Weddings

Lauren Vizza. Photo: Zac Grimaldo

The Big Day will be here before you know it, but it seems a million decisions need to be made between now and then. Find advice and inspiration and venues and services in the pages to follow. Best Wishes for a dreamy wedding and strong marriage.

PlansWedding

Pro Tips to Trim Your

WEDDING BUDGET

When it comes to weddings we want it all, right?

The love/hate relationship we have with our wedding budget is for real. Pinterest can be a bit deceptive when it comes to the actual cost of aislelength floral installments and beer burros. At a certain point, most of us must come back to reality. Here are 5 tips for reining in a growing budget: Here are 5 tips for reining in a growing budget: That’s right, we said it! This may be an unpopular guest list is the easiest way to cut your budget without about your day is most meaningful to you? Capture special moments with a top-notch photographer, plan a meaningful menu, hire an amazing band, or even a day-of coordinator to relieve some stress! Do potatoes are much more budget-friendly. Plus, hearty foods will keep your guests drinking and dancing around $1,000? Trimming down your wedding party Find a venue that does not nickel-and-dime you. Will you have to pay extra for chairs or tables? How Extra utensils? The list goes on. A space may seem affordable at the beginning, but all those add-ons

1. Cut That Guest Count That’s right, we said it! This may be an unpopular idea (initially), but just let it sink in. Trimming the guest list is the easiest way to cut your budget without deflating your dream wedding day experience. What about your day is most meaningful to you? Capture special moments with a top-notch photographer, plan a meaningful menu, hire an amazing band, or even a day-of coordinator to relieve some stress! Do you really need all 250 guests in attendance to have the day of your dreams? What is their current status in your life? It never hurts to take a hard look at the list and do a little editing! 2. Make Smart Menu Choices Brides often mention that they only want ‘small bites’ or ‘finger foods’ at their wedding, with the idea that an appetizer-only menu will cut costs. The truth is, the labor it takes to make small bites from scratch (or even for your caterer to buy them pre-made) can get really expensive! Large-batch foods such as jambalaya, fajita bars, or even BBQ brisket and potatoes are much more budget-friendly. Plus, hearty foods will keep your guests drinking and dancing the night away (rather than ducking out early to find some fast food)! 3. Rethink The Bar Batch-made cocktails are SO on-trend (and SO onbudget)! Offering a full open bar with liquor can definitely be a budget-busting addition. Instead, offer a limited selection of beer, wine, and 2-3 batched specialty cocktails. They are easy for less-experienced bar staff to serve (cutting down on lines at the bar) and still give guests a fun alternative to the standards. 4. Will You Be My Bridesmaid? How close are you to all of your bridesmaids? Did you know that bouquets for just 8 bridesmaids can cost around $1,000? Trimming down your wedding party - or even exploring alternatives to the traditional bridesmaid bouquets - can really save you in a pinch! 5. Do Your Homework (From Day One!) Find a venue that does not nickel-and-dime you. Will you have to pay extra for chairs or tables? How about a cleaning fee? Rehearsal fee? Linen rental? Extra utensils? The list goes on. A space may seem affordable at the beginning, but all those add-ons really add up! Do your homework in advance to nail down what the full investment will be on the back end. Or…find an all-inclusive venue that handles it all!

Thank you to Holly Schreiber and Hillary Moss, Owners of Sainte Terre Events, for sharing these tips!

Hey girl, hey! Have you been to Bella Bridesmaids? Hey girl, hey! Have you been to Bella Bridesmaids? Feel like you have to make tons of wedding decisions and you Feel like you have to make tons of wedding decisions and you just want someone to sort through everything for you based on your vision? That’s where your Bella Bridesmaids styling team comes to the rescue! We have over 1,000 dresses that you can comes to the rescue! We have over 1,000 dresses that you can see, touch, and try on to find your perfect dress for your perfect day. It’s the largest selection of bridesmaid dresses in the area! During your appointment, we work with you and your bridesmaids to guide you through the fabrics, colors, and styles to find your perfect look. Even if you already know exactly what you want, your stylist is here to answer every question you and your bridesmaids have, provide measurements and sizing guidance, and keep track of shipping. We carry an extensive collection of designer dresses that enhance every wedding, at every budget, and can be worn by all bridesmaids. Our styles are made to order, which allows us to offer sizes from 00 to 30W. We also have Mother of the Bride/Groom and Flower Girl dresses! Our goal is to create a fun experience for each wedding party that walks through our door! You deserve to have the perfect that walks through our door! You deserve to have the perfect wedding planning experience. Come see us! We are here to help!

