His reputation precedes him as Little Rock’s preeminent party planner. Todd Bagwell’s name is synonymous with events such as the Beaux Arts Ball, one of the state’s most historic fundraisers for the Arkansas Arts Center; and the CHI St. Vincent IV Party. But for the last 25 years, Bagwell has also been welcomed into the homes of Little Rock’s most prestigious hostesses. And for the first time ever, Bagwell is giving us an exclusive inside look at three of his most notable private parties. He shares a few set secrets and shows us why a Todd Bagwell soirée is never to be missed.
Golden Anniversary
An Intimate, Relaxed and Elegant Anniversary Celebrating 50 Years of Marriage
Set Secrets: As with all of Bagwell’s events, the tone for an event begins with the invitation. For this 50th anniversary celebration, Bagwell opted for a letterpress invitation featuring an elegant font and muted, sophisticated colors. Halos adorning the tablecloths symbolized wedding bands.
The Menu: A classic southern country club menu featured fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, potatoes au gratin, shrimp cocktail, and for dessert — Neapolitan pots de créme.
In the Details:
| Photographer | Amy Carper |
| Venue | Bill and Margaret Clark Room (above River Market Hall) |
| Invitation | The Social Type |
| Caterer | The Capital Hotel |
| Flowers | Chris Norwood of Tipton & Hurst |
A Southern Luncheon
A Prim and Proper Affair for a New Southern Belle
A gracious, southern, ladylike luncheon with a modern twist took place on the covered veranda of a private home overlooking downtown Little Rock to celebrate the arrival of a precious baby girl.
Set Secrets: Bagwell often creates custom décor for his events. For this shower, he designed and created a maypole with fabric draped throughout the veranda. The honoree and family sat at the table with the center ring, of course. The custom pop-up invite, also designed by Bagwell, features a maypole with cut-out animals holding the ribbons, helping to tie together the theme.
The Menu: This light lunch menu included six different tea sandwiches, deviled ham with pickled okra, pastries stuffed with brie, vegetable salad, crudités and strawberry cupcakes with animals made from sugar icing to match the invitations.
In the Details:
| Photographer | Amy Carper |
| Venue | Private home on Edgehill |
| Invitation | The Social Type |
| Caterer(s) | Bistro Catering, Sweet Love Bakes |
| Flowers | Chris Norwood of Tipton & Hurst |
Chic Country Engagement
A Sophisticated and Chic Country Soirée and Lakefront Dinner
Set Secrets: The engagement party was black and white-themed and guests were requested to wear coordinating attire. The invitation was designed to look like an announcement in the local paper and Bagwell wrote every word and sketched out the details for the vendor. It was delivered in a clear plastic bag, much like a real newspaper. Bagwell also cut the magnolia leaves from the property himself to make the gorgeous arrangements and finishing touches for the buffet tables.
The Menu: The seated buffet featured a traditional crawfish and shrimp boil with potatoes, onions and corn. Arkansas duck prosciutto, pickled vegetables and the Capital Bar and Grill’s famous pimento cheese were also served. A delicious and fresh Arkansas strawberry bar with shortbread, ice cream and mixed berries capped off the evening.
In the Details:
| Photographer | Meredith Benton |
| Venue | Horseshoe Lake in Marion, Arkansas |
| Invitation | The Social Type |
| Caterer | Bistro Catering |