If you have never planned a wedding, it can be very easy to underestimate what a wedding will cost.  The photos in blogs and on Pinterest don't include the price tag.

Check out the website Cost of Wedding.  Enter your zipcode and you can see averages for your area.  Or on the Wedding Cost Estimator to enter specific information about your wedding details for a more exact estimate.  Every bride should look at this before she begins planning.   Knowing the average or the range that items costs can prevent disappointment and make couples smarter about their spending decisions.

I did an estimate for an average bride.  Here is the breakdown.

Your Wedding Cost Estimate for Williamson County, TN

Your Estimated Cost: $27,613

Guests: 150

Estimated Cost Per Guest: $184

Averages In Williamson TN (County)

Cost: $26,531 to $44,218

Guests: 148 to 168

View full details online

	Your Estimated Cost
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase	$216
Wedding Dress/es	$1,284
Attire & Accessories Total:	$1,500 - 5.4% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Hair Service	$73
Makeup Service	$58
Beauty & Spa Total:	$131 - 0.5% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
DJ	$768
Entertainment Total:	$768 - 2.8% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Boutonnieres, Corsages	$140
Bridal Bouquet	$151
Bridesmaid Bouquets	$184
Event Decorations	$492
Event Flower Arrangements	$533
Event Table Centerpieces	$366
Flowers & Decorations Total:	$1,866 - 6.8% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Ceremony Programs	$112
Guest Book	$63
Invitations & Reply Cards	$261
Reception Menus	$117
Table Name and Escort/place Cards	$80
Invitations Total:	$633 - 2.3% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Digital or Photo cd/dvd	$356
Wedding Photographer	$1,823
Wedding Videographer	$1,153
Photography & Video Total:	$3,332 - 12.1% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Full Service	$3,845
Planner/Consultant Total:	$3,845 - 13.9% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Ceremony Officiator	$214
Event Accessories	$360
Event Bar Service	$2,584
Event Food Service	$5,004
Event Location	$3,689
Event Rentals	$1,793
Hotel Room for After Reception	$327
Limo Rental	$526
Rehearsal Dinner	$598
Wedding Cake/dessert	$443
Venue, Catering & Rentals Total:	$15,538 - 56.3% of Total

Hope and Jason's wedding was all about enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.  They all gathered at a venue north of Nashville.  The fall weather was amazing for their outdoor event.

The ceremony took place on the dock with friends and family watching from the bank.  Guests sat on hay bales covered with burlap or quilts.

Since the couple didn't want to do a first look, they each stood on either side of the door and held hands for a moment which resulted in this adorable shot. 

With a color scheme of purple and green and the girls in their boots, the venue was a perfect choice.  

This amazing old truck belonged to the groom father.  

Wine bottles made for a fun guest book that the couple will enjoy for years. 

After dinner was dessert...and there were lots of great options.

The brides cake...

The grooms cake as well as cupcakes in a jar. The cupcakes were great!

Later the ice cream truck came by...

Guests had a great time dancing the night away on the upstairs deck. 

Since the groom worked with beekeeping, the favors were small jars of honey and the gift went into a bee box.  So cute!

Instead of the traditional send off...the couple had guests throw popcorn.... it was a sea of popcorn coming down and the bride and groom loved it.

One last photo....

Hope & Jason - Wedding Highlights from Golden Cinema on Vimeo.

Vendors

Venue: Sycamore Springs

Catering: Kathy's Sugar and Spice

Photography: Funky Diva Photography

Videography: Golden Cinema

I knew when I met Sarah and Steve that their wedding would be fun! Well fun is an understatement; I think some of the guests called it epic.  Since most of their guests were coming from out of town they wanted to throw them a party, including both traditional elements as well as non-traditional ones.

Their wedding adventure started in downtown Nashville with the cityscape as a background for some great photos and a sweet first look.  Check out the fabulous mismatched bridesmaid dresses!