CedarCroft

CedarCroft offers an authentic 1930s newly renovated barn, a stately plantation home, and an elegant garden area for your party, wedding, or reception. Visit our Facebook for your party, wedding, or reception. Visit our Facebook page, Instagram, or website for more information. www. CedarCroftplantation.com Let Dream Vacations by Crissy Parikh take the stress out of And remember… there is never a fee with Crissy! to remember. We strive to have a selection of gowns to satisfy events, both big and small for 25 plus years, with a big heart

Dream Vacations

Let Dream Vacations by Crissy Parikh take the stress out of the decision making and help you choose the ideal place for you and your sweetheart to celebrate your “I Do’s!” ❏ Sandals ❏ Caribbean ❏ Mexico ❏ All-Inclusive ❏ Disney ❏ Cruise And remember… there is never a fee with Crissy!

Happily Ever After

Welcome Brides! At Happily Ever After, brides are our passion! We understand how your bridal gown sets the stage for the most important day of your life, and we work hard to ensure that our brides and their families have the experience to remember. We strive to have a selection of gowns to satisfy even the most particular of brides! We handpick each style with you in mind. We offer a unique and diversified collection of designer gowns, with exquisite lace, beading, fabrics, and details that compliment your shape and express your unique personality. Our stylists are highly trained and work within your specific guidelines and needs to find the perfect gown for your perfect day. A wedding dress….the garment a woman wears the day her life changes…We look forward to helping you find the dress that most clearly defines you on your Special Day! Voted best gift shop in SB Magazine, Lewis’ Gifts has a sought after wedding registry in NW Louisiana—with all of the top brand names in the tabletop industry! We carry all of the fine china lines—Herend, Pickard, Anna Weatherly, Ginori and so much more. In addition we have the top brands of everyday tableware—Juliska, Vietri, Skyros, Casafina plus many more! Registering at Lewis’ is a part of a bride’s entire wedding planning. We set aside a couple of hours to work with the couple in planning both their fine china settings and their everyday tabletop settings. They also register for luxury bedding, kitchen items, home décor—anything they would like on their registry. We work with the couple from beginning until after the wedding when we sit down and order everything they need to complete the registry. Our experienced bridal consultants offer advice and can help the bride plan her perfect registry! Everything is online on our website for the convenience of all the guests to see the registry and choose that very special gift. Just give us a call to make your appointment when you are ready to plan your beautiful Lewis’ registry!

Patterson’s Touch of Elegance

Lisa Patterson has been producing weddings and special events, both big and small for 25 plus years, with a big heart and a love for her clients. In the early 1990’s she branched out and started doing family and friends events such as weddings, birthday parties, and anniversaries, and from there is history. She’s very dedicated when it comes to decorating. Any of her brides will tell you (yes, indeed). Her motto is “Making Dreams Come True.” Lisa enjoys going to church, spending time with family, and traveling. For all your special occasions, let Patterson’s Touch of Elegance “Make your dreams come true.”

Sainte Terre

From intimate ceremonies to events of up to 250 guests, Sainte Terre offers a one-of-a-kind setting for an unforgettable wedding. With the perfect balance of farmhouse charm and modern luxury, weddings at Sainte Terre are elegant, understated, and personally tailored to your tastes and personality, creating a breathtaking experience that is a true reflection of you as a couple. From coordination and planning, menu and catering, cake, photography, florals, DJ, and service staff to set-up and clean-up, we do it all! We’re also thrilled to announce our newest venue, The Stables at Sainte Terre. Set on over forty acres of rolling hills, The Stables will offer everything you’ve come to expect from a Sainte Terre event…such as an elevated service experience, culinary excellence, and sophisticated style. With indoor and outdoor ceremony options and a uniquely designed reception space, we’ll be able to host up to 350 guests. Join us on March 6th for The Stables Showcase! Get an exclusive first look and more details about our flexible wedding packages. Email to RSVP, as space is limited, at events@ sainteterre.com.

