Larissa Marple is the owner of Fête Fort Worth, bringing a wealth of expertise to wedding planning characterized by her strong organizational skills, creativity, and extensive personal network. Her passion lies in reflecting the unique style and love story of each event, with a commitment to perfection and attention to every detail, allowing couples to feel pampered and confident throughout the planning process. In this Q&A, we asked Larissa to share her insights on wedding planning, design, and practical advice for brides seeking a joyful process.
We love your work! Can you share a bit about yourself and what inspired you to become a wedding (let us know if you’d like to change this to “event”) planner?
Wedding planning allows me to tap into both sides of my brain—my Type A side loves staying organized and managing timelines, while the creative side thrives on layout design and event aesthetics. My love for event planning began when I served as the social chair of my sorority at TCU. At first glance, it might not seem like this role would translate to wedding planning, but it was an incredible opportunity to learn about event logistics and execution. We hosted events for up to 800 guests, and I found so much joy in managing the details and seeing everything come together. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching people enjoy an event you’ve poured your heart into—that’s when I really fell in love with events.
During and after college, I had additional opportunities to plan events and stay connected to bridal trends. I interned at Oscar de la Renta, planned my own wedding, and worked at another event planning company. But ultimately I wanted the opportunity to imprint my own vision and serve my own clients, which is when I created Fête. I officially launched Fête Fort Worth in 2023 after realizing how much I truly enjoy planning weddings, and it has been such a blessing ever since!
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
There are two incredibly rewarding aspects of this journey.
First, it’s helping create something truly special for my clients on one of the most important days of their lives. It’s such a joy to facilitate events centered around celebration, unity, and love. Being part of a day that marks the beginning of a couple’s new chapter together is an honor I don’t take lightly.
Second, I’ve found so much fulfillment in building a successful business. I don’t have a formal business background, so I’ve learned a lot along the way. Seeing something I’ve poured so much into become a sustainable venture has been rewarding in a way I never experienced in a traditional job setting.
What is your approach to wedding planning and design?
When I meet with potential clients, I let them know from the start that I am fun-focused, relationship-centered, and detail-oriented.
Sure, I could go on about vendor selection, layout design, decor, and event flow—but at the heart of it, my priority is to create a positive, stress-free experience for my clients. I want the planning process to feel joyful, not overwhelming. I prioritize genuine relationships and ensure no detail is left unconsidered.
Of course, I’m not perfect and I’ve made my share of mistakes, but I keep these three core values at the center of my business. They help me stay focused on what truly matters.
For brides just starting their planning, what’s the first piece of advice you’d give to help them stay organized and stress-free?
Hire a planner—obviously! 😉 But seriously, the first step is sitting down with your fiancé, family, or anyone else involved in the planning and having an honest conversation about what everyone can realistically take on. Divide up responsibilities clearly so there’s no confusion or unmet expectations down the line.
And if, after that conversation, it feels like it’s too much to manage alone—bring in a full-service planner from the beginning. A planner will make sure your style and personality are woven into every part of the day, while handling the behind-the-scenes logistics so you can enjoy the experience without stress.
What are some of the hottest wedding trends you’re seeing coming up?
So many fun ones! One big trend is incorporating interactive guest experiences beyond just drinking and dancing. While cocktails and a great dance floor are still staples, couples are getting creative—think cowboy hat branding, professional dance performances, cigar rolling stations, even giraffe feeding (shoutout to the Fort Worth Zoo)!
On the décor side, we’re seeing a lot of unique layout choices. Couples are moving away from the traditional straight aisle with rows on either side and experimenting with curved aisles, centered ceremonies, and eclectic seating with mismatched chairs or couches. At receptions, there’s been a rise in serpentine tables, smaller seating groups for intimate conversations, and extra-long dinner tables. I expect to see even more bold and personalized layouts in the months ahead!
Are there any wedding trends you think are on their way out, or that brides should reconsider?
Let me start by saying: it’s your day—if there’s something you want, go for it! No one should rain on your parade.
That said, the garter toss seems to be fading fast. Many brides feel uncomfortable with the idea and it may feel out of place in front of friends and family—and I totally get it. More couples are ditching overly programmed moments in favor of a more relaxed, organic reception vibe where they can connect with their guests.
