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!

If you’re on the hunt for an all-inclusive farm wedding venue, look no further than Pinewood Retreat! Located in College Grove, Tennessee (adjacent to Franklin, TN), it is surrounded by lush agricultural surroundings. The contemporary venue, however, is suitable for a range of events, whether you want to host a chic open-air event or a modern indoor celebration. To help spark some creativity, here are just a few ideas for hosting a wedding at Pinewood Retreat.

Lush Outdoor Ceremony

For couples who want to eliminate travel between multiple venues, Pinewood Retreat functions as a dual ceremony and reception site. Host your nuptials in a private magnolia tree garden, where you will enjoy a backdrop of organic greenery and mature trees. Our popular Cross-back chairs are a gorgeous choice for this wedding venue, as shown below. Or opt for our Classic Fruitwood Folding Chairs.

Poolside Cocktail Hour

Following your ceremony, treat your guests to a cocktail hour in the nearby pavilion. It opens out onto a pristine blue pool, making it a fun location for warm-weather celebrations. A stylish bar designed to match the hedge wall and works well with nature-inspired celebrations! This spacious area can be set up with a number of bistro tables or lounge area, where guests can enjoy a drink and mingle. To complement the modern space and bright pool, consider a set of our beautiful blue linens.

Chic Tented Reception

Capable of hosting up to 300 of your friends and family, the manicured lawn is perfect for a tented reception. Here our Hexagon Frame Tent looks stunning! Beneath it, there is plenty of room for round dining tables, as well as a Plank Wood dance floor for a long night of dancing. The tablescape shown below features our Alabaster China, Hammered Flatware, Pure Glassware, and white linens. A chic design such as this is a beautiful way to contrast the lush lawn!

The open space at Pinewood Retreat is especially ideal for those who want to incorporate lounge areas. Placed outside of the tent, it is a great way to encourage guests to roam and mingle. You can take advantage of our existing lounge packages, or create one of your own!

Designated Children’s Area

To accommodate younger guests, consider a stylish children’s seating area. Create a fun designated dining and play area on the expansive lawn beneath our Hexagon Tent. Featuring children’s furniture, such as our Fruitwood Farm Table and Cross-back chairs, it is cozy yet stylish. Our team would love to help you come up with a unique children’s area that aligns with your unique wedding style or theme!

Ready to plan your wedding at Pinewood Retreat? 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!

In search of a secluded country atmosphere for your future wedding? Located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Saddle Woods Farm is a Southern old-style cedar wood barn situated on 25 beautiful acres. To help inspire you for your event, check out a variety of ways that you can dress up this stunning Tennessee wedding venue, featuring our modern & stylish rentals.

Modern & Minimalistic Neutrals

One of our favorite wedding trends is neutral wedding palettes, which lend a timeless look to any event! This style is easy to pull off at The Barn, full of warm woods and southern charm. For this tablescapes, we featured our Glass Charger with a Gold Rim, Alabaster China, Austin Gold Flatware, Colored Glassware & Pure Glassware. The simple but luxe centerpieces were made using voluminous arrangements of pampas grass and our sleek Davis Glass Cylinders. With their large vaulted ceiling, we can’t resist going big with decor!

Bright & Bold

If you’re a couple who wants a less traditional look, we say rock some bright and bold colors! The warm tones at Saddle Wood, provided by cedarwood and iron details, contrast beautifully with bright shades. The following boho-inspired table packs a fun punch of color via our Burnt Orange Poly Table Linen and gold metallic accents. For a chic statement lounge area, check out our Saylor Navy Velvet Chairs, paired with a set of elegant Rhodes Side Tables and trendy Gloria Velvet Ottoman. It’s the perfect mix of both bold and classic colors.

Dark, Moody & Chic

While Saddle Woods has more rustic elements, tt looks equally gorgeous when outfitted with our luxe black rentals. Although non-traditional, this color is sure to lend a moody yet chic vibe to your event and the space. Below is a luxe sweetheart table paired with our contemporary Acrylic Ghost Armchairs. Behind it, you’ll notice a small lounge made with our stylish Regent Black Velvet Sofa and Echo Silver Mirror Side Tables. For the dinner table check out our Glass Charger with a Silver Rim, Onyx & Stone China, Hammered Flatware. The Black Nova Linens and a dab of pink in the centerpiece add a small touch of whimsy.

