Answering Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

WEDDING PLANNING FAQ

Wedding planning can be stressful, trust us, we know— and we’re professionals! So no matter how simple or complex, there can be a million questions running through your mind, and we want to answer them.

We’ve listed out a few of our most commonly-asked questions about wedding planning below, from the average timeline from engagement to walking down the aisle, to how to personalize your day. Scroll on to see if we’ve answered any of the questions you’ve wanted to ask. Rest assured, you’re not the only one!

1. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I START PLANNING MY WEDDING?

It depends on the length of your engagement, but the average timeline can range anywhere from 12 to 18 months. Every wedding has uniquely different details, and the amount of time to plan varies on those details. One year is the sweet spot and provides ample time to plan, but at Infinity, we can plan an amazing wedding in any amount of time.

It’s important to begin planning as soon as you have your venue booked! The sooner you get a start on planning, the better chances you have to lock in the rest of your dream vendors.

2. WHAT WEDDING VENDORS DO I BOOK FIRST?

We recommend focusing on your photographer and entertainment first, then consider the rest. Once you find someone you like, lock them in as these particular vendors will only take one event a day.

3. HOW DO I KNOW MY WEDDING STYLE?

Discovering your wedding style is an exciting part of the wedding planning process! Check out our step-by-step guide to help you identify and define your wedding style.

4. HOW CAN I MAKE MY WEDDING UNIQUE AND SPECIAL?

There are a lot of different ways you can incorporate your unique love story into your wedding day, whether it’s with a custom catering menu, a unique guest book, cultural traditions, or by including fun activities. The key to personalization is incorporating elements that reflect your relationship and the things you both love. One of our couples met while playing beer pong, so we actually set up a beer pong table for their reception in honor of their meet-cute. 

Another way to cater to your personality on your wedding day is to break away from classic wedding traditions if they don’t speak to you or your partner. That may be choosing an alternative to the traditional guest book that speaks more to who you are as a couple, like an audio guest book. There’s something so special about being able to listen back to what your guests had to say on your wedding day. Find more ideas on how to put your own spin on traditions.

Working in venues that offer numerous levels or multiple spaces, like The Bridge Building, The Bell Tower, and The Estate at Cherokee Dock, provides room for a lot of creativity and maximizes the experience. Keeping your guests moving from one location to another on the same property keeps them entertained while also showcasing your personality and style throughout the different environments. Around one corner could be lounge furniture to give guests a place to have a good conversation, in another corner there’s a dessert bar with your favorite sweets, and in another a photo booth or cigar rolling station.

Nashville Wedding Venue

Photography by Anne Tenkhoff

5. WILL I BE ABLE TO COME AND SEE EXAMPLES OF THE DESIGN IN PERSON?

At Infinity, yes, you will be able to see examples of tablescape designs! We work closely with our vendor partners and have many samples of china, flatware, glassware, paper products, linens, chairs and decor to create mockups. Many florists can also provide a mockup centerpiece for a fee if you want to see that in person as well.

We also use a floor planning software called Merri. Your event planning team will create custom plans to help you visualize your entire event using 3D models of furniture, decor, flowers, and more, all within renderings of your specific venue. This 3D visualization platform was made for event planning to make you feel confident that your vision will actually come to life.

6. WHEN DO I SEND OUT WEDDING INVITATIONS AND SAVE-THE-DATES?

When focusing on the smaller details of your engagement timeline, keep in mind your save-the-dates, invitations, and the RSVP deadline. Save-the-dates should go out 8-12 months before your wedding date depending on the majority of traveling guests, 6-8 weeks for the official invitations, and the RSVP deadline should be 30-40 days before the wedding.

7. WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING?

Planning a destination wedding can be an exciting experience, but it requires careful consideration and organization. Some of things you’ll want to keep in mind are travel and accommodations for your guests. We connect all of our clients with a hotel room block service, who assist with overnight accommodations at hotels for guests.

Next up is transportation. Consider the logistics of transporting your guests seamlessly from the ceremony venue to the reception and then back to their accommodations as the evening concludes. This encompasses services like valet, a dedicated getaway car, or even shuttle arrangements. Undoubtedly, transportation is a pivotal component in planning a destination wedding. Our team presents a variety of options, empowering you to select the ones that align perfectly with your vision for this momentous day.

Considering your guests are going to be traveling in for a destination wedding, we recommend being open to a Friday or Sunday wedding date to give you and your guests the ability to maximize your weekend. Enhance their stay with thoughtful touches, such as a curated list of recommendations accessible via your wedding website or thoughtfully compiled within a welcome package awaiting them in their hotel rooms. You can even plan activities and excursions for your guests to enjoy during their stay.

Featured image by John Myers Photography.

