In this blog: Discover The Bakery District, a unique River Valley wedding venue in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Planner Laura Reehl shares insider tips, pricing, and must-know details
Hey, wedding dreamers! I’m Laura Reehl, a wedding planner, detail fanatic, and River Valley’s biggest fan. Welcome to my brand new blog series: River Valley Wedding Vendor Spotlight! Twice a month, I’ll be sitting down (with coffee, always ☕) with some of the most talented wedding professionals and venue owners in our area to bring you behind-the-scenes stories, fun commentary, and honest advice for planning your perfect day.
The Bakery District Today- taken November 2025
The Bakery District in the 1970's
For our first feature, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Lachelle Rolandelli, venue manager extraordinaire at The Bakery District. If you want a venue with soul, stories, and a little bit of sass, keep reading!
The Bakery District isn’t your cookie-cutter space. Housed in a 1921 bakery, it’s full of original brick, quirky details, and two fantastic event spaces: the Collection Room (up to 400 guests!) and the Cooler Room (perfect for showers or intimate gatherings). Plus, the patio can seat up to 800—dream big, y’all!
Seats up to 400 guests (40 round tables, 380+ chairs)
Spacious, industrial vibe with brick walls and flexible layout
Moveable dividers for smaller or more intimate gatherings
Includes projector, stage, sound system, podium, and cocktail/pub tables
Games included: ping pong, cornhole
Perfect for large weddings, receptions, or corporate events
Pricing:
$800 for 4 hours
$3,000 for all-day rental
Seats up to 25 guests (16 at the table, plus lounge/bench seating)
Cozy, intimate atmosphere, great for showers, small parties, or rehearsal dinners
Includes two wooden rectangle tables (no linens needed!), lounge seating, and additional chairs available
Access to venue amenities (as needed)
Pricing:
$150 per hour
$1,000 for all-day rental
Lachelle told me, “It’s definitely not your typical white barn. It’s industrial, it’s got character, and you don’t have to do a ton of decorating if you don’t want to.” As a planner, I LOVE a venue that already has personality. It means you can focus on those personal touches instead of covering up blank walls.
“If you want that white, clean look, this is not the place...unless you bring in extra drapery,” Lachelle laughed. But she’s seen couples totally transform the space with creative rentals and lighting. (FYI this picture is from a wedding I planned in May 2024!)
Projector, stage, sound system, games (ping pong, cornhole), and beautiful tables/chairs at no extra fee. As Lachelle said, “No nickel-and-diming!”
The Collection Room can be divided for smaller events. “We had a 60-person wedding last week and used dividers to make it feel cozy,” she shared.
String lights, fireplaces, food trucks, and a brunch bar (Digs!). “Our patio is an A+ amenity,” Lachelle beamed. (My take: this is THE spot for a cocktail hour or late-night s’mores station!)
Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, so everyone’s welcome. Major win, especially for older guests and anyone with mobility needs.
I’ve planned everything from wild dance parties to intimate ceremonies here, and my advice is: lean into the venue’s character! Use the brick walls as a photo backdrop, hang drapery or twinkle lights for instant magic, and don’t be afraid to bring in bold colors because they pop against the industrial vibe. The patio is your best friend for guest flow and fun extras. And if you want a unique guest experience, consider food trucks or a coffee bar from the on-site café!
Book early for peak dates: October and New Year’s events fill up fast, i.e. plan a year ahead if you can.
Preferred vendors, but not required: “We just need to know who’s coming!” Lachelle says. As your planner, I, Reehl Events, can help coordinate all those details.
On-site help available: Need a coordinator or even a trivia night host? They’ve got you covered (for a small fee).
Parking: There’s a dedicated lot a block away (160 spaces!) and plenty of street parking, but consider a shuttle for larger weddings. Trust me, your guests in heels will thank you.
Personal touches: Lachelle and I agree: drapery and a rented dance floor can totally transform the space!
One of my weddings i planned in May 2024!
Between the historic charm, flexible spaces, and Lachelle’s genuine hospitality, The Bakery District is a must-see for couples who want their wedding to feel unique and welcoming. I’ve seen so many creative celebrations here, and every single one felt different, because the space truly adapts to your vision (and your guest list).
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes vendor interviews. If you’re planning a River Valley wedding, drop a comment or reach out if there’s a vendor you want me to feature next!
Happy planning! 💍
Want to learn more about The Bakery District? Check out their website or schedule a tour by emailing Lachelle Rolandelli at info@bakeryfs.com—virtual tour options coming soon!
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