You are engaged or maybe you are a planner like I am and just want to see what your options will be when you do become engaged. Many venues book 6 months to 2 years in advance. If you are from in-state, you already know that Tennessee has a variety of landscapes and charming towns and cities which are positioned between Memphis to Bristol & Johnson City. It is 440 miles in length and 112 miles wide, so just imagine all the wedding venues across this great state. Venues of all types, from barns to vineyards to downtown high rises. Whether you’ve always dreamed of an intimate ceremony in a small chapel or a grand celebration with hundreds of guests, Tennessee has the perfect spot for you. Tennessee is divided into three zones: West, Middle and East. We would like to offer you thoughts to consider while searching for your ideal wedding venue.

Answer to the question?
When beginning your search for the perfect venue, think about the answer to these questions: What do you want your wedding to look like? Will you have a high guest number or small family gathering? Do you love the idea of Do It Yourself from beginning to end or all inclusive or maybe something in between? Fully inside ceremony and reception or combination of indoor and outdoor? Does the venue have a weather back up plan? Does the venue allow outside vendors or must you select from their list? Which section of the state are you considering? (West, Middle or East)
Narrow down the venues which answer these questions and reflect your personalities as a couple with overall feel and look. The right venue and the support staff at the venue will help you achieve the atmosphere you are looking for.

Setting a Budget
Creating a budget is essential yet remember to compare apples to apples. List on your budget document the services you wish to be provided at any venue you choose. You want to include full planning or planning support; coordinating of wedding including creation of timeline, vendor communication and check in, or coordinating the day of only. Other services to think about might include rental fee, catering, linens, tables and chairs and decor with set up and clean up (More about these in a later blog). Some venues offer packages that include audio-visual equipment and/or other services which can greatly simplify your planning process as well as reduce stress.
Wedding venues in Tennessee can range significantly in price. For instance, you may find rustic barns for under $2,500 while upscale hotels can charge upwards of $20,000 or more.
Return back to your wish list (Homestead 32 can share a comparison sheet of up to 4 venues with what we offer in comparison to the other venues listed) and list those services you feel are important to your wedding planning. Homestead 32 is unique as we only focus on one wedding a week. Drop off items as you can, but leave the decor, decor set up and clean up, planning support, coordinating from booking to the day after your wedding and more. You choose photographer, music and caterer and remember everyone is welcome. We do share a beginning list with you so that the legwork is so much less.
Being upfront about your budget when discussing options with venues will help you find an option that doesn’t break the bank yet meets your needs.

Consider Your Guest List
The size of your guest list is an important criteria when it comes to your venue selection. If you’re hosting a small wedding in East Tennessee, venues like vineyards or charming bed-and-breakfasts can provide an intimate atmosphere. If you are looking to host a large event, you will need to look for a venue which can accommodate your guest list. You can even look at accommodations for 500 guests or more in the larger cities in East, West and Middle Tennessee.
Drafting your guest list early will provide clarity on the size of the space needed, ensuring you don’t fall in love with a venue that can’t accommodate everyone. Be sure to ask the venue if they are equipped with facilities that provide access for guests with mobility challenges such as direct access, ramps, help to the outdoor ceremony site and sufficient parking which will make everyone’s experience smoother.

Location
We see location as important yet not the most important consideration as some blogs and other sites may state. Some may think factors including proximity to highways, airports, and accommodations for out-of-town guests might be more important than the services offered by the venue. As a small town sitting between East and Middle Tennessee we are on the Cumberland Plateau right between Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga (94 miles from the Nashville Airport; 63 miles from Knoxville and 62 miles from Chattanooga). Small towns offer less traffic and easier movement around town and tourist attractions that may be accessed easier than in larger cities such as golf courses, local restaurants, state parks or museums.

What about Flexibility and Communication?
Venue should be open to full communication between all parties involved with the planning of the wedding. Whether you are working directly with the owner or a venue manager, communication is not something to take lightly. Did they respond quickly to your request of information? Are they open to scheduling around your needs along with theirs? Are they flexible with payment options and how you wish the ceremony site and reception site to look. Are they willing to work with you in response to questions, concerns and dreams you have for your wedding day. People do get busy, so sometimes patience and grace will need to be given when a response doesn't happen when you expect.
Discuss your ideas with the venue manager and understand how flexible they are regarding decor and layout. Now remember, sometimes the venue can't be flexible where decor goes or how the layout will be as your guest count can affect these details as well. Asking the difficult questions during the tour will help prevent disappointments later, or contact them back and ask those questions!
How about a second tour? It is perfectly acceptable to want to bring back other important family members to view the venue prior too booking. Does the venue accommodate for this? What about payment plans? For example, if you are more than a year out from your wedding date a payment plan might be discussed.

Contracts and Policies
The venue should be open to sharing the contract with you prior to the visit or allowing time during the tour to discuss all aspects of the contact. Ask, Ask, Ask and listen. Always review contracts carefully before making a final decision and know that you can ask questions concerning any part not fully understood. Make sure you understand the details regarding deposits, cancellation policies, and rescheduling options. Smaller venues or venues in more rural areas tend to have more flexibility concerning what they can and cannot do.
Look for requirements for insurance. Insurance is not costly and protects both you and the venue.

Finding your wedding venue in Tennessee is an exciting part of the planning process. Tennessee offers various options to suit every couple's style and budget.
By thoughtfully considering factors like budget, guest list dynamics, services provided, and seasonal impacts, you can confidently choose a venue that enhances your wedding day. This choice will not only contribute to a memorable day but will also create moments you’ll cherish for years to come.
As I write this blog, I think about vendors that have supported our brides in the process of decision making. gatewayflorist.net poppiesflorist.net https://flyingpigbbqtn.com/
A special thank you to The Venue at Ballenger Bridge and Jennifer Zordan www.ballengerbridge.com
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