Pop the Questions with Brandon Edelman

We sat down with creator Brandon Edelman (AKA @bran__flakezz)—a seasoned wedding guest and self-proclaimed dance floor expert whose love for the open bar is, well, legendary. Brandon is teaming up with Zola for our new series "Pop the Questions" to help couples and guests alike navigate their wedding woes, especially when it comes to the guest experience. In this Q&A, Brandon reveals his most fun wedding moments, gives his hot takes on everything from destination weddings to dress codes, and shares what actually makes a wedding unforgettable.

Got your own wedding dilemmas to dish out? Join Zola’s r/PoptheQuestions community on Reddit to get real advice from couples just like you.

What’s the most fun moment you’ve ever had as a wedding guest?

The most fun moment I've ever had as a wedding guest was actually at my friend Jaz's wedding. It was the first wedding I actually stayed overnight at the hotel where the wedding was happening, and we just had so much fun. It felt like I was at camp with all of my best friends. We were all running from room to room getting ready together. And it just really made the process so much more community-based. I had a blast.

What are the top 3 things that make a wedding feel memorable?

First is the dress. I'm always eager to see what the bride is going to be wearing. Second is definitely the venue. But what really is important for me is the food.

What’s one song you need to hear at a wedding and one that needs to stay at home?

I love classics, but there's some that are hits and there's some that are misses. "Dancing Queen" - hit. "YMCA" - total miss. "Sweet Caroline" - please no.

Do you secretly compare weddings you attend? What makes one stand out?

I think it's human nature to always kind of compare. I think what really makes a wedding stand out though is the couple themselves. I love when I can see a couple genuinely so in love, having fun on the dance floor, and just having the best time. I know weddings can be super stressful, so I love to see when everything comes together and a couple is really having one of the most memorable and best nights of their life.

Have you ever been at a wedding where you thought it was…boring?

I don't think I've ever been to a wedding that's boring, but I will say I don't love a ceremony that takes place in a church. Just not totally my vibe. But whatever makes the couple happy, I'll be there.

We have loved following your relationship with your boyfriend. What’s your preferred policy on plus-ones?

So, I'm obsessed with my boyfriend…so I always want a plus-one. But I do think it's understandable sometimes if you're not given one. If you're already married, you should definitely be able to bring your husband or wife as a plus one. I kind of feel like if you live with your partner, you also should be able to. I'm always excited when I have someone because, especially with weddings where maybe I don't really know a lot of their current friends, it makes me feel way more comfortable as a guest to bring someone with me.

There is a growing trend of couples having dry weddings and also serving mocktails alongside cocktails at their weddings. What’s your take?

I think it is super kind to cater to our sober kings and queens. Give them the mocktails. Let's have both. Let's have the opportunity to choose!

What’s your go-to beverage of choice at a wedding?

Honestly, I drink like one of three drinks always: either a dirty martini, an Aperol Spritz, or an espresso martini. Or all three in 5 minutes. So as long as those are on the open bar menu, which they typically are, I'm good.

When do you think it’s appropriate to decline an invite to a wedding?

If you're not super familiar with the wedding party and they don't give you a plus one, I feel like it's okay to be like, "Hey, love you. I’ll send a nice gift, but I'm stepping out." Two, destination weddings. I feel like if you are having one as a couple, you take that risk that some people are not going to be able to come. Whether it's being able to afford it, or not being able to take off work, I think that it is totally acceptable to say, "Hey, love you, want to celebrate you, but I cannot make that commitment."

How much do you usually spend on a wedding gift? What’s the threshold?

I typically just do a standard $150 every time, especially if I have a plus one.

What’s your opinion on “themed” dress codes?

The only theme that I actually genuinely like is those couples that are daring and do all white. I love those. Anything else, just keep it black tie.