The Jewish New Year festival Rosh Hashanah literally means “head of the year”. Taking place in early Autumn, one of the main features is festive meals both night and day. To help spark your creativity, we’re sharing tablescapes to inspire you for Rosh Hashanah, featuring our modern serving ware, colorful linens & more!

Symbolic Colors

White is the most popular color associated with Rosh Hashanah. It is clean and bright and represents purity and the fresh start of the new year. As it takes place in the fall, browns, and reds are also common. Greens, especially in florals, can be a bright accent color that hints at energy and possibility!
Consider our Fruitwood Farm Table, topped with white china, a Merlot Velvet Napkin, and greenery as the base for your Rosh Hashanah tablescape. Or classic white table linens paired with muted gold napkins. We have a wide selection of white china for you to choose from, including our White Round china – or square for a more contemporary look. For serving ware we offer both metallic silver and gold options, as well as copper.

white and gold tablescape

Photo by Wind and Gold Photography

Apples

It is traditional to begin the meal on the first night with slices of apple dipped in honey. Before eating the apple, we make the ha’eitz blessing and then say, “May it be Your will to renew for us a good and sweet year.” This tablescape features a runner of lush greenery, wheat, artichokes, and apples to create an abundant centerpiece. If you want to host your dinner celebration outside, be sure to check out our rustic furniture, like our elegant Cross-back Chairs.

Rosh Hashanah table

Rosh Hashanah tablescape

Photos by Cassidy Carson Photography / Planning and Design by Fete Nashville

Pears & Pomegranates

Aside from apples, pears are commonly used in sweet desserts. But, for another Rosh Hashanah table idea, they can also be used to decorate. As with pomegranates! Many eat pomegranates, giving voice to a wish that “our merits be many like the seeds of the pomegranate.” These fruits are not eaten on the second night of the holiday. So instead, opt for a “new fruit” or a fruit that has not been eaten since it was last in-season.

The tablescape below features our Cameron FlatwareStemless and Madison Glassware, Russet Satin Napkins and London Fog Velvet Linens – for a neutral but elegant look!

holiday tables capes Rosh Hashanah table

Photos by Haint Blue Collective

This warm and elegant table has some vintage-inspiration features our beautiful Heirloom China and Belmont Charger!

Rosh Hashanah table with pears

Or for a unique dark autumnal tablescape, consider our Gold China and Glass Charger with a Gold Rim.

Rosh Hashanah holiday table

Photos by Twila’s Photography / Designs by Clemmie Grace Designs

Love these tablescapes to inspire you for Rosh Hashanah? You can incorporate any of these gorgeous rentals at your dinner party when you visit our catalog. Or for more help, contact our team today! We would love to assist you in creating a one-of-a-kind setup.

Have you been dreaming of a wedding that is small yet elegant? We have all the must-have rentals to pull off a luxe neutral white and gold wedding that you’ll look back on with joy for years to come! Get inspired for your own intimate backyard wedding in Nashville, when you check out the details from this timeless event.

The pair hosted their small ceremony behind the home on a stone patio. For a backdrop, they featured a simple wooden arbor decorated with fresh flowers. Seating consisted of our elegant wood Harlin Dining Chairs with white cushions.

Harlin dining chairs wedding ceremony seating

After they exchanged vows, they retired to a tent situated in the front yard. It was the perfect setup for the warm weather! Their layout consisted of both round and banquet dinner tables, outfitted in classic white linens. The centerpieces consisted of our Davis Glass Cylinders, paired with candles and greenery. As well as a sprinkling of votive candles.

To complement their gold and white wedding palette, we created place settings starring our Gold Medallion Glass Chargers. Along with our Austin Gold Flatware, Pure Glassware, and Kennedy White Linens. On their designated dessert table, a beautiful wedding cake stood out on our Gold Windsor Cake Stand. For more outdoor tablescape inspiration, check out our blog on Backyard Alfresco Dining.

gold chargergold and white wedding gold and white wedding tablegold and white wedding reception white wedding cake on gold stand intimate backyard wedding backyard tented wedding  tented wedding receptionwhite and gold wedding tablescape  tented wedding at night

Photo by Kelsey Leigh Photo

Ready to plan your intimate backyard wedding? For help planning and creating the layout for your event in Nashville or Franklin, TN, email us at info@southerneventsonline.com.

