A lush garden. Elegant wooden furniture. A chic neutral palette. Sounds like the making of a dreamy wedding! Hosted at The Cordelle, Claire and Austin’s modern rustic wedding was simple yet oh-so chic. From the timeless decorations to the modern color scheme, it was a gorgeous celebration. One sure to inspired many brides! Take a look at the details from their day, including how they incorporated our stylish rustic event rentals.

A Garden Ceremony

Firstly, the pair’s vow exchange took place in the lush garden, surrounded by manicured hedges and towering trees. It was a warm but overcast day, ideal for the outdoor celebration. Guests sat facing a breathtaking, white floral backdrop. Seating was simple; clean rows of our ever-popular Cross-Back Chairs including cushions to ensure guests sat comfortably. Our Harlin Dining Chairs are an equally gorgeous alternative we’d recommend paired with candles in Davis Glass Cylinders for aisle decor.

Simple Cocktail Hour

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour hosted on the patio as the garden flipped from the ceremony to the reception setup. A seating chart displayed on one of our Boxwood Walls, with a white base to match the neutral wedding theme so that guests are greeted as they re-entered the space. The bar staff prepared bubbly in classic champagne glasses. For an especially impressive display, consider displaying champagne or a cocktail of choice using our Fruitwood Champagne Shelf. Our bistro tables with luxe linens paired with our stylish bar stools are a great way to hold over guests until they can be led to their dinner tables.

Elegant Wood Banquet Tables

Our favorite design, by far, was the reception tables! Claire and Austin desired an intimate vibe for their dinner, opting for banquet tables. Set up side by side, our Fruitwood Farm Tables looked stunning and sat dozens comfortably, and to complement the modern rustic wedding colors, place settings were simple. Consisting of white round dinner plates, Abby Flatware, and Carly Water Goblets. If you prefer a subtle pop of color, take a look at our luxe napkins! Lush garlands made of bright greenery were the perfect modern rustic centerpieces. As the sun went down, the overhead bistro lights came on, casting a warm glow on the party below. It was a beautiful gathering and our team felt honored to be a part of it.

Shout out to John Myers Photography for sharing the images from Claire and Austin’s wedding with us!

Hosting your own modern rustic wedding? Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com for help recreating this elegant ceremony or reception setup. Or, for help bringing your unique wedding vision to life!

Nashville’s gem of an event and wedding venue, The Ruby lives up to its name. Beautiful in her simplicity yet modern for her age, the urban chic event space is a timeless backdrop for a wedding. The vintage space was rejuvenated specifically for social gatherings, featuring modern amenities and industrial details. To help you determine whether this venue aligns with your grand vision, we’re sharing a few ideas for hosting a wedding at The Ruby, featuring our stylish event rentals.

The Hall

With a vaulted wood ceiling and plaster walls, the Hall is both historic yet contemporary, expansive yet intimate. Doors that access the courtyards with the park beyond fill the space with natural light, creating a bright and cozy glow. The vast room is incredibly versatile, allowing couples to use the space as desired to bring their vision to life. Create elegant rows with our Black Resin Folding Chairs, the aisle lined with layered rugs, vintage and cowhide. For a more romantic look, feature our Davis Glass Cylinders with candles. As for a backdrop, the white textured walls will complement any style of decor, from a floral arch to greenery or signage.

Treehouse Courtyard

Elevated and enclosed by the surrounding trees, the Treehouse Courtyard greets guests when they enter. This space serves as a gorgeous setting for a cocktail hour. Here you can set up a variety of bistro tables, decorated with our luxe linens, as well as lounge areas. Our Bennett Leather Sofa, paired with the Rivet Accent Tables and a set of Gloria Velvet Arm Chairs, are the perfect choice for the urban chic event space. Guests will enjoy views of Dragon Park, including the facade and its towering 15-foot doors. Here you might also feature one of our Boxwood Walls, customized for your guests to use as a photo backdrop. Or, set up with our Fruitwood Champagne Shelves, featuring glasses full of bubbly! The space is covered for sun and rain, and walled in the wintertime for year-round use.

The Park Courtyard

Fitting to its name, The Park Courtyard is surrounded by the park on all sides – making it a popular space for wedding party photos and bridal portraits. From the brick exterior, towering doors and light blue railing, these details make for trendy urban images, fitting for a frame. During spring and summer, as well as warm fall days, guests are drawn out by the light drifting through towering maples and tall grasses. It is a great transitional location for food stations or food trucks, and bars. Depending on your event theme, both our Franklin Black Wood Bar and Whiskey Barrel Galvanized Bar would look stunning. Just don’t forget to grab a selection of equally impressive glassware! Or expand your social areas by adding another lounge set with appetizers displayed on any of our stylish serving pieces.

