Wondering how Gen Z couples are really finding, vetting, and choosing their wedding vendors—and why what worked five years ago might not work anymore?

In this episode of Weddings Unscripted, we are joined by Adrienna McDermott of Ava, an expert on Gen Z consumer behavior, to unpack how the next generation approaches wedding planning.

From how Gen Z shops and researches to what builds trust (and what turns them off), this conversation offers an inside look at how younger couples qualify vendors, make decisions, and define value. Whether you're a wedding professional trying to stay relevant or a couple planning a wedding in a digital-first world, this episode offers timely insight into where the industry is heading next.

• How Gen Z approaches vendor research and decision-making
• The platforms Gen Z actually uses to find and vet wedding professionals
• What authenticity means to younger couples—and how they define trust
• How values, transparency, and representation influence buying decisions
• What vendors can do now to better connect with Gen Z clients

[00:00] Introducing Adrienna of Ava and the Gen Z lens

[06:40] How Gen Z shops differently than Millennials

[14:25] Where Gen Z finds wedding vendors

[22:10] Trust, transparency, and authenticity

[31:00] What turns Gen Z couples off instantly

[39:15] How vendors can adapt without losing themselves

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

Ever wonder why the final month or two before your wedding suddenly feels like a full-time job? You've booked the vendors, chosen your menu, and sent the invitations… so why does it feel like there's more to do now than ever?

In this episode, Alex and Alison walk couples through everything that happens in the final stretch — the tasks planners can do, the ones they can't, and why that last push is the most important part of the process. They uncover the behind-the-scenes coordination, the decision-making crunch, and the small but essential details that ensure your wedding day runs seamlessly.

Whether you're a couple gearing up for your day or a vendor wanting a clearer picture of what clients juggle at the end, this episode is a must-listen.

What we discuss:

[00:55] The "last 1–2 months" and why they surprise couples

[02:12] Why early decision-making is everything

[03:49] The importance of seat numbers & place card organization

[04:32] Advice for vendors: understanding the clients' workload

[05:32] Why the final month feels overwhelming for couples

[07:41] Multicultural ceremonies and educational program elements

[09:25] Balancing work and wedding prep — the client struggle is real

[11:51] Music selections and why bands need song choices early

[13:46] Load-ins, venue rules & navigating vendor logistics

[15:53] The pressure vendors face during busy months

[17:47] Weather stress & the importance of a real rain plan

[21:03] Early access fees & venue staffing realities

[22:04] Pre-planning with venues to improve your chances

[27:20] Common wedding-day items clients forget

[30:25] The wedding-week pickup meeting & double-checking items

[31:05] Why verifying place cards is essential (and how mistakes happen)

[31:38] Avoiding seating chart disasters on the wedding night

[36:42] Ideal timelines: RSVPs, printed items, and song selections

[38:13] Final thoughts: Preparing early = a smooth, joyful wedding day

Key Takeaways:

• Planners handle a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work — but clients still have key responsibilities only they can do.
• Early decisions prevent last-minute stress for both couples and vendors.
• A clear rain plan (for photos and logistics) is essential — even for indoor weddings.
• Packing, organizing, and transferring personal items takes more time than couples anticipate.

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted

If you've ever wondered what it really takes to run a wedding venue — the logistics, the zoning restrictions, the noise ordinances, the late-night load-outs, the neighbor complaints, the staffing puzzle — this episode is a must-listen.

This week, Alison sits down with Sarah and Jenna of Brick & Mortar, the powerhouse team behind some of DC's most beloved event spaces. They break down everything couples and planners don't usually see, from behind-the-scenes operations to the surprising challenges of running a venue in a dense metropolitan area.

From permits to parking to the politics of neighborhood associations, this conversation is packed with transparency, education, and real-world advice for anyone choosing (or managing) a venue.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[03:26] - Sarah's Journey in the Venue Industry

[05:54] - Meet Jenna Mack: Event Management Veteran

[06:14] - Jenna's Career and Collaboration with Sarah

[09:28] - Launching Paige House: A New Venue

[12:22] - Venue Logistics and Challenges

[19:08] - Rules and Regulations in Event Venues

[25:37] - Unexpected Challenges and Rule Creation

[29:29] - Dealing with Broken Glass at Events

[30:04] - Streamlining Event Planning with CRM Systems

[32:10] - Challenges of Load-In and Load-Out at Venues

[34:51] - Importance of Trusting Your Vendors

[36:38] - Unique Needs of Different Clients

[44:01] - Logistics of Managing Event Venues

[54:03] - Crazy and Challenging Event Requests

Key Takeaways:

• Running a venue is far more than opening doors—it's permitting, logistics, staffing, timing, and constant coordination.

• Venue logistics shape the entire event. Parking, elevator load-ins, noise restrictions, and neighbor relationships can all impact how smooth the day feels.

• Couples need to ask smart questions. Clarify noise rules, load-in timelines, rain plans, vendor guidelines, and staffing expectations before booking.

Learn more about Brick & Mortar:

Website: https://brickandmortarvenues.com/

Instagram: @brickandmortarvenues

Connect with us:

Visit our website: www.weddingsunscripted.com

Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events: www.cherryblossomwe.com

Follow us on our socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572429101755

Instagram: @weddings_unscripted

TikTok: @weddings_unscripted