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.

thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

@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.

thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

@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.

thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

@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.

thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

@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.

thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

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

Welcome to Episode #18 of Before I Do! Alex is driving today’s episode as we are doing a "Groom 101" and what parts of the wedding they can jump into planning while having fun with it!

Alex is going to speak from the viewpoint of a groom, because that's his experience, but this is not exclusively for people who identify as grooms. No matter what role you play in the couple, you may be someone who hasn’t been planning this in their head forever and is unsure where to start. We’re here to give some general direction and advice so you don’t feel lost during the planning process, and to make sure all your bases are covered for this big day!

If you identify as a groom, even though you maybe haven’t been dreaming about this day since you were five as much as you dreamt about your MLB career; a wedding day is just as much your day as it is your bride's (60/40, but you get it). Not only is the planning just as much on you as it is on her, but a good bit of it is something you can make special and unique to you, while having a blast doing so.

Let’s break this down a little bit as Alex shares seven areas where you’ll want to have influence as a groom:

1. Venue
2. Food
3. Alcohol
4. Music
5. Seating Chart & Guest List
6. Attire
7. Your ring

Bonus advice: Stay on your groomsmen and make sure they know exactly what will be going on at every point of the day until after dinner when their duties are over. Once the reception starts, it’s all gravy.

We hope this helps, and please let us know if you have any questions about the groom’s point of view, duties, expectations, etc.!

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.

thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

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

Welcome back to Before I Do! This is Episode #17, and we’re thrilled to continue our summer series, "Let’s Hear It from an Expert!" In today’s episode, Alex and Sammy dive into an exciting conversation with our special guest, Valerie Flynn, owner of T3 Event Rentals!

Valerie will share their journey and the ins and outs of their event rental business. T3 Event Rentals caters to various needs, including corporate events, weddings, graduations, and movie productions. Tune in to hear about their company’s origins, from William’s (Valerie’s husband and co-owner) ambition to become his own boss to how they can work with any budget and vision to create the ideal setting for your event.

Valerie will also discuss the logistics of event rentals. Discover what goes into installing a full tent wedding, learn what questions to ask your rental company during your initial consultation, and what to watch out for when choosing your rental team. Valerie will explain why quality often trumps cost and how their process helps clients select the best rental items for their needs.

Valerie also shares tips on coordinating with multiple vendors, ensuring clear communication, and maximizing your rental experience. They also emphasize the importance of understanding that your budget doesn’t limit their ability to create your dream look.

Connect with T3 Event Rentals:

- Website: www.t3eventrentals.com

- Instagram: @t3eventrentals

- Facebook: T3 Event Rentals (https://www.facebook.com/T3EventRentals)

Don’t forget to check out their website and social media for more information and to book T3 Event Rentals for your next event!

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.

thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

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

Welcome to Episode #16 of Before I Do! Today we are continuing our summer series, Let’s Hear It from an Expert, and we have a treat for you guys. We have Kristen Curles from Epting Events!

Epting Events is a catering & design company serving clients all over the Southeast, offering custom menus, but specializing in elevated Southern cuisine and beverages.

Epting Events was founded by Lee Epting in 1977. His desire to create unique, joy-inspired events led his talent to spread quickly throughout the Southeast and establish Epting Events as a top-tier catering and design company. His staff and family carry on his continued effort to ensure each experience is personalized and well-executed.

When couples are deciding what type of meal they should serve at their wedding, Kristen says staying true to yourself and your relationship, from the overall meal format (served dinner, stations, etc.) to minute custom details, and let your wedding reflect you! While the opinion of parents, close friends, etc. is important, envision your ideal wedding and communicate that to your vendors so they can bring it to life.

Kristen also mentions that asking questions of your vendors is key to success. It truly cannot hurt and most appreciate you asking a question ahead of time so that they can be prepared and fully understand what you are envisioning. Most event professionals thrive off of trying new things, so don't hesitate to bring up ideas they may not have shared with you.

She also notes that a full-service catering company is vastly different from a restaurant or delivery experience, so keep that in mind as you plan. There are so many behind-the-scenes logistics that are involved, each of which contributes to a higher quality event experience.

Kristen also shares her top wedding advice.

You can find Kristen and Epting Events at https://www.eptingevents.com/ and @eptingevents on Instagram.

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.

thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

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