Wednesday, June 19, 2013
This October, Nashville brides with a large guest list will have a new option for their reception - the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Country Music Hall of Fame is already a favorite wedding space - because of its location, exhibits, and beautiful views - but its buildout is underway to host even larger weddings and events. Once the contruction is complete, the museum will be able to accomodate from 25 to 600 guests! No other non-hotel space in Nashville has such capacity for events.
I have list the details on the new spaces - from room capacities to how the spaces can be used. The new spaces can be reserved now for weddings after October. Contact Mary Ann at The Country Music Hall of Fame to be one of the first Nashville weddings in the new space. I can't wait to feature your wedding!
Event Hall
Capacity: 1,200 Reception | 600 Banquet
The largest addition to The Country Music Hall of Fame space is their 10,000-square-foot Event Hall. The Event Hall, with soaring 40-foot glass windows overlooking downtown, will provide an unequaled view of the cityscape. This new Nashville gem will present an awe-inspiring space for receptions, dinners. The Event Hall is surrounded by other incredible spaces, such as a lobby and terrace, all of which can be rented allowing your guests to walk easily between the spaces for perhaps cocktails, your wedding dinner and then a post-wedding party.
Event Hall Lobby
Capacity: 600 Reception
The Event Hall Lobby is perfect for receptions preceding events in the Hall.
The Carlton Terrace
Capacity: 400 Reception | 200 Banquet
The Carlton Terrace will be the most welcoming outdoor space in the city — an idyllic setting for receptions, outdoor dinners and weddings, as well as a unique venue for live music. This beautiful space will be adjacent to the Event Hall and Lobby.
Grand Foyer
Capacity: 750 Reception | 400 Banquet
This space will serve as the perfect location for pre-wedding events, as well as breakfast or lunch.
Private Dining Room
Dining/Meeting Capacity: 25
The Private Dining Room will be the perfect space for a rehearsal dinner, bridal luncheon, or any intimate group dining. The room also possesses one of many magnificent views of the downtown Nashville skyline, and will be ideal for entertaining guests.
All photo renderings are courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
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Tuesday, June 11, 2013
We know it's challenging to decide between venues where you will host your wedding. Every so often, we read bride comments (on Facebook and review sites) and reach out to venues to gather what we think are the top reasons brides love Nashville wedding venues.
After being available as an event space for barely a couple of years, Houston Station has proven to be a popular choice for special events and weddings. We've seen a few weddings there, some of us may have even attended some events in there. So what is it about Houston Station that makes it so popular with people? Here's what some of their brides had to say.
Photo: Matt Andrews Photography
1) Great Staff and Support
Brides and grooms have found that their planning experience was made a lot easier with the help of Elizabeth of Houston Station, who goes above and beyond to make sure everything is set for couples, and that from planning process to wedding day, everyone is stress-free.
"I am still hearing from friends and family how much they enjoyed the set up and atmosphere. The venue is gorgeous and I knew from the minute I walked in there that it was the venue I would pick. Elizabeth [event coordinator] is super professional and personable. I could not have asked for a better experience." - Ashlee, bride
2) No Hidden Costs
Hiring your own vendors can be daunting. Houston Station has a list of recommended vendors with whom they have good relationships but as long as your vendor is licensed/insured, you can use them at Houston Station at no extra cost. You will also not be charged corking fees when you bring in your own alcohol and Houston Station will even provide bar service for you. This open policy is something brides and grooms are so grateful for when it comes to planning because it makes things really easy for them.
3) Unique, Versatile Spaces
With bare brick walls and exposed beams, the main event area in Houston Station is a blank canvas for your vision. This next glowing review is from a mother of the bride who said, "The room with it's wood floors, open beams and brick walls looked fantastic with her vintage theme. However, any theme would look great in the room. It decorates very well and they have everything needed for caterers to set up." The main room has a kitchen and prep area right next to it so there's easy access for your caterers and you won't see them hauling big vats or trash bins through the hall to get where they're going.
Another bride said, "The space itself is gorgeous and very flexible; we were able to fit our vision for our party into this location with plenty of room to spare!"
4) "Bonus" Rooms with Personality - Noteable Blends, Bride & Groom Suites
Speaking of "room to spare," Houston Station offers several spaces separate from the main event hall for various uses. One popular place is the coffee bar, Noteable Blends. Said one mother of the bride, "We used the coffee room for a quiet spot for guests to go visit and watch the video of the bride and groom which was a big hit." (Review here.) When you rent the room for special events, coffee service comes with it and is served by coffee connoisseur and owner, Scott Davis.