They and their bridal party enjoyed traveling around the city before their journey led them north to a rural retreat for them and their guests. (And being late because of a marching band competition, lol) With guests arriving from around the country, the couple wanted the day to be an enjoyable fun filled day with Nashville “country” charm. 

After arriving at Smiley Hollow, the ceremony took place in front of the large stone fireplace. 

The couple was so happy they literally skipped down the aisle when the left  :) 

Guests then enjoyed the food and BBQ made onsite. Beer steins and mason jars were provided for family and friends.   

DIY signs made from painted mirrors added to the decor.  The wagons and vintage signs are all part of Smiley Hollows charm. 

Instead of wedding cake, the birde chose to offer guests Danish Kringle from near her hometown in Wisconsin. 

The couple included their adorable dog in the festivities.  

Family and friends provided the entertainment with different music groups performing for the guests.  

The DIY photo booth from picture frames and props was a hit with the guests.

Vendors:

Photography: Rory White  http://rorywhite.com

Venue: Smiley Hollow  http://www.smileyhollow.com/

Florals: Thomas Michael

Have you seen the colors for spring 2014?

Dazzling Blue is the color for spring.  The collection includes a nice selection of both pastels and bolder shades.  They combine well together or with other pastels for that soft spring look.   Some of these colors have been influenced by the Royal family while others from Old World elegance with a few taken from nature.

I can already see these colors influencing spring and summer weddings. 

Updated January 2020

If you are a bride on a budget, here are some venues around Nashville that will help you save. There may be trade-offs such as fewer amenities or more restrictions.

1. The Martin Center

Located in Brentwood.   This facility is a community center, but offers facility rentals after hours and weekends. 

Notes: Includes tables and chairs for 200

2. Cool Springs House

Located in Brentwood.  This old home in Crockett Park is a beautiful setting for a smaller wedding.

Notes: Some tables and chairs.  No dancing in the house.  

3. Cedar Forest Lodge

Located in Cedars of Lebanon Park.  This historic lodge holds 80 guests in a rustic and natural setting

Notes: Includes tables and chairs for 80.  Books up very early.

Other great state parks are Fall Creek Falls and Henry Horton

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4. The Foundry

Located in Nashville.  This historic, artsy building can hold up to 150 guests. 

Notes: Has a few tables.  No alcohol allowed.

5. Amqui Station

Located in Madison.  This historic train station has a large outdoor pavilion that holds 200 seated.

Notes: Will need to follow the facility policies.  Tables and linens available for rent.    

6. Smiley Hollow

Located in Goodlettsville.  This venue includes indoor and outdoor space as well as catering.  Includes tables, benches, food and non-alcoholic drinks. 

7. Stone Hall

Located in Hermitage.  This historic house starts at $150 an hour.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase something. However, it will not cost you anything extra. We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that links to Amazon.com

8. Monthaven

Located in Hendersonville.  This old plantation house is used used as an art gallery. 

9. Camp Marymount

This summer camp location has a lodge, chapel and cabins .   

10. Fiddlers Grove

An historical village with multiple locations for weddings. 

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This Houston Station Nashville wedding was both simple and beautiful.  The bride wanted to throw a fun get together for her out of town guests to welcome them to town.

Look at this sweet first look.

The ceremony was held at a nearby church.

Beautiful touches were everywhere.

Look at this adorable seating chart cards

Look at these fun details that were captured before the wedding:

The bride and groom and their bridal party snapped a few photos and then the party started.

Afterward the bride and groom made a beautiful escape.

Vendors:

Photographer: Betsy Limbaugh

Reception: Houston Station Nashville

Catering: Chef and I

Flowers: Belles Fleurs

Cake: Beckers Bakery

Rentals: Southern Events

Almost every engaged couple creates their own wedding website.  However, there are so many websites that can help you with every aspect of your wedding from floorplans to decor to apparel.   Here are some popular ones and some you may not have heard of.