Say “Goodbye” to the days of worrying about the wear and tear of floors or grass at your event. And let us introduce you to durable and stylish event flooring! Our team understands that the floor is the foundation for your event, and will lend to a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look. Get inspired for your upcoming celebration in Nashville, when you check out our trendy yet functional in-stock flooring options.

Dura-Trac Flooring

Made for the event industry by special event flooring experts, Dura-Trac flooring is an easy-to-install flooring system designed to protect your existing space. The interlocking panel system is the perfect way to protect your space and your guests, making it ideal for festivals, concerts, tented parties, and more! It can be installed over a variety of surfaces, including those that are uneven. Best of all, it can be customized by placing premium vinyl flooring or carpeting over the top. To learn more about our Dura-Trac flooring, download our PDF.

dura trac flooring dura trac flooring at wedding

Artificial Grass

Why would you use artificial grass at your event? It’s a unique option that will lend a fun touch of texture to your event. For an indoor event, it will also lend traction, making it perfect for placing on top of existing tile or vinyl flooring. For warm-weather outdoor events, it will actually offer a more natural and welcoming look. Consider renting it for your next tailgating party, trade-show exhibit, or church picnic!

artificial grass flooring

Photo by Garrett Richardson

Dance Floors

Some flooring is limited to certain areas of your event space, like dance floors. They act as a focal point within an event space, in addition to being a designated area for entertainment. We offer a selection of dance floors, for a variety of different event types and themes. Although our classic White and Black dance floor is popular, our Plank Wood dance floor will lend a modern and timeless look to your event.

parquet dance floor

Photo by Phindy Studios

If you’ve been looking for event rentals that both functional and stylish, we’re your people! Send us an email at info@southerneventsonline.com for help choosing the best event flooring.

The entrance to an event is a guest’s first impression of what’s to come! It will set the tone for the remainder of the event, and so it’s important to start things off on the right foot. Today, we’re sharing some of our in-stock rentals that can be used to create a grand event entrance.

Carpeted Entrance

Want to wow your guests? A carpeted entrance to your event is a sure way to do that. A red carpet is an easy way to lend a hint of old Hollywood glamour – regardless of the formality of the event! It will lend to the overall look and experience, making guests feel as though they are special and creating excitement for what lies in store. Of course, your carpet doesn’t have to be red! Feel free to feature your event or company colors like the grand event entrance done in blue and white below.

red carpet, southern event tradeshow conference rentals

Photo by Phindy Studios

Stanchion & Rope

Along with a grand carpet entrance, you’ll want to rent stanchion and rope. Our Chrome Stanchions are a timeless addition that will help you maintain an orderly entrance. It is especially great for events that will require attendees to queue up or that are ticketed.  You will also be able to choose between our Black Velour Rope and Red Velour Rope, depending on the theme or color palette featured at your event.

rope and stanchion

Vinyl Appliques

When you have a thoughtful theme or event design, vinyl appliques on your event flooring can be a unique way to welcome guests.  Custom appliques can be added to our Black, White or Natural dance floors – doubling as entrance flooring- as part of your grand event entrance. Here we replicated the florals from the event invitation and linen pattern onto floor appliques. Also, consider showing off your new monogram to welcome wedding guests or brand at a product launch.

Photo by Phindy Studios

Want to use one or several of these rentals to create a grand event entrance? We would love to make it happen! Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com & let’s start planning a one-of-a-kind event.

Neutral color palettes have been popular as they offer a stylish yet timeless look. However, there are both cool and warm neutral colors, which will lend a completely different vibe to an event. Today, we’re doling out some inspiration featuring our natural-neutral wedding rentals! These warm-toned pieces will lend a modern yet organic theme to your event.

Natural-Neutral Place Settings

One of our favorite ways to feature natural neutrals is via an elegant tablescape. We carry a large variety of warm-toned serving ware for creating a cohesive and memorable layout. For starters, consider our Fruitwood Farm Table for the perfect warm-toned base. Alternatively, a table with light-colored linen will add a brighter base.

