Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Finding the perfect venue for your wedding can be taxing, from traveling from one venue to the next to weighing all your options before making your final decision. At some point in the process, you’ll likely wonder if you’ve seen everything or overlooked any viable options.
That’s why the Sumner County Venue Crawl is so great! This new event affords busy brides ultimate convenience.
Duing this one-day event March 16, brides will have a chance to see more than a dozen venues and even more vendors all in one day.
This is perfect for the bride who is looking to see all this state has to offer, in addition to the traditional downtown Nashville spots. We spoke to Bo Jennings, Director of Sales for Chef’s Market Catering and a Sumner County venue manager.
Tell me about the Sumner County Venue Crawl. What can attendees expect?
It’s like a bridal show, but instead of a static location, we give brides the perks of going to see all the venues in Sumner County all at one event. It also gives venues a chance to show all they have to offer, which is sometimes difficult at a typical bridal show.
Each venue will have vendors present, and the venues and vendors will be running specials specifically for that day. Any bride that visits each venue will get a chance to take advantage of deals on catering, photography and more.
How will attendees travel from vendor to vendor?
Everyone will start at the Hyatt Place in Hendersonville (330 E. Main St.) to register. There, attendees will receive a map. People will be traveling on their own to venues because some might only want to visit rustic venues, indoor locations, etc. Besides, unlike other venue crawls, we want attendees to be able to spend as much time as they would like at each venue.
We will be doing a passport program where attendees will be able to mark all the locations they’ve visited. They will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize — something substantial toward their wedding day.
Which vendors will be present at the event?
Right now, we have 18 venues on board. With that, each venue is responsible for having its own vendors there. The vendors will represent a wide variety: from photographers to videographers to entertainment.
Why is an event like this important?
This event exposes people to all that’s up here. Sumner County has some of the greatest venues and scenery. A lot of brides initally want to be downtown, but this event is letting them know that there are other great options as well. And for those who have already picked their venue, it’s a fun way to find their vendors.
What time is the event and how much are tickets?
The event will be held on March 16 from noon-4 p.m. Cost for the event is $20 per ticket or $30 for two tickets, cash only. Update: We've just been given a special rate for ABG readers!! Just mention ABG at registration table and pay only $10 cash to enter the event.
For more information about the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/SumnerCountyVenueCrawl.
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Posted by Newlywed Leah |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events, Wedding Resources, Wedding Venues and Locations,
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Thursday, November 7, 2013
Wedding 101 is now the newest neighbor in Nashville's Gulch!
If you are not familiar with Wedding 101, they are a free service that helps brides plan their wedding. They recently relocated from their Factory at Franklin location to better serve Nashville-area brides.
Visit their open house this Saturday, November 9, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. If Saturday doesn't work for you, no appointment is necessary, so check out this great resource at your convenience. They are open Tuesdays thru Fridays, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events, Wedding Resources,
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Thursday, September 19, 2013
Nashville's 12th Annual Enchanted Brides Show at Cheekwood was another great opportunity to meet top-notch wedding resources. Listing them all would be a feat, but for those of you who missed some of the booths or were unable to attend, here are my 15 favorites.
1) Arzelle's Bridal - arzellesbridal.com
I swooned when I saw this simple but elegant gown at the Arzelle's booth. Isn't it a beauty? The other gowns were equally exquisite but this Marchesa was my fave. See these gowns and more at their salon on West End.
2) Wedlock Images - wedlockimages.com
Wedlock's photographic style is crisp, sleek and akin to magazine-style. Their work appeals to the edgy, modern bride who is getting married here in Nashville or is taking Wedlock to her destination wedding. It was great listening to co-owner Donice chat about Nashville venues she loves. (Great insight: You may want to talk to photographers before you book your venue!) She also told me about a new, farm venue near Murfreesboro, Events at East 96. Heard of it?
3) Classic Party Rentals - nashville.classicpartyrentals.com
Classic's inventory for Nashville weddings and events is massive. I visited their warehouse one time and they have just about everything you need. This tablescape is just one idea of many that they can help you design.