Planning
Here are some of the best websites to help you plan your wedding everything from finding vendors to managing guest lists.

Perfect Wedding Guide:  This site offers ebooks, planning tools and a mobile app.

My Wedding: Here you can collect ideas, manage your budget and create your own website.

My Wedding Workbook: Create a wedding website, share inspiration boards and manage RSVP's.


Inspiration

Lover.ly:  Discover wedding trends, explore by category or color.

Cloud Parade: Search and shop by color, style or category

Refinery29: This wedding section offer how-tos, inspiration and shopping


Community

Wedding Bee Offers the best online community and blogging brides

Offbeat Bride The site for brides who celebrate everything offbeat and unique.


Classifieds

Bravo Bride: Good deals on new and used wedding supplies

Recycle your Wedding:  Buy and sell in this community.  No fees.

OnceWed: In addition to DIY wedding inspiration, you can find used wedding dresses.

Tradesy:  Fashion resale made easy


Photos

WedPics This site gives you both a website and an app to collect guest photos

GuestShots Lets your collects photos and videos from your wedding guests

I was honored to be asked to help contribute to the Grand Opening of the new Grays on Main in Franklin.  The event was amazing. Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds turned out to tour the building.

Photo: Jill Begin

A video was shown about some of the history of Gray's drugstore.

Photo: Jill Begin

And then came the countdown to the lighting of the iconic sign. 

Photo: Jill Begin

I had so much fun designing this tent and helping with the ice cream floats that were given to guests.  Some of the Gray's staff was dressed in vintage style clothes of the 50's.

Some of fun details:

Some of the hardworking staff staying very busy. 

Be sure to visit Gray's, taste the amazing food and pick up a t-shirt.

Rachel and Steven were married on a family farm in Alabama south of Huntsville.  Rachel pulled a lot of the inspiration for the flowers from natural and wild looking flowers.  She chose a color scheme of brown, green and orange with white as a background.

Coffebreak roses, green mini poms, baby kale( specifically in her bouquet), hypernium berries, billy balls and Queen Anne's lace were some of the beautiful flowers in her bouquet and centerpieces.   I had so much fun creating all the floral arrangements for this wedding.   

Succulents

 and flowers from the family garden were placed in small pots for favors for the guests. 

A tractor was brought out for a fun and hands-on photo booth. 

The evening was filled with fun and dancing as the sun set across the pastures.  

Vendors:

Flowers: Events by Elaine

Cake: Crazy Daisy Cakes

Catering: Ashley's Creative Catering

Photographer: B&B Portraits - Michael Saliba

Videographer:  B&B Portraits

DJ: Zoot Suite Riot

While this book is not wedding themed, it is a great gift for newlyweds or for the girl who is always throwing parties.

One of my favorite sections is the introduction.  There are tons of great tips, planning styles, how to use lighting and decor as well as food and drink ideas.

Instead of breaking down the book by styles, she organizes it by type of party.

• Lighthearted Going-Away Roast
• Yen-for-Zen Garden Get-Together
• Martini Birthday Bash
• Guys-Only Scotch & Cigars Gathering
• Tween Spa Birthday
• Meet & Potatoes Dinner Party
• Sophisticated Retro Baby Shower
• Elegant Thanksgiving Potluck
• Swashbuckling Walk-the-Plank Pirate Party
• Holiday Coffee Drop-In

Every party contains an idea board, tips to make this party fabulous, centerpieces, recipes, how-to projects, happy accidents and much more.

Get this book now:  You're So Invited: Panic Less, Play More, and Get Your Party On!

Unless it is in your contract, you are not obligated to tip anyone. Tipping is optional.  It is a way to say thank-you for exceptional service or going above and beyond.  You are not expected to tip business owners; a positive review online or thank-you note is always appreciated.  You should tip just their employees or staff.  However, you can tip anyone when the service exceeds your expectations.