These elegant tables are warm and feature pink for a fun feminine flair. Both are accented with metallic gold accents, for a wonderful luxe look! We always recommend a touch of texture. For instance, using neutral velvet table linens or a wood tabletop with a table runner.

neutral pink tablescape

Photo by Renrose Photography

warm toned neutral tablescape

Photo by Madi Flourney

Worried that your tablescape will be overwhelmingly warm-toned? Add in a touch of cool-toned neutrals. These tables are beautifully balanced thanks to silver accents. Our Earthen Onyx or Earthen Stone China always pairs well with a warm-toned charger or napkins. Or feature silver flatware atop a neutral table or table linens.

neutral black tablescape

Photo by Kelsey Leigh Photography

grey neutral table setting

Photo by Kelsey Shea Photo

Linens

Speaking of linens, let’s cover a few of our favorites. First up is our stunning Golden Velvet Linens. With a buttery texture, this piece will make a gorgeous base for a luxe tablescape. It pairs well with cream, white or brown. Next up is Kennedy Natural, with a beautiful woven texture. It will lend a touch of texture to a table and is a subtle and elegant color. Finally, there is our Ivory Sahara Runner. Place this runner atop our Fruitwood Farm table for a slightly more casual vibe.

golden velvet linens

Kennedy natural table linen

sahara table runner

Neutral Lounge Furniture

What’s a social event without a cute and cozy lounge area? We carry a range of comfortable, natural neutral furniture. First up is our Tessa Tufted Beige Linen Loveseat, which is a beautiful piece for a sweetheart table, as well as smaller lounge areas. Alternatively, our Bennett Leather Sofa is a rich brown color and the perfect size for a larger event. Lastly, be sure to check out one of the newest additions to our catalog, the Everly sofa! This cream-colored piece features an arched silhouette, pad feet, a camelback, and carved arms, plus a distressed wood frame.

outdoor lounge furniture for rentbrown Bennet sofa

Everly cream sofa

Photo by Alex Thornton Photography

Want to feature one or several of these natural neutral wedding rentals at your event? Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com & let’s start planning! Or if you prefer a moodier vibe, take a look at our blog on earth-toned party rentals.

At any event, interactive elements are a must-have! It will help get guests out of their seats and socializing. Plus it will make your event more visually appealing since it doubles as a decoration. Take a look at some of our favorite rentals that can be used to create interactive party displays, from delicious donut walls to fun bubbly bars and classy carts!

Market Cart

A two-wheel cart with an awning, this charming display prop is so versatile! It can be used to display a small food selection or function as a drink station. In our personal opinion, it would make for a darling grazing station, packed with cold cuts and cheese on our vintage-inspired silver trays. You’re welcome to decorate our Market Cart to your heart’s desire, with fresh flowers, banners, or balloons!

white market cart prop for rent

Shelving

Despite its simple appearance, our Avenue Barback Shelf is a staple at events that feature self-serve drink stations. It’s a luxe gold metallic color and features brown wood veneer shelves. You can easily recreate this luxe bubbly bar when you rent a variety of our gorgeous modern glassware! Our current favorites include Cybil and Pure Glassware.

gold bar shelving for rent

Photo by Twila’s Photography

Ticket Booth

Although most events now offer tickets online, a classic booth is a fun way to welcome guests to your event! Our sturdy booth features a solid wood top and is a solid white color that will work any color palette. It also features a decal sign area so that you can easily personalize it to compliment the theme of your event.

event ticket booth for rent

Donut Wall

Donut walls are far from a past fad. In fact, we’re predicting that these delicious displays will stick around for a while – because who doesn’t love a donut? Our wall is freestanding, features a beautiful dark stain, and has 48 pegs, which can hold 2-3 donuts each. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with the donuts!

donut wall for rent

Want to feature one of these trendy interactive party displays at your upcoming event? Contact our team today for help recreating one of these looks for your Tennessee wedding, social, or corporate event!