4) West Meade Wine and Liquor - westmeadewines.com
West Meade was a new find. They offer liquor, beer and wine in cases for weddings and events. This is a great way to save money if you decide on a venue like Houston Station, which allows you to bring in your own beverages.
West Meade also offers a bar registry for those who have everything they need but would appreciate a well-stocked bar! You know who you are. No judging. :)
5) Dulce Desserts - dulcedesserts.com
Juanita! I've known Dulce Dessert's owner and cake artist since I first started in weddings in 2006. (Wow!) She was one of the first wedding pros I met. She's always been sweet to me and her cakes have always been inventive and consistently scrumptious. I can never, and I do mean never, pass by her booth or store without being tempted to indulge. If you have not tasted her cakes, you simply must. Our blog intern Laurie had Dulce cupcakes for her wedding. Without a doubt - she loved them!
6) Designs in Paper - There is no doubt in my mind that owners Steve and Donette can create anything with paper! You really have to meet with them to see some of the previous wedding paper goods. They take pride in creating paper products that are custom to each engaged couple. At the bridal show, they shared many invites that were printed in white ink. You read that right, white ink. This chalkboard flyer will give you an idea of what they can do. They also print on fabric; think burlap looking fabric, for a rustic wedding. Lovely!
7) Capital Theatre - capitoltheatretn.com
This was a new find. The theater is located in Lebanon, TN and can accommodate all bridal events, from showers to receptions. Their spaces are very unique, ranging from an auditorium to an attic.
8) Street Tuxedo - streettuxedo.com
Street Tuxedo keeps a pulse on what's hot for grooms. For outdoor weddings, peach and khaki pair well. Sangria is a fun new color that can add a pop to a classic wedding. Neither of these work for you? Street Tuxedo has hundreds of swatches to match your color palette and several suit/tuxedo styles to complement your groom's style.
9) Geny's Bridal - genysbridal.com
Geny's is a Nashville staple. They offer three floral options: 1) wholesale flowers for floral designers, 2) retail flowers for DIY brides and 3) full service floral design for brides. Geny's recently added bridal gowns to their inventory in order to provide a more one-stop service for brides. They carry several exclusive lines and accessories. I had no clue they launched a bridal boutique. Their gowns are gorgeous!
10) A/P Couture - 615-545-2742
Alain Patterson, the owner and lead designer, creates custom veils for fashion-focused brides.
11) 2Travel Anywhere - 2travelanywhere.com
Carlie's a delight. She is a honeymoon specialist and helps engaged couples plan their honeymoon vacations at no cost to them.
12) Michael's Cafe & Catering - eatatmichaelscafe.com
They had me at banana pudding. I was told it was Michael's grandmother's recipe. Thanks grandma! It was absolutely delicious. Michael also served mac and cheese and BBQ chicken. Assumed southern cuisine? You are correct. And, based on the food they served at the show, they know what they're doing.
13) Elizabeth Jean Photography - elizabethjeanphotography.com
Elizabeth Jean does great work. I discovered her work this summer after seeing photos from a styled photo shoot at the Nashville Zoo (which we will feature very soon). It was great putting a face with her high-quality work. Be sure to visit her website to see her portfolio.
14) Grand Avenue - grandavenueworldwide.com
Transportation for the bridal show attendees was provided by Grand Avenue. It was posh! If you have a large bridal party or family that you want to ensure is easily transported (in style) between your bridal events, Grand Avenue should certainly be on your list.
15) Stay tuned. I'll share it on Friday.
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Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Bands, DJs, Music, Bridal Shows & Events, Cakes & Desserts, Florals, Details & Design , Honeymoon and Post Wedding, Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos , Invitations & Paper Goods, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds, Wedding Resources,
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Thursday, September 5, 2013
I met Vicki of Branching Out Floral and Event Design when I first started AshleysBrideGuide.com, in 2006. I had a lot to learn about the industry but one thing I learned fast was that Branching Out was a powerhouse.
