Today’s topic may be a heated one - unwanted opinions, advice, and conflicts that inevitably arise while planning.

We might get spicy here, as these are things that typically lead to some stress, uncomfortable conversations, and weird situations, but we think that when you’re getting married, you don’t have time for any of that noise. So, we’re here to help.

Please note - we don’t want to seem like we’re telling you not to take advice from anyone whatsoever.

What we want people to take away from this is you can, and maybe should, hear people out initially but if you’ve decided on something and that person or people keeps pushing, you have to draw the line somewhere.

We’re going to go through some real life examples of unwanted opinions and talk through how we would coach our clients to handle them:

1. Opinions about class (plated dinner, black tie attire, band vs dj, etc.)
2. Hand written/calligraphy on invitations vs. printed. Also digital RSVP’s.
3. What to do when someone says, “Don’t spend a lot on flowers, they’re already dead”
4. When someone is making it out like their opinions are MORE important than the fiance’s
5. Eating dinner separately from rest of wedding group
6. Big one: having kids at the wedding
7. Opinions about guest list and who is on it
8. Do you have to register for fine china?
9. Wedding registry vs. vacation fund
10. Countering decisions we’ve already made
11. Serving alcohol!

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

Honestly, the differences between a wedding coordinator and a wedding planner are foggy even among other wedding industry pros. And just a little caveat here, every coordinator/planner is a little bit different, but this is how most folks in the industry would describe the difference, and how we at J + J break it down.

Let's start with 5 key descriptors of a coordinator.

Coordinator (Event Management Package):

1. Services typically start ~6 weeks before wedding. You usually cannot access them before this mark.
2. When services do start, the coordinator will jumps in and help tie up any loose ends and executes your plan.
3. A coordinator will create your weekend timeline.
4. She/He will coordinate deliveries and vendor set up before and during the wedding.
5. She/He will be present to act as "air traffic control" on wedding day.

In a nutshell, you do the planning and your coordinator will jump in at the end to bring your vision to life.

Now let's talk Wedding Planner.

Full Service Planner:

1. Services start upon hire.
2. A planner will help find and hire your vendors.
3. A planner takes the lead on design and assist in setting/following a budget.
4. You have access to your planner throughout the entire planning process:
5. A full service planner might also provide services like sending out invitations, tracking RSVP’s, delivering welcome bags to hotels, planning welcome parties, etc.
6. Your planner will of course create your timeline and be present on wedding day to act as "air traffic control."
7. Your planner will attend vendor meetings with you, act as your sounding board, and help you make the big ticket decisions.

Basically your planner will get to know you and your wedding vision from the very start and execute plans throughout engagement to make that vision come true.

Now let’s touch on a Partial Planner: Another caveat, I feel like everyone does partial a little differently, but this is how WE do our partials:

A Partial Wedding Planner is a service level up from a Wedding Coordinator. View it as the Event Management package with added support and coaching - not hands off planning like a Full Service.

In our partial plan, we help you set the foundation for your wedding plans by analyzing your budget, coaching you through vendor hires by sending a short list (usually 2-5) of vendor options that fit your budget/style, then you make the hires.

In a nutshell, a Partial Planner is your wedding planning coach, helping you stay on track and helping you make wise planning decisions along the way, then will execute your plans through Event Management at the 6 week mark!

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

Your venue determines your wedding date, location, and over-all wedding style/feel. Things really start to feel real when you have a date and a venue! And while choosing your venue is super exciting, it can also majorly eat into your budget… unless you ask the right questions and make sure your venue dollars are providing not only a location but service and a comfortable guest experience.

Here are some key things I always advise couples to look for in their wedding venue:

1. How many guests can this venue accommodate?

2. What services are included in the venues rental fee?

3. What rental items does this venue require you to hire in?

4. Does this venue have comfortable accommodations for your guests?

5. Will there be any other weddings scheduled during our wedding weekend?

6. When can we drop off our decor items?

7. What venue staff will be present on wedding day? What is their role?

8. When does the “clock” start on wedding day?

9. What time do we have to be out?

10. What is the parking situation?

11. Does this venue allow sparklers?

12. Security Deposit and Payment Plan

13. Double Booking Protocol

14. Inclement Weather Procedure *for an outside wedding*

I hope these questions are helpful in your venue search! If you have any other questions are need my input on anything, please let me know! I’m here to help!

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