, a bar crawl, or maybe just curling up with a good book. Make sure to incorporate local experiences—whether that’s rafting in Blue Ridge, Broadway in Nashville, or hiking in Scottsdale. 

2. Travel and Timing

Travel Considerations: Be flexible with your destination and travel plans—consider everyone’s financial situation so that all your friends can join in the fun.

Duration and Timing: A Thursday-Sunday trip is common since most people have work commitments. Think about your wedding timeline, the time of year, and the climate when choosing dates. A Google Form can help you easily gather input on dates from the group.

3. Who to Invite and Who Plans It  

Who to Invite: Decide who you want to be there to celebrate with you. This does not have to follow traditional invitees. 

Who Plans It: Typically, the Best Man or Maid of Honor leads the planning, but it’s a good idea for them to collaborate with the rest of the bridal party. The bride or groom can be involved in the planning process, but that’s totally up to them.

4. Budgeting 

Who Pays for What: Generally, the bride or groom should cover their own travel expenses, while the rest of the costs are shared among the bridal party. If there’s a special activity that the bride or groom really wants to do, like a casino night or buying boots in Nashville, consider how to handle that cost.

5. Setting Expectations

Communication is Key: Have an honest conversation with your Best Man or Maid of Honor about your expectations. Let them know what’s important to you and set a timeline to avoid any last-minute stress.

Tune in to the full episode for more insights, tips, and hot takes on planning the perfect bachelor or bachelorette party. Happy planning!

Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Reach out to us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

[email protected]

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

And check out our website for all your wedding planning needs: www.jacksonandjuneevents.com