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