Every couple dreams of planning a wedding filled with personal details, unique touches, and unforgettable moments.

To achieve this, many are moving away from tradition, replacing conventional—or outdated—elements with their own creative spin on everything from floral arrangements to food service.

Over the past decade, weddings have seen a clear shift from the traditional to the unconventional, with couples embracing personalization and customization more than ever.

From redefining their walk down the aisle to opting for intimate dinner parties instead of grand receptions, couples today have the freedom to design a wedding that truly reflects their personalities.

For many, this means planning an “anti-wedding,” where traditional expectations are replaced with modern, meaningful choices.

Yet, no matter how personalized a wedding becomes, it still retains the core elements that have defined marriage celebrations for centuries.

At its heart, a wedding is about two people in love committing to each other, surrounded by the support and joy of their loved ones. 

And while the details may evolve, that essence remains unchanged.

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Wedding vendors are a very special group of people that are the backbone of every celebration. We have the awesome responsibility of transforming a couple’s vision into an unforgettable reality.

From planners and photographers to florists, caterers, DJs, and beyond, we are the talented professionals who are called on to bring our expertise, creativity, and dedication to create a day filled with love and joy. But what truly sets us apart isn’t just our skills—it’s our ability to handle stress and unexpected challenges with grace, ensuring everything runs smoothly no matter what.

Professionalism is key in this industry, and many vendors distinguish ourselves through the thoughtful etiquette we bring to every event. Whether it’s communicating effectively with clients, collaborating seamlessly with other vendors, or managing last-minute changes, these practices are essential to building trust and delivering exceptional service.

For those new to the industry or anyone looking to refine their approach, today’s episode of the Motor City HDJ podcast is just for you. It is my take on a handcrafted etiquette guide tailored for all of you wedding vendors. I’ve got insights and best practices to help you elevate your professionalism and exceed your client’s expectations so that you can leave a lasting impression on every couple you serve.

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Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and creating the guest list is one of the most challenging aspects. Not only is it tough deciding who to invite, but figuring out who gets a plus-one can make things even more complicated.

As a couple, you’re trying to balance your guests’ feelings with your own preferences, while considering practical limitations like your budget and venue size. And, if this is your first wedding, you may be unsure about the proper etiquette for handling plus-ones.

For guests, the plus-one question can be just as confusing. If your invitation says "and Guest," you might wonder who exactly you’re allowed to bring. But if your invitation doesn’t mention a plus-one, it could leave you questioning whether or not to attend—especially if you don’t know anyone besides the couple.

Whether you’re the couple or the guest, clarity is important. Today, let’s go over the right protocol when it comes to plus-ones.

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One of the most time-consuming parts of wedding planning is creating your seating chart. Carefully pairing guests while keeping tables balanced may feel tedious, but it’s worth it. A well-planned chart ensures a seamless, luxurious experience where guests feel considered. It also prevents last-minute chaos as people find their seats. However, without a clear strategy, this process can quickly become overwhelming and impact your big day. With the right approach, you can create a smooth, enjoyable atmosphere for everyone. Stay with me. Today, we’re talking about the most common seating chart mistakes to avoid—and what to do instead.

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Whether you’re hosting a wedding or attending a wedding, alcohol often plays a key role in the celebration.

From welcome drinks before the ceremony to signature cocktails and Champagne toasts, a carefully chosen drink menu can help create a joyful, social atmosphere that celebrates the couple.

However, with so many drink options—especially at weddings with open bars—it can be easy to overindulge.

For guests, it might be the result of social pressure or using alcohol as a way to loosen up in social settings.

For the newlyweds, the excitement and emotions of the day can lead to excessive drinking as well.

Whatever the reason, drinking in excess can definitely interfere with the experience.

Overconsumption can lead to moments or behaviors that may detract from the special day.

Going beyond your limits can cause you to say or do things you might regret later, and the next day, you may be left with a less-than-pleasant hangover or the dreaded accidental text messages to an ex. 

To ensure a wonderful and memorable celebration, both for the couple and all their guests, drinking responsibly is key.

By drinking in moderation, we can all help create a celebration that leaves everyone with only the best memories.

So in today’s episode, we’ll uncover how to drink responsibly at a wedding.

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It is a very special, very super-sized episode with my friends Lauren + Jon. And they were here to talk about the DIY wedding because it is growing in popularity these days. It allows couples more control over the whole wedding experience, but it can come with frustrations and obstacles. However, most people that plan DIY weddings say they wouldn't change a thing. So I had my friends over. They are an amazing couple that my wife and I feel could quite possibly be the world's foremost experts on planning the DIY wedding. Lauren + Jon crafted one of the most memorable and epic wedding weekends we have ever attended. And I was super thrilled that they were actually with me in person to join me and talk about how they pulled it off.

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This episode is sponsored by E2iDesign. Visit them at their website here or follow them on social media @e2idesign.

Consider starting a walk team to support the Alzheimer's Association.

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NORTH CAROLINA VENDORS

VENUE

Camp Ton-a-Wandah

PHOTOGRAPHY

Maddie Kay Photography

PLANNER

Kathryn Rose Event Company

MOBILE BAR

Jack's 47

POPSICLES

Buggy Pops

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