Lisa Hegdahl, owner of Tender Loving Care Weddings, enjoys keeping brides stress-free by taking care of the planning and details. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Lodi wedding planner gives tips for successful day

After planning her own wedding in 1997, Lisa Hegdahl enjoyed it so much that she decided she wanted a career in wedding planning. She found a company in Houston, Texas, where she went through a certification process to become a wedding planner. After being given a budget, her job was to come up with a portfolio of a wedding and plan it. After four months, she obtained her certification and opened Tender Loving Care Weddings in 2001.

Hegdahl advises the best way to get more out of the wedding is to keep the guest list small and be able to think outside the box.

"Try to focus on why you are getting married and narrow down two to three most important things you want that day," she said.

What is the first thing a person should do to plan a wedding?

Decide on the guest list. Then you can get a good clear list that will drive where you have it and the expenses. Then, you need to pick the time of year.

What is the most popular wedding trend of today?

I would say as far as reception decor, brides are doing away with the white linens. Today, linens are different colors. It really helps the wedding gown pop. A lot are having entertainment other than a DJ, such as a string quartet. And, with wedding favors, they are trying to find something that will be a keepsake.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of a wedding?

I think keeping the guests comfortable is number one. I think keeping them comfortable (includes filling) the lag time after the wedding — even if it is (with) small finger food. You don't want people leaving hungry or thirsty.

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened at a wedding?

We had a bat in the reception room. The bride was very adamant that it not be in there. I looked everywhere and finally, two minutes before she came in, I found it. One of the groomsmen told the crowd there was a bat in there, but when the bride comes in pretend it's not there. Everyone knew the bat was there except for the bride.

What do you tell brides to help calm their stress levels?

I tell them to keep focused on why they are doing this, that (they) love this person, and just to keep it in perspective. Things may go wrong, but it always works out. Keep a sense of humor about it.

Do members of the wedding party have to give a toast or speech?

The honor attendants are expected to. I tell my clients nothing has to be done a certain way. Most often, it's the best man and the maid of honor; I try to advise my bride and groom to (give a speech or toast), and maybe the parents.

What is the busiest month for weddings?

For me, the busiest have been August and September. I always thought it would be June, but I'm always booked in September.

How many weddings per month do you book?

I try not to book back-to-back weekends. I really try to do them at least three to four weeks apart. I don't want to have brides run into time with the next bride. I want them to feel like they are the only one on the planet.

What is a decent time-frame to plan a wedding?

I helped a girl plan one in a month. That was done with daily phone calls. You certainly can plan one on the fly. Most people will give me eight or nine months. A year-and-a-half was the longest.

How much is typically spent on weddings today?

It really varies. I'd say about $18,000 in this area will get you a nice wedding for about 120 to 125 people. There are so many factors like chairs, forks, napkins. It really adds to it. The number one way to cut back is to cut the guest list. I try to help them cut the guest list or get more for their dollar.

What is the most elaborate wedding you have ever done?

There was one I did on a recent Friday. She used the Grand Island Mansion. She ordered special linens and had ruby red chargers under the plates. She had belly dancers perform at the reception. On the placecards, she had crystals to identify chicken or beef. The invitations were in a scroll with gold and red. It was really unique and interesting.

Contact Panorama Editor Pam Bauserman at pamelab@lodinews.com.