Written by Kayla Jackson Southard, Owner of Jackson Southard Events
Photography by Erin Fox
In 2026, elevated weddings are placing a strong emphasis on experience. Food and beverage are no longer simply part of the schedule, they are a focal point of the celebration. Tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, bespoke cocktails, and interactive elements such as late-night bites transform dining into a memorable guest experience. Lighting is also being used with intention to shape the atmosphere throughout the day. From warm, cinematic tones during the ceremony to layered, lounge-style ambiance that evolves as the evening unfolds, intentional lighting design helps guide the mood of the celebration and creates a seamless transition from ceremony to reception.
Stationery also continues to emerge as a design element of its own, with couples investing in hand-drawn illustrations, letterpress, and fine calligraphy that feel like art and serve as lasting keepsakes. And of course, the guest experience continues to take center stage, with traditional favors being replaced by more thoughtful, personalized touches. From curated welcome moments and meaningful guest gifts to charitable gestures that reflect the couple’s values, these details are designed to make guests feel genuinely appreciated and leave a lasting impression.
Here are my top tips to guide couples as they begin their wedding planning journey:
- Find Inspiration Beyond Other Weddings
The most meaningful wedding designs don’t come from recreating past celebrations. True inspiration comes from you and your partner, reflecting your personalities, stories, and shared experiences. During our first consultation, I encourage my clients to share everything from favorite travel destinations and architectural styles to home interiors, fashion, and culinary experiences. This helps us develop a deeper understanding of who you are as a couple. When collaborating with a designer, the goal is to craft a celebration that is truly original and one that feels personal, intentional, and uniquely yours.
- Plan for the “Unplanned” Costs
When establishing your overall wedding budget, it’s wise to build in a 10% cushion for unexpected expenses. Weddings are full of surprises whether it’s an additional design element you fall in love with, an upgraded menu selection or a last-minute logistical need, this buffer ensures you’re prepared. It also covers overlooked necessities that only become apparent as the planning unfolds- everything from extra rentals to small but meaningful personal touches. Having this flexibility not only reduces stress but also allows you to make financial decisions with confidence, keeping your choices intentional rather than reactive and helping you maintain a sense of control over the day you’ve envisioned.
- Hire Your Planner First
Before securing any other vendors, your first step should be hiring your wedding planner. Beyond providing expert guidance and access to trusted, reputable professionals, a planner’s most valuable role begins with a comprehensive budget analysis and strategic planning. From selecting a venue to choosing your photography team and entertainment, this ensures that every decision you make is intentional and aligned with your overall vision and financial priorities. By hiring your wedding planner first, you gain a partner who can help identify where to splurge, where to save, and how to balance unexpected costs. This will make the entire planning process smoother, more intentional, and far less stressful.
Without understanding how your budget is best allocated, it’s nearly impossible to know which vendors realistically align with your priorities. As I often remind my clients, budgets naturally ebb and flow. If there’s a category you want to splurge on, we simply revise another area to balance the investment.
Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting chapters of your life. As you embark on it, make it personal and fun! Big or small, every decision is an opportunity to tell your story and celebrate your love. All while creating memories that will last a lifetime. As your wedding planner, my goal is to guide you with confidence, creativity, and care, which helps you navigate choices, avoid common pitfalls, and uncover inspiration that truly reflects who you are as a couple. Remember, what matters most is crafting a celebration that feels authentic, unforgettable and joyful. Don’t forget to enjoy the process as it’s the experiences along the way that shape the final celebration and create the lasting memories you’ll cherish for many years to come.
Kayla Jackson Southard
After more than 13 magical years in the wedding industry, Kayla has had the privilege of guiding couples through every stage of the planning process. As the founder of Jackson Southard Events, a recognized full-planning and design company, she has produced large-scale industry conferences and destination weddings across the country and abroad. Her work has been nationally recognized, including 40 Under Forty honors and features in leading publications. She believes she is truly blessed to serve the best clients in the world, starting right here in Louisiana.
Kayla’s approach as a wedding planner is rooted in thoughtful design, creating celebrations that feel both elevated and deeply personal. With a background in complex logistics and high-touch event management, she has extensive experience orchestrating multi-layered events with precision, discretion, and a careful balance of creativity and execution ensuring every detail is handled with confidence and care.
Schedule a consultation with Jackson Southard Events
Kayla@jacksonsouthardevents.com
318-458-8765 | @jacksonsouthardevents