The team has grown, in size and inventory, and their work continues to amaze. I don't know how they do it, but even with many years in the industry, they continue to innovate and create designs that brides love year after year.
I know Vicki and am familiar with her work. But it dawned on me that some of you might not be.
Take a few minutes to learn about Vicki via my interview today. If her philosophy and work resonate with you, give her a call to discuss your wedding.
How many years have you been in business? 15 years
How did you get started in weddings?
My mother was an award winning floral designer and also owned a catering company. I watched her design and helped her set up weddings, but never tried it myself.
As my friends’ daughters were beginning to have weddings, they would ask me to design the flowers. As my reputation spread and I was asked to design more weddings, I gave up teaching and began full time in the floral design business.
What do you like most about weddings?
I love working with my brides. They are so excited; it gets me excited as well. I get most excited when a bride has a general idea/theme she wants to achieve and then lets me and my very talented design crew have the freedom to do what we do best…be creative!
What is your service philosophy?
To always give my clients my time and listen to their concerns or questions. To always give my clients more than they paid for or expect. To always be on time on wedding day, so my brides don’t worry. To always be kind, considerate and trustworthy.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category?
The design team at Branching Out has many years of experience designing florals for weddings. We keep up with the latest trends by attending floral and wedding industry trainings. Branching Out is fully licensed and insured.
What attracts brides to your service/company?
Many brides come to us because another bride has referred us, which means we have a very good reputation in the wedding industry.
We are also able to offer our brides a huge inventory of all types of containers and props for their use, so they do not have to purchase a lot of containers and then have the hassle of trying to sell them after the wedding!
Along with that, we return at the end of the wedding and reception and remove all the floral décor. Our brides (and their parents) certainly appreciate the fact that they don’t have to work to breakdown a wedding after they have celebrated all night!
What would previous couples say was the main reason they selected your company?
Creativity, experience at all the venues in town, the convenience of our large inventory of containers and the fact that we do all the work setting up and breaking down their wedding.
Describe the bride/couple that is most attracted to your service/company?
Really all types of brides are attracted to us, as we will design a very small wedding or a very large wedding.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors?
I don’t think I could possibly choose just 5 vendors. Having worked with SO many over the years, and having such a good relationship with everyone, it would be impossible to rate one over the other.
Does your company do anything special that a green, eco-conscious bride might want to know?
We will work with any charity that would like to have their flowers after the wedding.
To connect with Branching Out Events
Main contact: Vicki Sanders
Visit their website: branchingouteventflorist.com
Call us: 615-915-0043
Email us: vicki at branchingouteventflorist dot com
Tweet us: @NashvilleFlower
Become a Facebook fan: facebook.com/branchingouteventflorist
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Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Helpful Vendor Interviews!, Florals, Details & Design , Wedding Resources,
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Friday, August 16, 2013
Our ulitmate list of Nashville bridal shower ideas concludes today with our final ideas. From zany to crafy, these unique and interactive experiences will keep the party and the bride fully entertained.
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Bridal Showers with Crafty Activities
25) Paint + Canvas - website
6913 Lenox Village Drive, Nashville, TN 37211
Contact (615) 499-0543, email
If your bride is a modern day Picasso, surprise her with a canvas painting bridal shower.
At Paint + Canvas, located in Lenox Village, private parties are $35 per person, with a minimum of 15 guests and a maximum of 30. You may bring in outside food and beverages to enjoy during the 3 hour party. Reservations are secured with a credit card and there is a $200 non-refundable deposit if an event is cancelled. Cancellations require a 72 hour notice (or a 50% cancellation fee is charged).
Private parties are only available on dates without pre-registered public classes, so book early in order to get your bride’s requested date.
Paint + Canvas; Photo: company's Facebook page
26) Brushfire Pottery Studio - website
Green Hills Court next to Flower Mart; 4004 Hillsboro Pike #150, Nashville, TN 37215
Contact: (615) 385-5334
“Pottery Painting Showers are easy to do plus the bride or Mom-to-Be receives gifts that last a lifetime.” – Brushfire Pottery Studio
This studio can host any number of guests. The cost is a $6 studio fee, per person, plus the price of the pottery piece that is painted (this typically ranges from $6 to $18). The studio can divide the cost of the bride’s piece up so that party members (or the party planners) are able to cover her expense. Pottery is then left at the studio to be glazed, fired and is ready for pick up one week after the event.
