As part of a new series, we are asking Little Rock’s finest for insider tips on everything from investing to cocktail-making so that you can handle every situation like a pro. To kick things off, and to inaugurate wedding season, we asked celebrated wedding planner Shelia Vaught for her foolproof formula.
“There is a great deal to balance when planning a wedding,” says Vaught, “from the greater question of where and when it is going to take place to the finer details of whether your new in-laws will be allergic to the Italian layer cake you have chosen. Consideration, communication and compromise are essential in planning a successful wedding.” Here are her favorite five tips:
1. Hire someone that you trust and feel comfortable with to lead you in the direction you are happy with. Always select vendors that have proven records and come highly recommended. Central Arkansas is so fortunate to have so many quality photographers, caterers, florists, rental companies and bands. I believe that we should support local vendors as much as we possibly can.
2. Do a timeline and follow it as closely as possible. This will give you month-by-month instructions on when things need to be completed. Most families tend to jump the gun on the list. Be patient and try to follow your timeline. In doing this, the process doesn’t seem as demanding.
3. Brush up on your social media skills. Set up a website that gives information for your wedding party as well as your guests. This website address usually goes out on the Save the Date. Things to include on the website are locations of all events, transportation details, hotel information, stores where the couple are registered, and interesting tidbits about the bride and groom as well as the wedding party.
4. Be sensible about the costs. Stay within your budget and remember there is life after a wedding! Your consultant should be able to help with the budgeting by giving you estimates for all the major expenses. Some vendors like photographers and bands book quickly, and you need to be careful with your budget when booking these vendors early.
5. Every wedding is a union of not only two individuals, but also of two families. Everyone has to work together to make a wedding one of the most memorable events of a lifetime. Always treat your family and wedding party with love and respect. Weddings are stressful. Months of planning and fretting translate into a few emotional hours of action. Remember not to become a “Bridezilla.” Trust your planner to help with any unexpected things, and handle them with a little creativity, a lot of determination and a serene attitude.
| Best wedding song to get everyone dancing | “Brick House” by the Commodores |
| Most important ingredient for any wedding | Make sure your guests feel comfortable and have a great time. |
| Favorite menu you’ve seen at wedding | Total Southern comfort food. |
| Most fun idea that you’ve seen | Late-night food can be fun; this December we passed out eggnog in brass mugs with sugar cookies. |
| Your No. 1 tip for the bride | Relax and enjoy the day, and let your wedding planner do the work. It goes by in a flash! |
(For more wedding advice, go to ArkansasBride.com!)