Before I Do Podcast

28. Guest Guide: How to Be the Best Wedding Guest (Part 1)

Today, we're flipping the script! Instead of focusing on wedding planning or relationships, we’re diving into what it takes to be an amazing wedding guest. For all the future attendees, we’re here to help you brush up on guest etiquette, so you can show up ready to celebrate in style. And for couples, we’ll also talk about ways you can set your guests up for success, ensuring everyone enjoys the big day as much as you do! Episode Highlights: In this first part series, we cover what great wedding guests do to make the day smoother, more fun, and more memorable for everyone. Here are some key points we discuss: * Timely and Accurate RSVPs: Great guests RSVP by the deadline—and only for those invited. * Gift-Giving Made Easy: A considerate guest mails a gift from the registry to the couple’s home before the wedding day. * Informed Attendance: They read the wedding website or invitations for details instead of bombarding the couple with questions. * Logistical Independence: Good guests research parking, plan their route, and handle their own logistics, from shuttle timing to parking and transportation home. * Respect for Ceremony and Reception Timing: Great guests honor the timeline by showing up on time for the ceremony and knowing when to be seated for dinner. * Being Social: They’re enthusiastic during cocktail hour, are mindful of how much they drink, and know when to call it a night. * Following Instructions and Respecting Staff: Perfect guests listen to directions, respect the venue, and ensure a smooth sendoff. Our Advice to Couples: We also share tips for couples on how to make it easier for guests to be their best selves on your big day. By setting expectations clearly and providing useful info, you can help everyone enjoy the celebration. Tune in to Part 1 to find out what makes an exceptional guest and how you, as a couple, can inspire your guests to be a part of an unforgettable 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 [http://www.jacksonandjuneevents.com/]

27. Wedding Reflections: What We'd Do Differently

In this episode, we're reminiscing about our wedding day as we share some lessons we learned along the way! Join us as we travel back in time to relive some of the most special moments of our big day and share a few things we might tweak if we had the chance to do it all over again. Don’t get us wrong—we loved every moment! But with the benefit of hindsight, here’s what we might approach just a little bit differently. In This Episode, We Chat About: * Wishing we had a video of the groomsmen’s grand entrance at the venue * Making our first touch moment truly private * Taking a quiet moment to eat dinner together before the reception * Getting more face time with our guests by visiting each table * Stopping to notice the beautiful details around us * Actually tasting the cake and dessert! * Pausing to soak in the experience * Skipping the garter and bouquet toss? * Waiting a day before heading off on our honeymoon This episode is a fun reflection and a gentle reminder for anyone planning their big day to savor each moment and make it their own. If you’re in the midst of wedding planning, we hope this helps spark a few ideas for keeping the day special and stress-free! 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 [http://www.jacksonandjuneevents.com/]

26. Overlooked Wedding Details: Essential Tips for a Flawless Celebration (Part 2)

Did you enjoy the first half of our deep dive into seamless wedding planning? We’re back with Part 2 of this special episode of Before I Do, where we continue uncovering the often-overlooked logistics that can make or break your big day. If you or your fiancé are the type who wants every detail meticulously planned to ensure a stress-free celebration, this episode is for you! At Jackson and June Events [https://jacksonandjune.com/], we’ve been perfecting our wedding to-do checklists and noticed so many essential details couples tend to forget until it’s too late. In this final part, we’ll share even more tips to help you feel fully prepared, whether you’re just starting or tying up loose ends. Tune in to make sure every moment of your day is flawless! What We Cover: * You need to have all of the details you want photographed in flatlays together and ready to go for your photographer. Searching for things on wedding day can set the timeline off! * Schedule in time for personal prepping on wedding day. Aka: showering, using the bathroom, eating, stretching, etc.  * Remember that every extra thing you want to incorporate on wedding day must be scheduled in. * Family photos: let people know they are included so they don’t go to cocktail hour.  * If your cocktail hour location is different from your ceremony/reception area, you’ll need another speaker set up. * You need to schedule in time to bustle your dress.  * If your bar service isn’t coming through catering or a venue that has a full bar service - you’ll need to source mixers and garnishes.  * Dismissing tables for buffet * Consider your table settings when deciding how many people will sit at each table.  * Go to the bathroom during breaks.  * Keep a “personal” bag somewhere close to the reception area. We had so much fun creating these episodes, so we may do another series in the future! Let us know if you have any overlooked wedding logistics that we should include.  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 [http://www.jacksonandjuneevents.com/]