How to Have an Eras-Inspired Wedding: Folklore Edition

How to have a Taylor Swift eras-inspired wedding Folklore edition

MY HOUSE OF STONE, YOUR IVY GROWS

How to Have a Folklore-Inspired Wedding

Planning a wedding inspired by one of Taylor Swift’s eras is a unique and fun way to celebrate your love for her music and style. Ethereal and whimsical, Taylor’s Folklore and Evermore era is characterized by earth tones, cottagecore style, and woodland fairy vibes. Drawing inspiration from the dreamy woodland aesthetic, poetic storytelling, and stripped-down melodies of Folklore, you can create an unforgettable wedding that exudes intimacy and romance. For all the Folklore stans, here’s our take on how to have a Folklore-inspired wedding.

1. STYLE

The Folklore era is all about embracing simplicity and natural beauty. Opt for a wedding gown that exudes a bohemian and romantic vibe, perhaps featuring delicate lace or flowing chiffon. For the groom, consider a more relaxed and laid-back outfit, like a tailored tweed suit paired with a casual tie or bowtie. Accessorize with woodland-inspired touches, such as flower crowns, leaf motifs, or ethereal headpieces. For the outerwear, we suggest a cardigan of course! Wear your Folklore cardigan or have fun and personalize your own.

2. DECOR

Embrace whimsical decor that complements the Folklore and Evermore eras. Incorporate elements like fairy lights, soft draping, and vintage furniture to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Use natural elements like wildflowers, ferns, and moss to bring the outdoor feel indoors, and don’t forget to add touches of muted earthy tones and soft neutrals in your decor.

Photography by Brad & Jen, Carrs & Co,and Sabrina Englehart

For day-of signage, use antique frames and mirrors with hand-lettered messages guiding your guests through the celebration. Incorporate quotes from Taylor Swift’s songs to set the tone and infuse your wedding with a poetic touch. Mirror balls can be incorporated on the dance floor or used as a focal point during the ceremony.

Photography by Whitney Cadavid and Haley Birdsey

3. MUSIC

Incorporate acoustic versions of her songs or live performances for an intimate and emotional ambiance. If possible, hire a folk band or acoustic musicians to play during your ceremony or reception to add an extra layer of authenticity. For ideas, check out our Eras-Inspired Wedding playlist on Spotify.

4. WEDDING FAVORS

Thank your guests with personalized wedding favors inspired by Folklore. Offer small potted plants, seeds, or wildflower kits, symbolizing the growth and blooming of your love. Include a handwritten note expressing your gratitude for being a part of your love story.

Nashville Wedding Venue

Photography by Details Nashville

A Taylor Swift Folklore era-inspired wedding is more than just a celebration – it’s a story. Infuse the spirit of Folklore into every aspect – from the style and ceremony to the reception and music. Not in your Folklore era? Check out our blog on how to have a Lover-inspired wedding.

The Top Wedding Trends of 2024

Black and White Close Up of Alex and Ryan

It’s Giving Wedding Era

OUR PREDICTED WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2024

As we step into a new era, the world of weddings is set to undergo a transformation in 2024! Are you ready for it? 

Couples are looking for ways to express their unique love story and individuality, which has given rise to a variety of exciting trends that promise to redefine the wedding experience. In 2024, that experience will be more about the feeling your wedding day encompasses instead of just impressing your guests with a “wow factor.” 

From unconventional venues to timeless choices, here’s a glimpse into the wedding trends that are expected to shape the matrimonial landscape of 2024. Read on!

Unconventional Venues

The traditional wedding venue is evolving as couples seek out unique and unconventional spaces for their celebrations. From industrial warehouses and art galleries, to libraries or museums and private estates, expect to see couples choosing venues that reflect their personalities and interests. Non-traditional spaces provide a unique layout and design for couples to bring the overall ambiance of their wedding vision boards to life. 

However, securing such venues may not always be feasible. Fear not! You can infuse any venue with the ambiance you’re looking for by paying attention to the details. For example if you had your heart set on a place rich with history, consider incorporating vintage decor elements, such as antique furniture, candlesticks, and aged frames. With a thoughtful touch and creative flair, any venue can be transformed into a timelessly romantic space that reflects the couple’s unique love story. 

Take Christine and Eric’s late summer wedding at the Estate at Cherokee Dock for example. They transformed the modern style of the event center into an organic lounge space for their guests!

Photography by Stephanie Sorenson

Eco-Friendly Elegance

Sustainability continues to be a driving force in wedding planning – and we’re here for it! In 2024, couples are expected to make environmentally conscious choices in every aspect of their celebration. How? We’ll tell you! 

This can include opting for sustainable materials when selecting invitations, place cards, and other stationery. Consider digital invitations or recycled paper options to minimize waste. Go green with your floral arrangements by selecting locally sourced and in-season blooms. Include plant-based options on the menu to further reduce your wedding’s ecological footprint. And more couples are also giving guests plants as favors, setting each place at the table with a miniature potted flower or succulent.