Even though there are many great event & wedding venues around Nashville and Franklin, we do have a few that are favorites! The Barn at Cranford Hollow and its variety of amenities – including a state-of-the-art caterer’s kitchen, charming lighting, and beautiful bride and groom suites – makes it a top pick for hosting a wedding in Middle Tennessee. A family-owned and operated farm, The Barn at Cranford Hollow sits on 50 acres in Middle Tennessee. Built in 2015, the 6000+ square foot, Amish-built barn now plays host to a variety of event types & sizes. The design is modern and clean, making it a versatile space with which hosts can pull off the event of their dreams. To help you determine whether this venue aligns with your vision, here are a few ideas for hosting a wedding at Cranford Hollow.

Outdoor Ceremony & Portraits

What better way to say “I Do” than outdoors in the fresh air? The Barn at Cranford Hollow offers plenty of spaces for a wedding ceremony. Afterward, you’ll be able to make the most of seasonal foliage, which can be used for beautiful natural photo backdrops. In addition, Southern Events is proud to offer a range of rentals for your nuptials. Including a variety of geometric wedding backdrops, from an elegant hexagon to a boho-inspired triangle.

bride at Cranford hollowoutdoor wedding portraits at Nashville venue

Elegant Neutral Interior

Although a barn, this event space is far from rustic. It is painted with neutral colors, including black and white, and features industrial details. Guests will enjoy an intimate ambiance, thanks to a high ceiling lit by an elegant chandelier and string lights. Within this space, you can achieve a variety of styles and themes, from boho glam to elegant minimalism.

Below you’ll see our romantic wedding set up, including sweetheart and reception tables. They are set with crisp linens, classic white china, and pink-rose gold accents, like our Copper Glass Chargers. Complementing the ultra-feminine and contemporary look are our always popular Acrylic Carrigan Side Chairs. A touch of whimsy is lent via our Cybil Glassware!

sweetheart table at Cranford hollowpink sweetheart tablewedding servingwarepink wedding palette and serving ware

Covered Patio for Socializing

In addition to the indoor area, a covered patio exists on the side of the barn, overlooking adjacent land. It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, as well as host a cocktail hour! During the daytime, guests will be able to stay out of the heat and easily travel in and out of the indoor event space. Making it an ideal location for your event bar, cocktail tables and lounge areas.

Here you can also feature our curated lounge packages, with options for a variety of event styles. Or, create a small food and beverage area, using our Loren Gold Bistro Table or Harpeth Bar. Moreso, create an interactive backdrop where guests can create a keepsake, using our trendy Boxwood Hedge Walls.

outdoor lounge furniture for rentbistro table outdoorsbistro table and serving ware

Photography: Gabrielle Von Heyking

Catering: Dream Events & Catering

Cake: Nashville Sweets

Planning: Brittany Events Co.

HMUA: Leanna Davis

Dress: Arzelle’s Bridal Chic

Ready to plan your wedding at Cranford Hollow? Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com for help recreating this luxe set up, or for help creating a wedding look of your very own!

Earth tone colors are warm, reassuring, and luxurious – making them a beautiful choice for a mature yet cozy party or event! They are especially common in palettes for neutral and bohemian-themed events, now peaking in popularity due to a recent appreciation for minimalistic event designs. Take a look at some of our trendy earth-tone party rentals to create a timeless look at your next Nashville event!

Velvet Linens

Linens amplify the look of any tablescape, but velvet adds a certain elegance that just can’t be beaten. And one that pairs perfectly with the vibe of earth tones. Soft in texture and rich in color, we offer velvet linens in a wide range of warm, earth-inspired colors.

Napkins

Every place setting needs a napkin! Below you’ll see a bright neutral design featuring our Driftwood Velvet napkins, paired with a Havana Cafe Velvet runner. For a warmer, moody look, Spice Velvet napkins are a stark contrast next to a classic black runner.

neutral colored servingware rentalsrust black and gold tablescape

Photos by Kelsey Leigh Photography

Velvet Table Linens

Give your tablescape a rich base to build upon. We carry velvet table linens for every size table so that you can create a cohesive look from one event space to the next. As you can see, velvet linens stand out in any setting, indoor and out. Our Light Pink and Driftwood Velvet linens look stunning for a more modern event design. In contrast, our Spice Velvet suits a rustic or wooded venue.

