There’s no better place to experience the colorful foliage of fall than East Tennessee. Sitting in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, many people travel far and wide to experience this natural pop of color. If you’re saying “I do” this fall and are looking to make a trip out of it, you may want to consider this part of the country for location. Keep reading to learn why East Tennessee is the perfect place to host your destination wedding.
Do Your Research
If you’re planning a destination wedding, lots of research will be required. Unless you decide to travel to the location beforehand to vet your venue and vendors, most of your planning will be done online. It’s imperative that you take the time to research the online reviews and reputation of each company. When speaking with the sales representatives, make sure you’re asking planned out questions and they’re being answered to your satisfaction. It can be stressful planning an event—much less your wedding—from states away, so being thorough when considering your options will pay off with a seamless ceremony.
Check the Weather
When packing for a regular trip, you always check the weather beforehand. This is especially true for destinations weddings. In fact, even though a forecast predicts seven to ten days out, you’ll want to research the average weather for the area months in advance. This will dictate the dress you buy, the venue you choose and your guests’ attire as well.
During the fall months, the weather in East Tennessee is still warm, but milder than the harsh heat of the summer. Temperatures during the day remain around the mid-70s, while nights fall to the 60s and 50s. This also isn’t a particularly rainy part of the year, so your chances of having a beautiful, outdoor ceremony are high.
Dress Accordingly
With a destination wedding, you’ve probably picked a place completely different in temperature and landscape from where you live. Make sure that the wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses, groom’s and groomsmen attire will be suitable for the weather and terrain. You’ll often see brides at the beach in lightweight, strapless dresses, while the grooms are usually in linen.
If you’re planning for an outside ceremony in East Tennessee, forget the train. Between the falling leaves and green grass, the hem of your dress will be spotted with dirt by the time you make it down the aisle. Consider letting the groomsmen go jacketless so they can beat the heat of the day and provide matching shawls for the bridesmaids to warm them once the evening’s temperatures drop. Lastly, let the guests who are traveling with you know the forecast so they can prepare and dress accordingly as well.
Hire the Right People
When hiring the vendors for your destination wedding, you want to trust that they’ll be able to provide exactly what you want. The conversations you’re having with each company is crucial since you will be communicating the details of your wedding over the phone or by email. The vendors you choose should have ample experience, especially with brides who travel from out of town, and there should be multiple calls with each company in the months leading up to your big day.
For less hassle, try to consolidate your vendors as much as you can. Look for a location that works closely with other vendors like caterers and florists. At Bradford Catered Events, we are preferred caterers at some of the most popular venues across East Tennessee. Our outstanding relationships with each have given us a reputation for being the “Best Wedding Caterer” in Knoxville. When planning the menu for our clients’ receptions, we ask the right questions so there are no unexpected surprises on your day.
Tie in Your Honeymoon
Most couples that have a destination wedding usually spend their honeymoon in the area as well. Tennessee is a state full of rich history and southern roots. There’s plenty of things to do to keep any couple busy. We claim home to the nation’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is considered one of the best places in the country to catch a glimpse of the radiant fall foliage. If you’re looking for adventure, Dollywood (Dolly Parton’s theme park) is in the close-by town of Pigeon Forge (yes, Dolly Parton has her own theme park). A romantic, rustic getaway can be spent at the world-famous Blackberry Farm. And, if none of that sounds like your style, a quick three-hour drive west will land you in Music City, USA.
Are you ready to plan your destination wedding in East Tennessee now? Bradford Catered Events is your go-to caterer. Voted the “Best Wedding Caterer” in Knoxville by CityView Magazine in 2018, there isn’t a venue or hall in East Tennessee we aren’t familiar with. Our team will work with each vendor to execute your wedding exactly how you imagined. All you must do is get here. To book Bradford Catered Events for your reception, visit us online or give us a call at (865) 522-5552.
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