Classic Romance

Should you prefer a traditional wedding look, then you’ll love this romantic set up. With the cedar rafters decorated with string lights, greenery and blush drapery, the Barn looks absolutely magical. To complement it, we dressed the reception tables in a mix of both burgundy and blush linens surrounded by cozy social areas. These areas feature our cowhide rugs and Conga Gold Drum Side Table as well as Bennett Leather Sofa, Grey London Loveseat and  Cheval Gold Side Tables.

Photo by SheHeWe Photography

Luxe Outdoor Lounges

Of course, you have to take advantage of the lush landscape, which is perfect for an outdoor lounge area. Depending on the season in which you host your event, why not host a cocktail hour outside? You can easily create a variety of stylish wedding lounges, whether you want a look that is more moody, modern or chic. The following layouts include a set of our Acrylic Ghost Armchairs, Nickel Grey Bench and Regent Black Velvet Sofas.

For these smaller areas, starring bistro and accent tables, seating is more minimal. See below our favorite White Eiffel Arm Chairs and Acrylic Casper Square Barstools! For additional texture, consider using our sequin table linens or etched velvet linens.

Planners: Southern Honey Events & Erin Lynn Events

Photographer: Nyk & Cali

Florals: Amy & I Designs & Larson Floral Co.

Lighting: Nashville Event Lighting

Signs: White Ink Calligraphy

Ready to plan your wedding at Saddle Woods Farm? Contact our team at info@southerneventsonline.com for help recreating one of these luxe looks, or for guidance in creating your very own!

Victoria and Ben’s rustic chic wedding at 14Tenn in Nashville, Tennessee was a breath of fresh air. They carefully selected their decor and which colors to feature for a beautiful mix of bright whites and muted warm-toned neutrals. Get inspired for your own event with this luxe reception decor, including neutral themed tablescapes.

While some couples want a table to make them stand out, Victoria and Ben opted for a more understated look. We paired our Fruitwood Farm Table with classic folding chairs. Meanwhile, our Davis Glass Cylinders were used to cast a warm glow around the two. 14Tenn’s elegant event space made for a simple but beautiful backdrop.

The first place setting we created was designed for long wooden tables. The use of our bright Darcy China as a base ensured that they stood out against the dark colors. While our Blair Geometric China and Hammered Flatware were a luxe metallic touch. We opted to feature our Carly Glassware, which is sleek with a thick base.

To complement the warm tones of their overall design, they opted to use our Fruitwood Folding Chairs. They pair beautifully with any wood table. To draw from the rustic elements, galvanized chairs were added to the mix.

For the round tables, we created a separate but complementary place setting. Featuring the same Darcy China and Hammered Flatware, but with a different gold accent plate. In this case, our chic Kate Polka Dot China. It was all placed on our stunning Grey Nova linens.

It was a joy to work with Victoria and Ben to create the wedding reception of their dreams! We wish them a long and happy lifetime together.

Photos: Teale Photography

Planning & Florals: Still Weddings & Events

Want to feature some of these rustic chic rentals at your next event or for an upcoming Nashville wedding? Contact our team to secure your rentals today!

A smaller wedding does not mean smaller style! To help inspire you, we’re sharing a handful of ways that you can pull off a small, yet elegant intimate wedding, featuring wedding design ideas from a recent styled shoot at the bright and airy boutique Noelle Hotel in Nashville.

Up Close and Personal

By far the most rewarding aspect of hosting an intimate wedding is that you can be truly yourself, as you will be most comfortable amongst the special few whom you invited. With less people around, your guests will also feel more connected to you, as they witness this milestone in your lives and share in your emotions. As shown with our Harlin Chairs, create a seating area that allows everyone to see, hear and be a part of the intimate ceremony.

