Kick Off Your Engagement Season in NWA

January 15th, 2024 | Emma Arnold

You’re invited to a bridal weekend in Northwest Arkansas.

First things first, Welcome to Ring Season!! This period of time is so fun and so chaotic, and I want to start off our friendship with some encouragement. The best way to make the most out of your engagement is by deciding to be intentional with your time. Not just with your brand new fiancee, but with all of the people in your life that you’re going to be celebrating with during this season (and hopefully forever!). A wise woman once told me that “The best marriages are the ones held up by a hundred healthy friendships” and I completely stand by that! So let’s make some time and space for you to be intentional with your girls, while also checking off some important Wedding to-do’s! 

I am sure we all have a friend who has traveled to New York City or even Dallas for wedding dress shopping. Well move over big hair and the big apple because I want to show you that a weekend in Northwest Arkansas can be just as rewarding, and you will probably be getting a bigger bang for your buck.

Itinerary 

1. Land at XNA on Friday afternoon

2. Grab a coffee from Bionics by Onyx , the robotic  barista, before you leave the airport

3. Drive to your Airbnb, The Welcome Inn, in Rogers. This airbnb can sleep up to 8 people comfortably, with 2 king beds, a queen size bed, and a set of twin bunk beds.

4. After getting changed and dressed for a night out. head to the Momentary. After checking out the current exhibits and the iconic “You belong here” neon sculpture (hello photo ops), head up to the 6th floor to the Tower Bar for craft cocktails and mocktails (I recommend you’re turning violet) and the best floor to ceiling view of Bentonville. 

5. A five minute drive from the Momentary, dinner is served. The Preacher’s Son, a restored historic church, is right outside the Bentonville Square and offers a rotating fine dining menu brimming with locally sourced ingredients. You can’t tell me a chapel for dinner isn’t #weddingvibes

6. If you're looking for a nightcap, you can head right to the basement door marked “coatroom” and you will find yourself in a hidden cocktail bar. Trust me and have a Jack and Rosé.

7. Okay, Happy Saturday! Let’s get you closer to Fayetteville. We are going to start at Hail Fellow Well Met for brunch in Johnson. They boast an absolutely iconic interior, delicious menu and coffee (get the Not French Toast), and it’s a great place for photos with the girls that’s a little more unique than that fake greenery wall with a neon sign we have seen a hundred times. While you’re here, pick up a couple bottles of wine from their amazing selection to enjoy later at the Welcome Inn.

8. Let’s get to that wedding checklist. Next you’re going to Heirloom Candle Bar in Fayetteville. You and the girls are going to not only create a custom candle to remember this trip, but you might also want to talk to them about creating a signature scent for your wedding. They will help you pick out your vessel, size, and one of a kind fragrance. This could be a really special favor for your guests or just the ultimate ambiance booster for your big day!

9. While your candles are drying, enjoy shopping all around Fayetteville square! Our favorite local boutiques that tend to have amazing bridal/ bridal party drops are Riff Raff, Presley Paige, and Clothe. This is a great time to pick up some gifts for your bridesmaids!

10. After shopping, why don’t you head over to Leverett’s Lounge for a very iconic Fayetteville experience. Their eclectic interior and cozy atmosphere is the perfect spot for happy hour drinks and appetizers. 

11. Once you’re ready for dinner, I recommend Feed and Folly. Close to the downtown square, (if weather is permitting sit on the rooftop!) They have amazing small plates, salads, and handhelds. Get a variety of things and share, trust me. 

12. To wrap up your evening, we are going back to the airbnb for a girl’s night and some homework. Crack open those bottles of wine you bought earlier and pull up dessy.com on one of the Welcome Inn’s smart tv’s. While you have your girls in one place and in person (!!!), you should explore different colors, fabrics, and styles of bridesmaid dresses. It’s so hard to gauge how everyone is feeling in just a group text. Tomorrow, when you’re at Tesori, you can see your favorite colors and fabrics in store! This saves you the stress of ordering from a random website and hoping that the colors look as good as they do online.

13. Happy Sunday!! First, let’s get some breakfast at The Buttered Biscuit in Fayetteville. Nothing screams the South like biscuits, and boy do they know what they are doing here. Everything on the menu is delicious, but the Kickin’ Chicken and Waffles are a favorite!

14. Private Appointment time! Head to Tesori, where you will be greeted by your bridal stylist and the entire store to yourself. We will have a few dresses pulled for you, but you will also have a chance to browse our full collection of bridal gowns. We want this experience to feel like a spa day, relaxing and rejuvenating. Let’s put on whatever playlist makes you excited to get married. We will have a selection of treats and mimosa’s available for you and your guests, so do not feel bad about taking as long as you need trying on dresses and trying different finishing touches (veils, gloves, bows, earrings… you name it!). This day is all about you! Hopefully we can end the weekend on a high note and you find the perfect dress. Rest assured, we will order the dress for you and can have it shipped right to your front door step! 

15. What a day! On your way to the airport, pick up your candles from Heirloom, grab a drive through coffee from 7 Brew, and have an amazing flight home. 

So what do you think? Could a weekend trip to Northwest Arkansas be what’s missing in your life right now? Let us help you make your engagement season as intentional as you are. 

With Love from Arkansas,

Emma