We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Megan Givens-Gilmer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Megan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?
I believe there’s nothing wrong with asking friends and family to support your business—as long as it comes from a place of genuine passion, not pressure. In the early stages, their encouragement and word-of-mouth can make such a difference. A share on social media, a referral, or just showing up to an event means everything when you’re building something from the ground up.
That said, I’ve learned to respect boundaries. I never want people close to me to feel obligated, especially when my services involve personal investments like weddings or events. Support should feel natural, not transactional. If someone wants to hire me because they truly value my work—that’s a gift. If not, I’d rather they cheer me on from the sidelines than feel uncomfortable.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi! I’m Megan Givens-Gilmer , owner and lead planner at Megan Givens Weddings & Events based in Northeast Georgia. I specialize in wedding planning, event coordination, design, and officiating—but more than anything, I help bring calm, clarity, and creativity to what can be one of the most exciting (and overwhelming) seasons of someone’s life.
I got into this business after planning my own wedding and realizing how much I loved the process—the logistics, the details, the emotional connections, and the creativity that goes into bringing a vision to life. I started by helping friends and family, and over time, what began as a passion turned into a full-time business. I’ve now been in the industry for over three years, serving clients across Georgia and beyond.
We offer everything from full-service planning and design to day-of coordination, as well as officiating services, faux floral collections, balloon garlands, bartending, and custom décor installations. Whether it’s a large wedding, a micro-wedding, or a birthday celebration, we offer packages that are both comprehensive and personal.
What sets me apart is how hands-on and invested I am in every single event. I truly care—not just about the timeline and the vendors, but about the people. I bring honesty, organization, and confidence to every client relationship, and I’m known for staying calm under pressure and finding creative solutions when plans shift (because they always do!).
I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a bride or groom completely at ease on their wedding day, knowing we’ve taken care of every last detail so they can be fully present. I also take pride in building a business that feels warm, approachable, and grounded in community values.
If you’re considering working with us, I want you to know we’re not just here to check boxes—we’re here to create an experience. I treat each event like it’s my own, and I genuinely love what I do. Whether you’re newly engaged, planning a celebration, or just curious about event design, I’d love to connect and learn more about your story
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media didn’t happen overnight—it was a slow, steady process rooted in authenticity and consistency. In the beginning, I simply started sharing behind-the-scenes moments from wedding days, design setups I loved, and personal reflections on the journey of being a wedding planner. I wasn’t trying to be perfect—I was just trying to be real.
What really made a difference was showing up consistently, engaging with others, and building relationships with vendors and clients online the same way I do in person. I also started leaning into what made my brand unique: personalized service, community connections, and heartfelt storytelling.
My advice for anyone starting out: don’t worry so much about going viral. Focus on creating content that speaks to your ideal client or audience. Be consistent, be clear about who you are and what you offer, and most importantly—be yourself. People connect with people, not just pretty pictures.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me has consistently been word-of-mouth referrals—especially from past clients and trusted vendors. There’s truly no better compliment than someone recommending me to their friend or family member after experiencing how I work firsthand.
In addition to that, social media has been a great tool for visibility and connection. Instagram, in particular, has helped me showcase my work and personality in a way that resonates with potential clients. But at the end of the day, building genuine relationships and delivering an exceptional client experience is what keeps the referrals coming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://megangivensweddingsevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megangivensweddings?igsh=MWtneXpsZmMzODBjcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bat4Y5wLc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-givens-gilmer-2a250935b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
@JordanFraleyPhotos
@Jamiedchisholmphoto
@lwphotographyga
@kaylasevcechphotography
@Steppingstonesphoto
@photograghy_jillianbauersfeld