Introducing Venue de LaChute, a Shreveport landmark in southeast Caddo Parish. The stately mansion and grounds southeast Caddo Parish. The stately mansion and grounds opened its doors in 2018, and quickly gained the attention opened its doors in 2018, and quickly gained the attention of couples locally and abroad. The venue offers the beauty of couples locally and abroad. The venue offers the beauty of multiple outdoor spaces for committing to vows, while providing the comforts and reassurance of indoor spaces to providing the comforts and reassurance of indoor spaces to celebrate the special occasion. The grounds offer breath-taking mature live oaks, vintage brick walking paths, manicured lawns, and tranquil water features. The Carriage House Reception facility, a newly constructed The Carriage House Reception facility, a newly constructed space, boasts a white, neutral pallet to compliment any bride’s space, boasts a white, neutral pallet to compliment any bride’s style. Inside the main house, the bride and her ladies relax and prepare for the day in a Bridal Suite designed for pampering prepare for the day in a Bridal Suite designed for pampering and capturing exquisite photography. This charming southern estate offers fresh amenities, allinclusive designer wedding services, and a staff committed to assuring your wedding experience is everything you deserve and more. In 2020, the Venue was voted SB Magazine’s Best Wedding Venue and in 2022, the owners have chosen to introduce Venue and in 2022, the owners have chosen to introduce their new brand to accurately reflect the needs of today’s their new brand to accurately reflect the needs of today’s couples. You’re invited to experience Venue de LaChute! couples. You’re invited to experience Venue de LaChute! Visit us at www.venuedelachute.com or www.facebook.com/ venuedelachute. Need a date night with your special someone? Looking for from Shreveport/Bossier. We offer a respite from the hustle offer Steak Night! Local pasture raised beef tenderloin filets those non red meat eaters - we will always have dishes for In addition, we offer full service catering any day of the week, from a small group business lunch to a large wedding. Let us appetizers! Contact us for details at 318.858.3200 or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Come dine with us and taste

Need a date night with your special someone? Looking for something different and unique? Look no further than Village Cuisine Catering and Café, located a short drive from Shreveport/Bossier. We offer a respite from the hustle and bustle with food prepared from scratch in the historic Village of Grand Cane. Not only do we offer lunch three days a week, and dinner one night a week - but once a month we offer Steak Night! Local pasture raised beef tenderloin filets hand cut and prepared to order with a red wine reduction, along with delicious sides, salads, and specialty desserts (for those non red meat eaters - we will always have dishes for you as well). In addition, we offer full service catering any day of the week, from a small group business lunch to a large wedding. Let us make your event memorable with our delicious meals and appetizers! Contact us for details at 318.858.3200 or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Come dine with us and taste the difference at Village Cuisine!

WeddingPlanning Happy Planning

LISA PATTERSON

Event Specialist/Planner

Patterson’s

• TOUCH OF ELEGANCE •

Making Dreams Come True!

EVENTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES!

WEDDINGS, PARTIES, SPECIAL OCCASIONS, AND MORE!

CALL US FOR YOUR NEXT SPECIAL OCCASION! • 318-426-8539 • queenlisa2012@yahoo.com

The perfect venue for wedding receptions wedding receptions

Open floor plan ballroom adorned with two crystal chandeliers. Room capacity 500 1600 Sq Ft built in dance floor Beautiful outdoor patio overlooking golf course

GownA Bridefor every

Your Fairytale Begins Here

Say “I Do” at one of the most remarkable locations in Shreveport! Whether it be an intimate exchange of vows or extravagant celebration, we offer the perfect space to celebrate your wedding day.

The Remington Suite Hotel & Spa 220 Travis Street Shreveport, LA 71101 318.425.5000

Village Cuisine Catering, Café & Gift Baskets Searching for the perfect caterer to host your special event: bridal showers, baby showers, and rehearsal dinners? Be it a Royal Wedding, or bridal tea party, the Village Cuisine Catering & Cafe, creates a one-of-a-kind event for you and your guests. Village Cuisine Catering & Cafe offers a charming restaurant atmosphere for your party or off-site catering as well. Village Cuisine serves locally sourced fresh, scrumptious fare for brunch, tea, and dinner. The sandwiches, pastries, pies and cakes are renowned and feature elegant English high-teas. No matter the occasion, we’ll help you create a great first impression and a lasting memorable one for you and your guests.

CALL US TODAY 318-858-3200

8372 U.S. - 171, Grand Cane, LA

wedding planner CHECKLIST

Now that you’ve announced your engagement, it’s time to start planning!