light pink velvet event table

Photo by Renrose Photography

spice colored cocktail table linens for rent

Photo by Nyk & Cali

Amber Goblets

Clear glassware is an easy choice, but you won’t want to overlook our Amber Goblets. Use these stunning pieces in conjunction with other colored serving ware, or as the sole colored rental on a warm, neutral tablescape. If you are opting for a design that features minimal textures, then these glasses will be a welcome touch, with their antique-inspired design.

amber colored antique glassware

Chargers

Chargers lend to the overall aesthetic of a table, creating a more finished look. And we carry a charger for every earth-tone event, color and style! For a warm gold design, our Medallion Gold Glass Charger is a classic thanks to the intricate rim. It also pairs beautifully with our Austin Gold Flatware.

rose brown and gold tablescape

For a rustic-inspired event or boho-themed event, our Scalloped Wood Charger is a must. The simple but unique edging will make every single plate pop against the table!

scalloped wood charger for earth toned tablescape

Lastly, is our timeless Copper Glass Charger. This elegant piece features clear glass at the center and a contemporary copper rim. We love this earth-tone party rental for a modern neutral-themed event, such as a wedding or gala.

copper glass charger for rent

Photo by Gabrielle Von Heyking

Gloria Chair & Ottoman

A cozy lounge area is a must-have at any event, whether you are hosting a large social gathering or an intimate cocktail hour. Our Gloria Velvet Arm Chair and matching ottoman make for a stunning warm-toned seating area. Feature these pieces together, or separately. And be sure to pair them with an accent table, such as our Rhodes Coffee or Side tables. The gold metallic legs will complement any of our earth-tone party rentals.

mustard colored arm chairs for rentmustard ottoman for rent

Want to feature one or several of these beautiful earth-tone party rentals at your event? Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com & let’s start planning!

Two entirely different yet equally beautiful styles, Bohemian and Diva elements have been combined to create a new look: Boho Diva! It’s the perfect balance of chic, contemporary, and moody details, for a look that is relaxed, but bold and unique! Get inspired for your upcoming event with this bold boho diva event style we created at Franklin wedding venue Southall Meadows featuring our stylish rentals.

Bold & Moody

Our first tablescape is moody but romantic, with a black, rust, and pink color palette. Situated on top of our Fruitwood Farm Table is a deep Magnolia Green Runner. To complement the warm wood of the table we opted for our Medallion Gold Glass Charger and Onyx Dinner Plate, paired with Gold Austin Flatware.

black and gold boho tableware

Matching the elegant serving ware, we featured our Pure and Audrey Gold Rimmed Glassware.  To spice the look up a little, our beautifully textured, vintage-inspired Amber Goblets. Gold Chiavari Chairs were an easy choice for seating, with their dainty but luxe look.

black and rust boho glam tablescapebold moody boho table

Clean & Bright

Should you prefer a neutral palette, our second tablescape combines classic colors in an elegant and striking way. Also atop our Fruitwood Farm Table, is a Driftwood Table Runner and Yarrow Velvet Napkins. This design features silver metallic details, which complement the bright white centerpieces and crisp glassware. Notice our Silver Rimmed Glass Charger and Onyx Dinner Plate. Black is a key accent that is common with a Boho Diva inspired look.

neutral boho servingwareneutral white and brown boho tablescape

Aiming for a slightly quirky but still elegant look, we carefully selected a few of our favorite contemporary rentals. Including our Como Flatware and gorgeous Cybil Glassware. And of course, our always popular Acrylic Ghost Armless Chairs – also available with arms.

contemporary boho chic tablescape

Glam Cocktail Tables

Cocktail tables, spread throughout an event space, make for the perfect opportunity to feature glam linens. Our Sequin tablecloths, shown in Gold, are available in 5 gorgeous colors. Or opt for one of our etched velvet linens, for a less over-the-top but equally elegant look.

glam boho cocktail table southern boho chic cocktail table

Thanks to the Nashville Vendor Team that partner with us on this look!

