Episode 25 Marcy Blum

On the latest episode of Weddings-ish with Jove we chat with Marcy Blum. Marcy Blum, one of the most renowned event planners in the industry known for her innovative approach to weddings and luxury events. Her expertise and influence have shaped modern wedding trends, emphasizing personalization, guest experience, and a departure from rigid traditions. Jove and Mary reflect on her 38 years of experience and the other incredible work she has done which includes authoring her book and starring on TV!

Jove and Marcy jump right into Marcy’s own surprise St. Barth’s Wedding. Marcy shares why she chose an unconventional approach to her own wedding. Rather than a grand affair, she and her partner celebrated their union as a surprise birthday party in Saint Barts, attended by just 14 guests. Remarkably, only a third of the attendees knew it was actually a wedding. This intimate setting was a stark contrast to her previous wedding in 1986, which had been a large, bohemian-style event. This time, Marcy wanted something more personal, focusing on the meaning rather than the spectacle. Their wedding included all of the best spots St. Barths had to offer included a billionaire’s house (for exactly 2 hours.) Marcy’s dress was a discarded custom dress another bride did not want, and she had it customized to her.

“There is no end to anxiety, once you pull a thread. it goes and goes!”

On why she chose to keep her second wedding low key

Jove and Marcy delve into her choice to get married this time around. After more than two decades together, Marcy and her partner decided to tie the knot. Legal considerations played a role in their decision, ensuring rights and protections that come with marriage. However, the milestone was also an opportunity to mark Marcy’s birthday in a unique and meaningful way. Despite already having a deep emotional commitment, she noted that being married does feel different, offering a new layer of security and significance.

photos by Allan Zepeda

Marcy shares how she has witnessed a shift in how couples approach marriage and weddings. Many are discarding outdated traditions and embracing what truly reflects their relationships. One noticeable trend is couples having children before getting married, proving that societal expectations are no longer rigid. Personalization is at the heart of modern weddings, with couples opting for unique celebrations rather than cookie-cutter events. Marcy encourages couples to focus on what makes their wedding special to them rather than conforming to trends or external pressures.

As an outspoken advocate for social issues, Marcy has consistently used her platform to discuss the intersection of politics and marriage rights. She believes that wedding industry professionals should not shy away from these discussions, as marriage is inherently a legal institution. For her, integrity and ethics are crucial in event planning, and she encourages industry peers to take a stand on important social and political matters.

Marcy’s journey into event planning began with a background in the culinary arts. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she initially worked in the food industry before transitioning into event planning. Her expertise in hospitality and design quickly set her apart, leading her to work with high-profile clients. One of her standout moments was planning the wedding of Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier planner.

Photos by Allan Zepeda and Genevieve de Manio Photography

Despite her success, Marcy acknowledges that making a sustainable income in wedding planning is no easy feat. It took her three decades to reach a point of financial comfort. One of the industry’s biggest challenges is the influx of new planners with little experience, making it difficult for clients to discern who is truly qualified. She advises aspiring planners to gain experience before taking on high-stakes weddings to build credibility and trust.

Marcy’s biggest piece of advice for couples is to focus on the guest experience. While aesthetics are important, the emotional impact and memories created during the wedding are what truly matter. She emphasizes the importance of hiring experienced professionals and trusting them to execute the vision seamlessly. When couples let go of micromanaging, they can enjoy the process rather than feeling overwhelmed by it.

Marcy believes that the wedding industry needs more standardization and education. With so many planners entering the field, she sees a need for guidelines that help clients identify reliable professionals. Fair compensation for wedding professionals is another pressing issue, as the demand for high-quality service continues to grow. As the industry evolves, she hopes to see greater recognition for the expertise and labor involved in creating exceptional events.

For those looking to break into the industry, Marcy stresses the importance of building relationships authentically. Instead of merely asking for opportunities, new vendors should offer value and demonstrate their skills. A strong portfolio and hands-on experience will always open more doors than cold outreach alone.

At its core, wedding planning is about creating an experience that reflects the couple’s love story. Marcy’s philosophy centers on ensuring guests feel welcomed, cared for, and immersed in a meaningful celebration. Her decades of expertise serve as a reminder that beyond the logistics and details, weddings are about joy, connection, and lasting memories.

In the Ask Jove section of the segment, Jove + Sloan discuss perfectionism and how to let go on the big day!

Be sure to follow Marcy’s fabulous work at https://www.instagram.com/marcyblum/!

Watch the full episode HERE!

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