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Congratulations! You’ve said “Yes!” and now, the excitement of wedding planning begins. At 14TENN, we know that this is one of the most memorable chapters of your life, and we’re here to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. With our extensive experience at 828 Planning, we can help guide you from engagement to “I do” with ease.
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but starting with a detailed checklist can help you stay on track and ensure nothing gets overlooked. Here’s our ultimate engagement checklist for Nashville couples that covers everything from the big decisions to small but significant details.
14TENN’s Ultimate Engagement Checklist
Choose a Date
Picking your wedding date is one of the most exciting parts of planning. Nashville’s weather can vary dramatically from season to season, so think about whether you want a spring wedding with blooming flowers, a summer celebration under the sun, or a cozy winter wedding. Pro tip: Nashville’s Fall season is particularly beautiful and a favorite among locals!
Set a Budget
Before diving too deep into the planning process, sit down with your partner and set a realistic budget. This will help guide your decisions and prevent overspending. Be sure to account for the major expenses like the venue, catering, photographer, and attire, as well as smaller costs like transportation and décor.
Create a Guest List
Sit down with your partner and create a guest list. Deciding who to invite can be tricky, but having an estimate of your guest count will help you in booking your venue and catering. Nashville is a destination hotspot, so consider accommodations and travel for out-of-town guests when crafting your list.
Book a Venue
One of the first and most important things you’ll want to do is book your venue. Venues in Nashville can fill up fast, especially in prime wedding months, so securing your spot should be a top priority. Booking early also gives you flexibility with dates and ensures you can bring your vision to life. 14TENN offers a stunning, versatile space that’s perfect for couples who want a blank canvas to design their dream wedding. To explore more venue options in Nashville, learn more about what to look for in a wedding venue here.
Hire a Wedding Planner
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the moving parts, consider hiring a wedding planner. Nashville is home to some talented professionals who can handle everything from full-scale planning to day-of coordination. 14TENN also offers the expertise of 828 Planning to ensure your big day is exactly how you imagined.
Begin Gathering Inspiration
Start looking for wedding inspiration through platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs. Whether you’re into Nashville’s rustic chic style or prefer a more modern look, gathering ideas will help you hone in on your vision for the day. Create mood boards and collect images that resonate with you and share them with your planner and vendors.
Book Your Photographer
Your engagement and wedding photos will capture memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime, so booking a photographer early is crucial. Nashville has a fantastic array of photographers, each with their own unique style. Make sure to schedule your engagement session, as these photos are great for save-the-dates and wedding websites.
Take Engagement Photos
Capture the excitement of this special time by booking an engagement photo session. Nashville’s iconic locations like Centennial Park or the pedestrian bridge overlooking the skyline provide the perfect backdrop for photos you’ll cherish forever. Bonus: These photos are great for your wedding website and save-the-dates! Be sure to book a photographer who can shoot both your engagement and wedding photos for a cohesive look.
Create a Wedding Website
Wedding websites are a great way to keep your guests informed about all the details of your big day. From hotel recommendations in Nashville to your registry links, your website can be a hub for everything your guests need to know.
Send Save-the-Dates
Once your date and venue are secured, it’s time to let your guests know. Sending save-the-dates six to eight months before the wedding is standard practice. If you’re planning a destination wedding or have a lot of out-of-town guests, consider sending them even earlier.
Book Vendors (Florist, DJ/Band, Caterer)
After securing your venue, start booking your key vendors. Nashville has an amazing selection of florists, musicians, and caterers, so you’re sure to find professionals who match your style. From local food trucks to classic BBQ, your catering options are endless!
Choose Your Wedding Party
Who do you want standing by your side on your big day? Choosing your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or wedding attendants is an important part of the planning process. Once you’ve asked them to be part of your special day, you can start discussing their roles and responsibilities.
Shop for Wedding Attire
Nashville offers plenty of unique boutiques and bridal shops for finding your perfect wedding attire. Start shopping early—most gowns take several months to arrive, and alterations can take time. If you’re looking for something extra special, Nashville’s fashion-forward scene means you can find everything from classic dresses to boho styles that reflect your personality.
Register for Gifts
One of the most fun parts of being engaged is creating your wedding registry. Whether you prefer local shops or online retailers, Nashville has a variety of options for unique and meaningful gifts. Be sure to include a mix of price points to make it easy for your guests.
Plan Your Honeymoon
As you plan your big day, don’t forget to carve out some time to plan your honeymoon. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical escape or a scenic road trip through Tennessee, it’s never too early to start thinking about your first adventure as a married couple.
Order Invitations
Your wedding invitations set the tone for your big day and give guests important information. Make sure to work with a Nashville-based stationery vendor to create something beautiful and unique. Send invitations out about 8-10 weeks before the wedding to give guests plenty of time to RSVP.
Organize Pre-Wedding Events
Engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties—there are plenty of reasons to celebrate in the months leading up to your wedding. Whether you’re planning something local or a weekend getaway, it’s a good idea to start coordinating dates and details early.
Get Your Marriage License
Don’t forget the legal stuff! Nashville has specific requirements for obtaining a marriage license, so make sure you review them ahead of time. The Davidson County Clerk’s office is where you’ll need to go to obtain your marriage license. Both you and your partner will need to be present, and don’t forget to bring a valid form of ID, like a driver’s license or passport.
Nashville requires couples to apply within 30 days of the wedding date, and there’s no waiting period, meaning you can use the license immediately. You’ll also need to pay a small fee, so check the current rates on the Davidson County Clerk’s website. Once you have the legal part sorted, you’re one step closer to tying the knot!
Let 14TENN Help You Plan the Wedding of Your Dreams
Now that you have the ultimate checklist to guide you through your engagement, it’s time to start planning your wedding day! At 14TENN, we offer a stunning space and expert coordination through 828 Planning to make your Nashville wedding everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Contact us today to schedule a tour or chat with our team about how we can bring your vision to life. We can’t wait to be part of your journey from engagement to “I do”!