Host an Elegant Indoor Reception

Following a quick flip, the white plastered Hall is an equally stunning setting for an intimate wedding reception. As the sun dims, the room lights up with soft overhead chandeliers and downlights. Meanwhile, there is enough floor space for up to 130 of your loved ones. Create a unique set up, featuring a mix of round and banquet tables. including our Fruitwood Farm Tables. It beautifully complements the wood ceiling, while our Black Resin Folding Chairs provide some contrast. If you prefer a more modern look, consider our Ghost Acrylic Arm Chairs. As far as place settings, the options are endless! We, however, are partial to neutral servingware with a subtle pop of color. Like our Earthen Alabaster China and a Fern Velvet Napkin. And should you choose to feature a dance floor, we recommend our Black or White Dance Floor.

Ready to plan your wedding at The Ruby in Nashville? Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com for help recreating this elegant urban wedding. Or, for help bringing your unique vision to life!

There is a certain charm to spaces where old meets new. And this style is particularly popular in Downtown Nashville, where event venues are rich with history and the original architecture is celebrated. As is the case with The Clementine! A spacious event hall, it was redesigned and rebuilt in 2018. Despite the recent renovations, however, its design remains true to its origins. Urban yet elegant, it is a versatile space in which couples can pull off the celebration of their dreams. To help you determine whether this venue aligns with your vision, we’re sharing a few ideas for hosting a wedding at The Clementine, featuring our trendy event rentals.

Say “I Do” at Adelaide Hall

An original 1889 church sanctuary, Adelaide Hall is the largest of Clementine’s spaces. Soaring wood beam ceilings, brick walls, hickory floors, massive mid-century chandeliers, and blown glass and steel gothic windows make a statement in this stunning space. Their famous pipe organ is perfect for a sweet ceremony. Decorate the stage with florals or a Wrought Iron Arch in front of the organ. Or use our Chuppah with drapery to soften the space. For ceremony seating, our classic Black Fruitwood Folding Chairs will offer some contrast. While our Davis Glass Cylinders will add a touch of modern elegance to the aisle. Alternatively, feature our Acrylic Ghost Armless Chairs and layered vintage or cowhide rugs to create a chic contemporary look.

Host an Elegant Urban Reception

Following a ceremony, Adelaide Hall can be quickly flipped for an equally elegant reception. The urban event space is a gorgeous backdrop for a seated dinner. Whether you prefer to feature our round or rectangle Farm Wood Tables. Here you can pull off a timeless neutral palette, to complement the warm-toned walls and floors. Or, incorporate fun pops of color, via luxe linens and stylish serving ware.

At 2,400 square feet, there is plenty of space for catering and white dance floor (with your monogram, of course!). Unless you’d prefer to let the natural wood floors shine! In addition to the beautiful pipe organ, other key areas are the venue’s two stages. Each feature concert-quality audio, video, and decorative LED lighting round things out. Making Clementine an ideal wedding venue if you have plans for live entertainment or a band.

An Intimate Cocktail Hour

What’s better than a venue with a dedicated social space? The Little Bird Lounge features built-in bistro tables and an elegant 20-foot marble bar. Perfect for a casual cocktail hour! An irregularly shaped room with original brickwork and arched windows, it’s a memorable backdrop for a wedding lounge. More specifically, the Pearce Lounge Furniture — a modular sofa easily manipulated to fit within any space. It pairs beautifully with our Gold Hammered Coffee Table.

When the weather is nice, take advantage of their Brash Courtyard, easily accessed through the lounge. Outfit the concrete-walled patio with trendy bistro tables and chairs. Such as our Acrylic Casper Square Back Barstool or Mid Century White Barstool. For an extra luxe look, be sure to grab a set of our Velvet Linens! They look especially charming during the fall, when the surrounding foliage is at its peak.

Shout out to Jordyn Smalling Photography for sharing the images from Katie and Drew’s wedding with us!

Ready to plan your wedding at The Clementine in Nashville? Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com for help recreating this elegant urban wedding. Or, for help bringing your unique vision to life!

In the heat of summer, there is nothing quite like a garden party – whether you are celebrating with family, friends, or even coworkers! An intimate celebration outdoors is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, with light bites, and tasty drinks gathered around a lawn game or two. Get inspired on how to host a colorful fete when you check out this city chic garden party at CJ’s Off the Square!

