A wedding is a momentous occasion that marks the beginning of a new chapter in a couple’s life. Starting that chapter close to home, near family and friends, makes it all the more special. The cost of hosting a wedding can be overwhelming, leading many couples to seek ways to have a beautiful celebration without breaking the bank, and staying close to home can help, without sacrificing quality. Local industry experts Leah Parsley and Jocelyn Tudor of Staché Vintage Rentals, Martha Turner of the Hotel Bentley, Angelina Marcantel of Edwards Custom Jewelry, and Brady Noland of OakWing Golf Club have graciously agreed to share some key strategies for success in planning your big day, as you get ready to say “I do” right here in Cenla.
While hiring an all-inclusive wedding planner may not be feasible for some couples, utilizing a day-of coordinator can provide essential support. A day-of coordinator can help oversee the logistics and execution of your wedding day, allowing you to relax and enjoy the celebration without stress. Your coordinator is tasked with maintaining open lines of communication with all the vendors, guests, and wedding party. By doing so he or she can prevent a lot of overwhelming challenges for all involved in your special day.
Planning is crucial when it comes to organizing a wedding on a budget. Ideally, couples should start at months before the event. This timeline allows for thorough research, decision-making, and cost comparison to secure the best prices for the services you desire. Even if your timeline is compressed, take a deep breath and know it can be done. It takes timely decision making, clear communication, and a willingness to compromise where possible.
Choosing your vendors and making timely deposits to secure their services at affordable rates is your first step. When budgeting, prioritize vendors based on their availability and importance to your wedding vision. If you are using a wedding planner, you need to include them in this process. No matter if you hire outside help in planning or you choose to do it yourself, this will be the key to success. Vendors such as the venue, décor rental, florist, caterer, entertainment, and photographer should be booked as far in advance as possible. You do not want to wait until the last minute to find what you have planned is not available for your date or affordable on your budget.
Choosing an engagement ring is a significant decision that embodies both personal sentiment and financial investment. The process requires careful consideration of various factors, including the preferences of the recipient, the type of metal, and the style of the ring. It is imperative to engage in thorough research prior to making a purchase, as this ensures that the chosen piece aligns with both aesthetic desires and practical considerations. The experts at Edwards Custom Jewelry in Alexandria have shared some of their expertise to help you have the best experience possible.
“One of the foremost aspects to consider is understanding the recipient’s personal taste,” says Angelina Marcantel, Manager at Edwards. “Observing their existing jewelry can provide valuable insights into clients’ preferences regarding metal types, gemstone choices, and overall design aesthetics. For instance, some individuals may favor classic styles adorned with diamonds, while others might appreciate unique settings featuring colored gemstones or vintage designs. Engaging in conversations about jewelry preferences can also yield useful information without revealing intentions.”
Of course, clients must consider budget constraints when selecting an engagement ring. The adage that one should spend three months’ salary on an engagement ring has become somewhat antiquated; instead, potential buyers should establish a comfortable budget based on their financial situation. This allows for a wider range of options without incurring unnecessary debt.
Ultimately, selecting an engagement ring should be a reflection of both individual style and emotional significance. By balancing personal taste with financial prudence, one can choose a ring that not only symbolizes love but also resonates deeply with its future wearer.
Venues play a vital role in setting the tone for your wedding day. Popular venues tend to book quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons, potentially leading to higher costs. Fit the venue to your day. You do not want to crowd 200 people into a venue designed for 100. Keep in mind the type of ceremony, number of guests, amenities, cost, aesthetic, etc. Venues close to home hold down travel costs and often feature several options from which to choose. Before signing any contracts, make sure you include enough time to set up and clean up. Very few people enjoy a last minute rush to create the vision or delaying a honeymoon in order to disassemble your dream wedding mere hours after it is over.
Style, ambiance and overall feeling paired with the soon-to-be-married couple’s dreams are just a drop in the bucket when it comes to selecting the right venue. With social media platforms showcasing everything available to the wedding market, it may become challenging to make this tough choice. The decision is a process of elimination, communication, compromise and budget friendly selections every couple must endure. Creating a strategy that combines these elements will make the process of choosing the right venue less stressful.