25. Overlooked Wedding Details: Essential Tips for a Flawless Celebration (Part 1)

Are you or your fiance the type who wants every detail flawlessly planned and thought out so your wedding day feels seamless and stress-free? If so, this episode of Before I Do is for you, as we dive into the lesser-known wedding logistics that can make or break your special day. This is Part 1 of 2, so stay tuned for more. We’ve been revising our wedding to-do checklists at Jackson and June Events [https://jacksonandjune.com/] and realized there are so many details couples don’t consider until it’s too late - and we want to help ensure those details are covered. Whether you’re just starting to plan or putting the finishing touches on your wedding, these tips will help ensure everything runs smoothly. What We Cover: * Start gathering guests’ contact information early in the process. * Don’t forget, postage can add up! You’ll need one stamp for Save the Dates and at least two for invitations. Unsure about postage? Bring a sample to the post office to get it weighed. * When booking your photographer, make sure to budget for at least 8 hours of coverage and include a second shooter—it’s essential. * If you’re hiring a videographer, you’ll need to schedule extra time for photos. * For venues more than 30 minutes from guest hotels, book two shuttles instead of relying on one to run loops. * Hosting a tent wedding with a band? Make sure to have a wall behind the band to protect them from rain. * If a family member or friend is officiating, they must attend the rehearsal with their script in hand. * DIYing décor? Have a clear plan for pickup at the end of the night and make sure people know their roles. * Providing your own alcohol? Be prepared for leftovers! * Ensure your florist offers breakdown service at the end of the night. * Have a plan for your personal/toiletry items. How will it be packed/organized, and how is it getting back to you at the end of the night? These small yet crucial details can help make your wedding day stress-free and enjoyable. Tune in and get ahead of the planning game with Part 1 today! 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 [http://www.jacksonandjuneevents.com/]

24. Building Bonds: How to Create Strong Relationships with Your Future In-Laws

Are you looking to build a strong relationship with your soon-to-be or future in-laws or strengthen the dynamic you’ve already built? If so, today’s episode is just for you, as we’re focusing on how you can proactively foster a strong relationship with your partner’s parents and family. It takes effort, but the rewards are worth it! We'll cover intentional strategies, practical tips, and share personal experiences to help you create meaningful connections as you merge families. Key Points: 1. Starting Strong: Don't be shy! Early on, make an intentional effort to get to know your in-laws. Ask about their jobs, hobbies, and favorite pastimes—treat it like you’re getting to know a new friend.  2. Include Them in Your Life: It’s crucial to make them feel included. Whether it’s inviting them over for dinner, including them in big life moments, or asking for their input when appropriate, small gestures go a long way.  3. Be Authentic: Let them get to know the real you. Be genuine, but share at a pace that feels comfortable. Building trust naturally takes time, but authenticity is key to forming a lasting connection. 4. Learn About Your Partner’s Childhood: This is a fun way to bond! Ask about your partner’s childhood or listen to family stories. Whether it’s funny anecdotes or home videos, learning about your partner’s early years from their family can bring you closer. 5. Communicate Independently: Don’t be afraid to reach out on your own. Whether it’s a quick text or a phone call, building your own relationship with your in-laws—separate from your partner—can help solidify your connection. 6. Help Out at Family Gatherings: Always lend a helping hand. Whether it’s cooking, setting the table, or just offering support, showing that you care through small actions can go a long way. 7. Treat Them Like Family: From traveling together to calling them by endearing names (if you’re comfortable), these small actions can help create a sense of closeness. We’ve had some great times on family trips, and it’s a great way to see your in-laws in a new light. 8. Address Issues Early: If any challenges arise, don’t shy away from addressing them directly. Open communication is essential in any relationship, and that includes with your in-laws. Tackle issues early to prevent resentment from building up. This episode is all about building bridges and creating lasting, meaningful relationships with your soon-to-be in-laws and extended family. We hope these tips inspire you to approach these relationships with intention and positivity! Tune in, and let’s navigate this journey together. 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 [http://www.jacksonandjuneevents.com/]