Brushfire Pottery Studio welcomes you to bring your own food and refreshments and promises to help with cleanup.
Reserve space for the bride’s shower at Brushfire Pottery Studio by calling (615) 385-5334. No fee is required, just a name, phone number and expected party size.
Brushfire Pottery; Photo: company's Facebook page
27) Let’s Make Wine - website
103 N. Spring Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, Just off the Historic Square
Contact: Cheryl, (615) 427-5084, email
If your bride loves wine and painting, consider a wine glass painting class at Let’s Make Wine, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Let’s Make Wine supplies the glasses and materials, you bring in the drinks and refreshments.
The studio can accommodate parties as large as 16. The cost is $15 per person and the entire experience typically lasts 2-3 hours, with souvenirs to take home immediately (or give to the bride).
Let's Make Wine; Photo: company's Facebook page
Beautiful Non-Restaurant Spaces for Bridal Showers
28) Wedding 101 - website
230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
Contact: Amy Hill Dickerson, Co-Owner, (615) 791-9771, email
Wedding 101 refers to itself as a “bride’s place to plan”. Any bride would appreciate having her shower and getting a few planning ideas in at the same time.
Located inside The Factory at Franklin, Wedding 101 can host a weekend bridal shower, with up to 80 guests, during non-business hours (after 5 p.m. on Saturdays and during afternoon hours on Sundays).
Wedding 101 offers two types of special event packages:
- Studio rental only: Exclusive use of the Wedding 101 studio. External food and beverages and set-up and clean-up must be provided by you. The cost for this option is $150 for 2 hours (minimum) and $50 per each additional hour.
- All inclusive bridal shower: Rental of the Wedding 101 studio as well as invitations (addressed, stamped and mailed), hors d’oeuvres, desserts, beverages and champagne provided by the staff at Wedding 101. They will also take care of set up and clean up. The cost for this option is $250 for up to 20 guests, $475 for up to 40 guests, $675 for up to 60 guests and $850 for up to 80 guests. The studio rental fee (of $150 for 2 hours) is also required with this package.
Full payment is required when booking a bridal shower at Wedding 101. Cancellations must be made 7 days prior to the scheduled event for a 50% refund. No refund will be given if the event is cancelled less than 7 before the event.
Wedding 101; Photo: company's website
29) Noah Liff Opera Center - website
3622 Redmon Street Nashville, TN 37209
Sarah Willard Facilities & Event Manager The Noah Liff Opera Center, (615-832-5242), email
Noah Liff Opera Center offers two distinct, modern spaces to choose from for your bridal shower, comfortably accommodating 10 to 80 guests! Located just off West End, the Noah Liff Opera Center is centrally located to downtown, Brentwood, Green Hills and the Hermitage area! Enjoy your private space with lovely floor to ceiling glass walls with beautiful views. There are no minimum food or beverage requirements; clients have 8 different caterers and over 40 linen colors to choose from!
Noah Liff Opera Center; Photo: company provided
Bridal Shower Excursion
30) Tennessee Central Railway Museum - website
220 Willow Street, Nashville, TN 37210
Contact: (615) 244-9001
Is your bride a fan of the railway? The Tennessee Central Railway offers passenger excursions that include Murder Mystery trips, Train Robbery trips, Super Fall Foliage excursions and even a trip down the fall mile-long yard sale event in Watertown, TN. These excursions can be an all day event – ranging from 6 to 10 hours – so plan appropriately. The cost ranges from $32 to $62 depending on which excursion you select.
Tennessee Central Railway Museum; Photo: company's website
For more bridal shower ideas, be sure to read part 1, part 2 and part 3.
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Posted by Intern Laurie |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Wedding Resources,
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