Having a Destination Nashville Wedding or Have Many Out-of-Town Guests? We’ve Got Expert Advice!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
As a bride who had a lot of guest who traveled to Nashville for my wedding, I can't say that I was the most thoughtful bride. My reception venue required a 20 minute drive from my ceremony location. I did set up a wedding website that included some directions but I didnt really give my guests ideas for local activities. I did make sure my guests enjoyed a cocktail reception while we took formal photos. I also choose a hotel that offered a free breakfast the morning after my wedding. (That was one of my better decisions actually.!) Overall, I'd give myself a B-. I simply just didnt think all of how I could have made different decisions that would have been good for me and for my guests. their needs through. But when you know better, you should do better.
What I now know is that when you are planning a destination Nashville wedding or are catering to many out of town guests, it's important to start with a solid game plan that considers your guests and makes their journey to your wedding as easy and enjoyable as possible. But how do you do that?
I reached out to Jalessa of the Nashville City Club for advice on weddings with a large number of out of town guests. As an all-inclusive wedding location in the heart of Nashville, they attract a large share of out of town brides who 1) love Nashville and have chosen our city for their big day 2) prefer a central, downtown venue and 3) are planning remotely and need a strong team that knows Nashville to help with details. With their expert help, you should have a much better luck planning your destination Nashville wedding and accomodating your out of town guests.
Above images: The Collection
Above images: Dove Wedding Photography
Above images: Scoobie Photographic Images
Above image: Kery Woo Photography
What should brides consider as they plan a destination Nashville wedding or if they anticipate a good number of out of town guests?
- All inclusive venues - They will make it easier as you plan. They are less work for the bride and groom. Unless you go with an all-inclusive venue, you will definitely need a planner.
- Transportation - Be sure that you have a plan. Think this through for your guests. The easier you make their travel, the better.
- Activities - Provide highlights of Nashville and give them something to do. Highlight why you choose Nashville and provide suggesttions for their weekend.
- Staff - Make sure you are comfortable with any vendors that you hire. Make sure they are readily accesible and are good about communication. Develop a good relationship with them because you will be depending heavily on them.
The Nashville City Club was voted the "Best Place to Get Married" and "Best View of Nashville" by TheTennessean's readers. Here's what makes them a favorite place for destination weddings and out of town guests:
1) Downtown location
- easy to get to from any part of the city, including airport
- walking distance to hotels, no car needed to get around downtown area
2) All-inclusive packages
- reduces the number of local vendors to contact, hire
- single contact for most wedding needs - food, basic linen, ceremony, reception, beverages
- complimentary parking for wedding guests
- can host ceremony and reception in one easy location, saving money and travel time for guest
3) Unmatched views of city
- view on 20th floor - great view of city
- unique backdrop - floor to ceiling windows
- voted best view of city serveral years in a row
- great venue that shows off city
4) Walking distance to hotels and nightlife
- so many lodging options all around
- guests don't have to worry about driving to wedding
- with signed contract, Nashville City Club provides couples a list of hotels in area that offer NCC brides discounts on room blocks
- free shuttle to hotels that are not located in walking distance
- walking distance to nightlife on Broadway, Printers Alley
5) Helpful concierge program
- Nashville City Club's concierge has relationships with Nashville event venues like the Ryman and Bridgestone Area as well as restaurants. Brides, grooms and out of town guests can work with the concierge for event tickets, reservations or activity suggestions. Couples can even work with the concierge to plan special events for their bridal party or post-wedding events for out of town guests.
Above images: The Collection
Contact Jalessa at 615.620.1327 for a tour of the Nashville City Club or to learn more about their all-inclusive venue for local and destination brides. (All photos of Nashville City Club weddings and in downtown areas around venue.)
About the Author:
Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide
Hey - I'm Ashley! I started AshleysBrideGuide.com to give Nashville brides, or folks planning a Nashville wedding, a local resource for inspiration and resources. Hope to see you at a bridal show soon! Happy Planning.
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Posted on May 7, 2013 |
Filed under: Destination Nashville Weddings!, Advice & Planning, Wedding Venues and Locations
