Destination Wedding in East Tennessee

10 Things Every Bride Should Consider When Planning a Destination Wedding in East Tennessee

Here are 10 things every bride should consider when planning a destination wedding in East Tennessee. East Tennessee is a beautiful and popular destination for weddings, with stunning scenery, charming towns, and a variety of venues to choose from. If you’re planning a destination wedding in East Tennessee, there are a few things you’ll need to consider.

1. Your budget.

Destination weddings can be more expensive than weddings in your hometown, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it.

2. Time of year.

East Tennessee is a beautiful place to visit year-round, but the best time to have a destination wedding is during the spring or fall. The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the scenery is simply stunning.

3. Guest list.

When planning a destination wedding, you’ll need to consider how many guests you want to invite. If you’re inviting a lot of people, you’ll need to factor in the cost of travel and accommodations.

4. Venue.

There are a variety of wedding venues to choose from in East Tennessee, from rustic cabins to elegant ballrooms. When choosing a venue, you’ll need to consider the size of your guest list, your budget, and your desired style.

5. Food.

Food is an important part of any wedding, and it’s especially important for a destination wedding. You’ll want to choose a caterer that can offer delicious food that will appeal to your guests.

6. Activities.

In addition to the wedding itself, you’ll also need to plan some activities for your guests. East Tennessee is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, so you could plan hiking, biking, or fishing excursions.

7. Transportation.

If your guests are traveling from out of town, you’ll need to provide transportation to and from the wedding venue. You could arrange for shuttle buses or taxis, or you could even rent a trolley.

8. Accommodations.

You’ll need to book accommodations for your guests, and you’ll want to make sure there are enough rooms available. You could book rooms at a hotel, a bed and breakfast, or a vacation rental.

9. Logistics.

There are a lot of logistics involved in planning a destination wedding, so it’s important to start planning early. You’ll need to book the venue, the caterer, the photographer, and the florist well in advance.

10. The fun!

Planning a destination wedding can be a lot of work, but it should also be a lot of fun. Enjoy the process and celebrate your love with your closest friends and family.

Checklist for Planning a Destination Wedding in East Tennessee
  1. Set a budget and stick to it.

  2. Choose the time of year for your wedding.

  3. Create a guest list and send out save-the-dates.

  4. Book your venue.

  5. Choose your caterer.

  6. Book your photographer and videographer.

  7. Find a florist.

  8. Book your transportation.

  9. Book your accommodations.

  10. Plan some activities for your guests.

  11. Send out invitations.

  12. Order your wedding bands.

  13. Book your honeymoon.

  14. Get your marriage license.

  15. Finalize your wedding details.

  16. Relax and enjoy your wedding!

Line Item Budget for a Destination Wedding in East Tennessee
  • Venue rental: $10,000

  • Food and drinks: $5,000

  • Photography: $3,000

  • Videography: $2,000

  • Flowers: $1,000

  • Ceremony and reception decorations: $500

  • Wedding attire: $2,000

  • Transportation: $1,000

  • Accommodations: $3,000

  • Honeymoon: $5,000

  • Miscellaneous: $1,000

Total: $28,500

This is just a sample budget, and your actual costs may vary depending on the size and scope of your wedding. However, it should give you a good starting point for planning your budget.

Here are some tips for creating a budget for your destination wedding:
  • Start by setting a realistic budget. How much money do you and your partner realistically have to spend on your wedding? Once you know your budget, you can start to make decisions about the size and scope of your wedding.

  • Be specific about your expenses. When you’re creating your budget, be as specific as possible about your expenses. This will help you to track your spending and stay on budget.

  • Leave room for unexpected expenses. Even if you have a detailed budget, there will always be unexpected expenses. Be sure to leave some money in your budget for these unexpected costs.

  • Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to be flexible with your budget. If something unexpected comes up, be willing to adjust your budget accordingly.

Planning a destination wedding can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. By creating a budget and being prepared for unexpected expenses, you can help to ensure that your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of.

Top 10 Wedding Venue Destinations in East Tennessee
  • The Inn at Blackberry Farm – A luxurious resort in Walland, Tennessee, with stunning mountain views.

  • The Biltmore Estate – A massive estate in Asheville, North Carolina, with over 250 rooms and 8,000 acres of land.

  • The Island Home – A historic mansion in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a beautiful garden and waterfront views.

  • The Old City in Knoxville – A charming historic district in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a variety of restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

  • The Point – A waterfront wedding venue in Knoxville, Tennessee, with stunning views of the Tennessee River.

  • The Ridges – A historic campus in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a variety of outdoor spaces and historic buildings.

  • The Smoky Mountain Brewery – A brewery and restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with a large outdoor patio and stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.

  • The Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort – A resort in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with a variety of indoor and outdoor wedding venues.

  • The Cove at Blackberry Farm – A secluded wedding venue in Walland, Tennessee, with stunning mountain views and a variety of outdoor spaces.

Irvey’s Ice Cream Truck would be thrilled to cater your destination wedding in East Tennessee.  For further information about catering and prices please contact us or check out our catering page.