Summer Champagne Wall!

You don’t have to host a huge celebration in order to incorporate a ‘wow’ factor. Our boxwood walls are a simple addition that will uplevel any event. It is a fun way to greet your guests with appetizers or a cocktail, as seen with this popsicle champagne wall. Or, they can visit it later, to find a sweet treat or dessert. Like fresh donuts and milk or coffee! And, since they are easy to customize you can incorporate elegant decorations such as a neon sign or vibrant florals.

Chic Cocktail Lounges

A must-have for a cocktail hour is a social area, where guests can sit down and sip on their drinks for a while. Consider a bistro table or lounge areas, or even both! Feature a combination of our sofas, chairs, and accent tables to create a chic setup. Consider our Everly Sofa and Chairs, paired with a set of our Capriano Marble and Copper Accent Tables. We also recommend including a few of our colorful event rentals, whether you opt for a Vintage Rug or swap out the Everly Chairs for our Saylor Navy Velvet Chairs.

Don’t forget to grab a selection of our beautiful glassware for rent – to serve up colorful fruit-infused cocktails! If you won’t have a bar and would prefer a self-serve drink station, our Gold Beverage Jars are a stylish way to dish up big batch cocktails.

Intimate Yet Luxe Dining

If your goal is a true garden dinner party, with more than just appetizers, you’ll also need some elegant tablescapes. We have a variety of beautiful tables and linens for rent, an essential foundation for colorful event design. Start with our Kennedy Fawn or Dusty Blue Etched Velvet Linens. Pastels will lend color but allow vibrant floral centerpieces to shine! If you like the look of more layers, top it off with any of our chiffon runners. For serving ware, keep it simple but don’t be afraid of some texture. Check out our Rattan White Wash Chargers, which pair beautifully with any of our white china. For napkins, any of our luxe linens will do. We also recommend incorporating some pieces featuring metallic colors, whether it be our Austin Gold or Brushed Copper Flatware, for that chic touch. Maybe even our Vera Floral China!

A special thank you to Jenna Henderson Photo for sharing these photos with us!

Want to host your own garden party in Tennessee? Contact our team today for assistance, or for help choosing products that align with your event design!

​If you’ve been dreaming of an urban downtown wedding but want to create a warm & romantic space, then you can’t go wrong with an urban chic wedding at 14 Tenn! Featured in the modern & airy event space, our upscale lounge furniture and velvet linens make for a beautiful event design that combines a touch of both the old and new. Keep reading to check out our on-trend rentals, perfect for an elegant urban wedding in Downtown Nashville.

Modern Industrial Reception Tables

As far as receptions go, an elegant urban design is a great option for couples who prefer a romantic yet modern space. The classic elements and rich linens in the industrial venue only need the glow of candlelight. Mixing textures and keeping the colors neutral with a few pops of color creates a timeless event design.

For this style shoot, we featured two different styles of tables and place settings, one leaning towards a more industrial look and the other more modern. The industrial table started with our Fruitwood Farm Tables, complemented with contrasting Rattan White Washed Chargers and crisp white Darcy China. Round tables were outfitted with Velvet Driftwood Tablecloths, Scalloped Wood Chargers, and Artisan China. Bold pink napkins and sleek Brushed Copper Flatware were used for both tables!

Of course, we can’t forget a sweetheart table for the newlyweds, featuring especially elegant place settings. These stood out thanks to the Copper Glass Charger and Blair Geometric China. Whereas Tawny Satin Napkins and an Ivory Sahara Table Runner lent a romantic touch! The bride and groom sat comfortably on one of our most popular lounge pieces, the Tessa Tufted Linen Loveseat.

Classic + Elegant Wedding Lounge Area

With the open floor plan, there was no reason not to have a stylish lounge area for guests to convene around! This setup was elegantly modern with a timeless feel. It starred our Everly Sofa and matching chairs, along with the Blanche Coffee Table and Cheval Gold Mirror Side Tables. The metallic gold elevated this area, whereas a vintage Blush Rug kept the vibe cozy.

A special thank you to Wind and Gold Photography for sharing the photos from this event with us!

Love the look of this elegant urban wedding at 14 Tenn? Send our team a message at info@southerneventsonline.com for help recreating this design for your big day!

