Plan on having the best experience

When it comes to planning the wedding, there are things that are good to know and things that brides need to know. The big day can involve much more than the white dress and exchanging of vows; it can be chaotic and stressful. A Pinterest board can only take you so far, but with the help of a wedding planner and event coordinator, the couple can focus on what matters most – each other. To break down the ABC’s of wedding planning, some local coordinators and planners shared their top tips.

Tanya Harville, of Tanya Harville Events in Shreveport, said the very first place to start in planning the big day is to set and agree on a budget.

Today’s wedding costs can often be a big investment – knowing your financial standing is a must.

Set priorities at the very beginning.

What is most important for both partners?

Three key factors to remember:

wedding location, reception location and photography.

Because the actual day can sometimes be a blur, hiring the very best photographer is worth every penny. Those pictures are what tell the story.

Aside from the budget, the most stressful part of planning can be determining the guest list. Remember every guest has a cost associated with them (food, drink, valet, tables and chairs and more).

A smaller guest list can offer a more intimate ceremony and reception, which can be more fun and memorable.

Stay true to who you are as a bride and groom. Don’t pay attention to what anyone else is doing. A wedding isn’t about keeping up with trends. It’s about celebrating a new life together.

Details can add a memorable touch.

Including pictures of both families and photos of the bride and groom growing up throughout the years can make the celebration personal and fun.

When it comes to budget, the couple should allocate a significant portion to the reception because that’s generally where most of the expense occurs.

Planning an outdoor wedding is not for the faint of heart. An important rule for a Louisiana outdoor wedding is to always have a Plan B, such as tent on stand by or moving inside.

Money-saving tips can include getting married early in the day, feeding your guests a light brunch and using the same linen color for the tables while adding a chic overlay.

One of the biggest misconceptions on planning a wedding – it’s hard. Stay organized, and pay special attention to your budget. Keep priorities in mind while also focusing on personal style.

Kirstie Horton of Le Fleur Events said doing research beforehand can set a couple in the right direction and give them ideas on what they want. Setting a budget was No. 1, but there were many things to consider.

Choosing the best caterer makes a big difference in offering the best wedding experience.

Avoid letting outside parties or family members bombard your wedding plans. Keep it about the two of you.

A planner can help with keeping the day cohesive and run smoothly.

While working with a couple’s budget, the planner offers a realistic view of things – what the can’s and cannot’s are.

It’s important for the future bride and groom to be a part of the entire process. Horton strives for the very best personal customer service.

Bonné Summers and Julia Foley of Apex Events said along with setting a budget, other practical considerations are also important.

Make sure the location is available in the timeframe desired.

The experience of the event should be the highest priority. Determine from the beginning what the couple’s vision is for the big day.

Start planning with the most important people involved and bring in an outside party (event planner) to negotiate and create a plan of action.

When decisions are made, stick to them.

A memorable experience can be done with details like lighting, sound, specialty decor and food menu, but the sky is the limit for those wanting the most unique event.

Having “event ambassadors” can make guests feel at ease.

Consider that catering and floral arrangements may take a significant part of the budget.

–Katie Ho