Wow! Congratulations for your happy news! We are sure you have a million questions, and with so many options available to you in the wedding world, how do you know where to start? Well we are here to help you, so grab that planner and let’s start the party by giving you some tips on your next steps!
Tip 1: Start With Your Top 3
A third of your budget is most likely going to go to your “top 3” elements of your wedding that you cannot picture it without. Step 1 is to decide on these elements.
Top 3 Examples:
1. Photography
2. Atmosphere
3. Organization/Flow
Is photography part of your top three? Go ahead - hire that photographer you’ve had your eye on on Instagram. Maybe that means you cut a bit from your food budget though if that’s less important to you. Is the atmosphere in the top 3? Maybe you throw more money into your floral budget for wowing centerpieces and do a more basic linen on the tables. This still lets your tables pop from the florals, but reduces your rental bill. Is the overall flow of the event super important to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch. Hire that amazing planner that makes you feel confident in your big day, but maybe you decide to do a DJ instead of the big band to cut in other places. Whatever it is that is important to you and your partner to tell who you are as a couple, write it down and set some funds aside for it. Those are going to be your “top 3” that are foundational parts of your event.
Tip 2: Get your vendors asap
Nashville vendors book up super quickly. To be sure you that you get the vendor team of your dreams, go ahead and get on their books asap - we mean like, yesterday! Remember, Ravenswood Mansion has an “open vendor policy” which means as long as they are licensed and insured they are welcome on our property! Meaning while we are sure she’s an AMAZING cook, Aunt Carol can’t feed your guests dinner for you as a wedding present. If you feel like you’re getting stuck on a particular vendor, don’t forget we have a full list of wonderful vendors who are frequently at Ravenswood. When putting together your vendor team, don’t forget to refer back to your Top 3 mentioned above for who to hire! Curious about what normal price ranges are for Nashville vendors in 2022? Check out our blog on How to Budget Your Wedding at Ravenswood Mansion.
Tip 3: Bundle Your Dates
One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Ravenswood involves load in and load out and needing additional time. Couples who added on an additional day for set up or breakdown have never regretted it. However, we’ve had many clients who did not add it on and ultimately wished they had. As you get into the planning process and get your vendors lined up, make sure that the date(s) and times you have rented are going to work for all of the vendors you are hiring. If it turns out that you need more time, that bundle date can really make a difference. The extra day can be used for set up, overnight storage, or skip renting an additional space and host your rehearsal dinner with us too! Say what?! Transform our back patio to host your nearest and dearest the day before you get married with our included rentals of up to 150 guests. Thinking of something a little smaller? Inside the mansion, we can host up to 75 guests and make Ravenswood your home away from home for the evening.
Tip 4: Have a few FUN Elements
We are a firm believer that weddings should be FUN. Bring the party inside or outside with a photo booth! Our back porch provides ample space for you to set up a photo booth for your guests to grab a photo while taking a break from dancing and create fun memories. Wanting a little more room for some photos with your favorite people? We have three rooms for you to use however you’d like! Set up all the props you need in our blue room and dress up the space with a couch and a neon sign of your new last name to fill up your guest book with fun photos. Did you two meet at a taco place…. or maybe it was during an ice cream date that you knew they were the one? Get a late night food snack delivered to your guests by food truck. Our back field or the front circle driveway is the perfect place to bring a food truck! Serve your favorite foods in a new way that tells your love story.
Tip 5: Enjoy this moment
Your wedding will be here before you know it. Take a moment to soak up all the joy in your engagement season and love this season in your life. We try to make this process as stress free as possible - we are always here to help you execute your dream event at Ravenswood Mansion. Need suggestions on how to best use our historic property for your big day? Never hesitate to reach out!