Planning: Erin Lynn Events

Photography: Kelsey Leigh Photo

Florals: Stella Rose Floral

Neon Light: Nash Neon

Lighting: Nashville Lighting & Production

Want to recreate this boho diva event style? Reach out to our team for help or to secure your rentals at info@southerneventsonline.com. For additional ideas and inspiration for your 2021 event, check out the latest trends featuring our in-stock rentals.

The following is a guest post from one of our vendor partners, Cedarmont Farm. Their venue manager, Colleen Kelly shares her wedding tips and questions to ask your wedding venue. We encourage you to get in touch with their team about hosting an event and we hope you find the content helpful! 


Congratulations, You’re engaged! Now what?? For many couples, the first part of wedding planning is choosing a wedding venue. Visiting venues is an exciting and fun part of wedding planning. With many different styles of wedding venues, it can help to narrow down what kind of venue you’re looking for: rustic, modern, rooftop, or historic.  The options are endless! After choosing a wedding venue style fitting the look you envision, it’s important that it fits your budget and offers the features you want.

We have helped lots of engaged couples at Cedarmont Farm create the wedding of their dreams. We do this by making sure couples asking the right questions so we ensure we’re a good fit. These are just a few of the questions to ask your wedding venue that will help you decide if your wedding venue is a match!

1. In the case of weather, what is the rain plan?

We love an outdoor ceremony but in Tennessee, you never really know what the weather will be like. When planning an outdoor ceremony, ask your venue what options there are for rain and when you need to confirm your rain plan. Do you use the reception space, with chairs set up for a ceremony or California style with guests sitting at their tables? If you are flipping the wedding reception space, confirm where guests will go, how long it takes, and who’s responsible for the flip?

For example, at Cedarmont Farm, our rain plan is in front of our large windows in the event barn. Chairs are set up for the ceremony and then our staff flips the space for the reception. Meanwhile, guests enjoy cocktail hour on the covered patio. Our patio also has vinyl sides to enclose it, in the case of wind or heavy rain. We require a 24-hour notice for our rain plan in order to set up.

Kera Photography

2. What is your vendor policy? Can I bring in my own vendors?

Different wedding venues have different policies on vendors, so asking what their policies are is key. Some venues require that vendors are chosen from a preferred vendor list. Other venues require pre-approval for any vendors that you hire. Some venues offer “all-inclusive” packages where all your vendors are contracted by the venue. If the venue is all-inclusive or has a mandatory preferred list, be sure to ask if there is a fee to bring in other vendors of your choosing.

At Cedarmont Farm, we recommend choosing vendors from our preferred list. All are great at what they do, meet our pre-approval conditions, and have worked at the venue before. However, we do allow clients to bring in pre-approved outside vendors. Here we get copies of their insurance and for certain vendors having them sign our policy form as well as visit our venue. All of this is to make sure that your wedding day goes as smoothly as possible.

3. Do you require event insurance?

Most venues in our area require the couple to purchase wedding insurance, including Cedarmont Farms. Even if your venue does not, we HIGHLY recommend it. A big party of 100+ people with an open bar… what could go wrong? Unfortunately, a lot. And if your venue has you buying and bringing the alcohol on-site for a bar service to serve, make sure ‘host liquor liability’ is included in your insurance policy. This gives you some liability coverage for providing the alcohol. The venue and your vendors should all have their own liability insurance as well. Get special event insurance from a company like The Event Helper, Eventsured, and Wedsafe. At the time of this post, it was about $150 for a wedding with 125 guests.

4. How long is the venue rental?

When can vendors set up? When can the bridal party arrive? Can items be left overnight or dropped off the day before? What time is the ceremony? Clean-up time is often built into the rental time so make sure you get clarity on that. If you are planning on having a wedding party get ready at the venue, confirming there’s enough time before the ceremony on-site to get ready as well as photos. For example, at Cedarmont Farm, our rental period starts at 10 am. The wedding party and vendors may come in at this time. The event must end (per noise ordinance) by 10 pm and clean-up must be done by 11 pm. Ceremonies normally start at 4 or 5 depending on the time of year and sunset.