The room can be used for cocktail hour while the main room is being flipped, and it's also a great space for more intimate occasions like showers and bridal brunches.
Nothing takes up more time than having to transport yourself and your wedding party from one place to another. The bridal and grooms suites are spacious, furnished rooms in which brides have gotten ready and that relieves them of another point of stress on the wedding day. Said one bride on the bonus rooms, "We were able to use the bride room to get ready and take pictures all day, so I was able to see some of the reception set up...it was flawless, beautiful, and I was completely stress free. Also, Scott with Noteable Blends is just the best. Our guests LOVED having the back room as a little coffee lounge."
Photo: JHenderson Studios
Photo: Amber Beckham Photography
Photo: Matt Andrews Photography
Photo: Houston Station
ABG Notes: This gorgeous couch that sits in Noteable Blends is a wonderful prop for photos! (Photo: Amber Beckham Photography)
Photo: Lane Photography
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ABG Notes: There are two huge television in the groom's suite which will keep the guys entertained. (Photo: Austin Gros)
ABG Notes: Huge windows bring in lots of natural light, perfect for when getting your makeup done. Houston Station provides furniture, garment racks, and mirrors. (Photo: Austin Gros)
Couples and even their families and guests love Houston Station for its gorgeous weddings and are quick to recommend it to others for the above reasons and more. To find out if they're perfect for you, visit their website here or give them a call about your wedding. Don't forget to tell them that we sent you!
(This article was written by Tabitha and was originally featured April 2012. The info has been updated and shared to educate our current readers.)
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Wedding Venues and Locations
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Thursday, June 6, 2013
The Nashville Zoo has over 12 unique event spaces within the park. The 5 event spaces highlighted below are the most suitable for weddings and receptions (but their other spaces might also work depending on your needs). Events at the Nashville Zoo are completely customized to each couple's vision and needs, allowing you to create your dream wedding onsite.
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1. Historic Home
Built in 1810, the Croft Historic Home Lawn is the ideal backdrop for a wedding ceremony. The picturesque scenery engages an expanse of rich history paired with a quaint and intimate setting – perfect for a romantic ceremony.
Capacity: Up to 300
See Chris and Cressie's ceremony at the Zoo's Historic Home.
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2. Botswana Overlook
With a gorgeous view of the African Savannah and the majestic African Elephants, you and your guests will feel like you have traveled to exotic lands. Botswana is a magical spot for any type of gathering including rehearsal dinners.
Ceremonies or wedding receptions at Botswana are only available in conjunction with an additional rental site.
Capacity: 60 ceremony; 60 rehearsal dinner; 75 cocktail reception
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3. Flamingo Lagoon
This space is available after hours and is the perfect event spot for a cocktail party! The landscape is exotic with a dozen of bright pink flamingos frolicking in water pools and grassy islands.
Reception Site Rental - $2000 (Saturday), $1500 (Sunday-Friday) and Includes use of space from 6pm-10pm, 5 bistro tables with black linens, flamingos on exhibit until 9pm.
Capacity: 150 guests
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4. Wild Animal Carousel
For the couple that is young-at-heart, this whimsical setting is sure to fulfill all your wildest dreams. The Wild Animal Carousel is the ideal location for a small reception or cocktail hour. Why not let your guests take a wild spin on a giant anteater or clouded leopard?
Receptions and cocktail hours are only available in conjunction with an additional rental site.
Capacity: 75 cocktail reception; 200 cocktail hour
See Kim & Jason's Wedding at Carousel.
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5. Jungle Terrace Pavilion
This covered 50 x 90 tent is nestled amongst a lush landscape, perfectly situated between the whimsical wild animal carousel and fanciful Jungle Gym. It is the perfect backdrop for an evening outdoor wedding reception.
Capacity: Up to 300
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Wedding Venues and Locations
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Monday, June 3, 2013
When I got married, I hired a day-of-coordinator at the last minute after I realized that my event coordinator SUCKED! She lost my wedding file the night of my rehearsal and hours of conversation and her meticulous notes went immediately down the drain. She stressed me out more than any single vendor or aspect of my wedding. So as your been-there-down-that girl, I cant stress enough how important it is for you to understand the difference between YOUR planner and the VENUE's coordinator.
Today's expert advice is provided by Sarah Willard, owner of Music City Events. Sarah is a respected planner in the Nashville wedding community and offers full service wedding planning for engaged couples. She's always willing to answer my questions and help brides make better decisions.
