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!

If there is a topic you’d like us to touch on, please let us know by sending a note to thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

Be sure to check us out on Instagram:

@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.!

If there is a topic you’d like us to touch on, please let us know by sending a note to thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

Be sure to check us out on Instagram:

@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!

If there is a topic you’d like us to touch on, please let us know by sending a note to thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

Be sure to check us out on Instagram:

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

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.

If there is a topic you’d like us to touch on, please let us know by sending a note to thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

Be sure to check us out on Instagram:

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

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

Welcome to Episode #15 of Before I Do! We are continuing our summer series, Let’s Hear It from an Expert, and we have a treat for you guys! We have Casey Crogan from Atlanta Wedding Band (AWB) on today.

Atlanta Wedding Band is a tight-knit roster of friends, some of which have been playing together since high school, and Casey is one of the original members. With some of the best musicians and entertainers Atlanta has to offer, AWB has become a top choice for couples, venues, and planners. No matter the genre or venue, their tailor-made ensemble will be ready to pack the dance floor! Since 2012, they have built a reputation for amazing customer service, from the initial planning through your sparkler send-off (indeed you'll still be buzzing well into the honeymoon). They have a perfect review record, not because they’re perfect, but because they’re "more": they care more, they customize more, and they crush more dance floors.

In this episode, Casey talks about how to find the perfect wedding band, including tips on what to look for during your research. He also talks about the importance of actually speaking to your band, knowing who you’re talking to, asking the right questions, understanding the nuances of entertainment services, how to maximize the party at a reception, and why finding low-maintenance vendors is crucial. Lastly, he touches on how the best vendors (including AWB) are investments, not expenses.

They also discuss how the best wedding bands do much more than play great music. The vibe, flow, formalities, energy, and experience will hinge entirely on the band, the MC, and the chemistry and synergy of the band and the guests.

Casey also shares his top wedding advice.

You can find Casey and AWB at https://atlantaweddingband.com/ and @atlantaweddingband on Instagram.

If there is a topic you’d like us to touch on, please let us know by sending a note to thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

Be sure to check us out on Instagram:

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

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

Welcome to Episode #14 of Before I Do!

Today we are continuing our summer series, Let’s Hear It from an Expert! Today's expert is David Osborne with Sound Insight Productions and Athens DJ Service! And ya’ll, he and his teams are some of the best, although, we might be a little biased since David was OUR DJ at our wedding!

David and his teams are dedicated to providing “exceptional entertainment for couples who love to party” and we think that totally fits.

He notes what to keep in mind when choosing a DJ: 10/80/10 - 10% of DJs are elite level, 10% are terrible, and there's 80% that are about the same. So you have to decide if you want bad, average, or excellent. Price points usually reflect that.

An outstanding wedding DJ doesn't just play music and make announcements - they use music to guide the energy of an entire event, and hosting/MC skills to lead the group. Mixing songs also matters, as it helps get all ages/groups to stay on the dance floor longer. Remember that your guests follow your lead - if you stay on the dance floor, they'll be there with you.

David also mentions that they're hired to handle the last two or so hours of a wedding day. They're the last vendor to deliver value, and they have achieved high levels of success and a ton of 5-star reviews because they understand how to be a great vendor/professional and crush all the other things that proceed the dance party. How to work with a planner, a venue, catering staff, how to empower a photographer, how to manage energy during dinner, keep guests engaged so that they can do their best work in those last two hours.

David also shares his top wedding advice.

You can find David at https://www.soundinsightdj.com/ and https://www.athensdjservice.com/

If there is a topic you’d like us to touch on, please let us know by sending a note to thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

Be sure to check us out on Instagram:

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

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

Today we are continuing our summer series, Let’s Hear It from an Expert! Our expert today is Maggie Dunn with Maggie Dunn Photography and ya’ll, she is so great. She’s truly a “friendor” of our entire team! We just love working with her! We will be talking all things photography and how to select the right photographer for your big day.

Maggie is a wedding photographer, serving couples who want their wedding to feel joyful, relaxed, and welcoming. She prioritizes how clients experience their wedding day with the people they love, not making their wedding feel like a photoshoot but a happy experience.

If you’re looking to invest in photography, look for someone who knows how to anticipate special moments, provide the experience you want, work well with your other vendors, and align with your vision for your photos. It’s easy to find people on social media with a lot of Instagram followers or like people’s work who have done lots of editorial shoots, but those things don’t add to true event experience. This will come in handy on wedding day!

Photography is a creative collaboration between the subject and the photographer. If you want photos that feel effortless and candid, plan for space for authentic moments and design a wedding that makes you feel relaxed and joyful. We can’t photograph moments that don’t happen or emotions that aren’t there.

You can find Maggie at https://maggiedunn.co/ and @maggieisdunn on Instagram.

If there is a topic you’d like us to touch on, please let us know by sending a note to thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

Be sure to check us out on Instagram:

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

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

Today we are starting a fun summer series called Let’s Hear it from an Expert! Over the next few months, we’ll chat with some of our favorite pros about their specific crafts and services. We’re going to be getting the inside scoop, ins and outs, and their biggest pieces of advice for you, the engaged couple!

And today we’ve got one of our all-time favorites, Darian, from Araiza Florals!

We're going to dive into the nitty-gritty of wedding florals, including:

• Pricing
• What goes into the final design/product (everything from inquiry to wedding day).
• Wedding day process from start to finish.
• Choosing between floral quotes/different florists. How do you choose?!
• Finding the right florist/what's your style
• Thoughts on DIY'ing wedding flowers/candles

Check out Araiza Florals at https://araizaflorals.com/ and on IG and Pinterest: @araizaflorals

If there is a topic you’d like us to touch on, please let us know by sending a note to thebeforeidopodcast@gmail.com

Be sure to check us out on Instagram:

@beforeidopodcast

@jacksonandjuneevents

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