Florals, invitations and photography, oh my! While it can be easy to find yourself overwhelmed by the wedding planning process, we’ve got you covered! We will take you through the key categories of wedding planning, offering our best tips, and sharing some amazing scouted businesses who are sure to add a WOW factor to your special day.

JEWELRY

First we must talk jewelry! HOLLIE WINTER FINE JEWELRY is your one-stop-shop for engagement rings, custom wedding bands, bridal jewelry, wedding party gifts, and more. Their friendly and knowledgeable team will walk you through the process of designing jewelry and leave you at ease to relax until the big day.

INVITATIONS & STATIONERY

Pick from the gorgeous selection of curated and customizable gifts at THE STOVALL COLLECTION to ask your best gals to be your bridesmaids. While you’re there, schedule an appointment to design custom save the date or wedding invitations with a paper specialist. 

Photo by Christen Jones Photography

WEDDING REGISTRY

When selecting where to place your wedding registry, don’t feel pressure to limit yourself to one shop. There are a host of locally-owned shops stocked with beautiful pieces to complement your home. Schedule a one-on-one bridal consulting appointment at BELLA VITA in their new designated space, The Bridal Shoppe, for a personal shopping experience to select your perfect place settings, hostess needs, beautiful pottery and more. 

Bella Vita

Bella Vita

Next, pop into LISA MALLORY INTERIOR DESIGN to continue adding to your registry with an incredible selection of one-of-a-kind accent pieces, art, home accessories, and don’t forget about the Linen Shop! Curate the bedroom of your dreams with Matouk bedding. 

Lisa Mallory Interior Design

Lisa Mallory Interior Design

You MUST include SOCIAL when registering. They have the best selection of fine china, such as Vera Wang, Herend, Vietri, and Waterford, plus anything else you may need for entertaining and every day.

WEDDING PLANNER

You’ve set a date. Now what? Leave the planning to SHERIL GREENSTEIN of SHINDIGS BY SHERIL, a veteran event planner who brings experience, organization and that “wow” factor to your special day. She also understands the stress that comes with planning a wedding during these unprecedented times. 

“I think this past year has not only taught us to keep an open mind and be flexible, but it’s also helped us realize what really matters most at the end of the day — and that’s the couple and their future together. While we’ve had to postpone and pivot in so many ways to make a wedding day even possible, my job is to reduce the stress for my brides and their families by rebooking vendors and reimagining what their day can look like.”

Sheril encourages brides to stay focused during the planning process on what matters most, “No matter how big or small your wedding has/had to be due to restrictions — or if we have to plan a one-year anniversary party instead of a usual reception — focusing on health and happiness is most important!”

Pictured: Sheril Greenstein of Shindigs by Sheril . Photo by Selavie Photography

THE VENUE

There are plenty of wonderful venues in Memphis for your rehearsal dinner and reception. We highly recommend an intimate gathering for your rehearsal dinner at the romantic ITTA BENA. Located on Beale Street, locals and out-of-towners will enjoy the scene and the delicious menu (try the BBQ shrimp to start, you won’t regret it!). OLD DOMINICK is also a fun option for a venue, with the distillery right there and a rooftop overlooking front street, it is such a unique spot that your guests will always remember. Already picked your venue? Set up a time to meet with Head Distiller, Alex Castle, or her team of excellent mixologists to create the perfect signature cocktail for your special day. 

Itta Bena

Photo by Elizabeth Looney Photography

FLOWERS

Plan to make the day extra special with a custom touch that shows your personality! The team at JOHN MARK ENTERPRISES offers gorgeous bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and balloon installations to create a gorgeous scene at your ceremony or reception. We’ve seen time and time again the beautiful touch of John Mark’s work and the willingness of his team to go out of their way to make each wedding day PERFECT.  

Photo by Selavie Photography

INCLUDE YOUR PET

KATHEY GARRETT of WAGNOLIA BELLS also proves that including your pets in your celebration adds another layer of fun and an unexpected surprise element.

“We love working with couples to include their dogs in the celebration, from the save the date card to the wedding itself. We’ve found that incorporating their dogs (and sometimes cats) into the ceremony is the most meaningful and fun way to include them in the wedding day. The dogs are often walked down the aisle and handed off to a bridesmaid or groomsman. It’s so special when guests see the pets and just hear the ‘ohhs and ahhhs’ instead of the usual silence when there’s a ring bearer or flower girl!”

Photography by Taylor Square Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY

Already thinking about how to capture your special day? Trust us, investing in quality, professional photography and videography is a must. A few pieces to consider when selecting your wedding photographer/or videographer:

Wedding date

Wedding location

Budget

Preferred photography style

Photography only? Video? Drone footage? Etc.

Photographers, much like finding a fiancé, depend a lot on chemistry and personal preference, so we suggest doing some research before making a deposit. Most photographers have portfolios of their work online that will show you their overall aesthetic, and some may even offer consultations prior to booking to give you a sense of their personality and whether or not they may be right for you. Here are a few Scouted Businesses we recommend: TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTOGRAPHY for fine art wedding photography, and SELAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY and ELIZABETH LOONEY PHOTOGRAPHY for custom packages. In need of a videographer? Check out FEATHER STONE WEDDINGS who specializes in videography PLUS photography if needed.

Visit our website https://featherstoneweddings.com/ to check out some of our current work and booking!

Photo by Taylor Square Weddings

Photo by Selavie Wedding Photography

Photo by Elizabeth Looney Photography

PRIMPING & PAMPERING

Speaking of photography, visit GERMANTOWN DAY SPA to get camera-ready! Their team offers wedding day services, bachelorette spa parties, and custom six-month plans to get your skin in top shape for the big day. 

Photos by Selavie Photography

ATTIRE

Continue your pampering with a day of shopping at KITTIE KYLE and JAMES DAVIS. KITTIE KYLE has just the look you need for your rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or bachelorette trip. Kittie Kyle is also a prime spot for the Mother of The Bride to find her perfect dress. Another option for women’s clothing is to contact AMY GOLDEN with Lela Rose and Pearl by Lela Rose. She will work with the bride, wedding party, and wedding guests on ordering beautiful dresses for your special occasion.

Photo by Allison Rodgers Photography

Make sure the guys don’t get left out, and send the groom, groomsmen and father of the bride to JAMES DAVIS . The James Davis team will work with your men on custom suits or tuxes– all while making sure they are having the most comfortable experience.

These Scouted businesses are sure to get you, your wedding party, and even your pets ready for the big day! Don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you. Tag us @TSGMEMPHISOXFORD on Instagram to share how they were a part of your special day.

This blog post was written by TSG Volume 7 Contributor, DENISE PARNELL of THE ELLE AESTHETIC. Follow her on Instagram at @THE.ELLE.AESTHETIC to keep up with her boutique travel experiences, beauty and wellness tips.