Getting engaged is one of the most exhilarating moments in life—it's the perfect blend of joy, excitement, and, let's be honest, a little bit of chaos! If you just got engaged in Knoxville, TN or surrounding areas such as Harriman, Lenoir City or Oak Ridge, you might be wondering, “What do I do next?”
With the clock ticking and excitement mounting, this blog post will guide you through the first essential steps to take in the next 30 days of your wedding planning journey. From setting a budget to choosing a venue, Homestead 32 has you covered!
As a unique Wedding Venue in East Tennessee, we host only one wedding a weekend and the week prior to your date is all yours. No double booking, no one waiting to enter as you are leaving! Some couples are ready to move fast on planning the wedding of your dreams. Some like to take time and enjoy the engagement time. We want to help you with both scenarios.
Set a Budget
Before you dive into the endless possibilities of wedding planning, it's imperative to establish a budget. Many couples underestimate the total costs associated with weddings, so take stock of what you can realistically afford. Knoxville Wedding Venues will be a higher cost than Venues in Lenoir City, Harriman or Homestead 32 Wedding Venue on the Cumberland Plateau. We are located approximately 45 minutes from the western end of Knoxville.
Consider all elements of the wedding—venue, catering, dress, flowers, and even the little things, like invitations and party favors (I have a personal view about these). You might want to create a spreadsheet or use various wedding budgeting apps available to track your expenses. We share a Comparison Sheet which will help you compare Venues and what they offer for the price.
Having a clear budget will not only reduce stress but also direct your choices moving forward.
Create a Vision Board
What's your dream wedding? To bring your vision to life, begin by creating a wedding vision board. Use platforms like Pinterest to collect images that resonate with you—these could be color palettes, themes, or décor ideas that reflect your personalities.
Having a visual guide will make collaboration with vendors and venue coordinators much more straightforward. Also, it will help you stay focused, ensuring that everything aligns with your personal style. Just as in building a house, include a contingency fund for "I can't live without items". Ear mark 1% to 7% for any overages you might incur. If you don't spend it, you can always enjoy something extra on your honeymoon.
Let's connect the dots back to the budget. One way Homestead 32 helps with price control is that we include all decor for your ceremony and reception if we have what you like in the silk floral area. We have a designer on staff that will strive to create the personal look you dream about for your ceremony and reception. What other Knoxville, East Tennessee or Middle Tennessee Wedding Venues include this in the overall cost? We also include planning support, coordinating of the rehearsal, ceremony and reception, tables, chairs, linens for up to 200 and more.
Compile a Guest List
Once you have your budget and style in mind, it’s time to compile a guest list. This can be a daunting task, but the sooner you start, the better.
Begin by listing down family members, friends, and even work colleagues you’d like to invite. Often, it helps to categorize them into ‘must-haves,’ ‘nice-to-haves,’ and ‘maybe-later’ guests.
Your guest list will impact your venue choice and overall budget, so it's essential to keep track of it early on! It is connect to all aspects of your budget; catering, decor (if your venue does not include this), rentals of tables, chairs and other essentials (if not included).
Choose Your Venue and Set Your Date
Knoxville and East Tennessee is filled with beautiful wedding venues, from rustic barns to elegant ballrooms.
When researching locations, consider the style of your wedding and how many guests you plan to host. Schedule tours of potential venues, and make sure to ask about availability, packages, and what's included in the rental fee.
Whether you dream of an outdoor ceremony or an indoor reception, Knoxville offers plenty of options to help create your perfect day! If prices are outside of your budget with the Knoxville areas, enlarge your search to include areas such as Harriman Wedding Venues, Oak Ridge, Kingston and Crossville Wedding Venues.
The date you select will determine the time frame for all other steps.
Planning a Rehearsal Dinner
You may need to decide if you will have a rehearsal dinner or not. The East Tennessee Wedding Venue you choose may have guidelines on have a rehearsal dinner right after the rehearsal. This usually takes place the night before the wedding and is another opportunity to gather your closest friends and family.
Consider a venue that can accommodate your guest list, whether it’s a casual gathering at a local restaurant or something more formal. The rehearsal dinner typically includes food, drinks, and possibly speeches to celebrate the couple. The details can come together later, yet you will need to book the location early.
Research Vendors
With your venue in mind, it's crucial to research various vendors to bring your vision to life. This includes caterers, florists, photographers, and videographers, and DJs.
Seek recommendations from friends or family who have recently tied the knot in Knoxville. Social media platforms can also provide insightful reviews and ratings. Make an initial list of vendors you’d like to meet and inquire about their availability. As a bonus, Homestead 32 provided lists of vendors which we have had success with. Everyone is welcome, yet it may give you a starting point.
