Plan A Wedding That You Both Love feat. Erin McLean

Both John and Alex expressed feelings of being overwhelmed with their busy schedules and missing out on quality time with their families, which they identified as their lows. Despite these challenges, they found joy in small moments, such as spending time with their fathers and not having to walk their dog Kobe during their current living situation, which they identified as their highs. These highs and lows highlight the importance of cherishing small moments amidst the demands of a busy life. Additionally, they discussed their upcoming golf tournament and shared their anxieties and expectations.

Setting boundaries and limiting the number of weddings they take on has allowed a wedding planning business to thrive, even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple in the discussion have learned to prioritize their capacity and refer clients to trusted professionals when needed. Erin McClain, their guest and friend, has been in the wedding industry for 14 years and recently started an online virtual wedding planning service called The Virtual Wedding Planner, helping brides navigate the wedding planning process despite the stress and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic. With her expertise, Erin shares valuable insights on planning a wedding, incorporating significant others, and addressing common challenges. Despite initial technical difficulties, the virtual interview was a success, and the couple expressed excitement about having their first virtual guest on their show.

When planning a wedding as a couple, it's essential to focus on creating a personal experience that reflects your unique story and personality, rather than just focusing on the aesthetics. Start by determining what you want your guests to take away from your wedding weekend and work backwards from there. Consider your interests, hobbies, and shared experiences to bring your guests into your story and create a memorable and meaningful event. The wedding is just the beginning of your marriage, and incorporating personal touches can help build a strong foundation for your relationship. So, instead of worrying about the latest trends or following a traditional script, focus on what makes you and your partner unique and celebrate that on your special day.

When you get engaged, the first step is to define your vision for your wedding by asking yourselves what you want guests to remember and say about it. This conversation should be had between both partners with important family members involved to align on the guest list, budget, and expectations. Establishing this foundation early on will help prevent potential stressors and ensure a smooth planning process. Remember, the wedding is just the beginning of your marriage, so it's essential to keep the focus on your relationship and the commitment you're making to each other.

A wedding planner's role goes beyond just organizing logistics and staying on budget. They help simplify the wedding planning process by understanding a couple's preferences and incorporating them into the design and execution of their wedding day. They also act as a point person to handle vendor communication and manage stress during the planning process. Without a planner, couples may struggle with time management and logistics, especially during unpredictable situations like the pandemic. Ultimately, a wedding planner's job is to ensure couples enjoy the planning process and focus on what matters while they handle the details.

Due to an estimated 2.5 million weddings in the US in 2022, the most since 1984, couples getting married that year need to be flexible with their plans, focus on creating a memorable experience for their guests, and be patient and understanding when it comes to vendor availability. With limited venues and high demand, smaller weddings or waiting until 2023 are recommended options. The trend is shifting towards experiential weddings, where couples invest more time and energy into creating a weekend-long experience for their closest friends and family. Couples should be prepared for longer wait times and increased competition when it comes to securing vendors, and should be open to alternative options like renting a house for a weekend wedding.

Couples are prioritizing experiential and intentional weddings over material possessions, such as big houses and fancy cars. Travel and dining experiences are becoming more important for this generation. However, traditional large weddings with ballrooms and extravagant venues will still have a market, especially in certain regions. When creating a wedding budget, it's crucial to determine what's important to the couple before setting a number. Flexibility in the budget can lead to regrets later on. It's essential to allocate funds towards priorities, such as a great band or florals, while keeping in mind that everything can't be a top priority within budget constraints.

Creating a wedding budget requires a holistic approach. Venue, food and beverage, and photographer are the key expenses that should make up the majority of your budget. However, there are areas where you can save, such as on florals if you're flexible with flower types and guest count. It's important to compare costs of different venues and what they include to get an accurate gauge of expenses in your area. Communication with your partner and prioritizing what's important to you are crucial in creating a realistic and balanced budget. Remember, you get what you pay for, but there are talented and starting photographers who can work within a tighter budget. Don't overlook the importance of asking for advice from friends who have recently gotten married and checking in with potential venues for a clear understanding of costs.

Weddings can be filled with unexpected surprises and it's essential to find joy in the moment. Erin shared her advice for couples to take a moment for themselves during cocktail hour, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the celebration and embracing the day. She also reminded us that everyone's role in a wedding is unique, and there's always more to learn, even for those in the industry. Additionally, the discussion touched on the significance of technology in our lives, with John expressing a preference for never using the Internet again but still wanting to keep it for practical reasons. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of cherishing experiences, finding happiness in the present, and appreciating the value of knowledge and connection.

For this individual, the importance of feeling loved and desired by their significant other outweighs physical attraction. They believe that looks fade over time, and instead, they crave obsession and admiration from their partner. This mindset was evident in their discussion about desiring their partner to view them as the most beautiful person in the world, regardless of their own perceptions of their appearance. Additionally, they shared an experience where they discovered their boyfriend had watched a video of his ex-girlfriend, leading them to question the depth of his feelings for them. Ultimately, this conversation highlights the complexities and nuances of relationships, where attraction, obsession, and emotional connection can all play significant roles.

People's curiosity about their past relationships doesn't necessarily mean they're still in contact or missing their exes. It's natural to be curious about what people from our past are up to, and this doesn't necessarily reflect negatively on the current relationship. However, if the partner's curiosity seems excessive or obsessive, it could be a cause for concern. Communication is key in addressing such issues. Bringing up the topic in a calm and non-confrontational way can help clarify any misunderstandings and strengthen the bond between partners.

Key takeaway from today's discussion is that the Give it to Me Straight Podcast offers various ways for listeners to engage with them. You can find them on Instagram @giveitmestraightpodcast, email them at hello@giveitmestraightpodcast.com, visit their website at giveitmestraightpodcast.com, or follow them on TikTok. Stay tuned for more informative and entertaining episodes coming next week.