The process begins with a deciding what environment the couple wants to create and how much they are comfortable spending. Every market has an assortment of venues ranging from open-air estates, full-service hotels with grand ballrooms, modern and chic facilities, to Southern mansions and rustic barns. Couples are often overwhelmed and start the process of elimination, disregarding any venue that does not speak directly to their dream or their budget.
Other considerations include services offered by the venue. Catering, decorating, onsite coordination, ceremonial areas, and accommodations paired with ease of access for out-of-town guests play a role in the decision. Communication with the venue is crucial. Develop a relationship with the venue sales team. This team is employed to make the entire wedding planning process enjoyable and will support the couple and communicate from the initial meeting all the way through the wedding day.
A setting for countless weddings—large and small—in Cenla over the decades is the beautiful, historic Hotel Bentley, home to Central Louisiana’s only Grand Ballroom. The Bentley offers wedding packages that can accommodate wedding parties of up to 300 guests. With the Bentley Room, the on-site full service restaurant, Mirror Room Lounge, well appointed accommodations, and fine dining partner, The Diamond Grill, located in the same block, the Historic Hotel Bentley also offers breathtaking opportunities for clients’ wedding day photographs. The Bentley has the perfect space to host your big day!
Are you dreaming of a wedding day that’s both enchanting and effortlessly elegant? Consider a nontraditional location. Locally, OakWing Golf Club features a premier event space that combines natural beauty with luxurious rustic charm. Nestled on 150 acres of meticulously maintained green space, OakWing offers an idyllic setting for your special day.
The exquisite clubhouse provides a stylish backdrop for your celebration, ensuring every moment is memorable. At OakWing, the dedicated staff believes in making your wedding planning as seamless as possible. “At OakWing Golf Club, we pride ourselves on providing a stress-free, luxurious experience, so you can focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love and commitment,” says OakWing General Manager Brady Noland. “Every event includes white linens and chair covers, along with refreshing water, tea, and lemonade stations, all included in the facility fee.”
OakWing features exceptional catering services designed to impress and delight. Led by the renowned Executive Chef Dean Kennedy, their culinary offerings are second to none. Chef Kennedy’s expertise and reputation for excellence ensure a dining experience that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests. From the first bite to the final toast, your meal will be a highlight of your celebration.
Decorating with purpose not only adds visual beauty to your day but helps with the flow of your guests. The lifetime of memories in beautiful photographs will bring you and your guests joy for many years. Consider renting items such as beautiful votives, candlesticks, bud vase, linens, lighting, furniture, and appointments to create a stylish ambiance without the need for expensive purchases.
Remember that décor plays a crucial role in setting the mood and leaving a lasting impression on your guests. “Renting event décor is a practical and cost-effective option that allows you to transform any space into a stunning and memorable setting,” says Jocelyn Tudor, owner of Staché Vintage Rentals in Alexandria. “Long gone are the days of white plastic tables and rickety folding chairs. Rustic or modern, free-spirited or formal, under summer sun or a canopy of fall-colored leaves, extravagant or intimate, no matter the vibe or the venue, we love helping couples create their unforgettable day, one that celebrates their unique love story and their own unique style.”
Hiring a skilled florist can also make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your wedding. Discuss your budget constraints with the florist and explore creative ways to design stunning floral arrangements within your price range. Couples sometimes think hiring licensed professionals to be outside their budget. The truth is that these experts have years (sometimes decades!) of experience and knowledge that can not only save you money, but help you achieve the best possible outcome for your budget.
Planning a budget-friendly wedding requires careful consideration, strategic decision-making, and resourcefulness. It is important that you read all contracts. They are legally binding. Anything you have an issue with needs to be dealt with up front before signing. By starting early, making timely deposits, renting décor, hiring vendors judiciously, using a day-of wedding planner, and overcoming venue challenges, couples can create a memorable celebration that reflects their love and style without exceeding their financial limits.
Remember, a wedding is not defined by its price tag but by the joy, love, and unity shared by the couple and their loved ones. The wedding industry in Central Louisiana is very much a robust network of resources with a common goal of exceeding the couple’s dreams, no matter what it takes! So, don’t be afraid to take the leap, jump the broom, tie the knot, and say “I do” right here in Cenla.
