June 2, 2025

Hey there, wedding dreamers! 

Look, let's have an honest conversation about wedding planning. After 20 years of watching couples navigate this journey (and sometimes watching one partner mysteriously disappear every time we mention the word "centerpiece"), I've learned a thing or two about making this process actually enjoyable.

First, can we acknowledge the elephant in the room? Wedding planning often feels like a one-person show with a reluctant stagehand. You know what I'm talking about - one partner is creating Pinterest boards at 2 AM while the other one suddenly develops an intense interest in reorganizing the garage. Every. Single. Time.

But here's the thing: it doesn't have to be this way.

Let's talk about your music-loving partner for a minute. You know, the one who still has strong opinions about that obscure band from 2010? Instead of dragging them to another meeting about table runners, why not put them in charge of the entertainment? I once had a couple turn their DJ selection process into their own version of American Idol. They visited five different DJs, complete with score cards and everything. Was it extra? Absolutely. Did they both have the time of their lives? You bet.

And don't even get me started on the foodies. Oh my goodness, the transformations I've seen when food is involved! There was this one groom who couldn't care less about wedding planning until we turned vendor meetings into a city-wide food tour. Suddenly, Mr. "Whatever You Want, Dear" had OPINIONS. Strong ones. About butter consistency and cake-to-frosting ratios. Who knew?

Speaking of food, let me tell you about this couple who turned their signature cocktail creation into a monthly date night. They "researched" (their words, not mine) different combinations every Friday for three months. Did they need that many tastings? Probably not. Did they have a blast and end up with an amazing signature drink called "The First Swipe Right"? Absolutely.

For the tech enthusiasts out there (you know who you are, with your spreadsheets and apps), I've seen some creative approaches. One couple created a whole scoring algorithm for their venue search. Was it completely over the top? Yes. Did it work? Also yes. They're celebrating their second anniversary next month, in their perfectly-scored venue.

Now, let's talk about seasonal planning, because timing is everything. Summer planning sessions? Move them to the evening and add frozen margaritas. Trust me on this - nobody makes good decisions about outdoor venues in 95-degree heat. Winter planning? Perfect excuse for cozy coffee shop meetings and hot chocolate tastings. (Yes, hot chocolate tasting is a thing, and yes, I will die on this hill.)

Here's my favorite part about making wedding planning fun - the unexpected moments. Like the couple who rated venues based on their bathroom selfie potential (they weren't wrong), or the pair who turned invitation stuffing into a competition with their friends (loser bought pizza). These are the stories they still tell at dinner parties, long after the big day.

The truth is, wedding planning shouldn't feel like a chore. It shouldn't be something that makes your partner run for the hills or suddenly become fascinated with the weather app. It should be as unique as your relationship - maybe a little weird, probably a little chaotic, but definitely fun.

At Reehl Events here in Fort Smith, we've seen it all. The Star Wars processionals, the rock concert receptions, the couples who met on Minecraft and wanted to somehow incorporate that into their ceremony (we did, and it was awesome). Your wedding planning journey should be just as memorable as the big day itself.

So, let's make this fun. Let's turn it into something you'll both actually want to be part of. Because at the end of the day, this isn't just about planning a wedding - it's about creating memories together. And maybe finding out that your partner has surprisingly strong opinions about cake flavors.

Ready to make wedding planning an adventure rather than a chore? Let's chat. Our free 30-minute consultation comes with zero judgment about your unconventional ideas. In fact, those are usually our favorite ones.

P.S. If you're reading this while hiding from your partner because they want to discuss napkin colors again, give me a call. We'll figure out how to make this fun for both of you. Promise.

Happy Planning My Dears!