305. WHAT ENGAGED COUPLES WANT: How couples are really planning their wedding

Alright, picture this—you’re newly engaged, stepping into a gorgeous venue, surrounded by wedding vendors, floral arrangements, cake samples, and a whole lot of decisions to make. Exciting? Absolutely. Overwhelming? Also yes.

That was the scene at the Merrimon-Wynne House in downtown Raleigh, where we attended a wedding vendor showcase to talk to real couples about their planning experience.

We asked couples what they were looking for in vendors, what’s been the most surprising part of wedding planning so far, and what’s been an instant dealbreaker—and let’s just say, we got some real talk. From budget struggles to vendor ghosting to the sheer horror of discovering you have to pick out your own linens (yes, really), these couples didn’t hold back.

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Resource Mentioned:

• Done-for-You Lead Magnet Template for Wedding Pros: https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/done-for-you-lead-magnet-template-for-wedding-pros

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Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

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2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day