What’s your favorite design element or theme to incorporate into a wedding, and why does it resonate with you?
A custom dance floor, hands down! It’s the focal point of the reception—where all the fun happens! From the first dance to an epic moment when the whole bridal party breaks it down, the dance floor is where memories are made. Personalizing it not only elevates the overall look of the space, but also adds that wow-factor that ties everything together beautifully.
How do you work with couples to personalize their wedding and make it reflect their unique style and story?
I always start by truly getting to know the couple—before we dive into any decisions. I want to understand who they are, what lights them up, and what makes their relationship special. That foundation helps me craft a day that feels unmistakably them, from the details in the décor to the flow of the celebration. It’s their love story—I’m just here to help tell it well.
What’s one underrated detail or feature you love to include in weddings that brides might not initially think about?
Chargers! They’re such an easy way to instantly elevate the table design. A well-chosen charger fills out the place setting, adds texture and dimension, and makes the entire room feel more polished and luxurious. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact.
How do you help brides balance their budget while still creating a beautiful, memorable wedding?
It all starts with identifying the couple’s non-negotiables—what really matters most to them. We start by investing in those key vendors and elements, and then we build the rest of the day around those priorities. This approach ensures the couple gets the most value while still bringing their vision to life in a meaningful and intentional way.
What are some common mistakes you see brides make during planning, and how can they avoid them?
One big mistake is jumping into booking vendors too quickly—without taking the time to step back and think through the big picture of their style and budget. I always recommend slowing down just a bit, defining the overall vision and budget first, and then moving forward with decisions that align with both. It saves time, money, and a lot of stress in the long run!
How do you recommend brides choose their vendors (e.g., florists, photographers, caterers) to ensure a cohesive team?
Start with the big picture! What’s most important to you—photography, food, florals, music? Prioritize those key elements and choose vendors whose work speaks to your style. From there, I help build a team that not only aligns aesthetically but also collaborates well together. A cohesive, well-communicating team behind the scenes makes a huge difference in how smoothly the day goes.
How do you handle unexpected challenges or last-minute changes on the wedding day to keep things running smoothly?
Go with the flow—gracefully and with a game plan. Having strong relationships with vendors is key because when the unexpected happens, we trust each other to pivot quickly and professionally. Clear communication is everything. My job is to be the calm in the chaos so my clients don’t even know there was a hiccup.
What’s a recent memorable wedding you’ve planned or designed, and what made it so special?
I had the opportunity to plan a wedding for two of my dear friends in Marfa, TX, which was one of my favorite weddings to date! Being close to the couple made every decision feel so meaningful, and planning a destination wedding was a great experience for my business to grow and expand. The design played into the desert setting and we focused on both sand and sunset colors to enhance the outdoor event. The entire weekend was full of fun events and the destination aspect made it feel like a vacation for everyone that attended! I will always be so grateful to have friends that trusted me with such an important moment in their lives.
For brides feeling overwhelmed by choices (colors, themes, etc.), how do you help them narrow down their vision?
I always refocus us on who they are and what they truly want—what are their personalities like, how do they want the day to feel? I ask couples about their hobbies, likes and dislikes, personal style, and how their friends would describe them to help get to the root of who they are as a couple. From there, we create vision boards with options that reflect their vibe. Then I walk them through various elements—photography styles, color palettes, decor—and ask for gut reactions. That feedback is incredibly helpful in honing in on what’s truly “them.”
How do you stay inspired and keep your designs fresh in an ever-evolving industry?
I stay glued to social media (in the best way), keep up with fashion trends, and make it a point to understand what’s resonating with the next generation of couples. I also attend a lot of events myself! It’s a mix of staying inspired by the industry and staying curious about what’s next. I never want my designs to feel stagnant—fresh perspective keeps the magic alive.
What’s one piece of wisdom you wish every bride knew before diving into wedding planning?
There’s a beautiful balance to wedding planning: yes, your wedding is one of the most meaningful days of your life—but it’s still just one day. If a friend can’t attend or a family member frustrates you during the process, don’t let that overshadow what really matters. There are so many more amazing days ahead. Keep your eyes on the bigger picture and remember why you’re doing all this in the first place—love.
Get in touch at fetefw.com or on Instagram at @fete.fw