❏ Start a wedding folder ❏ Create a budget ❏ Determine if you want to hire a wedding planner ❏ Research and tour venues ❏ Take engagement photos ❏ Select venues and reserve your date ❏ Schedule hair and makeup artists ❏ Select your wedding party ❏ Choose wedding colors, theme, etc. ❏ Launch a wedding website ❏ Start a bridal registry ❏ Start working on the guest list ❏ Submit engagement announcement to news outlets ❏ Get started on skin care, hair care, and fitness routines ❏ Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests ❏ Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues ❏ Finalize guest list ❏ Send save-the-date announcement four to six months ahead ❏ Shop for a wedding dress ❏ Book the officiant ❏ Hire a photographer ❏ Schedule bridal portrait ❏ Book the reception entertainment ❏ Hire a florist ❏ Hire a caterer ❏ Purchase a wedding dress ❏ Select groom’s attire ❏ Select invitations ❏ Plan your honeymoon! ❏ Obtain/renew passports ❏ Select bridesmaid dresses ❏ Arrange transportation for the wedding party ❏ Select the wedding and groom’s cake Select the wedding and groom’s cake ❏ Mail rehearsal dinner invitations ❏ Order signage and programs, menus, seating cards, etc. ❏ Order gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen ❏ Plan ceremony and reception ❏ Select music for ceremony and reception dances ❏ Review the entertainment’s playlist ❏ Plan menu ❏ Order wedding favors ❏ Order flowers ❏ Select people to present toasts at the reception Select people to present toasts at the reception ❏ Mail wedding invitations six to eight weeks ahead ❏ Order contents for welcome bags ❏ Purchase the rings ❏ Develop a wedding day schedule ❏ Confirm final details with vendors ❏ Finalize your vows ❏ Meet with the photographer to discuss specific photos ❏ Collect the RSVPs ❏ Send a final guest list to the caterer/venues

❏ Obtain your Marriage License (at least 24 hours ahead in Louisiana) ❏ Submit wedding announcement to news outlets ❏ Pack for your honeymoon ❏ Pay your vendors ❏ Have a fabulous rehearsal dinner, wedding, & honeymoon! ❏ Get started on those thank you notes!

ORDER YOUR WEDDING & PARTY FLOWERS FROM FLOWERS

& COUNTRY

WE’LL ENSURE YOUR SPECIAL DAY IS A BLOOMING SUCCESS!

318-686-3250

CALL US IN ADVANCE TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR A CONSULTATION.

www.flowersandcountryshreveportla.com 9401 Mansfield Rd. Shreveport, LA

Serving the Finest!

WORLD FAMOUS CRAB CLAWS

JUMBO SHRIMP

SERVED WITH CHEF’S FAMOUS REMOULADE

FRESH CRAB CLAWS

IN CHEF ERNEST’S SECRET MARINADE Signature Style and Taste That’s Second to None!

1601 SPRING ST, SHREVEPORT 318.226.1325 • ERNESTSORLEANS.COM DINNER HOURS: TUESDAY-SATURDAY 4:30 PM-10:30 PM

ORAL SURGERY ASSOCIATES

DR. DAVID CLARK

• DENTAL IMPLANTS • BONE GRAFTING • WISDOM TEETH • FACIAL SURGERY • JAW SURGERY

Oral Surgery Associates provides a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgical treatment options. With locations in Shreveport, Bossier, and Ruston, they have served North Louisiana, East Texas and Southern Arkansas for over thirty years. Expertise includes removal of wisdom teeth, corrective jaw surgery, dental implants, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions of the mouth, face, and jaws.

Dr. David Clark graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in 1997 and received his under-graduate from Louisiana Tech.

After attending dental school at NYU College of Dentistry, he received training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Washington Hospital Center. Following his residency, Dr. Clark moved back to Shreveport and joined Oral Surgery Associates in 2011. He is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Louisiana Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and Northwest Louisiana Dental Association. He enjoys golf Dr. David Clark graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in and spending time with his wife, Katie, and their two daughters, London and Everleigh.

received training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Washington Hospital Center. Following his residency, Dr. Clark moved back and spending time with his wife, Katie, and their two daughters,

Serving the Oral Health Needs of Northwest Louisiana for over 30 years

2120 Bert Kouns Ind Loop, Suite D Shreveport, LA 71118 318.687.9800

525 Doctors Drive Bossier City, LA 71111 318.747.5791 400 East Vaughn Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 318.251.1111

400 East Vaughn Ave.