All photos are of wedding planner Sarah, in action, helping her Nashville-area brides.
Recently, I have been hearing a lot of comments about the difference and similarities of an event planner versus a venue coordinator. I am also noticing more and more that a lot of brides feel as though the sales managers/coordinators at their venue will suffice when it comes to planning their dream wedding.
As an event planner with a decade of experience in Nashville, I can tell you many differences between the two. My company also manages a venue in Nashville, so we have a unique perspective, because we do both!
There is a very distinct difference between the two and the scope of work is extremely different. They each play a significant role in the execution of a reception but in a very different ways.
Venue coordinators/catering sales managers (in most cases) are primarily responsible for:
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Getting you booked and on their calendar
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Selling the venue features and services
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Passing out tasks to venue or banquet staff
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Oversee the vendor load in and load out and/or food set up and breakdown
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THE VENUE!
They know their space very well. Most venue coordinators and sales managers are certainly there to help but remember, at the end of the day, they are working for the venue and it is quite possible that they have more than one event going on at once. They do not handle any matters with vendors outside their venue or accompany or assist you in design sessions with your florist, lighting and linens, bakery, etc.
On the other hand…
Event or Wedding Planner is responsible for you, your guests and YOUR wedding/event.
An event planner is:
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Work with you from the day you book their services (depending on the package selected) until the end of your wedding reception.
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Provide and assist you in the selection of vendors they have worked with in the past. These trusted vendors are able to perform the requested services. The planner typically accompanies you to vendor meetings and assists in overall design of the day.
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Create detailed timelines and letters to vendors to make sure they are all on the same page prior to your big day
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Coordinate your rehearsal, ceremony and entire wedding day
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Be sure that all ceremony items are in place such as programs, aisle runners, candles etc
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Set up all extra decor and accent items such as favors, place cards, tips and even collect gifts
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Review all vendor contracts
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They allow you to truly be a guest at your own event- no questions asked.
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….and the list goes ON.
Not all venue coordinators or planners are created equally so just make your best judgment. Make sure that your decision is an informed decision. Know the difference between a venue coordinator and an event planner. The event planner is hired to work for YOU. A venue coordinator works for the venue.
There are wonderful venue coordinators and sales managers out there. Most of them love their jobs and really want the best for you. It always best to know what exactly you are signing up for. A venue coordinator and event planner are both very important to have, as they both have specific to ensure you have a beautiful and stress-free wedding! So before you decide you don’t need a planner…do your research. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us!
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Posted by A Music City Event |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Wedding Planners & Coordinators, Wedding Venues and Locations
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Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Jason and Lori, owners of Crumb de la Crumb bakery and The Cottage Cafe are hosting their first, by demand, Supper Club. The May 31st event is expected to be an upscale, one-of-a-kind dinner with live music. And if you know anything about this team, you know to also expect an inventive twist on the menu.
If you are open to something outside the run of the mill date night, RSVP for The Cottage Cafe's Supper Club in Bellevue, TN. The scrumptious menu is below.
"For our first Supper Club, we will be featuring some of our favorites. A set menu of 4 courses with a choice of two different main entree's. Live music will also be on tap for what is going to be a great evening.
(Due to our space being limited, it's a reservations only event. We will be operating under our "shared seating" policy. This means your party may be joined with another party so that we can accommodate everyone.)"
Menu
Seafood Feast
Charleston She Crab Soup
Caramelized Scallops with White Balsamic Strawberry Salsa
Main Dishes :
Pistachio Encrusted Salmon with Lemon Basil Butter Sauce served with Lemon Sea Salt Roasted Asparagus and Cherub Tomatoes
Or Low Country Shrimp and Grits (These shrimp are fresh off the boat, brought in especially for this event). Lorie's special recipe!! Trust us, the best you've ever eaten!!
and....
A trio of Lorie's delectable dessert creations. She's way more than cake, people!! *This event will be a BYOB event, with a corkage fee for those who bring wine.
Price per person $38.00
Please respond with your entree choice(s) when you purchase tickets.
Suggested gratuity of 18% is NOT included. Corkage fee will be collected on the night of the event.
Link to Details and Tickets
Not interested in the Supper Club? Know that The Cottage Cafe is also a great location for bridal showers, bridal luncheons and Crumb de La Crumb offers fantastic wedding cakes.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Cakes & Food, Wedding Venues and Locations
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