Photos by Sigourney Hermann Photography

Elegant Place Settings

When it comes to planning a small wedding, you can still make a statement! Take the elegant table setting we created, which includes our Gold Austin Flatware, Glass Mosaic China, Glass Charger with Gold Rim, and White Round China. It absolutely POPs on the rich Blue Velvet Linens! We were also careful in our choice of Cybil Glassware which, while slightly more whimsical, still fits into the overall aesthetic.

Make the Most of Your Venue

Often times, couples who host an intimate wedding will utilize the same space for both their ceremony and reception. This will save you the effort and cost of a secondary event space, and allow you to make the most of the venue you truly love. Take this into consideration when researching potential venues, as a large enough area can accommodate both the weddings ceremony seating and dinner tables. If everything can be set up from the get-go, there will be less hustle and bustle to rearrange furniture when it comes time to eat.

Splurge on Special Touches

One benefit of opting for a smaller-scale affair is that you will have the budget to splurge on items or elements that you love, like our comfy and downright beautiful Tabby Tufted Grey Linen Loveseat. These special touches can be an item that sparks joy for you or is simply more convenient. Take the opportunity to treat yourself and your loved ones to a special space.

Are you ready to start planning the details and design of your intimate wedding? Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com.

With natural light pouring into the wedding venue from all angles, 14Tenn in Nashville, Tennessee is a sought-after event space for holding weddings and events of all shapes and sizes. As one of the venue’s exclusive vendors, we adore designing and dressing this space with our unique wedding and party rentals. The gorgeous, well-lit event venue becomes something new each and every time we get the opportunity to create events there. Crisp white walls, warm wood floors, and obscenely large windows create the perfect canvas.

For a recent style shoot with Styled Shoots Across America, we had the opportunity to create a luxe and inviting wedding look at this Middle Tennessee wedding venue. Our Saylor Navy Velvet Sofa and Chairs brought a welcome pop of color to the serene and modern space. We added our Navy Rug for warmth and comfort (guests always love an inviting space to sit and chat). When working with white walls and wood floors, we jump at the chance to bring in gold accents. The color combination always creates a swoon-worthy – almost ethereal – look that brides and grooms look for on their wedding day. We brought in our Gold Chiavari Chairs to evoke that magical, blissful feeling that all wedding days should have!

For the wedding reception portion of the design, we combined rustic elements with rich, warm colors. Our Fruitwood Farm Table and mismatched white vintage chairs were both inviting and rustic. To up the elegance a bit, we added Magnolia Green Velvet Linens, Hob Nob Glassware, and Gold Accent China.

Photography by Cee Cee Photography.

14Tenn in Nashville, Tennessee is a creative blend of natural light and blank spaces. We’d love to help you get started designing an event at this gorgeous venue! Send us a message at info@southerneventsonline.com.

We adore dressing fabulous Nashville area venues in Southern Events rentals, and Long Hollow Gardens is one of our absolute favorites. Long Hollow Gardens is a super unique event venue. It is actually a greenhouse! Couples can achieve that “outdoor wedding” feel with all of the comfort of remaining indoors (think gorgeous summer wedding without all the heat!). Oh, and don’t forget about the exquisite natural light pouring into the venue. On this 35 acre property, you’ll find a vineyard, their Farmhouse Bridal Cottage, and Hearthroom Barn. With enough space for 200 guests, it’s a great venue for weddings and events of all sizes.

Our neutral, natural rentals really shine at Long Hollow Gardens. The Cross-Back Chairs look tailor-made for this venue and are incredibly inviting paired with ivory linens. When outfitting the Greenhouse, we typically stick to neutral color palettes in order to let nature shine. From the Bennett Leather Sofa to the Fruitwood Farm Table, many of our rentals look as if they belong at this one-of-a-kind venue. However, we are not opposed to dreaming up a colorful look with our Saylor Velvet Furniture rentals. We are in love with how this location serves as a backdrop for pretty much any dreamy look a couple could conjure up.

Be sure to visit their website to learn more about hosting your Southern event at this greenhouse venue. Photos by Julie Paisley.

If you are hosting an event in one of Nashville’s finest venues, we’d love to take the rentals off your plate. Send our team a message at info@southerneventsonline.com.