Planning a Nashville Wedding: Average Cost and More

If you’re in the planning stages of a wedding, congratulations! This phase of life is exciting, but there are tons of decisions to make. You probably have an idea of what your day will look like, but the logistics will determine what’s really possible. Cost is an inevitable factor to consider. Thankfully, Nashville offers many opportunities for curating the perfect day, whether you’re on a budget or have your heart set on that picture-perfect vision board. Discover the ins and outs of getting married in Music City with a cost breakdown and key considerations.

What Is the Average Wedding Cost in Nashville?

The number of guests, your food selection and similar factors will impact your overall wedding price. However, you can keep some general price ranges in mind to start budgeting and planning.

Wedding Report estimates a Nashville wedding with 150 to 200 guests averages between $33,971 and $41,520. The Knot indicates couples spending less than $15,000 on a Nashville wedding typically have fewer than 90 guests. Anticipate spending a bit more if your Nashville ceremony is a destination wedding as opposed to a hometown wedding.

The good news is that the national average for weddings is around $33,000, so Nashville doesn’t cost more than most other locations. It is also worth noting that wedding averages generally increase over the years. If you’re planning for more than a year in advance, you can anticipate some cost variations.

A Breakdown of Nashville Wedding Costs

Everyone prioritizes different aspects of a wedding. For some, an all-inclusive venue is a must. For others, the food has to be to die for. Depending on your preferences, you can make cost-effective decisions on what to scale down and what to embrace with open arms.

Here are some costs to consider:

Venue: The reception venue is typically a sizable chunk of overall wedding spending. In Tennessee, the average venue cost is $8,600, but expect that to increase if you’re having the ceremony and reception at different places.
Dress: A wedding dress averages around $2,000. Factors like design intricacy, custom-made pieces and dress changes will impact total cost.
Music: Whether you want a live band to invite guests to the dance floor or a DJ to pump your favorite songs through the speakers, entertainment is a worthy expense. Couples in the Southeast spend around $1,500 on DJs and over $4,000 on a live band. 
Decor and flowers: Nashville couples spend an average of $2,143 to $2,619 on decorations, which includes bouquets, corsages, accessories, floral arrangements and table centerpieces. 
Catering: Catering costs can vary significantly. On average, couples spend between $81 and $102 per person for catering. However, factors like table and chair rentals, cake or dessert offerings, full-service catering or buffet meals, an open or cash bar and vendor inclusions impact this cost greatly. 
Photography: Nashville wedding photography and videography prices range from $2,222 to $2,716 on average and typically include an engagement photo session and a wedding photographer.

Key Considerations for Planning a Wedding in Nashville

Regardless of where and when you have your wedding, there are some factors you can’t avoid. Here are the key elements to consider when planning your Nashville wedding to make the most of your budget:

Peak wedding season: Warm weather, vibrant surroundings and long days draw many couples to Nashville from May to October. During this season, you can expect some higher prices for venues and vendors. If weather isn’t a concern for you, consider having your wedding between November and April for off-season deals. 
Guest count: While your wedding should be full of those you love, remember that each guest adds to your overall spending. From renting more tables and chairs to adding another meal to the catering plan, your budget must grow as your guest count does. It’s worth following Santa’s lead and checking your list twice. Do you really want to invite Uncle Sam, whom you haven’t seen in the last four years? Are there guests you could invite to the ceremony but not the reception? Maybe a no-child wedding could be an appealing and cost-effective idea. 
Venue and vendors: Where you hold your wedding and how you entertain and your guests significantly impact costs. Of course, you should find places and businesses you love. However, maybe there are ways to lower some of your spending. For example, having your wedding at a hotel or resort can help you save on transportation costs from the reception to your sleeping accommodations. Many of these places offer room blocks for overnight guests, potentially bringing additional savings. 
Food and drink: Catering adds to your total in several ways. The most notable is your guest count, as you typically pay per plate. Food selections and whether you need specialty dishes for dietary restrictions also impact pricing. One of the best ways to control your costs is by choosing buffet-style instead of sit-down, full-service catering options.

Choosing a Venue and Vendors for Your Wedding

Your venue and vendors play a significant part in creating a seamless experience. These pieces of your wedding will be the ones you remember most when you look back on your big day. Here’s what you should consider when browsing venues and vendors:

Budget: It’s best to have a budget in mind before entering any negotiations. This number can help you cross people and places off your list early in the process. If you find something you really love but it’s just out of budget, consider if you can spend less in another area to boost your fund availability. Keep in mind that more expensive does not always mean better. 
Included services: It’s worth taking a look at the included services for each venue and vendor. It can be beneficial to spend more on an inclusive service than having to find a vendor for every little detail. Some elements can add a special touch to your big day and memories. For example, content creation services that include candid shots, Instagram stories and raw media ensure you have a variety of photo and video coverage and the flexibility to create your own content. 
Experience: Experience is another crucial element to consider. Your wedding day is exciting, but the hustle and bustle can be a little stressful. Choosing an experienced vendor will add ease rather than complexity to your day. Ask about wedding experience, including how many weddings the vendor has attended, whether they have experience in all seasons and what they know about the area. Check website reviews and testimonials to see whether other couples enjoyed their services. 

Your wedding deserves more than one day of celebration. Capture moments and recall the moment with art that captures the big and small details. At Shutter & Sound, we offer several wedding packages so you can find the services you want within your budget. Let us capture your big moments with quality wedding photography and videography services in the Nashville area.