I hope you had a chance to visit Homestead Manor during their open house.  This venue is now open for weddings and events.

I joined many wonderful vendors to create the experience that evening.  My main contribution was staging and design as well as a few small floral arrangements.

Maury Light Artillery sent reenactors in period clothing to greet the guests and mingle around the grounds.

Photo: Michelle Richardson

Photo: Nicole Scholz

Upstairs a cigar girl, was the hostess.

Photo: Tennessean - John Partipilo

The manor was open for visitors to explore.  Each room had its own decor and feel.

Photo: Nicole Scholz

The whimsical dessert room.  Look at the cake from Eat the Art...

Photo: Nicole Scholz

The beautiful rustic elegant room in a lovely white and silver color palette.

Photo: Michelle Richardson

Photo: Michelle Richardson

Outside the house, Bright Events provided lighting as well as some fun signs.

There was simple decor scattered around the grounds.

As well as beautiful food displays and decor from Clemmie Grace Designs. 

As well as the food truck, local wine, beer and other refreshments.

Photo: Nicole Scholz

Check out this video from John Jordan Films:

Homestead Manor Open House Promotion from John Jordan Films on Vimeo.

It is very common is many ceremonies to have a symbol of the unity of the couple.  This is commonly a unity candle or a sand ceremony.   However, a trend that is both new and thousands of years old is appearing in ceremonies - the salt covenant.

The Covenant of Salt ceremony is used in many Biblical traditions. Salt is referred to in the Bible many times, since it was a very important and valued commodity.   The salt covenant in Bible times was a covenant of loyalty.  

Salt is used because historically salt was priceless and sometimes more valuable than gold. Men were paid for their labor in salt. We still have the word “salary” from the Latin word for salt because Roman soldiers were paid partly in salt.  This history also created the saying "...not worth his salt."

In the Bible, when a contract was made, each party would recite the details of the covenant, put a pinch of salt into the others pouch of salt, and then shake the pouches. It was said that when each grain of salt could be sorted, identified, and returned to the rightful owner, the contract could be broken.  So, once the covenant of loyalty was spoken and made, it was bound on earth and recorded in heaven.  

Check out this salt covenant set on Etsy

On May 2nd, Homestead Manor will be hosting an open house to celebrate its reopening.  Join them as they reveal the updates to the manor and feature preferred vendors and some amazing sponsors.

There will be complimentary champagne, appetizers, valet, music, dancing and much more.  Beer, wine, cocktails and additional food will be available for purchase with the proceeds benefiting the Heritage Foundation.

May 2, 2013

6pm - 11pm

Thompson Station, TN

Sponsor List:

Event Hospitality, LLC
Puckett's Restaurant
Southern Events
Classic Party Rentals
Grand Ave Limo
High Tone Entertainment
Events by Elaine
Bright Event Productions
Java Breeze
Playing by Air
Nationwide Valet
Maury Light Artillery
Nicole Scholz Photography
Mdr Photography
Sweet Ndulgence
John Jordan Films
Monty McInterff
Best Bet
Nashville Audio Visual
Center for Arts
Royal Flush
Lulu Franklin
Pour Taste
Eat the Art
Cigar Station
Exquisite Events
TN Chocolatier
Lipman Brothers
Collier & McKeel
Gordon Food Service
Clemmie Grace Designs

Located about 45 minutes south of Nashville, the area around Columbia TN has a wonderful small town feel.    There are a variety of different venues in and around Columbia and surrounding area.  Here is a collection of venues sorted by location.  

If you are planning a wedding or event, contact me for more detailed information about these and other venues that will fit your event. 

Updated 2022: This list has been updated to add and remove available venues. 

Columbia:

Meadow Hill Farm
A newly renovated 100 year old farm is the perfect place for your nuptials. This gorgeous location can hold 200 guests. 

Puckets Events
Pucketts in Columbia has a restaurant and upstairs event space - Guitar and Cadillac Hall.  This restaurant can seat 120 while the upstairs space can hold 250.  

