S06, E04: Throwing out the wedding rulebook with Jacinta from Champagne Electric

Welcome to another episode of Project Engaged! We were very excited to sit down and chat with Jacinta from Champagne Electric about throwing out the wedding rulebook and prioritising your party's atmosphere over its aesthetic.

Here is the breakdown of what was discussed:

Host, don't perform Instead of staging a performance for social media content, couples should approach their wedding as if they are hosting a great dinner party (with a banging d-floor). The only actual legal requirement is a celebrant, so you are entirely free to throw out the rulebook and skip traditions (like public vows) that don't feel authentic to you.

Prioritising vibe and energy A beautiful aesthetic means very little if you aren't actually present and connecting with your guests on the day. To keep the energy high, you should include interactive elements and great party lighting - like disco balls or a even "rave cave" setup by a laser professional - and remember that your guests will follow your lead on the dance floor.

The "Vibe Brief" and budgeting Start your planning by creating a "Vibe Brief" to establish your top three non-negotiables, such as booking an in-demand photographer like Jackson Grant or securing a top-tier DJ. Allocate your budget to these priorities first so they can serve as your "North Star," and be willing to compromise on the remaining details without stressing.

Mastering the flow Opting for a 90-minute cocktail hour ensures you have enough time to take photos, decompress, and actually enjoy the party with your guests rather than missing it. Work with an experienced wedding professional to review the run sheet, but remain flexible on the day; delaying a speech or first dance by 10 minutes to maintain the room's energy is always worth it.

The "Vibe Killer Cut" (saving money) If you need to slash your budget quickly without ruining the atmosphere, the most effective method is ruthlessly trimming your guest list by dropping colleagues, unknown plus-ones, and children. You can also skip traditional wedding favors - unless they are highly practical like family-farmed olive oil - and save on florals by repurposing your ceremony arrangements at the reception.

Mentions:

One More Song DJs: (us!)
Jackson Grant: The one and only and highly sought-after wedding photographer
Weddings by E: Shoutout to Elizabeth for her planning and coordination work
Daniel from Pyrotek FX: The laser professional who set up a full rave cave experience with trusses and lasers at a winery wedding
Venues: Polperro Winery, Glasshaus, Gather + Tailor and The Wool Mill.