5. Can I have sparklers for an exit? What about fire pits or floral chandeliers?

Why is this one of the important questions to ask your wedding venue? We all have that one décor item on our wedding Pinterest board that we definitely want at our wedding. But not everything is allowed at every venue. When installing decor at the venue, there may be certain restrictions on what can be set up or who can set it up. Even though your Aunt made you a custom fabric backdrop, the venue may have restrictions preventing her from nailing it into the venue’s wall (better to rent a ceremony backdrop from Southern Events to hang this on!). If sparklers are a must make sure you ask them as many venues don’t allow them for safety reasons.

At Cedarmont Farm, we do still allow sparklers for the exit (subject to change – we gotta keep you and your guests safe!). We don’t allow confetti or glitter though.

cedarmont large window indoors

6. What can I expect my overall wedding cost to be at your wedding venue? What fees do I need to plan for?

This question can help you avoid a lot of stress later in your planning. Similar to buying a house that maxes out your budget – leaving you “House Poor”, you can also be “Venue Poor”. Spending all of your money renting the venue of your dreams leaves you feeding your guests saltines and water. Not a recipe for a memorable wedding. Be sure to ask prospective venues what the average total wedding budget is for their clients? Most venues should be able to answer this question to some extent, and if they can’t, it’s likely a red flag.

There are many line items in a wedding budget. One larger expense is catering – we recommend doing some research here before committing to their venue. Also, ask a venue what other fees you need to expect as well. Sales tax, operating fee, gratuity, venue insurance, and security fees are some of the most common. At Cedarmont Farm, we want your entire wedding to be what you envision and we’re happy to delve into your budget to let you know what to expect.

7. What parking is available at the venue?

When you are looking at rural locations, parking is an often overlooked question to ask your wedding venue! So don’t forget! Cars can get stuck in the mud when parking on grass and it has rained. Additionally, if parking isn’t lit, your guests will have a tough time getting to their cars in the dark (especially when wearing heels). If you have any guests who need ADA parking you will want to ask about that as well. And for any guests who indulge a little too much, can cars be left overnight? At Cedarmont Farm, we have ADA parking as well as a gravel lot that is lit for guests. We do allow cars to be left overnight but they must be picked up between 8 and 10 am the following day.

8. Do you have lodging on-site? Are there hotels close to the venue?

Overnight accommodations are always a bonus at a wedding venue but many do not have them. However, your venue should be able to tell you how close they are to hotels and lodging options. If you’re having lots of guests coming from out of town, having lodging close by is really important. As is the availability of transportation for any guests who need a ride back to their hotel. We love when our clients hire a shuttle to get their guests back to their hotel. If you’re concerned about your budget, skip the favors and the koozies, and give them a safe ride instead.

wedding reception table setup at Cedarmont farms

9. What are the rules for alcohol?

There are lots of questions to ask your venue regarding alcohol. Does your venue allow liquor or beer and wine only? Do they have a limit to the type of bar you’re allowed (cash bar) or how long it’s open? Does alcohol have to be purchased through the venue or do you bring it in? If you supply it, do you need to hire a bar service to serve it? If you are serving alcohol are you required to pay for security to be at the event? Some venues require shuttles if there is an open bar.

10. What is the setup and cleanup process? Will the staff handle it? What are we responsible for at your wedding venue?

Here is where details can fall through the cracks, leaving you to managing things at your wedding. Key questions to ask to avoid this: Does your venue include a day of coordinator? If not, do they require you to hire one? Will the venue staff help with the setup of décor items or do they just set up tables and chairs? For cleanup do you just need to clear your items out at the end of the night or are you expected to mop and sweep the floors? Where does trash go? Is that your responsibility? All of these things are good to know on the front end so you can fill in the gaps where you may need additional help.

Be sure to also ask about wedding planning add-ons or all-inclusive packages that take all the planning stress away, both before and the day of your event. This is something we offer at Cedarmont Farm beyond basic support. We’re happy to tell you all about them – just ask us!

couple at Cedarmont Farms wedding venue

If you have additional questions for the team at Cedarmont Farm, do not hesitate to contact them directly at info@cedarmontfarm.com. Should you be in need of rentals for your special day, Southern Events is ready to help! Having worked with a long list of couples at Cedarmont Farm, we know the layout of the venue and can assist you in creating a rental package tailored to your unique style and needs. Reach out and let’s get planning!