Are you interested in finding a wedding venue near Montgomery, Alabama? How about Auburn, AL? With its lovely venues, rich history, and southern hospitality, Auburn offers the perfect backdrop for your special day and is just a short drive from Montgomery, Prattville or Pike Road, AL. This guide will help you navigate the essential steps to plan your dream wedding, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience.
The Perfect Venue
Selecting the right venue is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Auburn, AL has a diverse range of options, from serene outdoor settings to elegant indoor spaces. Legacy At Serenity Farms is the perfect choice with its beautiful outdoor landscape and surroundings and its gorgeous indoor setting that is the perfect temperature year round.
Setting a Budget
Establishing a budget early can help you control costs. Prioritize your must-haves and wants. Consider the following when creating your budget:
Venue Rental: This can account for 30-50% of your total budget, so choose wisely.
Catering Costs: Food typically makes up about 20-30% of your budget. Decide if you want a buffet, which is often less expensive, or a plated meal style.
Decorations: Choose between DIY decorations to save costs or hiring professionals to achieve a refined look.
Also, set aside 5-10% of your budget for unexpected expenses.
Creating a Guest List
Your guest list impacts both your venue selection and your budget. Start by writing down everyone you'd like to invite. Afterward, refine the list to remove duplicates and individuals that exceed your budget. Auburn and Opelika, AL provides various accommodation options for guests, ranging from hotels to quaint B&Bs, making it easy for out-of-town attendees. Legacy At Serenity Farms offers two homes just minutes from the wedding venue that are available for overnight stays for the wedding weekend.
Choosing Your Vendors
The vendors you select play a vital role in your wedding’s success. Choosing those vendors from the preferred vendor list provided by your wedding venue can really relieve the stress.
Here are a few categories to focus on:
Photographers
A skilled wedding photographer captures the essence and emotions of your day. Look for local photographers and review their portfolios to find a style that resonates with you. For example, photographers in the area often have experience shooting in various venues, allowing them to highlight the beauty of Auburn, AL.
Florists
Flowers set the tone for your wedding. Local florists can create stunning arrangements tailored to your theme. Consider discussing your vision with a florist who specializes in seasonal flowers, as using in-season blooms can save you money and offer vibrant displays.
Caterers
Food is essential to guest satisfaction. Research local caterers and schedule tastings. Many caterers in Montgomery can provide a variety of menu options, including traditional southern dishes. For instance, you might include favorites like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or a signature cocktail featuring Alabama-made spirits.
Planning the Timeline
Creating a detailed timeline for your wedding day ensures smooth execution. Here’s a simple outline to help:
Ceremony Timing: Determine the best time of day for your ceremony, factoring in lighting for photos.
Pre-Ceremony Events: Allocate time for hair and makeup, and build in buffers for potential delays.
Reception: Establish a clear starting and ending time for the reception to guide your vendors and inform your guests.
A well-structured timeline minimizes stress by keeping everyone on track and a great coordinator develops and sticks to the timeline as much as possible.
Preparing for Rainy Days
Weather can be unpredictable in East Alabama. Always have a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies. Consider renting tents or identifying nearby indoor spaces that can accommodate your guests in case of rain. Keeping these options in mind ensures you are not caught off guard. Have a plan B decision made at the time of the final planning meeting. Venues such as Legacy At Serenity Farms are prepared with a rain plan.
Styling and Fashion
Choosing the right wedding attire is equally important as selecting your venue. Begin your search early to allow ample time for fittings. Keep these aspects in mind:
Dress Code: Determine if your event will be formal, semi-formal, or casual.
Color Palette: Coordinate your attire with a consistent color theme to maintain a unified look throughout your wedding.
Comfort: Choose attire that allows for ease of movement, especially if you're planning to dance or stand for long periods.
Finalizing Details
As your wedding day approaches, confirm all details with your vendors. Double-check contracts, finalize guest counts, and ensure decor arrangements are in place. Use this quick checklist:
Confirm vendor bookings 1-2 weeks before the wedding.
Designate a point of contact who can assist with vendor arrivals and any day-of questions.
Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like extra makeup and snacks.
Day of Coordination Is Highly Recommended
When your wedding day arrives, focus on enjoying the moment. Assign someone you trust, such as a bridesmaid or family member, to manage any last-minute issues. Hiring a day-of coordinator can also help relieve stress, allowing you to immerse yourself in your special day.
Have Fun and Get MARRIED!!
A wedding near Montgomery, Alabama, can be an exciting adventure filled with joy. With over 160 weddings behind us, we wanted to share some of our experience with you to help with making your wedding day fabulous and Stress Free!!
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit our blog. Please don't hesitate to contact us at Legacy At Serenity Farms if there is anything you need. 334-707-4279
A special thank you to our wedding venue community that help to support us:
Wedding Venue Owners |
La Joya Dulce |
Ballroom at Windsor |
Ballenger Bridge |
Palafax Wharf Waterfront |
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