Arkansas Wedding Planners & Coordinators: Meet 13 We Love

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Have you figrued out what kind of wedding professional you need for your big day? (See Wedding Quiz: Who Should You Hire, and Who Will Rule Your Day?) Here are 13 we love.

Wedding Planners

Amanda Reed Event Coordinator, Bates-Reed Brides Services:  All-inclusive Approach: Edgy, detail-oriented, fun Fav wedding moment: When I can look at the party and say, “This is good...”

Amy Hardin Co-owner, Details Weddings & Events Service:  All-inclusive Style: Classic Southern weddings with a twist Fav wedding moment: I love when a bride sees the reception space the first time.

Anne-Claire Allen Owens Founder, Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design Service:  All-inclusive Approach: Passionate, service-oriented and hard working Fav wedding moment: The vows! It’s what brings the day together and why we do it!

Elizabeth Gorman Wedding & Event Designer, Kate & Company Service:  All-inclusive Style: Traditional, romantic, bright Fav wedding moment: The groom’s face when he first sees his bride — I melt!

Jessica Zimmerman Owner, ZIMMERMAN Service: All-inclusive Style: Organic, authentic, sophisticated Fav wedding moment: Handing the bride her bouquet and seeing her face light up

Natalie Scott Natalie Scott Events Service: All-inclusive Style: Natural, organic, romantic Fav wedding moment: Standing with my bride right before she walks down the aisle

Rick Steiner Owner, Steiner Event Group Service:  All-inclusive Approach: Detailed, professional, thoughtful Fav wedding moment: The excitement on the newly married couple’s faces

Shelia Vaught Service:  All-inclusive Approach: Professional, considerate, compassionate Fav wedding moment: I love the celebration of family traditions.

Tish Bullard Owner, Tish Bullard Events Service:  All-inclusive Style: Sophisticated, tailored, personalized Fav wedding moment: When the couple walks in together as Mr. and Mrs.

Todd Bagwell Owner, dtb parties Service:  All-inclusive Style: Sophisticated, tasteful and witty Fav wedding moment: There are moments at every wedding where I pause and feel that it is very special and will be one of the day’s highlights.

Floral & Event Design

Chris Norwood Tipton & Hurst Florist Services:  Floral & Event Design Style: Timeless Southern elegance Fav wedding moment: When the bride sees the wedding space for the first time

Tanarah Haynie Tanarah Luxe Floral Services: Floral & Event Design Approach: Humble, talented, capable Fav wedding moment: The bride and groom’s first look

Day-of Coordination

Devan Malone Day-of Coordinator Services: Rehearsal & Wedding Day Coordination Approach: Calm, prompt, encouraging Fav wedding moment: Watching the bride walk down the aisle and the groom’s reaction

THE A-B-C’s

All-Inclusive

An all-inclusive wedding planner helps the bride with every decision — from photographer and save-the-dates to venue choice and color story. They typically negotiate with and hire vendors for the bride. Their teams provide day-of coordinating and handle design execution. They do not need a third party for flowers, rentals, lighting, etc., but may choose to hire that out. $$$$–$$$$$

Wedding Planner

A wedding planner generally handles everything that an all-inclusive planner does, except they delegate most or all of the design execution (flowers, rentals, lighting, linens, etc.) to third party vendors. Day-of coordinating is included. $$–$$$$$

Event Designer

An event designer is hired only to create a design concept and execute it on the day of. They often work for a florist or rental company or recommend those vendors to the bride. They do not provide day-of coordinating. $$$–$$$$

Editor’s note:
Wedding planners and event designers often use the terms “event planner” or “event coordinator” to describe themselves, but wedding planners and event designers are different. Always request a list of services provided during the consultation, and clarify what is NOT provided before signing a contract.

Floral Designer

A floral designer or florist creates a wedding flower story with the bride and/or any wedding planners/event designers, and executes the floral décor on the day of. $$-$$$$$ (Prices can vary dramatically based on flower choices.)

Day-of Coordinator

A day-of coordinator does not help plan the wedding nor helps with design. They are brought in to manage the timing and flow of the wedding rehearsal and the wedding. They also make sure the vendors hired execute their services on the day of. $-$$

Ceremony Venue Coordinator

This coordinator works for the ceremony venue, not the bride. They are responsible for making sure rules are followed, venue services are carried out as promised and oversee timing. Included in venue rental.

Reception Venue Coordinator

This coordinator also works for the reception venue, not the bride. They are responsible for making sure rules are followed, venue services are carried out and ensure vendors have access to what they need. Included in venue rental.

Hear what else the pros have to say at The Matter of Money and What's the Craziest Mishap or Catastrophe You Had to Fix?