Wedding season is here, and on this Thursday’s episode of The Run-Through, top event planners Marcy Blum and Melissa Sullivan join Chloe Malle to talk about etiquette, trends, and the unusual requests they’ve come across while working on some of the stunning weddings featured in Vogue.
Ever wondered what it takes to book Snoop Dogg for your reception? “You call the agent, and they’ll say, ‘Make an offer and we’ll get back to you.’ So it’s like pinning the tail on the price,” Blum explains. But the negotiation doesn’t end there—you also need to find a time that works and handle the rider.
“The craziest rider? Sometimes it’s the number of people they need to bring along,” says Sullivan. “And if you’re working in the Bahamas, you have to get work permits for everyone. As the producer, you have to explain why they need, say, 30 wardrobe assistants.”
“And why no one on the island could do that job,” adds Blum.
When it comes to bringing your dog to a wedding, both advise against it. “I think the dogs are miserable at weddings,” says Blum.
“I think it’s stressful and confusing,” Sullivan agrees. “If you want photos, hire a sitter who can bring them in for a very short time. Maybe they walk down the aisle, and then they need to leave.”
Listen to the full conversation above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about a podcast where two top wedding planners share their trade secrets written in a natural tone with clear concise answers
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is this podcast about
Its a show where two experienced wedding planners pull back the curtain and share the real practical secrets they use to create amazing weddings
2 Who is this podcast for
Its perfect for engaged couples planning their own wedding aspiring wedding planners and anyone who loves behindthescenes stories
3 Will this help me save money on my wedding
Yes absolutely The planners share insider tips on where to splurge where to save and how to avoid common costly mistakes
4 Do they talk about specific vendors like photographers or florists
Yes They often discuss how to choose the right vendors what questions to ask and how to get the best results from your team
5 Is the podcast just for fancy expensive weddings
Not at all The planners share secrets that work for any budget from intimate backyard ceremonies to large lavish events
AdvancedLevel Questions
6 How do they handle difficult family dynamics or demanding parents
They share reallife scripts and negotiation tactics for setting boundaries managing expectations and keeping the couples vision front and center
7 Whats their biggest secret for keeping a wedding day timeline on track
They reveal their buffer zone strategybuilding in extra time for every transition and having a secret signal with the DJ to speed up or slow down the flow
8 Do they talk about how to handle a wedding disaster
Yes they share their emergency backup plans including their gobag essentials and how to calmly pivot without the couple even noticing
9 How do they handle the guest list and seating chart drama
They give practical tips for tricky seating and share their table captain trick to ensure everyone feels comfortable
10 Whats their advice for making a wedding feel unique and personal not just like a template
They focus on small meaningful detailslike custom cocktail names a surprise performance or a special readingthat reflect the couples story without breaking the bank