When meeting with potential vendors, come prepared with questions about their experience, pricing, and services. Developing good relationships with your vendors can often lead to better deals and shared creative ideas!
Start Dress Shopping
Selecting your wedding attire is arguably one of the most exciting aspects of wedding planning. If you plan to wear a wedding dress, consider starting your dress shopping soon, as it often takes several months for alterations and fittings.
Visit local bridal shops in Knoxville, and don’t forget to bring along your closest friends or family members for support! Research what styles suit your body type, and don’t hesitate to try on dresses outside your comfort zone—you're likely to be surprised! Some of our Knoxville Brides have found beautiful dress in Knoxville, Cookeville and Kentucky.
Choose Your Wedding Party
Within the first 30 days as you envision your wedding day, it's the perfect time to select your wedding party. These are the people you want to stand by your side on the big day, so choose those who mean the most to you within the chosen roles of bridesmaids and groomsmen.
It's customary to ask your close friends and family, but remember that it’s your wedding—you should feel free to break traditions if you like!
Don’t forget to consider what responsibilities you might want to assign to your wedding party, such as organizing bridal showers or bachelorette parties, being your contact person on the day of and overall support positive (and constructive) feedback during your wedding planning.
Budget for Honeymoon
While all your attention might be on your wedding day, don't forget to consider your honeymoon! Determine how much you plan to allocate for this special getaway and start researching possible destinations. Enjoy this time with your partner to communicate places you have always wanted to visit.
Knoxville has easy access to many stunning locations, from the beaches of Destin to the Appalachian mountains.
Be sure to discuss your travel preferences—do you want relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both? Once you have a destination in mind, monitor travel deals and book early for the best rates!
Attend Wedding Fairs
Knoxville frequently hosts wedding fairs that could be invaluable to your planning process. These fairs allow you to meet various vendors, compare pricing, and get ideas for various aspects of your wedding. The Pink Bride Show is one that we have been a part of which showcases Knoxville Brides and East Tennessee engaged couples.
Be sure to collect information from the different exhibitors, and consider attending a few with your partner to make planning a fun bonding experience! Include the bridal party for a wonderful day out.
Schedule a Beauty Trial
(could be 90 days out depending on your date
One of the most fun elements of wedding planning is scheduling beauty trials for your hair and makeup. Research local salons in Knoxville and book appointments to test out different looks.
Bring along your vision board to share your desired styles with the stylists. This will ensure that you feel like the best version of yourself on your wedding day!
Don't forget to take pictures during the trials to compare your options later on!
Document Your Progress
With so many thoughts and ideas flowing, keeping track of everything can be overwhelming. As you complete each task, document your journey!
Create a shared Google Drive file or a physical scrapbook where you can organize your notes, vendor contracts, and inspiring photos. This will provide both you and your partner clarity as you move through the planning process.
Don’t forget to regularly check in with each other. Keeping communication open is key to maintaining that excitement of getting married, rather than spiraling into wedding planning stress.
Connect with Your Partner
Amidst the frenzy of planning, it's essential to take a step back and strengthen your bond. Make time for date nights where wedding talk is off the table!
This will help you maintain a healthy balance between planning and your relationship. Celebrate your engagement and enjoy each other, as this is a beautifully special time in your lives together.
Enjoy the Process
Lastly, remind yourself to enjoy the experience! Your wedding is a celebration of love, and amidst the planning, don’t lose sight of what matters most—your relationship.
Take breaks when needed and soak in the moments leading up to your wedding. Plan fun activities and celebrate little milestones throughout the month! There is so much to do in and around Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and other smaller East Tennessee towns. In Cumberland County, we have the historic Palace Theater, the Cumberland Homestead Tower Museum and the Cumberland Mountain State Park, not to mention all the golf courses in the area. East Tennessee engaged couples will have plenty to do in the area.
Conclusion
Planning a wedding in Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Harriman, Kingston, Lenoir City and Crossville, TN, can feel like a whirlwind, but with this guide in hand, you'll be well-equipped to begin to tackle the exciting journey ahead. From securing your venue and date to finalizing small details, every step you take will lead you closer to saying "I do."
As you prepare for your beautiful day, embrace the chaos, stay connected with your partner, and enjoy all the love surrounding you. Here’s to a fantastic wedding planning journey and, ultimately, a joyous celebration of your love!
Happy planning!
Homestead 32 Wedding Venue in Crossville, TN hopes to use our platform to create awareness for the value of supporting locally owned wedding venues and vendors. You can help support amazing locally owned wedding venues across the country by writing a Google review, following their social media accounts and referring locally owned wedding venues whenever you have the opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to share a shout out to some of our wedding venue owner colleagues around the country and to some locally owned vendor business on the Cumberland Plateau and surrounding counties. Our goal is to always place quality over quantity and support quality small business owners. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
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