Let the Search Begin... For the Perfect Venue
Finding the perfect venue is one of the first things to consider when you start your search as a newly engaged couple, but most likely the search to find the perfect match will be long. Venues range in price, space, restrictions, and style. Determining a budget is difficult when most, not all, wedding venues don’t openly share their price page, so inquiries are made and the waiting game begins. If you are like me, you have already placed yourself there and dreamed up how everything would flow; investing time, and most of all, mental energy. Doing this with several venues at once can be daunting. Are these venues in your price range? And speaking of price range and budget: How can you create a budget when you have no idea how much things cost in the wedding world? Are those Pinterest graphs right when they show that 23% of the budget should go to the venue?
Absolutely not. Throw out those graphs, start your investigation and invite others to reach out to the vendors to start collecting the info. Scaling back on your guest count might offer you more options for more venues. It might be necessary to think outside the box and consider a backyard or public land. Consider if there are options for inclement weather or if there are accommodations for your favorite fur baby.
Once you find that perfect venue, next is usually photography, then wedding planner, caterer, DJ, cake, etc. Ask your venue if they have a preferred vendor list. This will give you a huge jumpstart on connecting with local and experienced teams.
Team- that is going to be your most important word of the day for your wedding. Simply put; if you have a team that works great together, then you have a day that flows effortlessly for the couple. The effort is going to be poured in by the vendors to work together, communicate, and support one another.
I have chosen to highlight Nantahala Weddings & Events in this post because of the great teamwork dynamic that is cultivated there by the owner, Jody Hafey. She knows the area well and can guide you to build your perfect wedding adventure. I chose the word adventure because Nantahala Weddings is near so many great outdoor marvels, including (but certainly not limited to) the Appalachian Trail, Wayah Bald fire tower, and the Nantahala National Forest. Beauty is everywhere: The Horns of God waterfalls just down the road and the lake is right across the street from the venue, which makes a great option for a quick sunset shoot while guests enjoy cocktailing it up.
In addition to being surrounded by beautiful places, Nantahala Weddings has lots of dedicated spaces that make your wedding both more organized and more intimate. Getting ready spaces are provided in the main building on the property, where there are enough rooms and floors to accommodate the couple getting ready without crossing each other’s path. There’s a beautiful area for hair and makeup with enough space to spread out and chill, together. There are also tiny homes facing the grand view of the lake that will house the wedding party and give everyone privacy and keep them close (no need to drive after the party). You can also bring your pet!
This venue is more than just a place to get married. They offer everything from an amazing outdoor ceremony site overlooking the lake to an enormous pavilion with a dance floor for the reception (which has no required end time, so you can celebrate late into the night). Everything is carefully curated and unique; live-edge tables, beautiful wooden folding chairs, cocktail supplies, and a fire ring for s’mores and stories.