If you’ve been dreaming of an event that is equal parts moody and elegant, then you won’t want to overlook the boho luxe style. Featuring beautifully contrasting colors and geometric details. Keep reading for some boho luxe inspiration from a recent wedding we participated in at Saddlewood Farms in Tennessee.

Hosted on the grass lawn, the wedding ceremony was a classic bohemian affair with luxe decor. Guests were seated in our simple White Folding Chairs. While the aisle was lined with Cowhide Rugs and arrangements featuring dried palms and fresh roses. For a backdrop, the two opted for a solid black Triangle Wedding Arbor. It was the perfect choice to ensure that the two stood out against the lush forest.

Afterward, they retired to the large reception bar, where string lights dripped from the ceiling and walls. The space was practically glowing, with the most beautiful soft light. Guests were immediately greeted by our white Harpeth Curved Bar, making it approachable from any side. For a one-of-a-kind look, don’t forget to opt for a custom bar sign!

The dinner tables were outfitted in slick black linens with short floral centerpieces that lent a fun touch of texture. They were set with our Classic White Square China, Hammered Flatware, and Davis glassware. For linens, they opted for our stunning Azalea Poly, a moody yet feminine color. The couple’s sweetheart table was equally luxe, featuring our Fruitwood Farm Table with Ghost Acrylic Armless Chairs. Davis Glass Cylinders sat on the floor with pillar candles, making it especially romantic.

Of course, what is a wedding without designated areas for mingling? Flanking the bar was our sleek white Mercer Lounge. It was topped with matching florals and soft pillows – to make it extra cozy! To ensure guests could make full use of the lush event space, other small lounges sat just outside the barn. Including small accent tables, where people could set their food and drinks. They were decorated with pure black linens that manicured lawn.

Special shoutout to Brasspenny Photography for sharing the images from this pair’s day with us!

Love this boho-luxe inspiration? Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com & let’s start planning your own event! Or for more event inspo, take a look at our blog on bold boho diva or modern retro rentals.

With beautiful weather and stunning foliage, there’s no better time to host an outdoor wedding than the fall. Keeping reading to get inspired by fall garden weddings at CJ’s Off the Square. This outdoor wedding venue in Franklin, Tennesse is a beauty, where our team has enjoyed several opportunities to help couples design the fall wedding of their dreams. From which we’ve compiled some of our favorite color palettes and designs, featuring our modern event rentals.

Blush & Brown

A subtle palette, blush and brown are a trendy color palette for the fall that perfectly complements the season. It’s especially popular amongst brides who want a bohemian theme. While pink is feminine, brown (and white) will lend a timeless look. With this simple palette, you’ll want to add dimension via texture. Consider decorating our Cross or Wrought Iron Arch with pampas grass. For the reception and bistro tables, feature a mix of linens like our Light Pink Etched Velvet and Bloom Chiffon Runner. To keep the look modern, feature fun modern furniture, such as our Mid Century White Barstools.

Photos by Megan Beilfelt

Timeless Neutrals

If your goal is a timeless fall wedding, then you can’t go wrong with neutrals. Colors like white, ivory, and brown are beautiful, plus they’ll complement the seasonal foliage. This fall wedding featured a range of warm neutral shades, that lent a timeless rustic look. For this design, we recommend opting for detailed serving ware, so that your tables aren’t too plain. Consider the following tablescape with vintage inspiration, created using our Hob Nob Glassware, White Round China, and Belmont Chargers. To complement this table, we selected our elegant Cross-Back Chairs. Just don’t forget outdoor seating that will allow your guests to fully enjoy the outdoors, like our Sand Sutton Collection!

Photo by Brandon Chesbro / Jenna Henderson

Cool Blue Hues

A unique color palette for the fall, cool blue hues are often used for winter. But, they can provide some fun contrast next to the warm-toned foliage! The key to pulling off this palette is making sure that you incorporate some ivory or brown, versus just white. For example, check out this icy tablescape featuring our Alabaster China, London Fog Velvet Linens, White Chiffon Runners, and Bentwood Antique Chairs. The same applies to the lounge are we designed for the outdoor cocktail hour. Our Henley Grey Velvet Tufted Sofa is paired with Adeline Dining Chairs and Echo Silver Mirror Side Tables.

Photos Abigail Lewis

Love the look of these fall garden weddings?  We would love to help plan your autumn nuptials, whether or not they’ll take place at CJ’s Off the Square. Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com & let’s start planning! Or for more event inspo, take a look at our blog on earth-toned party rentals.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Photo by John Myers 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.

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.

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!

Photo by Gipe Photography

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!