By making mindful choices throughout the planning process, couples can create a wedding that not only celebrates their love but also respects the planet! Best of both worlds.

Photography by Julie Paisley, Haley Birdsey, Details Nashville

Nashville Wedding Venue

Micro-Weddings with Macro-Experiences

Intimate celebrations are here to stay, but couples are taking it a step further by curating unforgettable experiences for their guests. Quality over quantity is the mantra! As couples embrace the charm of intimacy by creating settings that foster connection and warmth, you can expect carefully crafted details, personalized touches, and unique experiences that leave a lasting impression. 

A popular trend in this direction is the shift toward family-style dinner tables, where loved ones gather around a shared feast, fostering a sense of togetherness and warmth. This communal dining experience not only encourages conversation but also adds a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of familial gatherings.

Photography by Stephanie Sorenson

Rich Color Palettes

In a departure from traditional pastel and muted tones, contemporary couples are making a bold statement with rich and vibrant color palettes for their weddings! Embracing deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red, couples are introducing a sense of drama and personality into their celebrations. These bold choices extend beyond attire to include decor, floral arrangements, and even stationery. Think lush burgundy blooms, opulent table linens, and eye-catching bridesmaid dresses that add a dynamic and visually striking element to the wedding day. 

This trend allows couples to infuse their wedding design with a unique and memorable flair, showcasing their distinctive style and breaking away from the typical black and white palette without losing the class. Whether it’s an elegant and moody affair or a lively and energetic celebration, the use of bold and rich colors is transforming weddings into visually stunning celebrations that leave a lasting impression on both the couple and their guests.

Photography by Alexis May Photo, Ali Miller Photography, Ali Bonomo

Old Money Aesthetic

For couples yearning to evoke the timeless allure of Hollywood glamor and regal sophistication on their wedding day, embracing the “old money” aesthetic is the key to creating that atmosphere. But don’t worry, you can still achieve this look with a reasonable budget! 

Begin by setting the stage with moody candle lighting that casts a warm glow with soft flickering flames, creating an ambiance that is utterly romantic. Couples are opting for candlelit ceremonies, receptions, and even outdoor spaces, allowing the soft light to create an intimate atmosphere. And elevate the ambiance even more by incorporating candelabras, adding a touch of grandeur and opulence. Bows, whether adorning chairs, invitations, candles, cocktail glasses or even the bridal attire, exude a sense of refined elegance. Consider ornate details in table settings, such as vintage china and silverware to transport guests to a bygone era of sophistication. *chef’s kiss*

This careful curation of elements results in a wedding that not only captures the essence of old money aesthetics but also transports everyone into a world of timeless romance and cinematic allure!

Photography by Rachel Moore, Abby Bekah, Sabrina Englehart, Ashley Blair

Interactive Entertainment

We know we said we’re stepping away from the typical “wow factor” of the wedding day to catch the eyes of your loved ones, but genuine guest engagement will continue to take center stage in 2024 weddings. 

So gone are the days of passive observation; instead, couples are opting for immersive activities that transform their celebration into a participatory event. From photo booths to personalized DIY stations, like a cocktail mixing bar, or a custom perfume-making corner, interactive experiences add a layer of fun and personalization to the festivities. Couples can also consider live entertainment, such as bands, interactive games, dance lessons, or even a collaborative art project, encouraging guests to mingle and bond over these shared experiences! 

These engaging elements not only break the ice but also contribute to a memorable celebration, ensuring that everyone leaves with not just the memory of a beautiful wedding but also a shared experience that enhances the true connection of your special day.

Photography by John Myers, Glenai Gilbert, Erin Fox

Captured Moments

And last but not least, wedding photography will continue to undergo a captivating transformation as couples increasingly gravitate towards wanting the genuine and spontaneous moments that define their special day. 

Departing from the traditional emphasis on posed portraits, couples now look to celebrate the authentic emotions, laughter, and candid interactions that unfold naturally. This shift toward candid photography reflects a desire to not just remember the visual aesthetics of the day but to truly encapsulate the emotions and ambiance that make it uniquely theirs. The desired result is a collection of images that not only tells the story of the wedding day but also summarizes the genuine essence of the couple’s journey together, allowing them to relive the emotions and atmosphere of their celebration for years to come.

Photography by Erin Fox, Sammy McKenzie

As we anticipate the unfolding of these trends, one thing is for certain – the weddings of 2024 are set to be a celebration of love, individuality, and unforgettable experiences.

Interested in more inspo? Check out a few of our real weddings that we think were ahead of the 2024 trends!

Photography by Haley Birdsey, Abby Bekah, Celis Taylor Photo