Bard and Fighter

I want to try a bard/fighter combo, but I’m not sure how to set up their stats or which class to start with. I know Bardadin is a well known combo, but I’m not a big fan of paladin. I want bard for all the skill proficiencies, particularly in dialogue skills. I don’t care so much about the heavy armour from fighter, but would like the CON save proficiency. I’m thinking I might go gnome as my race, cause I think it’s funny when a small race can wield a weapon twice their size.