Nashville is known for its incredible energy, unique style, and famous Southern hospitality. When planning your wedding in Music City, thinking about your guests’ experience—especially those traveling from out of town—is the most thoughtful gesture you can make.
Here are the five most considerate things you can do to make your Nashville wedding an unforgettable, comfortable, and uniquely “Nashvillian” experience for everyone.
1. Master the Nashville Welcome Bag with Local Flavor
For your out-of-town guests staying at local hotels or Airbnbs, the welcome bag is your first and best chance to showcase Southern hospitality. It’s a lifesaver kit with a local twist.
- The Essentials: Always include bottled water (crucial for summer weddings), travel-size pain relievers (Advil/Tylenol), and an itinerary card with all key addresses and times.
- Music City Snacks: Inject local flair with beloved Nashville staples:
- Goo Goo Clusters: The classic Nashville candy—marshmallow nougat, caramel, and roasted peanuts, all covered in milk chocolate.
- Olive & Sinclair Chocolate: Small, locally-made bean-to-bar chocolate is a luxurious treat.
- Loveless Cafe Biscuit Mix: A take-home Southern cooking classic, especially popular with out-of-towners.
- The Hangover Cure: A personalized “recovery kit” with a small soda, a bag of local coffee grounds (like from Spring Street Coffee Roasters), or a Liquid IV packet is a gesture your partying guests will truly appreciate.
2. Solve the Transportation Puzzle (Especially Downtown)
Nashville is bustling, and navigating downtown traffic or getting Ubers after a late-night reception can be challenging. Removing this stress is the single greatest act of consideration you can offer.
- Provide Shuttles to/from Hotels: If your venue is outside of the downtown core (like a historic plantation or barn) or if you have a high volume of out-of-town guests, chartering shuttles or mini-coaches between your secured hotel block and the venue is non-negotiable for comfort and safety.
- Centralize Lodging Information: Clearly list the hotel blocks on your wedding website, noting the cut-off date. For venues like those near Broadway, remind guests about the potential for high rideshare (Uber/Lyft) surge pricing and long wait times late at night.
- The Fun Alternative: Consider hiring a fun, themed bus (like a “Honky Tonk Party Shuttle”) for your wedding party or even a full guest shuttle if it fits your vibe. It makes the journey an extension of the party!
3. Combat the Southern Heat and the AC Chill
Tennessee weather, especially in the spring and summer, is beautiful but can be intensely hot and humid. Be ready for both the elements and the aggressive indoor air conditioning.
- Ceremony Comfort Stations: For any outdoor portion of the day, set up a station with:
- Branded Paper Fans or small hand-held battery-operated fans.
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray (especially important for rural venues).
- Sweet Tea or Lemonade in addition to water as a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
- The Indoor Fix: Nashville venues often crank the AC. Have a basket of light wraps or pashminas near a main seating or lounge area for guests who get chilly inside. This is particularly appreciated at ceremonies in historic buildings.
4. Inject Music and Interactive Entertainment During Downtime
Your guests came to Music City! While great food and an open bar are expected, a unique musical or interactive element will keep them happy and engaged, especially during the photo gap.
- Hire Local Live Music: Instead of a simple playlist, hire a local acoustic guitarist or a jazz trio for your cocktail hour. It sets a perfect Nashville ambiance and elevates the mood far beyond recorded music.
- Interactive Fun: Keep the non-dancers and minglers entertained with activities that reference the city’s artistic nature:
- A Live Event Painter: Guests love watching an artist create a painting of your reception in real-time.
- Custom Tattoo Booth: For a unique, slightly edgy Nashville feel, hire a local vendor to give guests temporary tattoos with your initials or a fun Nashville-themed design.
- Honor the Grandmas: If you have an all-ages party, ensure your DJ or band has a setlist that mixes current hits with classic soul, R&B, and, of course, a little bit of Classic Country to get all ages on the dance floor.
5. Extend the Parting Gesture with Southern Style
End the night on a high note that makes the send-off easy and memorable.
- The Biscuit Bar: Instead of a traditional late-night snack, serve a Late-Night Biscuit Bar with mini biscuits, jams (like Loveless preserves), and even small servings of hot chicken or pulled pork. It’s a perfect, unique Southern treat after hours of dancing.
- Comfortable Exit: Place a basket of flip-flops or flats near the dance floor (maybe labeled “Kick off your heels and kick up your own!”). Let guests wear them home to protect their feet while waiting for their ride.
- Personalized Thank You: Hand-deliver a small, personalized thank-you note or a custom Nashville-themed can cooler as guests are leaving. A quick, genuine word of thanks as they depart seals the deal on your exceptional Southern hospitality.