Memorial Building
This building has been hosting community events since the 1940s. 

Cranford Hollow
A modern, beautiful white barn set on a lovely farm with amazing views. Includes tables and chairs as well as a bride and groom quarters with great views. Grab our free guide to planning your wedding at Cranford Hollow.

Mule Town Lumberyard
This old lumberyard has been restored into a warehouse venue for up to 100 guests. 

Antrim
With 300 acres and a historic brick home, there is something for every bride. 

Ridley 4H Center
This campus has a dining hall, ampitheater, gazebo, and lodge to hold your event from 30 - 400

The Blue Barn
A beautiful large barn set in a rural location. 

Natchez Hills Vineyard
Southwest of Columbia, Surrounded by vines, this venue offer indoor and outdoor spaces as well as inclusive packages.

Hay Long Chapel
In nearby Mt Pleasant, this historic chapel is a great place for small weddings

Black Twig Farms
A beautiful setting for outdoor weddings and ceremonies

The Barn on Bear Creek
A barn venue a few minutes from the interstate.

To the East (Culleoka and Lewisburg)

Cypress Barn at Miller Lake
A large barn with a beautiful setting by the lake.  

Double Creek Farm
A beautiful large new white barn set in the country with a large patio and outdoor fireplace.

Flat Rock Farm
A horse farm in Lewisburg offer rustic elegance

Cascata Springs
An Italian inspired villa by the water

 Echo Valley Farm
A rustic cattle farm offers a farm setting for your event.

Venue 111
A restored 100 year old building on the square in Lewisburg.

To the South (Pulaski and Lynnville)

Milky Way Farm
This farm, built by Frank Mars the founder of Mars Candy offers a large expanse of acreage, multiple barns, a chapel and a mansion to choose from. 

Circle G Ranch
A large equestrian farm with multiple barns and venue options

Rose Marry Farms
A century old restored barn is the background for your special day. 

 Hardy Chambers Farmhouse
This restored 1800’s farmhouse offers a picturesque setting for your event

To the North (Spring Hill & Thompson Station)

Homestead Manor
This space offers an event barn, outdoor spaces, and a historic manor.

Rippavilla Plantation
A historic plantation with beautiful indoor spots for photos and multiple large outdoor spaces. 

Towee Club
This golf course and banquet space is available for your event

Allenbrooke Farms
A 70 acre farm is home to a large modern climate controlled barn.  Lots of beautiful decor and upgrades available.

Venue at Birchwood
This modern barn also offers a charming stone chapel for your ceremony as well as a modern barn with tables and chairs.

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When I first met Kristen and Lance, the first thing I noticed was, of course, the fact that they are stunning.  Then, once I got to know them, I realized that they are even more beautiful on the inside.  They are sweet and fun.

Kristen was in love with all things sparkly and fun, along with a good dose of purple.  Lance came from a family heritage of music and continued the tradition by singing in his own band. 

Kristen had her bouquet custom made with brooches from her grandmother and relatives.

After a first look, they took some time to take some amazing photos!

After the ceremony, guests went to the Westbury House in Columbia, TN. The reception was filled with purple accents and a stunning purple candy bar.   

Old family records were used as a guest book:

The brides cake included more brooches from her family and the grooms cake was a record.

A live band was at the reception and the groom took time to sing for his guests. 

After the reception, sparklers helped cheer the bride and groom to their exit in "Bessie" the awesome '55 Ford Customline

Here is a sneak peek from the after session - Kristen is breathtaking!!

Vendors:

Planner: Events by Elaine 

Photographer: Visions by Valeisha

Ceremony: Maury Hills Church

Reception: Westbury House

Catering: Classic Catering by Julie

Lighting & Videography: Osborne Studio

Bouquet: Whim Wed

Floral: Columbia Carriage House

Cake: The Sweet Life